Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

Empty Lighthouse is a reader-supported site. This article may contain affiliate links to Amazon and other sites. We earn a commission on purchases made through these links.

Ready to pack for Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania? If you're planning to go to Selous Game Reserve, this is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania

Based on the climate and weather in Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania, the best time to go is August. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Selous Game Reserve, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania by month

January

January in Selous Game Reserve is extremely warm. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 70s F (mid 20s C) to 80s F (high 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Tanzania has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Selous Game Reserve may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. Check that you pick the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters currently available are simply plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

February

February in Selous Game Reserve is hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 70s F (mid 20s C) to 80s F (high 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Tanzania has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Selous Game Reserve may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. It's important that you pick the necessary type. The majority of adapters available online are simply plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most areas.

March

March in Selous Game Reserve is extremely warm. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 70s F (low 20s C) to 80s F (high 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Tanzania has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Selous Game Reserve may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. Take care to find the right kind. Most adapters available are just plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

April

April in Selous Game Reserve is hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) to low 80s F (high 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Tanzania has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Selous Game Reserve may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. It's important that you choose the necessary kind. Many adapters on sale are just plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

May

If you visit Selous Game Reserve during May, you might find that it is extremely warm. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 60s F (high 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain sometimes.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Tanzania has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Selous Game Reserve may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. Make sure to find the correct kind. Most adapters for sale now are just plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

June

June in this region is hot and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Tanzania has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Selous Game Reserve may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. Make sure to find the correct kind. Most adapters available are just plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most places.

July

If you vacation in Selous Game Reserve during July, you are likely to see that it is a perfect temperature and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 70s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 50s F (mid 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Tanzania has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Selous Game Reserve may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. Be sure to get the right kind. Most adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

August

If you vacation in Selous Game Reserve during August, you might notice that it is hot and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 50s F (mid 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Tanzania has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Selous Game Reserve may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. Make sure to choose the necessary kind. Most adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

September

If you are traveling to Selous Game Reserve in September, you will notice that it is extremely warm and very dry with almost no rain. Daytime temperatures are in the 80s F (high 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Tanzania has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Selous Game Reserve may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. Take care to find the necessary type. The majority of adapters available are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most locations.

October

If you visit Selous Game Reserve during October, you will probably find that it is consistently hot and dry with little rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 60s F (high 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain occasionally.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Tanzania has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Selous Game Reserve may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. Take care to choose the necessary type. Most adapters currently being sold are just plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

November

November is consistently hot. Temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Tanzania has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Selous Game Reserve may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. Make sure to find the necessary kind. Many adapters available online are simply plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

December

December in Selous Game Reserve can be very hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 70s F (mid 20s C) to 80s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Tanzania has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Selous Game Reserve may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. It's important that you get the necessary type. The majority of adapters that you can buy are simply plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

What to do in Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania

Selous Game Reserve is one of the most incredible wildlife reserves in Tanzania, which is located in the southern part of the country. It is the largest reserve in East Africa, covering an area of around 50,000 km². The reserve is named after British explorer Frederick Selous, who was a hunter and a conservationist. Selous Game Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it's home to many different kinds of wildlife species, such as lions, elephants, buffalo, hippos, crocodiles, leopards, and many others. Below are the top tourist attractions to see while on a safari in the Selous Game Reserve.

1. The Rufiji River - The Rufiji River is the largest river in Tanzania and the lifeblood of Selous Game Reserve. It's one of the most important tourist attractions in the reserve, and visitors can take a boat safari along the river to observe the stunning wildlife spotting along the banks of the river. You can spot elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and different kinds of waterbirds.

2. Walking Safari - The Selous Game Reserve provides opportunities for walking safaris, which allow visitors to explore the reserve on foot. During a walking safari, you'll walk through the bush accompanied by armed guides, and you might come close to giraffes, zebras, and other wildlife species. It provides a unique and exciting view of the wildlife reserve.

3. Game Drive - Game drives are one of the most popular tourist activities in the reserve. Visitors can take a safari jeep ride through the different areas of the reserve for an opportunity to see different wildlife species up close. The reserves open plains, large baobab trees, and riverine forests are some of the stunning attractions visitors see while on a game drive.

4. Hot Springs - Hidden on the edge of the game reserve, you’ll find the hot springs. The waters boiling out of the ground are created by thermal energy and have healing properties that attract visitors from all over the world. Even the native people bath in these waters.

5. Elephant Tracking - The Selous Game Reserve offers visitors the rare opportunity to track and observe elephants in their natural habitat. The experience offers visitors the chance to see elephants as they interact and engage in activities such as feeding, playing and socializing in their natural state.

In conclusion, Selous Game Reserve is one of the best places to visit for anyone looking for a genuine African wildlife experience. The reserve possesses a wealth of natural reserves to explore and the wildlife abundant within it is absolutely stunning. As a visitor, you are guaranteed to have a fantastic time here.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

Check out our guides for these other locations: Frascati, Italy, Hakodate, Japan, Hillsborough County, Florida, United States of America, Samara, Russia, Gorey, Ireland, Gardiner, Montana, United States of America, Vitebsk, Belarus, Paris, Texas, United States of America, Oukaimeden, Morocco, Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, United States of America, and Siemiechów, Poland.