Tanzania · Safari

4-Day Selous Safari from Dar es Salaam with Boat and Walking Safari

4 Days Round trip from Dar es Salaam Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Experience a scenic boat safari on the Rufiji River
02 Explore Selous National Park on full-day game drives
03 Spot elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and more
04 Enjoy a guided walking safari to learn about tracks, plants, and smaller wildlife

Embark on a 4-day safari adventure in Selous National Park, Africa's largest protected reserve. Travel from Dar es Salaam for a scenic start, then enjoy a thrilling boat safari on the Rufiji River. Spend two days exploring the park on game drives, spotting elephants, lions, giraffes, and other wildlife in their natural habitat. Conclude with a guided walking safari for an up-close bush experience.

In the afternoon, set out on a boat safari on the Rufiji River, spotting hippos, crocodiles, and birds.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 4 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Dar es Salaam, Selous Game Reserve

Languages English, German, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Dar es Salaam to Selous and Rufiji River Boat Safari

Morning pick-up from your hotel in Dar es Salaam.
Enjoy a scenic 4-hour drive to Mloka Village.
Check in at the lodge and have lunch.
In the afternoon, set out on a boat safari on the Rufiji River, spotting hippos, crocodiles, and birds.

Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge.

Day 02

Full-Day Wildlife Game Drive in Selous National Park

Early breakfast at the lodge.
Set off on a full-day game drive in a 4x4 Land Cruiser with a picnic lunch and mineral water.
Look out for elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and more.

Return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 03

Explore More of the Reserve on a Game Drive

Breakfast at the lodge.
Enjoy another exciting game drive exploring different areas of the reserve.
Take the opportunity to see more wildlife and landscapes missed earlier.

Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge.

Day 04

Walking Safari and Return to Dar es Salaam

Early morning walking safari with an expert guide.
Learn about tracks, plants, and smaller wildlife.
Breakfast at the lodge.
Depart for the drive back to Dar es Salaam.
Arrive in the afternoon, marking the end of the safari.

Where this trip takes you

Rufiji River boat safari, Mloka Village drive, Selous National Park game drives

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Dar es Salaam 2 cities · 4 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

All entry fees
Accommodation
All meals
Transportation
Drinking water
Professional driver-guide
Two game drives
Boat tour

What's Not Included

Drinks
Visa
Tips
Extras
Flight tickets

What to bring

Valid passport and visa
Travel insurance documents
Vaccination certificate (Yellow Fever if required)
Copies of travel documents (kept separately)
Local currency (Tanzanian Shillings) and small USD bills (newer than 2009)
Neutral-colored lightweight shirts and trousers (khaki, beige, olive)
Warm jacket or fleece for early mornings and evenings
Light rain jacket or windbreaker
Comfortable walking or closed shoes
Sandals or flip-flops for lodge use
Hat (wide-brimmed or cap)
Sunglasses
Swimwear (if the lodge has a pool)
Socks and undergarments
Scarf or buff for dust on game drives
Daypack (small backpack for drives and walks)
Binoculars for wildlife viewing
Camera or phone with extra memory cards
Extra batteries and power bank
Torch or headlamp with spare batteries
Reusable water bottle
Prescription medications (in original packaging)
Basic first aid kit (band-aids, antiseptic, pain relief, rehydration salts)
Malaria prophylaxis
Insect repellent (with DEET)
Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
Sunscreen (SPF 30+) and lip balm with SPF
Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, deodorant)
Travel pillow or blanket for long drives
Notebook or journal with pen
Guidebook or wildlife checklist
Snacks (energy bars, nuts)
Zip-lock or dry bags to protect gear from dust and moisture

Know before you go

Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months and has blank pages.
Obtain a visa (online or on arrival, depending on nationality).
Carry travel insurance covering medical emergencies, evacuation, trip cancellations, and lost luggage.
Bring vaccination certificates (Yellow Fever if required, plus recommended Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Tetanus, and Rabies for long stays).
Take malaria prophylaxis and bring mosquito repellent.
Pack personal medicines, sunscreen, lip balm, antiseptic, and diarrhea medication.
Carry local currency (Tanzanian Shilling) and small USD bills (2009 or newer).
Bring credit or debit cards if needed; cash is more reliable in remote safari areas.
Budget for tipping guides ($10-20 per day) and lodge staff ($5-10 shared tip box).
Pack neutral-colored clothing in khaki, beige, or olive, and avoid bright colors.
Layer clothing for cool mornings and evenings, and hot daytime conditions.
Wear comfortable closed walking shoes, and hiking boots for walking safaris.
Bring a wide-brim hat, sunglasses, a lightweight rain jacket, a headlamp or torch, binoculars, and a camera with extra batteries and memory cards.
Plan for early morning and late afternoon game drives for the best wildlife viewing.
Be patient; sightings are not guaranteed, and enjoy the wilderness experience.
Respect your guide's instructions at all times.
Be culturally sensitive: ask permission before taking photos of people and respect local customs.
Stay in the vehicle unless permitted by your guide in safe areas.
Never feed or approach wildlife.
Keep voices low to avoid disturbing animals.
Do not walk alone at night outside your tent or lodge; request an escort.
Bring a power bank; Tanzania uses UK-style plugs (Type G), and many lodges rely on generators or solar power.
Internet may be limited or unavailable in remote parks.
Notify lodges in advance of dietary requirements, and always drink bottled or filtered water.