Tanzania · Safari

4-Day Selous Game Reserve Safari with Rufiji River Boat Safari

4 Days Round trip from Dar es Salaam Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore Africa's largest game reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in southern Tanzania
02 Cruise along the Great Rufiji River on an evening sunset boat safari
03 Look out for elephants, giraffes, lions, buffalo, zebra, and the rare African wild dog
04 Enjoy full-day game drives in an open-roofed 4x4 safari vehicle
05 Join an early morning walking safari with an armed ranger

Enjoy a safari in Africa's largest game reserve and one of the favourite game-viewing areas on the continent. Covering about 54,000 square kilometres in southern Tanzania, Selous Game Reserve is among Africa's largest protected areas and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982 for its diverse wildlife and undisturbed nature. Over 4 days, explore this remarkable wilderness through game drives, a sunset boat safari on the Rufiji River, and a walking safari.

Depart for an adventurous and romantic evening sunset boat safari along the Great Rufiji River to spot hippos, crocodiles, and birds, and enjoy the spectacular sundown.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 4 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Dar es Salaam, Selous Game Reserve

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Dar es Salaam to Selous and Sunset Boat Safari

Get picked up from the airport or hotel in Dar es Salaam and begin the drive south to Selous Game Reserve. The journey takes about 4 to 5 hours.
Arrive in time for lunch, at around 4 pm in the evening.
Depart for an adventurous and romantic evening sunset boat safari along the Great Rufiji River to spot hippos, crocodiles, and birds, and enjoy the spectacular sundown.

Dinner and overnight at the lodge or tented camp.

Day 02

Full-Day Game Drive in Selous

After an early breakfast, depart for a full-day game drive in a 4x4 modified safari vehicle with a professional guide in Selous Game Reserve. Explore the wildlife-rich surrounding areas from your seat in an open-roofed vehicle for a comfortable and privileged journey through the wild African bush.
See some of Africa's most sought-after mammals, including elephants, giraffes, lions, buffalo, zebra, and even the rare African wild dog.
A picnic lunch will be provided at midday. Your guide will choose a location with shade and nearby water, where you can watch animals coming to drink, with a clear view all around so that no predator can approach unseen.
Before the end of the day, return to the lodge, and spend the rest of the evening at your leisure.

Dinner and overnight at the safari lodge or tented camp.

Day 03

Another Day of Wildlife Viewing in Selous

Have an early breakfast and depart for another full-day game drive in a 4x4 modified safari vehicle with a professional guide in Selous Game Reserve.
Spot major African mammals, including elephants, giraffes, lions, buffalo, zebra, and even the rare African wild dog.
Enjoy your picnic lunch at midday in a location with shade and nearby water, where you can watch animals coming to drink.
Before the end of the day, return to the lodge and spend the rest of the evening at leisure.

Dinner and overnight at the safari lodge or tented camp.

Day 04

Walking Safari and Return to Dar es Salaam

Go on an early morning walking safari into Selous Game Reserve, usually starting at 6-6.30 am after early morning tea or coffee, accompanied by an armed ranger. The walk lasts around 2-3 hours.
Focus on the habitat where the animals live, as well as insects, trees, and birdlife.
After breakfast, check out and begin your drive back to Dar es Salaam for drop-off at your hotel or the airport.