Selous Game Reserve (now part of the larger Nyerere National Park) is one of Africa’s largest protected wilderness areas, located in southern Tanzania. Covering over 50,000 square kilometers, it is nearly four times the size of the Serengeti and offers a wild, remote, and uncrowded safari experience.

The reserve is traversed by the mighty Rufiji River, which creates a diverse landscape of lakes, wetlands, woodlands, and savannahs—providing rich habitats for a wide variety of wildlife. Selous is home to large populations of elephants, buffalos, hippos, crocodiles, giraffes, and lion prides, as well as endangered species like the African wild dog and black rhino. It’s also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 440 recorded bird species.

Selous offers a more adventurous safari style, including boat safaris, walking safaris, and traditional game drives, making it a great choice for travelers seeking a more immersive and off-the-beaten-path experience. Its vastness, rich biodiversity, and raw beauty make Selous one of Tanzania’s best-kept safari secrets.