Selous Game Reserve

Best Time to Visit

158 Selous Safaris

Expert

By Philip Briggs

Philip is the author of the Bradt guidebook to Tanzania.

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Wildlife viewing in Selous Game Reserve is best from late June to October. It is Dry season and wildlife is easier to spot since animals gather at water sources and vegetation is thinner. The scenery is lush and green in the Wet season, from October to May, but afternoons can be unbearably hot. Many lodges close from March through May.

Best Time June to October

High Season June to October (The tourist area around the Rufiji River gets crowded)

Low Season March, April and May (Many lodges are closed)

Best Weather June to October (Little to no rainfall)

Worst Weather March and April (Peak of Wet season)

June to October –Dry Season

Spotting animals is easier since they congregate around waterholes and rivers and there is less vegetation
It rains very little and most days are sunny
There is less risky of contracting malaria since there are not as many mosquitoes
Humidity is lower, and the heat isn't overpowering
Dust and drought are common
Some areas can get quite crowded

Wildlife Photos

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+18 Photos

October to May –Wet Season

Scenery is beautiful and green
Crowds are less during March, April and May – prices might be lowered to attract tourists
It is peak bird watching time since migratory birds are present
Roads become muddy and hard to travel
Wildlife viewing is not as good as during the middle and end of the Dry season
Many lodges close from April to May
Heat and humidity can be a burden