4 Days
Selous Safari by TAZARA Train – From Dar es Salaam to Selous Game Reserve
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Travel by TAZARA Train and Discover Wildlife Adventures in Selous Game Reserve
This 4-day Selous safari from Dar es Salaam by train offers a unique and scenic journey through rural Tanzania and the southern circuit’s most famous reserve. Travel aboard the historic TAZARA Mukuba Express or Ordinary Train, then enjoy game drives, a boat safari on Lake Tagalala, and stunning lodge-based experiences inside Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve).
TAZARA Train Overview – Passenger Options and Schedule
Types of TAZARA Passenger Trains
The Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) offers three types of passenger trains:
Mukuba Express Train: Departs Tuesdays from New Kapiri Mposhi to Dar es Salaam and Fridays from Dar es Salaam to New Kapiri Mposhi. Departure time is 15:50 EAT from Dar es Salaam.
Ordinary Train: Runs Tuesdays and Fridays, leaving Dar es Salaam at 13:50 EAT and stopping at all serviceable stations.
Special Trains: Operated on demand for groups and special charters.
Both train types offer luggage and parcel services via dedicated vans and deliver an authentic African railway experience with scenic views, wildlife sightings, and a connection to the region’s rich engineering history.
How do I book the TAZARA train to Selous?
You can book tickets directly through TAZARA’s official site, or include them as part of a safari package through a tour operator, which ensures transfers and lodge bookings are smoothly coordinated.
What’s the difference between the Express and Ordinary trains?
The Mukuba Express Train is slightly faster with fewer stops, ideal for travelers seeking comfort and efficient travel. The Ordinary Train stops at every station, offering a more immersive local experience.
Can I do this itinerary as a round-trip train safari?
Yes, but most travelers return to Dar es Salaam by road or flight for time efficiency. However, you can arrange to return via TAZARA on a Friday or Tuesday departure.
Is Selous good for Big Five sightings?
Selous (Nyerere NP) is excellent for elephants, lions, giraffes, and buffalos. Leopards and rhinos are less frequently seen, but the African wild dog sightings here are among the best in East Africa.
What kind of accommodations are available?
You’ll stay at Sable Mountain Lodge, an eco-luxury property with private cottages, bush views, a swimming pool, and access to a treehouse hide.
Included
- All accommodations
- English speaking guide
- Full board during your safari
- Game drives
- Private 4×4 Safari Jeep
- Park fees
Excluded
- International flights and visas
- Travel insurance
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DAY 1
TAZARA Train from Dar es Salaam to Selous (Kisaki Station)
Board the TAZARA Train from Dar es Salaam to Kisaki (Tuesdays 13:50 or Fridays 15:50), a 4-hour scenic journey through rural landscapes and protected wildlife areas.
Arrive at Kisaki Station and transfer to your eco-luxury accommodation at Sable Mountain Lodge, nestled on the edge of Selous Game Reserve.
Overnight: Sable Mountain Lodge
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
DAY 2
Full-Day Selous Game Drive & Lake Tagalala Boat Safari
Awaken to the sounds of the African bush and enjoy an early morning coffee before setting off for a full-day Selous game drive and boat safari on Lake Tagalala.
Float past hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife, enjoy your packed breakfast on the lakeshore, and return to the lodge for dinner. The afternoon is yours—relax by the pool, visit the lodge’s treehouse hide overlooking a waterhole, or watch wildlife from your private balcony.
Overnight: Sable Mountain Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast (packed), Lunch, Dinner
DAY 3
Selous National Park – Game Drive & Wildlife Viewing
After breakfast, head out again in a specially adapted 4×4 safari vehicle for a deeper exploration of Selous Game Reserve (now Nyerere National Park).
Encounter iconic species such as lion, elephant, giraffe, buffalo, zebra, and with luck, the rare African wild dog. Your guide will find a shaded spot for lunch near a water source where animals gather—perfect for photos and wildlife observation.
Return to the lodge in time for sunset.
Overnight: Sable Mountain Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch (packed), Dinner
DAY 4
Walking Safari & Return to Dar es Salaam
Start the day with an early morning walking safari around the lodge grounds, focusing on smaller fauna, flora, insects, and birds. Visit the treehouse overlook and natural waterhole, then return for a late breakfast.
After check-out, transfer back to Dar es Salaam by private vehicle (option to fly to Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam available upon request).
Meals Included: Breakfast
Call Our Expert Now
+255 784 991 576
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Fill Out The Online Enquire Form
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