Selous Game Reserve

Selous is Africa’s largest and oldest wildlife reserve and one of its most pristine wildlife destinations. Here it is still possible to feel the isolation, the vastness and the splendour of authentic travel in Africa as it once was. The large untouched expanses of land show nature at its best. Selous Game Reserve is one of the two destinations used by elephants for their annual migration.

Rufiji River

In the heart of Selous Game Reserve, the Rufiji River forms a network of channels, lakes and swamps that create one of the most exceptional ecological systems in East Africa. Tanzania’s largest river, the Rufiji, splits the reserve into two different sections. The northern section of Selous is home to channels and lagoons that run off the Rufiji River. This lush landscape provides a water supply for all the game on the region. At the end of the dry season the concentration of animals around these water sources is phenomenal. A perfect spot for photographic safaris, opposed to the hunting safaris that are allowed in the southern part.

Rhino and wild dog

The abundance of wildlife in Selous is outstanding. Elephant, buffalo and lion are found in no greater numbers year round anywhere in the world. Selous is home to a third of Tanzania’s elephants and is one of the few destinations in Africa to see the endangered wild dog (about 1,300). There is also a significant populations of black rhino and an abundance of crocodiles, hippos, monkeys and bird species. Iconic predators like lion, leopard, cheetah and spotted hyena can be seen hunting or resting after a meal.

Diverse landscapes

With its rivers, plains and lakes, this immense sanctuary gives you a sense of the scale of the African wilderness. The Park has a wide variety of vegetation zones, ranging from open grasslands, wild savannah, acacia trees, swamp and wetlands, riverine forests and Miombo woodlands. This seasonal Miombo woodlands are the dominant vegetation in Selous. More than 2,100 plants have been recorded within the reserve. Experience this scenic African wilderness all by yourself, cause in Selous you don’t have to share the beautiful sightings with lots of other tourists.

Activities

The park has a wide diversity of safari activities, offering the boating safaris as well as standard game drives, walking safaris, fishing and fly camping trips.

Best time to visit

Selous is in its peak season from July through to the middle of November, when it’s dry season and all the game homes in on the few permanent water sources.

Tip from Lomo expert

If you like to see wildlife from another perspective, I recommend you to go an afternoon boat safari on the Rufiji River. Enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Rufiji River with its many hippos, crocodiles and beautiful birdlife. The sunset from the boat is stunning.