Selous Game Reserve Safari: 4-Day Guided Tour from Dar es Salaam

Summary

Wildlife Safari & Boat Adventure in Selous from Dar es Salaam

If you want real adventure—boat rides on the Rufiji River, walking safaris at sunrise, and close-up wildlife moments—this Selous safari is for you. It’s not crowded or rushed; just wild Africa at your own pace.

What’s the experience like?

We left the city behind just after sunrise, the air still cool and a bit salty from the coast. The drive to Selous Game Reserve took about five hours—plenty of time to watch the scenery shift from busy streets to open countryside. Our driver knew all the good spots to grab a quick coffee on the way (I still remember the sweet cardamom scent at a roadside stand near Kibiti). By early afternoon, we rolled into Ngalawa Camp, dust on our shoes and hungry for something new.

After a short rest, we headed down to the Rufiji River for our first boat safari. The river was calm, with hippos grunting somewhere out of sight and kingfishers darting low over the water. Our guide, Joseph, pointed out crocodile tracks in the mud and explained how the river changes with the seasons. We drifted for a couple of hours, watching elephants come down to drink as the sun started to dip. Dinner back at camp tasted even better after all that fresh air.

The next morning started early—breakfast with strong Tanzanian coffee, then straight into an open-top vehicle for a full day of game viewing. The reserve is massive; you can drive for ages without seeing another group. We spotted giraffes moving through acacia trees, a herd of elephants crossing right in front of us, and even caught a glimpse of wild dogs trotting along a dusty track. Lunch was a picnic under a shady tree, with birds calling overhead and not much else to break the quiet.

Day three kicked off with a walking safari at dawn. There’s something different about being on foot—every sound feels sharper, every footprint tells a story. Our ranger carried his rifle and kept us at ease, pointing out zebra tracks and explaining which plants are used by locals for medicine. After two hours on foot, we met our driver and continued exploring by vehicle, stopping often for photos or just to watch animals move through the bush. That night, we stayed at Zarafa Tented Camp—mosquito nets tucked tight and the sounds of frogs outside.

On our last morning, we packed up after breakfast and started back toward Dar es Salaam, picnic lunches in hand. The drive felt shorter somehow—maybe because we were already swapping stories about everything we'd seen. If you’re looking for something more than just another safari, Selous has its own rhythm and surprises. I’d go back in a heartbeat.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Travel to Selous and Boat Safari

• Drive from Dar es Salaam to Selous Game Reserve
• Boat safari on Rufiji River
• Dinner and overnight at Ngalawa Camp

Day 2 — Full Day Game Viewing

• Full day game drive in Selous Game Reserve
• Lunch stop in the park
• Dinner and overnight at camp

Day 3 — Walking Safari and Game Drive

• Early morning walking safari (approx. 2 hours)
• Game drive with picnic lunch
• Dinner and overnight at Zarafa Tented Camp

Day 4 — Return to Dar es Salaam

• Return drive to Dar es Salaam after breakfast
• Picnic lunch en route

Top questions

Is this safari suitable for families with young kids?

Yes, it’s family-friendly! Infants can join with special seats or strollers, and guides are great with kids.

Will I see wild dogs or big cats?

You’ve got good chances here—Selous is known for wild dogs and plenty of lions and leopards too. But sightings depend on luck and season.

How accessible is this tour for people with mobility needs?

The vehicles and camps are wheelchair accessible. Just let us know your needs ahead of time so we can make sure everything’s set up right.

What should I pack for this trip?

Light clothes for hot days, something warm for mornings and evenings, sunscreen, insect repellent, and comfy shoes are all musts.

What’s included

Your private transport from Dar es Salaam is covered, along with all park fees and taxes. Meals are included as listed (breakfasts, lunches, dinners), plus guided boat safaris, walking safaris with an armed ranger, game drives in open vehicles, and overnight stays at comfortable camps. We’ve made sure it’s accessible for everyone—including families and travelers using wheelchairs or strollers.