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Weather in Selous Game Reserve
Africa's largest game reserve of boat safaris
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About Selous Game Reserve
Selous Game Reserve sprawls as Africa's largest, its pristine wilderness traversed by boat along the Rufiji River delta. Hippos, crocodiles, and buffalo congregate where few tourists venture, making it Africa's true frontier.
Best months to visit
May, June, July, August, September
Language
Swahili, English
Things to do in Selous Game Reserve
Boat safari along the Rufiji River
Spot hippos and crocodiles
Game drive through the reserve
Fish for tiger fish
Camp in the wilderness
Photography safaris
Weather by month
Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.
January
30C
Hot and humid, with frequent heavy rain.
February
30C
Hot and humid, with regular rainfall.
March
29C
Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.
April
28C
Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.
Recommended
May
29C
Warm and pleasant, with occasional showers.
Recommended
June
29C
Warm and pleasant, and mostly sunny skies.
Recommended
July
29C
Warm and pleasant, and mostly sunny skies.
Recommended
August
30C
Hot and humid, and mostly sunny skies.
Recommended
September
31C
Hot and humid, and mostly sunny skies.
October
33C
Hot and humid, with occasional showers.
November
33C
Hot and humid, with some rainy days.
December
32C
Hot and humid, with regular rainfall.
The Selous Game Reserve, now largely incorporated into Nyerere National Park, is Africa's largest protected wildlife area and one of the few places where safaris are commonly done by boat along the Rufiji River as well as by vehicle and on foot. Its size and remoteness mean lower visitor numbers than the northern parks, with healthy populations of hippo, crocodile, elephant and African wild dog along the river system.
Best areas to stay in Selous Game Reserve
Rufiji River area
The reserve's heart, where boat safaris reveal hippo pods, crocodiles and riverside game.
Lake Tagalala
A lake area known for concentrations of hippo and birdlife.
Beho Beho area
Hilly terrain with varied habitats and walking safari routes.
Northern Selous airstrip camps
The main camp cluster offering easy access to river and game-drive activities.
Getting to Selous Game Reserve
✈
Flights
Fly into Dar es Salaam, then take a light aircraft transfer (around 45 minutes) to an airstrip within the reserve.
⏱
From London
~12-14 hours from London including connections and the internal flight.
🚕
Getting around
Camps run boat safaris on the Rufiji as well as vehicle game drives and guided walks.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Selous/Nyerere?
June to October is the dry season, when wildlife clusters along the Rufiji River and boat safaris offer excellent close-up viewing.
What makes Selous different from other Tanzanian parks?
Its sheer scale and the option of boat safaris along the Rufiji River, alongside traditional game drives and walking safaris, which are less common in northern parks.
Is Selous good for walking safaris?
Yes — guided walking safaris are a long-standing feature here, offering a different perspective on tracks, smaller wildlife and bush ecology.
How do you reach Selous/Nyerere?
Light aircraft flights from Dar es Salaam land at airstrips within the reserve; it can also be reached by a long road or rail journey.
What wildlife is Selous known for?
Large elephant and hippo populations, crocodiles, African wild dogs, and substantial lion and buffalo numbers along the Rufiji River system.
Traveler reviews
★★★★★
The boat safari was a brilliant change of pace from game drives — we got incredibly close to hippos and watched elephants drinking from the water level.
Hannah G. · July 2023
★★★★★
Walking safari with an armed guide was a real highlight, learning to read tracks and dung instead of just driving past everything.
Marco L. · October 2022
★★★★☆
Felt wonderfully remote — days went by without seeing another camp's vehicle, and the wild dog sighting was a real bonus.
Ellie P. · September 2023
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