Selous Game Reserve

Covering an area of around 50,000sqkm, the Selous Game Reserve is the largest protected wildlife are in the world.  Despite this great size, the reserve is as yet uninhabited by man and could therefore qualify as the world’s largest unspoiled wilderness.  Because of the unique ecological importance of the reserve, it is a Worl Heritage Site, so designated by the United Nations in 1982.  Little development has taken place in the Selous, and perhaps this makes it the most natural wilderness remaining in Africa today.

Lying in the south-eastern part of Tanzania, Selous was first mentioned by 19^th Century European explorers.  The name Selous is in memory of the naturalist, hunter, and author Frederic Courteney Selous, who died fighting in World War 1 and was buried near where he fell in the reserve.

The reserve contains a wide variety of wildlife habitats, which include open grasslands, acacia and miombo woodlands, riverine forests, and swamps.  It is home to thousands of the big mammals, hundreds of species of birds, countless small animals, and many reptiles.

The River Rufiji is the main feature in the Selous Game Reserve, and gives opportunities for boat safaris.  The river’s delta contains the largest mangrove forest in the world.  Boast safaris on the river and on the adjacent lakes are a special way to observe wildlife and to see some of the best scenery in the reserve.  Hippos, crocodiles, waterbucks, buffaloes, and a large variety of water birds such as herons, kingfishers, and geese are abundant in and around the river.  Fishing with a line is permitted provided a permit is obtained.  Most camps in the reserve organize these boat safaris.

Game drives are also attractive, especially along the shores of the lakes an the rivers.  Evening drives provide a great experience of seeing the sun going down the over the lakes.  The adventure-seeking traveler can also explore this reserve or the camps organizing the tour will provide a ranger for this.