Nyerere (Selous) National Park

Driving in from the Uluguru mountains gave a particularly pleasing experience.

It wasn't crowded and didn't feel at all touristy. There were lots of animals and we were able to go offroad in the jeep and so we saw a huge amount, more than I ever dreamed.

Selous Game Reserve - An exciting, adventurous safari.

Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania

Six of us visited Rufiji River Camp in September 2012. We were welcomed by Karl and Sally with a welcome drink, given a quick show around the lounge/dining area and escorted to our tents to freshen up. These were extremely well set out, quite large and comfortable with a veranda overlooking the Rufiji River. We went to the dining area to meet Karl for a brief safety talk and be given our different safari options after which we enjoyed a simple delicious lunch.
That afternoon, went on a river cruise where we saw lots of birds, hippos and some crocodiles. Quite often elephants are seen on these cruises, but we were unlucky this time. It was very peaceful and enjoyed the beautiful sunset on the way back. We decided to have a full day safari the next day as you get to see more of the area and the opportunity of seeing many more animals. Well, we were delighted to see Lions and cubs very quickly around a kill, lots of Elephants, Greater Kudu, Giraffes, zebras, a beautiful fully grown male leopard lazing away in a rock shelf, more lions, impalas, jackals, lots of gorgeous birds, especially the Lilac Breasted Roller and very specially, after waiting to see wild dogs for eight years, we came across these wonderful dogs. There were ten in all with pups. We watched them for at least 20 minutes, such a privilege as they are so rare. We also went on a walking safari and had to stay still for about 15 minutes as a small herd of elephants were in front of us heading for the river which was very exciting. Our Guide then told us about all the trees and bushes that have special medicinal properties which are still used today by local people. He also pointed out the spoor of different animals, it was really fascinating. We walked for about three hours and it went so quickly! We had the same guide during our stay who was excellent. Being seasoned safari folk, we even learned details of the fauna and flora we hadn’t heard before as he was so knowledgeable.
The scenery was lovely, still green as it wasn’t long after the rains, quite different from other parts of Africa where sometimes it is extremely arid and dry. The weather was hot and dry in the day, turning chilly at night.
The food was excellent and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay, only wish we had booked for longer. We would certainly recommend staying at Rufiji Camp in Selous for a great experience; they look after you from start to finish, never having to worry about anything.
Marion and Rod

I hope to go there again for certain. Wild, remote and extremely beautiful

wildlife; excellent (though no rhino), we came upon 10 wild dogs (saw them 3 times in four days), saw over 50 lions on one day. Scenery; extremely beautiful accomodations; (ruaha river lodge); excellent but very poor management. Food; very good, guide; very good, but sometimes going off road and not always taking care for wildlife. wheater; very sunny but humidity is quite high

An authentic safari experience

This is the place to go for an authentic safari experience. The park is huge and the wildlife abundant but the number of other vehicles very minimal. As a result, on numerous occasions we found animals in the wild such as lions and elephants and were the only vehicle present. This is a big contrast to stories we have heard of 10-15 cars for each viewing in the more well known game parks in Kenya and Tanzania. Our trip was also much better value than the larger parks. Would recommend to all.

short but sweet, great variety of wildlife

We had a very brief visit to this wonderful reserve. The variety of wildlife was great with many amazingly colourful birds. The rangers were very knowledgeable as well as being friendly and professional. I would love to return here and recommend Selous highly.

One of the most interesting wildlife experience

In a previous travel, my wife and I have visited other parks in Tanzania (see below). We had great time watching the wildlife. That was our honeymoon travel (yes, we love wildlife !)
So, we had the wish to come back to Tanzania to see the wildlife again. As we stayed on one of the Zanzibar islands, we decided to take a short tour at the Selous Game Reserve. We choose this park because there is not so much tourists. We wanted a park where we could feel almost alone, in communion with nature and wildlife.
We were absolutely seduced by the park. It is really big, has some roads but is clearly saved to be a wild area where animals and birds can leave in the wild.
We have also appreciated a lot to have both car safari and boat safari in the same area. That was the first time we made a boat safari, close to hippos and elephants.
We spent one night in a tented camp. This is a really exciting experience. Maasai people were there to help us make our way between our tent and the lobby because wild animals move freely. That is fun.

Awesome experience that everyone has to try at least once in their lifetime

We chose Tanzania as the destination of our honeymoon. My wife was quite reluctant with the choice, but she forgot every fear as soon as we got there.
Sells Game Reserve is a great destination for those that want to run from the crowds, usually seen in the north of Tanzania and south of Kenya. In this areas, the landscape seems a lot more spectacular, ant that's why I just give 4 stars to the Selous Game Reserve. But I can swear that the landscape in Selous, is just awesome.
The best thing in Selous Game Reserve is the exclusive feeling of the experience as you see very little people while still being able to finde a big diversity of fauna and flora.
We stayed in Siwandu and we can just say good things about it. Friendly people with a nice service and an awesome cuisine. The tents are very luxurious and it is awesome to wake up and watch the wildlife just at your door.

See it by yourself here: https://youtu.be/tX-cdXK1kCY

Wonderful place, amazing landscapes and wildlife, few tourists

Wildlife so great in a natural environment, no habitation except a few ecolodges and rangers. Ecolodge wonderful, without fences, animals passing by day and night, food simple but good, meals taken on a big table with everyone in the lodge, very nice guides well trained speaking english very well and sometimes even french !
Great differences in environment, between the lakes, hills, bush, hotsprings, forest...

beautiful destination with breathtaking scenery

Selous Game reserve is a beautiful destination with amazing wildlife and breathtaking views. Quite bushy so you really have to look for the animals but the views and nature is just gorgeous, the Hippo camp is very basic accommodation but the staff are very hospitable and friendly. Food was served daily and was tasty and well cooked. Our ranger Emmenuel was so kind and friendly we really enjoyed spending time with him and would definitely like to do this safari again. The walking tour was very entertaining with the bush man and the river safari was so fun when we stopped to watch the sun set it was just beautiful.