Selous Game Reserve

SELOUS GAME RESERVE.

This 47,000Km² game reserve located in southern Tanzania is the largest game reserve in Africa, extending over three times the size of the Serengeti National Park. It encompasses a vast ecosystem which joins up with the Niassa ecosystem of Mozambique and forming an untrammelled bush area in excess of 150,000Km²; the largest in present day Africa.

Despite its vast size and huge populations of animals few tourists venture to this remote and partially inaccessible reserve. The easier parts of the reserve which can be accessed amount to no more than 5% of the total Selous Game Reserve area. It is within this area that most tourism takes place and generally facilities are less developed than the main national parks thus giving the true feel and experience of the African bush. The reserve is bisected by the Rufiji River and the bulk of the reserve’s extensive area lies to the south of the Rufiji.

Selous has all the usual animals in large numbers given its size though they may be more difficult to see compared to the more developed national parks. Huge herds of elephant, buffalo, giraffe, antelope and hippos are common in the park. It is noteworthy that the reserve is home to some of the larger endangered mammals including African Wild Dog, sable antelope, puku antelope and black rhinoceros. The reserve has also seen unprecedented poaching of elephants over the last few decades, maybe in part due to the remoteness and difficulty of accessing the reserve. However, stricter anti-poaching measures have been introduced during the last decade.

Amongst the predators, lions are probably the most common, followed by hyena, cheetah, leopard, jackals and the rare African Wild Dog.

The Reserve also has large populations of birds.

Getting there:

By light aircraft (Package tours). Also, possible by a good 4X4 vehicle.

What to do:

Game Drives

Boat Excursions on the Rufiji River and some of the lakes. This is particularly good for see a large variety of birdlife.

Game walks and fly camping. (Must be accompanied by an armed ranger)

Best time:

All year but preferably Dry Season

Accommodation:

Several exclusive lodges; high end and mid-range lodges; budget lodges and camp sites.