Where the camps are today
The name Selous Game Reserve now covers the southern part of the old reserve, about 18,020 km², run by the wildlife authority TAWA. Many lodges and tented camps that carry the Selous name stand on the Rufiji in the Nyerere National Park, which the park authority TANAPA runs. A camp that says it is on the Rufiji does not tell you which of the two areas it is in, so ask before you book.
Inside the reserve there is a rest house, there are designated campsites and there is accommodation in nearby towns. There is no full list of tourist lodges with prices. If you want a camp on the river with boat trips and game drives, you will most likely stay in the Nyerere part. Our guides to a Selous safari and to Selous safari from Zanzibar show how those trips are built.
Types of stay compared
What each option means in practice.
| Option | Where | Good for | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|---|
| Camps and lodges on the Rufiji | Mostly Nyerere National Park, along the river and lakes | Boat safaris, game drives, a few nights in the bush | Many close in the heavy rains, check dates |
| Public and special campsites | Inside Nyerere National Park | Self-reliant travelers with a vehicle and a guide | Book early and arrange activities in advance |
| Rest house and campsites | Selous Game Reserve, TAWA | Travelers who want to stay in the reserve itself | No price list or booking calendar |
| Guesthouses in nearby towns | Towns around the reserve | Overnight stops on the way in or out | Not on the river, extra drive to the gate |
| Day trip, no overnight | Fly-in from Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam | A short visit with a game drive and boat trip | Early flight, long day, few hours in the park |
For most visitors who want a river camp and boat trips, the Nyerere camps are the practical choice. Pick a day trip if you only have one day, and a rest house or campsite if you want to stay inside the reserve.
Our pick: two bungalow nights at the park
A three-day trip with full board, reached by ferry and road from Zanzibar.
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 a stay near the Selous
Overnight safaris and fly-in trips to the Rufiji, with live prices and availability.
Selous Game Reserve lodges: what to ask
Questions that clear up where you will sleep.
Which side of the boundary?
Ask whether the camp lies in the Nyerere National Park or in the Selous Game Reserve. The answer decides which authority's fees and rules apply. The Nyerere camps are described on the Nyerere lodges page.
What does the price include?
Check whether game drives, boat trips, park fees and airstrip transfers are part of the rate. Do not assume activities are included. The park authority advises matching activities to your accommodation.
When is the camp open?
The rains run from late November to May, and many northern camps close for the heaviest part. Camp seasons in the north often run from early June to mid-March. See the Selous weather and best time guide for what each month brings.
How do you get there?
Most camps use a small airstrip or a transfer by road. Transfers from airstrips must be arranged in advance. Read how to get to Selous before you fix a date.
Camping in the bush
What is available.
Campsites in the park
Nyerere National Park has public and special campsites. Book them early and arrange your activities when you reserve.
Campsites in the reserve
The reserve has designated campsites and a rest house. Having these facilities does not mean you can enter every block freely, because parts of the reserve are leased as hunting concessions.
Rules at camp
Keep to marked tracks, do not feed animals, keep your distance and follow the rangers' instructions. Drones need special permission.
Selous accommodation: frequently asked questions
Where can I stay in the Selous Game Reserve?
The reserve has a rest house and designated campsites, plus accommodation in nearby towns. There is no list of tourist lodges with prices.
Are most Selous lodges in the Nyerere National Park?
Lodges and tented camps along the Rufiji mostly lie in the Nyerere National Park. Ask each camp which area it lies in.
Do I need to book early?
Yes. The park authority advises reserving accommodation early and matching your activities to it. Dry-season dates fill first.
Can I camp in the Selous?
Yes, at public and special campsites in the park and at designated campsites in the reserve. Arrange your stay and activities in advance.
Do camps close in the rainy season?
Many camps in the north close from about mid-March to the start of June. Roads and airstrips can be hard to use in April and May, so check each camp's dates and ask about rates and availability.