Selous Game Reserve

Location

Selous Game Reserve is located in southern Tanzania, covering a vast area of approximately 50,000 square kilometers (19,000 square miles). It is situated in the region of Lindi, Mtwara, and Ruvuma.

Landscape and Ecosystem

Selous Game Reserve is one of Africa's largest protected areas and is characterized by diverse landscapes, including grassy plains, woodlands, wetlands, and rivers. The reserve is named after Frederick Courteney Selous, a British explorer, hunter, and conservationist who explored the region in the late 19th century. The Rufiji River, the largest river in Tanzania, flows through the reserve, creating a network of channels, lakes, and swamps that provide vital water sources for wildlife.

Walking Safaris

Selous is one of the few reserves in Tanzania where guided walking safaris are permitted. Walking safaris offer a thrilling and immersive way to experience the African bush, allowing visitors to track wildlife on foot and learn about the smaller details of the ecosystem.

Accommodation

Selous Game Reserve offers a range of accommodation options, including luxury lodges, tented camps, and more rustic bush camps. Many lodges and camps are situated along the Rufiji River, offering stunning views and opportunities for wildlife viewing from the comfort of your accommodation.

Wildlife

Selous Game Reserve is renowned for its abundant wildlife, including large populations of elephants, buffaloes, hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of antelope species. The reserve is also home to predators such as lions, leopards, cheetahs, and African wild dogs, as well as numerous bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers.

Boat Safaris

One of the unique features of Selous Game Reserve is its extensive network of waterways, which offer opportunities for boat safaris along the Rufiji River and its tributaries. Boat safaris provide a different perspective of the reserve's wildlife and landscapes, allowing visitors to see animals up close as they come to drink and bathe in the river.

Fly Camping

Some operators in Selous offer fly camping experiences, where guests can spend a night or two in a temporary bush camp deep in the reserve. Fly camping allows visitors to get closer to nature and experience the sounds and sights of the wilderness under the stars.

Accessibility

The reserve can be accessed by road from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania's largest city, which is approximately 200-350 kilometers (125-217 miles) away depending on the entry gate. Some lodges and camps in Selous also have airstrips, allowing for chartered flights from Dar es Salaam and other major airports in Tanzania.

Holiday Packages

Selous Game Reserve's vast wilderness, diverse ecosystems, and abundance of wildlife make it a prime safari destination for those seeking a remote and authentic African safari experience.

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