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Boat Safari, Walking Safari and Game Drive in Selous

Trip information:

Selous Game Reserve:
Located in south-east Tanzania in a remote and little-visited part of the country, the Selous Game Reserve is Africa's largest protected wildlife reserve and covers more than 5% of Tanzania total area. Its rivers, hills, and plains are home to roaming elephant populations, the areas famous wild dogs, and some of the last black rhino left in the region. Due to its remote location, and because it is most easily accessible only by small aircraft, the Selous Game Reserve has remained one of the untouched gems of Tanzania's national parks and game reserves, and offers visitors a chance to see a wild and expansive Africa far from paved roads and curio shops.

The Rufiji River Delta is a striking feature of the game reserve. It connects the Great Ruaha River with the Rufiji River and not far from the park boundaries empties out into the Indian Ocean along the Tanzanian Coast. The Rufiji River is the largest water catchment locations in the region, and as such, is home to a plethora of varied water and bird life. Along its shores, oppulent hippos sleep languidly in the mud and sun themselves, mouths wide open, as the river passes by.

Crocodiles are also common along the Rufijis riverbanks, their armour plated skins the only rough edges in the rivers incessant flow. Stigler's Gorge, where the Great Ruaha River meets the Rufiji River, is a breathtaking example of the diversity and spectacular scenery along the game reserve's waterways.

The Selous is unique among Tanzania more renowned preserved areas because it is a game reserve, not a national park, and therefore a larger range of activities are permitted. Boating safaris are becoming a popular alternative to vehicle-based trips, and offer visitors a chance to see the diverse life along the Rufiji River up close in all its splendour. Hiking safaris and fly camping are also ideal ways to explore the country and add a bit of adventure to your African experience.

Itinerary

Day 1: Leaving Dar es Salaam for Selous Game Reserve

Leaving Dar es Salaam early in the morning and arrive at Selous Game Reserve late afternoon; lunch is provided along the way since it takes about 6- 8 hrs to Selous. After unpacking proceeds with game drive along Rufiji River for few hours before sunset.
Dinner and overnight at Rufiji River Camp

Day 2: Boat Safari on the Rufiji River

Game drive, lunch and then embark on a boat safari (3 hours) in the mighty Rufiji River, which brings you close to hippopotamus and crocodiles, bird watching on the riverbank.
Dinner and overnight at Rufiji River Camp

Day 3: Foot-walking safari and Game Drive

Foot-walking Safari to the Selous Game Reserve, starts early in the morning with the guidance of an armed ranger, takes 3 hours before you come back for breakfast, rest and lunch. Later afternoon proceed with game drive until the sunset. Walking excursions offer a good chance of seeing giraffe, zebra, elephant and birds at a close range.
Dinner and overnight at Rufiji River Camp

Day 4: Return to Dar

Breakfast, before drive back to Dar es Salaam, alternatively transfer to Dar/Zanzibar by plane extra US$ 180/pp/one way

Additional:

It is regulation that the boat /walking safari should not take place the whole day; can only be done for a maximum of 3 hours

Price is inclusive of:

• Full board accommodation,

• Safari activities as mentioned above,

• English speaking local driver/guide,

• Transport within the park;

• Park fees, conservation fee,

• Emergency evacuation insurance,

• Free pickup services from and to the airport.

The price excludes:

• International flights and any other local shuttle service outside safari schedule,

• Beverages,

• Items of personal nature,

• Gratuities/tip to driver/guide,

• Insurance,

• Hotel before and after safari