Selous Game Reserve

Selous Game Reserve now known as Nyere National Park is Africa’s largest game reserve. Secluded and off the beaten track Selous offers visitors a slice of undisturbed wilderness. The park is teeming with a spectacular array of fauna and flora. Selous (pronounced ‘seloo’), named after the great explorer and hunter, Frederick Courtney Selous. The area is a World Heritage Site due to its dramatic landscapes and great diversity of wildlife. The Selous is one of the few big game reserves to allow hiking, offering wildlife enthusiasts the chance to explore Tanzania’s pristine landscapes on foot.

At the heart of the Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania’s largest river, the Rufiji, forms a complex network of channels, lakes and swamps that create one of the most outstanding ecological systems in East Africa. This river also splits the reserve into two different sections: The northern Selous covers only around 5% of the reserve’s total area. No hunting is allowed here; this area is dedicated exclusively to photographic safaris. The southern Selous, south of the Rufiji, is split up into a number of ‘hunting blocks’ – each of which typically cover about 1,000km². The vast majority, about 90%, of the Selous Reserve is used for trophy hunting. With a lot of dense bush this part of the reserve is much less interesting than the northern section. Ahnasa Destinations doesn’t endorse hunting, or arrange any hunting trips.

highlights

Game Drives

Game drives in Selous are rewarding. Especially towards the end of the dry season as this is when large mammals concentrate around the five lakes. Besides the thrilling wildlife, the reserve offers a beautiful variety of habitats. From the Miombo woodlands, open grasslands, riverine forests to the swamps. The Selous Game Reserve is a valued laboratory for on-going ecological and biological processes. Adding to diverse landscape are the hot volcanic springs, sporadic lakes and channels from the nearby Great Rhuha River and Rufiji River the lifeblood of the park.

Boat Safaris

Boat safaris on the lakes and rivers allow you to drift gently by. Guests gain a different perspective to the park. It’s an opportunity to approach closer to birds and animals, including crocodile and hippo.

Walking Safari

A walking safari in Selous is an enlightening experience. A chance to discover how the ecosystem of the bush works. For safety, this activity is only available from age 12 years up. The park’s majestic river, open plains, dense woodlands and lakes make it ideal for exploring on foot. During the walking safari, your guide will explain the fascinating nuances of the bush’s wildlife and the vegetation. There is a real likelihood of encountering big game such as elephant, buffalo and even lion on foot.

Flying Camping

For the adventurous traveller looking for a more intimate taste of African nature, flying camping is an ideal option. A small temporary camp set up in the bush, dinner cooked over a fire, drinks served around the campfire, under the stars. Spend the night in a cosy tent by the river’s edge, falling asleep to the sounds of the African night.

Wildlife

Selous is one of the greatest African wilderness areas. It supports some of the largest numbers of wildlife in Africa. This remote and secluded reserve is home to enormous herds of wildlife. Wildlife sustained by the Rufiji River. Visitors to Selous often enjoy glorious solitude, as the park does not have large numbers of visitors. Expect to encounter vast herds of buffalo, over 130 000 strong, large families of hippo and exceptionally big groups of antelope and other wildlife. Selous is one of the most important sanctuaries in Africa for the endangered African wild dog, sable and puku antelope. With huge populations of crocodile, hippo, spotted hyena and leopard as well, the is one of the best reserves for wildlife viewing.

Birdlife

With more than 440 bird species recorded in the Selous, this reserve is a birders paradise.

The many lakes are home to a variety of water birds. Pink-backed pelicans, African skimmers and giant kingfishers are only a few. Pairs of trumpeter hornbill and purple-crested turaco can also be seen between the riparian trees. Also worth looking out for among a catalogue of egrets and herons is the Malagasy squacco heron, a regular winter visitor, while the elusive Pel’s fishing owl often emerges at dusk to hawk above the water.

Best time to visit

Wildlife viewing in Selous Game Reserve is best from late June to October. This is the Dry season and wildlife is easier to spot since animals gather at water sources and vegetation is thinner. The scenery is lush and green in the Wet season, from October to May, but afternoons can be unbearably hot. Many lodges close from March through May.

Selous Game Reserve

Selous Game Reserve

highlights

Game Drives

Boat Safaris

Walking Safari

Flying Camping

Wildlife

Birdlife

Best time to visit

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