National Parks | TANZANIA
Selous Game Reserve in Tanzania
The reserve boasts of unspoiled wilderness, an astounding variety of indigenous flora and fauna, awe-inspiring landscapes, and unparalleled biodiversity. Its outstanding features have earned it well-deserved recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Big game
Walking safaris
Boat safari
Hiking
Big game
Walking safaris
Walking safaris
Everything you need to know:
Selous Game Reserve is a unique UNESCO World Heritage site that offers undisturbed wilderness, stunning landscapes, and unparalleled biodiversity. It is a haven of wildlife discovered by explorer Frederick Courtney Selous, and nestled around Tanzania’s largest river, the Rufiji. The reserve comprises an intricate network of swamps, channels, and lakes that support a unique ecosystem in East Africa. It is the perfect choice for those who prefer walking safaris.
Where is the reserve located?
Located nearly 200 km west of the tourism center, Dar es Salaam, resides a wildlife reserve that is the largest piece of land dedicated to wildlife conservation on the African continent. Spanning over 45,000km² of pristine wilderness, it is three times bigger than South Africa’s well-known Kruger National Park. Conveniently, the reserve can be accessed via daily light aircraft flights departing from Dar es Salaam.
About the reserve
What type of wildlife will we see?
The reserve offers a diverse range of topography including rocky outcrops, woodlands, mountains, forests, grassy plains, and swampland that surround the river. The merger of four reserves has created major animal corridors providing an exceptional game viewing experience. A variety of wildlife can be seen, such as elephants, wild dogs, over 30% of the world’s population for this species resides within the reserve, crocodiles, hippos, buffaloes, and a multitude of plains game such as hartebeest, zebra, wildebeest, eland, giraffe, and more. Visitors can expect to be immersed in the natural beauty of the reserve and witness the thriving wildlife within it.
Top experiences to enjoy in Selous Game Reserve
The Selous Game Reserve offers a wide variety of outdoor activities. Guests can explore the East African delta and witness magnificent herds along the riverbanks, or set out on foot with an expert guide who will offer insights about the bushveld and its flora and fauna. A fly-in safari is also an option for those who prefer to spend a night in a remote camp, immersing themselves in Africa’s untamed beauty. Additionally, the reserve is home to approximately one-third of the world’s wild dog population, making it highly likely to spot these elusive painted dogs on a game drive through most parts of Selous.
When to visit
Kilimanjaro’s favorable location on the equator provides optimal weather condition year-round, however, certain months are better suited for mountain climbing or wildlife tracking activities. Ideally, the dry season between January and March presents a more favorable climbing and hiking condition as it witnesses lesser rainfall.
For wildlife enthusiasts willing to track elephants and giraffes, planning the journey between June and October is advisable when the wildebeests migrate and the big 5 concentrate around watering holes.