Selous Game Reserve – Activities & How to get there
Selous Game Reserve is one of the largest faunal reserves in the world and is the largest in Africa. It is one of the favorite game viewing areas in Africa. Covering 50,000 square kilometers, is amongst the largest protected areas in Africa and is relatively undisturbed by human impact. 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. The Northern section of Selous is home to a network of channels and lagoons that run 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. Only the northern part of Selous is open to tourism.
How to get there.
Most safaris to Selous are fly-in packages from Dar es Salaam. The entry point for most visitors to the country will be Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) just outside Dar es Salaam. In most cases, your tour operator will pick you up and handle all further arrangements.
Selous is often visited as a safari extension to a beach holiday on Zanzibar Island, or one of the beaches around Dar es Salaam. To accommodate this, there are daily scheduled flights from either departure point to both Selous and Ruaha. Flights from Arusha town, the base for the northern safari circuit, are also available.
Another option is to drive to Selous from Dar es Salaam on a road safari, but the trip is bumpy and uncomfortable and will take a full day. Time permitting; there is the option of a stopover at Mikumi National Park to break up the trip.
Attractions in Selous Game Reserve.
Apart from being very famous for elephants, rhinos and hippopotamus, the selous game reserve also has a vast range of game including brindled gnu, Nyasaland gnu, sable antelope, eland, greater kudu, waterbuck, hartebeest, zebras, giraffe, reedbuck, warthog, spotted hyena, lion, leopard, and hunting dog, in addition to the largest populations of buffalo in Africa.
The Selous is host to over 350 species of birds and reptiles, the species for plants accounts for about 2000 species. The reserve is also surrounded by a number of Hot volcanic springs, sporadic lakes and channels from the nearby rivers such as the Great Rhuha and Rufiji Rivers.
Activities to do in Selous game drive.
Walking safaris to see the animals and birds up close and have an unforgettable experience.
Game drives and bird watching. Here you will be able to see lots of wildlife and birds including the following Apart from being very famous for elephants, rhinos and hippopotamus, the selous game reserve also has a vast range of game including: brindled gnu, Nyasaland gnu, sable antelope, eland, greater kudu, waterbuck, hartebeest, zebras, giraffe, reedbuck, warthog, spotted hyena, lion, leopard, hunting dog, in addition to the largest populations of buffalo in Africa.
Fishing which can be done on the Rufiji river
Cultural visits where by a tourist can walk around the villages and see the way of life of the natives.
Boat Safaris Exploring the different channels and lakes of the Rufiji River system, surrounded by hippos and crocodiles.
Rules while at the game reserve
- Do not get too close to the animals
- Do not litter
- Do not make unnecessary noises
You must stay with your guide at all times for safety purposes.
What to carry
Comfortable shoes, Water proof bag, Flashlight, Camera.
