Buffalo sunset, Ruaha National Park, Tanzania

Selous and Ruaha

Southern Tanzania features two contrasting landscapes, one a Game Reserve and the other a National Park. The Selous Game Reserve is vast and home to the mighty Rufiji River, drawing wildlife from a vast area especially in the drier months.

Ruaha National Park is well off the beaten track, at a higher altitude and with a sense of remoteness hard to find in many mainstream safari areas. Both have excellent wildlife viewing.

Two lionesses feeding on hippo, Ruaha National Park, Tanzania
Ruaha National Park, Tanzania
Elephants quenching their thirst in the Great Ruaha River, Tanzania
Ruaha National Park, Tanzania
Plains game, Selous, Tanzania
Zanzibar, Tanzania

Wildlife of Selous and Ruaha

A combination of these two areas gives a very real chance of seeing wild dogs, incredible birdlife and big cats. Diversity of wildlife and activities are the buzz-words here – days on safari in boats on the Rufiji, walking with guides and experiencing a very interactive and authentic safari. Both areas are home to the big cats plus large plains game, Ruaha is one of the few places where you can spend a day without seeing other vehicles.

  • Walk with armed rangers and track the big game
  • Enjoy sundowners after a boat trip along the Rufiji
  • Stay at simple authentic bush camps or top-end lodges
  • Explore with some of the most knowledgeable guides in East Africa
  • Experience contrasts – the rugged beauty of Ruaha and the delta-like lushness of the Selous

Experiences

What do you really love doing? We curate your itinerary especially for you.

Lake Manze, Selous, Tanzania

Cruise the Rufiji

Relax with sundowner cocktails on a sunset boat trip along the Rufiji River.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Elephants quenching their thirst in the Great Ruaha River, Tanzania

Wildlife Connection

Learn about the work that NGO Wildlife Connection is doing to promote coexistence between local communities and the elephant population.

Fly camp, Selous, Tanzania

Fly Camping

Spend a night sleeping out in lightweight tents, camped in the heart of one of Tanzania’s largest wilderness areas.

Suggested stay

Walking, Sand Rivers Selous, Selous Game Reserve

Walking Safari

Join an armed ranger on foot and track big game across the landscapes of Ruaha and Selous.

Suggested camp

Where to Stay

Every captivating tailor-made itinerary needs a perfect base. Our team has handpicked this collection of properties to give you luxury options in styles to suit any adventure.

More luxury accommodation

Meet our experts

A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.

Illona Cross

Born in a small South African town, I have always followed my passion for nature and discovery. After studying Nature Conservation in Pretoria, I was one of the first women to complete a very tough cadetship in the Natal Parks Board. It was here where I cut my teeth in African wildlife management.

Talk with our experts
  • 1 800 571 2985

Chris Johnston

Chris is the Conde Nast Traveller chosen Specialist for Africa.

25 years ago, my first trip to Africa took on a life of its own. I planned for three months, I stayed for two years. Whilst there, I was mistaken for a priest, attacked by sharks and arrested. Yet the countless, clattering journeys opened my eyes to the beauty of the landscapes and the grace of the people. My recent trips are undoubtedly more comfortable, but the welcome is as warm as ever and the best experiences are still those I never see coming.

Talk with our experts
  • 1 800 571 2985

Need Inspiration?
Browse our Tanzania holiday ideas.

Our Tanzania experts have created and curated these holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something to spark ideas for a unique adventure.

Why Choose Steppes?

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