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Selous Game Reserve stretches for over 55,000 square kilometers and is Africa’s largest game reserve. In addition, Selous is also a world heritage site. To make it more realistic, Selous Game Reserve is larger than the country of Switzerland and almost four times larger than Serengeti National Park. Even though it is extremely large, Selous is still an unspoiled piece of Tanzanian land.

The majority of Selous Game Reserve is generally covered by woodlands, interspersed with plains, wetlands, and forests. The most alluring aspect of Selous is the ability to explore the Game Reserve by boat. You will be winding your way through channels and swamps where elephants bathe, hippos snort, and crocodiles slip silently away.

Selous contains about 1/3 of all the wild dogs in the world. Their need to roam vast areas and their formidable hunting skills has caused many to be shot, but inside of Selous there are boundless woodlands and savannah’s in which they can roam.

Along the Rufiji River you can find grazing antelopes, endless amounts of crocodiles and hippos, and many black and white Colobus monkeys. During the dry season (from June to October) the concentration of animals along the river is astonishing. Linked to the Rufiji River is Lake Tagalala where waterbuck, reedbuck, and bushbuck gather at the water’s edge for a quick drink. Magnificent sable and kudu tend to keep to the longer grass and shrubby areas.

In addition, during the dry season the migration of ancient elephants takes place between Selous and Mozambique’s Niassa Game Reserves. This is one of the largest natural trans-boundary eco-systems in Africa and at it has been estimated that over 64,400 elephants roam the two parks, with 84% on the Tanzanian side.

If fishing is your passion, there are endless possibilities for landing a tiger or cat fish. In addition to fishing, you can also visit the hot springs at Beho Beho. It is in this area that Captain F C Selous is buried, the British soldier and naturalist from which the name Selous comes.

Last but not least, Selous is a Game Reserve and not a National Park – it is possible to experience this reserve on foot. A walking safari is one of the most exciting and fulfilling ways to explore the African wilderness. On foot you can reach areas not accessible by road or river, with stunning views of endless animals and vast plains.

HOW TO GET THERE?

Road access is only possible during dry season and most tourist fly in from Arusha or Dar.

WHAT TO DO?

Boat game viewing

Fishing

Walking adventure

Selous Game Reserve