A thrilling walking safari experience to encounter the bush and wildlife on foot.
This walking safari in Tanzania’s Selous offers the thrilling chance to encounter the bush and wildlife on its own terms alongside expert guides.
A walking safari in Tanzania’s Selous Game Reserve needn’t all be hard work. In fact, the best safaris involve as much quiet observation and reflection as walking. Creep silently along paths swept by the feet of large animals to discover secret watering holes. Watch as families of elephant wallow and play entirely oblivious to your presence.
At night, sleep under the stars in a simple camp, listening to the whoop of hyenas and the soft rumblings of passing elephant. Of course, the simple camp is just part of this experience, but being lightweight and mobile, it’s the thing that allows you to explore the Selous Game Reserve on foot over a couple of days or more without having to return to base.
The northern Selous is defined by two irrepressible forces; the vast Rufiji River that carves its way out of the rocky Stieglers Gorge into an inland delta of sand rivers and ox bow lakes… and the large mammals that inhabit – and shape – this part of the world. Just imagine exploring this area with your experienced guide and lightweight camp – this is a safari experience not to be missed.
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This experience is the perfect tonic to rattling around in a Landrover and one that gradually soaks in as you immerse yourself in the wild over a period of time.
Days are spent walking in the cool of the day – gentle walks, not hikes – while the heat of the day is spent lolling in deep shade, quietly watching game at a lakeshore, reading and even snoozing.
The best time to visit the Selous (for ease of game viewing, especially whilst walking) is during the dry season, between late June and October.
July kicks off the dry season, when the deciduous trees drop their leaves and wildlife sightings become concentrated along the river and around the lakes. Walking is superb at this time of year as the vegetation opens making for fantastic walking from camp. July is typically the coolest month but with no rainfall so long sleeves may be in order.
August welcomes the dry season in full of superb wildlife sightings, often near camp and by the river. We begin to see higher temperatures as the month goes on and this is superb time for a night under the stars with your own private fly-camp.
September is an excellent time for predators as game become regulars at the remaining water sources in the area. Elephants rely on the riverine vegetation and also begin to dig drinking holes in the dry riverbeds – find a quiet observing spot up-close, with your guide, and this will be a special wildlife experience you will never forget. With very little rain in September, we’d recommend striking out with a fly-camp for a night or two.
Moving into October the humidity increases considerably so best to get out early and not walk in the midday sun. We sometimes experience isolated storms and showers, but this is a beautiful time as the migratory birds begin to arrive and sunsets like you’ve never seen before will make sundowners a stunning experience.
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During your time in the Selous, if you are up for a little adventure and you’re happy with few frills then you must get out into the bush for a night to experience the sights, sounds and smells of an African night.
Fly camping is minimalist camping par excellence. the noise of elephant foraging near camp, the calls of hyenas, leopard and lion. Frills are restricted to the essentials: good simple food, cold drinks and a comfortable bedroll. And there’s a ranger of course so you don’t need to fight the animals off with your toothbrush.
By day, you’ll walk with your guide to a secluded location on a dry riverbed or island to find your camp set up. In the evening, you’ll have drinks barefoot by the campfire, eat under the stars and sleep (if you can) in the wild as never before.
Few experiences better illustrate the idea that less really can be more. Just make sure you do it.
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For those subscribing to the idea that game viewing is about quality not quantity then the little visited but stunning Selous Game Reserve in southern Tanzania is the place to slowly explore.
An intricate environment where woodland – interlaced with flood plains, sand rivers and oxbow lakes – meets the truly impressive Rufiji River. The Rufiji is the flowing heart of the Selous, from the vast inland delta of sand channels, lined with thick bush and palms, to the dramatic rock sided Stiegler’s Gorge.
Sand Rivers Selous is a first-class small safari lodge offering top quality safaris by vehicle, foot and boat well away from the crowds.
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There just aren’t many places left where you can still get this degree of exclusivity in such a perfect location.
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The camp has 12 meru style tents all with lake views, slightly raised on earth mounds which are covered in bush vegetation.
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It takes genuine local knowledge to craft trips that go beyond the ordinary. The Natural High team have unrivalled experience and will take your ideas and turn them into your trip of a lifetime.
Need some more inspiration? Request a copy of Into The Wild, our comprehensive anthology of safaris and wilderness travel.
A print anthology of safari and wilderness travel with over 220 pages of travel inspiration.