Selous Game
Reserve is Africa’s largest Game Reserve and one of favorite game viewing areas
in Africa. Covering a total area of about 54,000 square kilometers, is amongst
the largest protected areas in Africa located in the South of Tanzania.
It was
designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982 due to the diversity of its
wildlife and undisturbed nature. Selous boasts Tanzania’s largest population of
Elephant as well as large number of Lions, Leopard, African Hunting Dogs,
Buffalo and Hippo. Species commonly seen are Bushbuck, Red and Blue Duikers,
Eland, Hartebeest, Hyena, Giraffe, Oryx, Reedbuck, Impala, Waterbuck and Zebra.
Yellow Baboon and Velvet and Blue Monkey are always common sight while families
of Black and White Colobus may sometimes be seen moving from tree to tree. The
bird-life in the Selous is prolific and the 400 species recorded including the
globally threatened Wattled Crane and the Corncrake.
Africa’s
largest and oldest Game Reserve is one of its most scenic wildlife destinations;
the Selous is utterly beautiful. The beauty of the park is matched by the
quality of a safari, the park has the widest diversity of safari activities
ranging from Romantic Boat Safari along the Great Rufiji river, walking and
compliment standard game driving in thriving wildlife areas.
The topography
of the park varies from savannah woodland, grassland plains and the rocky
outcrops cut by the Great Rufiji River and its tributaries, the Kilombero and
Ruwegu, which together cover the great catchment area in East Africa. The
Rufiji river which flows from North to South, provides the life-blood of the
Selous. Linked to the Rufiji is lake Tagalala, where Elephant, Giraffe,
Waterbuck, Reedbuck and Bushbuck gather at the water’s edge.
WHY VISIT SELOUS:
1.
Wild Nature
2.
All the plain mammals of East Africa can be encountered
3.
Best chances of seeing a wild dog, but still no guarantee
4.
Closeness to nature, thanks to good walking facilities and boat trips
5.
Rough but exceptional beauty of the natural environment
6.
A feeling of solitude because of the small number of visitors
WHAT TO DO:
1.
Wildlife safaris
2.
Walking safaris
3.
Boat safaris and canoeing
4.
Bird watching
5.
Sport Fishing
6.
Camping safaris
GETTING THERE:
v Scheduled and Charter
flight
v Drive from Dar es Salaam
BEST TIME TO VISIT
The best time
to visit the Selous (for ease of game viewing) is during the dry season,
between May and February.
