How to get to Selous
There are three ways in: a short flight to an airstrip, a drive from Dar es Salaam, or the TAZARA railway to a station on the edge of the area. The flight is the fastest. A day trip from Zanzibar is possible with a morning flight and an evening return, and it goes to the Nyerere National Park, where many "Selous" safaris take place. See Selous safari from Zanzibar for trips that include the flight.
Pick your route by where you sleep. The gate, the airstrip and the camp can be far apart, and airstrip transfers must be arranged in advance. Times below are examples and change with the airstrip.
Routes compared
Distances and times at a glance.
| Route | Time or distance | Good for | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight from Dar es Salaam | 45 minutes, morning 08:30 to 09:15; also 10:45 to 11:30 and 16:30 to 17:35 | Short trips and day visits | Times vary with the airstrip |
| Flight from Zanzibar | 75 minutes, 08:00 to 09:15 | Day trip from the island | Check the timetable for your date |
| Road from Dar es Salaam | 288 km to Kingupira, 366 km to Miguruwe | Travelers on a budget with time | Four-wheel drive advised, especially in rain |
| TAZARA railway | Stations at Kisaki and Ifakara | Rail fans with flexible plans | Service is disrupted right now, see below |
For most visitors the flight is the simplest option: it saves a long drive and fits a one-night or day trip. Choose the road if you want to see the country and have an extra day.
Our pick: the flight from Zanzibar
This day trip shows how the flight works in practice: there and back on the same day, with transfers from your hotel.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Safaris with flights and transfers to Selous and Nyerere
Fly-in day trips and overnight safaris from Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam, with live prices and availability.
By road, by air and by rail
What to know for each route.
By road
Routes from Dar es Salaam run via Kibiti and Utete, or via Morogoro and Ifakara, depending on the gate. The park authority advises four-wheel drive, especially in rain, and asks you to check road and river conditions in the wet season. The Dar es Salaam to Kingupira road is 288 km, and to Miguruwe 366 km. Drive times vary, so leave a full day.
By small plane
Scheduled flights leave Dar es Salaam in the morning and again at 10:45 and 16:30. The flight from Zanzibar takes 75 minutes. Airstrip transfers must be arranged before you arrive, so confirm who meets you.
By TAZARA train
The railway has stations at Kisaki and Ifakara. Booking at least a week ahead is recommended, though you can also buy on the day. Reservation requests are taken on weekdays from 07:30 to 17:00. Kisaki is 220 km along the line, and a third class fare was TZS 13,800 in 2023, so check the current price. Right now the operator has cancelled the Mukuba cross-border service and runs only temporary local trains. Do not plan around a fixed rail timetable, and ask the operator before you go.
Liwale
Liwale is a district town in the north-west of Lindi region, in the southern part of the old reserve area. It is not the usual starting point for a photo safari on the Rufiji, so most trips do not pass through it. If you plan to visit the south, ask your operator how to reach it and what local fees apply.
Taxi and transfer from Dar es Salaam airport (DAR)
Examples from July 2026 for the ride into the city.
Taxi to the city center
Expect TZS 35,000 to 60,000 for the ride from DAR to the center. In light traffic it takes 25 to 45 minutes, and in rush hour 60 to 90 minutes.
Private transfer
Private transfers cost about $25 to $45. These are city prices and not the price of a transfer to the reserve.
Connecting to a flight to the reserve
Leave enough time between a long-haul arrival and an early morning flight. If you land late, sleep in Dar es Salaam and fly the next morning.
Car hire and parking
If you drive yourself.
Vehicle
The park authority advises four-wheel drive, especially in the rain. Use only the marked tracks. Driving through hunting concessions is not allowed just because you have a vehicle.
Booking and prices
Ask the rental company about insurance, the one-way fee and where to leave the car. Confirm parking at your camp or gate before you arrive.
Entry rules for 2026
The basics before you fly.
eVisa
An ordinary visa costs $50 and lasts up to 90 days. US tourists need a multiple-entry visa at $100. Apply on the official immigration portal and check the current fee. For flights through Zanzibar see the Zanzibar visa page.
Insurance
Since October 2026, mainland Tanzania requires compulsory insurance, $44 for up to 92 days, even if you have private cover. Check the current rules before you travel.
Yellow fever
Proof is needed only when you arrive from an endemic country or have spent 12 hours or more in transit there. It is not a general requirement for every flight from Europe.
How to get to Selous: frequently asked questions
How do I get to Selous from Dar es Salaam?
The quickest way is a flight of about 45 minutes in the morning. The road to Kingupira is 288 km and to Miguruwe 366 km, with four-wheel drive advised.
Can I visit from Zanzibar in one day?
Yes. A morning flight takes about 75 minutes, and day trips combine the flight with a game drive and a boat trip on the Rufiji. They go to the Nyerere National Park.
Can I take the train?
The railway has stations at Kisaki and Ifakara, but the operator has cancelled its cross-border service and runs temporary local trains. Ask before you plan around rail.
How much is a taxi from Dar es Salaam airport?
About TZS 35,000 to 60,000 to the city center, or $25 to $45 for a private transfer. These are city prices and not the cost of reaching the reserve.
Do I need insurance to enter Tanzania?
Since October 2026, mainland Tanzania requires compulsory insurance, $44 for up to 92 days, even if you have private cover. Check schedules with your operator.