Two special things about Tanzania’s protected areas are their large size and rich wildlife. This also describes the Selous Game Reserve. It covers over 54,600 square kilometers, making it the largest game reserve in Africa. It is twice the size of Serengeti National Park and three times bigger than South Africa’s Kruger National Park.
Location
Selous Game Reserve is located in the Miombo woodlands in southern Tanzania. It is about 219 kilometers southwest of Dar es Salaam. It is close to Udzungwa Mountains and Mikumi National Parks in the northwest, and Kilombero Game Controlled Area in the west. The reserve receives fewer visitors than Ngorongoro and Serengeti, so it offers a more peaceful wildlife experience.
Selous is part of the larger Selous Ecosystem, which stretches over 90,000 square kilometers. It includes national parks, forest reserves, and community wildlife areas. It also connects with Mozambique’s Niassa Game Reserve, which covers 42,000 square kilometers.
The land in Selous is a mix of flat and hilly areas with valleys, small mountains, and river systems. The Rufiji River, the largest in Tanzania, flows through the reserve and forms lakes, swamps, and channels that support wildlife.
Selous is divided by the Rufiji River into two parts. The northern part covers only 5% of the reserve and is used only for photo safaris, with no hunting allowed. The southern part is made up of hunting blocks, each covering around 1,000 square kilometers.
History
Selous Game Reserve was first declared a protected area in 1896 by German Governor Hermann von Wissmann. In 1905, it became a hunting reserve. It was named after Frederick Selous, a famous hunter and explorer who died in 1917 during World War I at Beho Beho in the reserve. In 1922, it became a game reserve, and in 1982, it was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its wildlife and natural beauty.
In 2018, the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA) proposed renaming the northern part of Selous as “Nyerere National Park” to honor the country’s first president, Julius Nyerere. This area will include a photo safari section and extend south to the Rufiji wilderness.
Attractions in Selous Reserve
Vegetation
Most of Selous Game Reserve is covered in Miombo woodlands. There are also thickets, rocky hills with acacia trees, wetlands, grasslands, lowland forests, riverine forests, and the Mbarika Mountains, which rise to 1,300 meters.
Wildlife in Selous
Selous is home to many animals commonly found in Miombo woodlands. These include Masai giraffes, African bush elephants, zebras, black rhinos, lions, wild dogs, buffaloes, leopards, waterbucks, impalas, hyenas, wildebeests, hartebeests, cheetahs, greater kudus, Puku antelopes, elands, sable antelopes, and others.
Lakes such as Manze, Mzizimia, Nzelekela, and Siwandu are full of hippos and crocodiles and are great spots for wildlife viewing.
Birdlife
Selous has over 400 species of birds. You can see rare birds like the Udzungwa forest partridge and Rufous-winged sunbirds. Other birds include rock pratincoles, white-fronted bee-eaters, night herons, owlets, spur-winged plovers, rollers, storks, vultures, spoonbills, lapwings, fish eagles, kingfishers, parrots, cuckoos, kestrels, bee-eaters, owls, hornbills, and skimmers.
Other Attractions
Other places to visit in Selous include Stiegler’s Gorge, River Rufiji, Lake Tagalala (an oxbow lake), and the grave of Frederick Selous.
Things to Do in Selous Game Reserve
Game Drives: Game drives are the most popular way to explore Selous. They happen in the morning, afternoon, and evening. Open-roof vehicles offer the best views. Guides know the best places to see animals like elephants, lions, zebras, wild dogs, buffaloes, and many others.
Boat Safaris: Boat rides on the Rufiji River are peaceful and great for seeing hippos, crocodiles, and elephants. They are perfect for couples and honeymooners.
Walking Safaris: Walking safaris bring you close to nature. You can see small animals, insects, birds, and plants while walking with a guide.
Cultural Tours: You can visit Mloka Village, near the reserve. Cultural tours allow you to meet local people, try traditional foods, and visit schools.
Hot Air Balloon Safaris: Though rare, hot air balloon safaris can be arranged in Selous. These give you a chance to see the park from above.
Bird Watching: With so many birds in the area, bird watching is a must. Guided tours help you find different bird species, especially during the breeding months.
Fishing Tours: You can go fishing on the Rufiji River. Common fish include tiger fish, catfish, tilapia, and elephant fish.
Fly-Camping: If you enjoy adventure, try fly-camping. You will sleep in tents set up in the wild. Many camps in Selous organize this activity.
Park Entry Fees
Entry fees for adults are $50. Children pay $30. There is also a $25 daily concession fee.
Best Time to Visit Selous Game Reserve
You can visit Selous any time of the year. The best time is during the dry months: January, February, June, July, August, September, and December.
Animals gather at water sources during this time, making them easier to see. Roads are also easier to use, which helps with walking and camping.
The wet months are March, April, May, October, and November. These months are good for birding but not ideal for driving because roads can be muddy.
Where to Stay
There are many places to stay in Selous. These include budget, midrange, and luxury tented camps such as Jimbiza Lodge, Rufiji River Camp, Africa Safari Camp, Sand River Selous, Selous Serena Camp, Beho Beho, Lake Manze Camp, Siwandu Camp, Sable Mountain Lodge, Selous Mbuyu Safari Camp, Mivumo River Lodge, Selous Wilderness Camp, Selous River Camp, Roho ya Selous Camp, Selous Impala Camp, Selous Kulinda Camp, Selous Mbega Camp, The Retreat, Selous Ngalawa Camp, and many others.
How to Get There
Selous is about 219 kilometers southwest of Dar es Salaam. You can get there by air, road, or railway.
- By Air: You can take a light aircraft from Dar es Salaam (45 minutes) or from Ruaha (about 90 minutes).
- By Road: From Dar es Salaam, you can drive through Matambwe Gate, passing Mikumi National Park (about 4 hours). Another route is through Mloka and Kibiti to Mtemere Gate, which takes about 6 hours.
- By Train: You can also take the Tanzania-Zambia Railway (TAZARA) from Dar es Salaam through the countryside to Matambwe.
