Selous Game Reserve

Selous is the largest Reserve in Africa and one of the largest in the world. Landscaped to perfection by nature’s hand it remains protected from human impact due to its remote and vast 50,000 km2 terrain. With its associated wetlands, lakes and swamps, it’s one of the most outstanding and unique ecological systems in the world. Due to this unique ecosystem the Selous Game Reserve is honored as a World Heritage Site. The reserve is named after Frederick Courtney Selous, British Officer, Explorer, Hunter and Conservationist who was born on 31 December 1851.

The Selous is probably Africa’s least known and wildest protected area, rich in game and varied habitat. Here guest’s experience game viewing away from the maddening crowds, off the beaten track of the more well-worn safari circuits and from three distinctively different perspectives - on foot, by boat and by vehicle. Selous Wilderness Camp offers half and full-day river safaris, game drives and walking safaris with the occasional surprise bush picnic.

Wildlife of the Selous Game Reserve

There is abundant game in the reserve, with Africa’s largest buffalo and lion populations, numerous leopard and thriving packs of wild dog. Wildebeest, zebra, impala, hartebeest, greater kudu and eland are all common. In the heat of the afternoon, herds of over fifty giraffe drink from the lakes, whilst elephant herds cross the channels to the lush islands.

Boat trips in the Selous

Boat trips are a speciality in the Selous and floating quietly along on the water is magical. You will see yellow-billed storks nesting in borassus palms, baboon at the waters edge and white-crowned plovers cleaning the teeth of crocodiles. The riverine forest is perfect for gentle rambles in search of blue samango monkeys and black and white colobus.

Driving in open 4WDs, you will see plenty of game but no other vehicles, as the Selous is a very peaceful park with only a handful of small camps.

Climate:
Dry Season: The dry season sets in during June to November and is the best time for game viewing along the rivers. Elephants come out of the bush at that time and predators are more commonly seen.
Rainy Season: January to April is wonderful for birdlife ad lush scenery but many roads become impassable after heavy rains. December to February is still good for game viewing but can be rather hot and humid. The safari lodges are usually closed from March to May.

Main Attractions:
• Rare and endangered Wild Dog
• Boat game viewing
• Fishing
• Thousands of migrating elephants
• Walking safaris
• Huge wilderness

How to get there:
Road access is only possible during the dry season and most visitors fly in from Dar es Salaam by scheduled flights or charter aircraft.

Selous Game Reserve Safaris in Tanzania

At around 45,000 sq km, the Selous is Africa’s largest game reserve, covering more than 5% of Tanzania’s total land area. It provides shelter for large numbers of elephants, as well as populations of buffaloes, wild dogs, crocodiles and hippos. A rich variety of birdlife and some of Tanzania’s last remaining black rhinos. Although slightly off the beaten track of the more well-worn safari circuits, a visit to the Selous offers unforgettable game viewing in almost completely isolated surroundings.

Safari activities in the Selous Game Reserve include game drives and exciting motorized launch excursions on the giant Rufiji River. The Selous area is also ideal for walking safaris and fly camping.

The large meandering Rufiji River with its network of channels, connecting lakes and lagoons offers visitors the unique opportunity to go on safari by boat and experience the spectacular concentration of wildlife from an unusual perspective, especially during the dry season (June to 0ctober) when animals congregate.


The Southern Circuit Safaris

Away from the busier northern safari circuit in Tanzania, the southern game reserves of Ruaha and Selous are easily accessed by light aircraft flights.

The National Parks and game reserves of the southern circuit are, arguably, the hidden treasures of Tanzania authentic Africa. These parks are enormous, with some of the highest concentration of animals anywhere in Africa and are home to an interesting diversity of wildlife including Roan Antelope, Sable Antelope, Cape Hunting Dogs and a multitude of colorful bird life.