Welcome to Selous

1. Selous Game Reserve

Selous Game Reserve is one of the largest faunal reserves of the world, located in the south of Tanzania.

The reserve covers a total area of 54,600 km2 (21,100 sq mi) and has additional buffer zones. Within the reserve no permanent human habitation or permanent structures are permitted. All (human) entry and exit is carefully controlled by the Wildlife Division of the Tanzanian Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism. Some of the typical animals of the savanna (for example African Bush Elephants, Black Rhino, Hippo, Masai Lions, East African Wild Dogs, Cheetahs, Cape Buffaloes, Masai Giraffes and Nile crocodiles) can be found in this park in larger numbers than in any other African game reserve or national park.

2. Tourist Attraction in Selous Game Reserve

Standing as the largest game reserve in Africa, Selous is also the second largest conservation area in Africa sized at 5,000square kilometres. It is definitely noted as even four times bigger than the Serengeti. While in Tanzania, it is very special to take a safari to Selous as it is one of the most remote game reserves hence least visited parks in Africa. Because of it elaborate and unique beauty, the Selous has so many safari animals and thus has it in history that UNESCO declared it a world heritage in 1982.

3. Channel and Rivers

Hot volcanic springs, sporadic lakes and channels from the nearby rivers such as the Great Ruaha and Rufiji rivers make Selous Game Reserve to have such a diverse landscape. The big herds of Tanzanian Elephants for example are attracted by the River Rufiji that flows through the reserve. The most popular on Tanzania safaris are the boat trips along the Rufiji River.

A walking safari is a must do if you are looking for something very special and different in the Selous game reserve. The beauty and peacefulness that you see and feel while on a Tanzania walking safari in the Selous reserve cannot be compared to any other.

4. Birds and Wildlife in Selous

The Selous is host to over 350 species of birds and reptiles, the species for plants accounts for about 2000 species as well as a wide range of wildlife. The largest concentration of elephants (110,000) on the continent has been known for taking home in this same reserve. The reduction in numbers estimated at about 30,000 to 50,000 are known for having been brought about by the “Ivory wars “of the late 70s and early 80s which also brought about a much devastating effect on the herds, reducing them in numbers.

Apart from being very famous for elephants, rhinos and hippopotamus, the selous game reserve also has a vast range of game including: brindled gnu, Nyasaland gnu, sable antelope, eland, greater kudu, waterbuck, hartebeest, zebras, giraffe, reedbuck, warthog, spotted hyena, lion, leopard, hunting dog, in addition to the largest populations of buffalo in Africa.

It is such a special occasion to take a Tanzania Safari visit in the Selous Game Reserve, you are able to experience magnificent safari animals, walk among the breathtaking beauty and probe the unveiled parts of the national park.

Majority of wildlife in selous are some of the main attractions. A variety of game viewing activities are therefore available in this park. A number of trips are offered by boat, vehicle or on foot. Boat safaris for example allow you to move swiftly on the lakes and channels leading you through to the birds and animals closely including hippos and crocodile. All the lodges should be able to offer guided walks for all those in the right age bracket. (usually 12 years and over.16 years for Lake Manze and Impala, which come with big chances of interface with big game such as buffalo, lion on foot, or even elephant.

Towards the end of the dry season especially, game drives are rather truly rewarding as many large mammals gather around the five lakes. Some of the camps offer overnight fly camping excursions which involve sleeping out in an exalted mosquito net in the middle of the bush land.

5. How to get there, Selous Game Reserve

Taking a road Safari

One may choose to take a road trip from Dar es Salaam that involves taking a normal circuit route which would involve a trip to the Mikumi National Park heading through and entering the Matambwe gate. It is such a great experience to take the road from Morogoro as it gives the visitors the chance to go driving though the Morogoro town and the chance to view the town that perfectly backdrops Ulugulu mountains. It is such an alluring experience more so in the morning. As one goes through heading out of the Morogoro town, you will have the chance to see the way how people live and work within the rural villages in Tanzania.

As you drive through, there is an overlook; you are able to view the way the village is displayed, its setting, and a corridor area setup for trading. A road from Morogoro can also lead you to a magnificent way to the contours of Sable Mountain lodge and Uluguru mountains at a distance. Taking the access road from Dar es Salaam would be an enjoyable trip with super views of the Tanzania countryside showing tall palms and lush grassland in hilly areas.

This is an alternative route that comes to Selous through Morogoro. The narrow pathway can always lead you to animals and that may have stayed into game control pockets as you enter Selous from Dar es Salaam.

Railroad system

Adventure never stops; the other way to get to Selous could be through the TAZARA (Tanzania Zambia Railway) railroad system. It starts from Dar es Salaam, diminishing off bush routes adventures guests at the rail stop in Matambwe. Throughout this journey, you enjoy the beauty of the bush land. The journey takes you four to five hours in a panoramic tour of Tanzania rural landscape. It is usually the most worthwhile way to get to the Selous Game Reserve.

Through an Air Safari

This is alternative three for one to get to the Selous Game Reserve. There are a number of departure flights from Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Zanzibar and landing a different accommodation or even public access airstrips. Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) can is used as the entry point for the country. As a safari development to a beach holiday on Zanzibar Island or one of the other beached around Dar es Salaam. There are usually scheduled departure flights to welcome this to both Selous and Ruaha. Even if it is the most expensive; an air safari is the quickest way to Selous Game Reserve.

Selous It stands as the largest Game reserve in Africa and the most popular as one of the game viewing areas in Africa. Though hidden, the Selous Game Reserve is located in Southern Tanzania.