The Selous game reserve in Southern Tanzania is Africa’s largest game reserve with some of the best game viewing experiences in the region.
The game reserve covers over 50,000 square kilometers making it one of the largest protected areas in Africa with relatively undisturbed human impact. The Selous game reserve is one of the most scenic and beautiful wildlife destinations. Enjoying a safari in this game reserve will take you boating, walking, game viewing, and flying in the wildlife areas. Visitors coming to the Selous Game reserve have a chance to plan for both family safaris & honeymoon holidays.
The northern part of Selous game reserve is home to a network of channels & lagoons running off the Rufiji River. This lush landscape provides a water supply for the region’s game and towards the end of the dry season the concentration of animals around these water sources is phenomenal. It is here, around the river and lakes that the majority of the camps are based successfully relying on the animal’s need for water to provide game viewing areas. Selous is in its peak season from July through to the middle of November – this when the dry season is raging and all the game homes in on the few permanent water sources.
The sheer volume of game in the Selous is outstanding with statistics putting most parks in Africa to shame. Elephant, buffalo and lion are ‘arguably’ found in no greater numbers year round anywhere on the planet. But it is the Selous’ reputation as the last true stronghold for African wild dog that draws the enthusiasts.
Wildlife in Selous Game Reserve
The wildlife in the Selous is particularly interesting as it attracts both east and southern African wildlife, both resident and migratory. The reserve has over 440 known species of birds which make it an amazing birding destination on a Southern Tanzania safari. Lions are particularly strong here and there are large numbers of leopard. The park is home to over 50% of the remaining endangered African wild dog and also hosts very good populations of buffaloes. Other wildlife include; giraffe, eland, hyena, sable, hippo, crocodile, kudu, baboon, wildebeest, zebra, impala, hartebeest, colobus and vervet monkeys along with over 450 species of birds.
Best time to visit the Selous Game Reserve
Selous is a classic dry season park, with the game getting progressively better the later in the season you travel. July to October is the best time of year for the greatest overall concentrations of game, but do not underestimate this park at any other time; game viewing is very good in various areas throughout the year. During January and February you do need to choose your camp very carefully as the game migrates away to more fertile feeding grounds. Birding at this time of year is absolutely world class.
Accommodation in Selous Game Reserve
The Selous is home to three of the finest camps in Tanzania, a couple of which would stake their claim as the best in all of Africa. Beho Beho and Sand Rivers are exceptional lodges that offer all the activities for which the Selous is famous, and host some excellent guiding teams. Siwandu (formerly Selous Safari Camp) is a fabulous tented camp in arguably the best game area of the park at a price that makes it one of the best value camps in Africa. Close by to Siwandu is the no-frills Lake Manze, a great little adventurous camp which has a reputation for being on an elephant highway. A little further away, Manze’s sister camp Impala offers a higher level of luxury at a still-affordable price. Other camps in the park include Rufiji River Camp, The Retreat and Azura Selous. Speak to us for more information.