Exploring Tanzania’s Hidden Safari Gems: The Selous Game Reserve and Ruaha National Park

Looking for off-the-beaten-path safari destinations in Tanzania? Discover the wild beauty of Selous Game Reserve and Ruaha National Park — two of Tanzania’s best-kept safari secrets.

Why Go Beyond the Serengeti?

While the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater are world-famous safari destinations, Tanzania holds hidden gems that offer equally thrilling — and far less crowded — wildlife experiences. Two standout parks in southern Tanzania, the Selous Game Reserve (now part of Nyerere National Park) and Ruaha National Park, are perfect for travelers looking for raw wilderness, fewer vehicles, and intimate encounters with nature.

These destinations offer a different kind of safari: wild, authentic, and deeply immersive.

Selous Game Reserve (Nyerere National Park)

Once one of Africa’s largest game reserves, Selous is now known as Nyerere National Park, covering over 30,000 square kilometers of pristine wilderness. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most biodiverse areas in East Africa.

Wildlife Highlights:

Home to one of Africa’s largest populations of elephants.
Regular sightings of lions, African wild dogs, giraffes, hippos, and crocodiles.
Ideal for spotting birdlife with over 400 species.

Unique Activities:

Boat safaris on the Rufiji River — a rare experience in East Africa.
Walking safaris with armed guides.

Fly-camping under the stars in complete solitude.

Ruaha National Park

Remote, rugged, and breathtaking, Ruaha is Tanzania’s largest national park, but also one of its least visited. Located in the south-central region, Ruaha offers dramatic landscapes with baobab trees, rocky escarpments, and the Great Ruaha River flowing through the park.

Wildlife Highlights:

One of the best places in Africa to see lion prides (some with over 20 members).
High density of leopards, cheetahs, buffalo, and elephants.
Rare antelope species like sable, roan, and kudu.

What Makes It Special:

Few tourists = private sightings and a deeper sense of wilderness.
Real “big game” safari in a remote setting.
Excellent for photographers and seasoned safari-goers.

How to Get There

Access:

Selous/Nyerere: Fly from Dar es Salaam to the park’s airstrips (approx. 1 hour).
Ruaha: Fly from Dar es Salaam, Arusha, or Serengeti to Msembe Airstrip.

These destinations are best accessed by small aircraft, as road travel is long and challenging — but that’s part of the adventure!

When to Visit

Dry Season (June to October): Best for wildlife visibility as animals gather near rivers and waterholes.
Green Season (November to April): Lush landscapes, migratory birds, and fewer visitors — a photographer’s dream.

Where to Stay

Both Selous and Ruaha offer a range of accommodations, from luxury lodges to rustic tented camps.

Top Picks:

Selous Serena Camp – Luxury tents near the river.
Beho Beho – Exclusive, intimate, and beautifully remote.
Jongomero Camp (Ruaha) – Elegant, off-grid luxury with riverfront views.
Ruaha River Lodge – Great value and stunning location.

Who Should Visit Selous and Ruaha?

These parks are ideal for:

Experienced safari-goers looking for a new adventure.
Wildlife lovers and photographers seeking rare sightings.
Couples and honeymooners wanting privacy and exclusivity.

Anyone who wants to avoid the crowds and enjoy a truly wild safari.

Final Thoughts: Tanzania’s Untamed South

Selous and Ruaha are two of Tanzania’s best-kept safari secrets, offering some of the most raw, rewarding, and uncrowded wildlife experiences in Africa. If you’re looking to go beyond the usual routes and see a wilder side of Tanzania, the south is calling.

Ready to discover Tanzania’s hidden safari gems? Contact us to help plan a custom journey into Selous, Ruaha, or both — with flights, lodges, and guides arranged just for you.

Our Latest posts

Benson Safaris | Ostrich herd on savanna plain

Blog