Enjoy exploring the stunning World Heritage listed Selous Game Reserve.  Within this spectacular Reserve you can enjoy secluded and up-close game viewing via easy walking safaris, quiet game drives and the unusual boating safaris.

Location & size:

Selous Game Reserve is situated in Southern Tanzania, with the Rufiji River running through it.  At over 50,000km², Selous Game Reserve is the largest in Africa and covers 5% of the country’s land area.

Landscapes & vegetation:

Designated as a World Heritage Site, Selous is one of the remaining great wilderness areas of quintessential Africa.  Selous is unspoiled by human habitation.  Selous Game Reserve consists of vast plains punctuated by hills and occasional rocky outcrops cut by the mighty Rufiji River. 

The Rufiji River sustains the abundant wildlife, with a myriad of tributaries forming a network of lakes and lagoons connected by channels of water.  On our boat safari, you will see that the banks of the Rufiji River gradually give way to the rocky cliffs of the spectacular Stieglers’ Gorge.  Here the river narrows from over a mile wide to less than 100m wide. 

Selous Game Reserve also has a number of permanent volcanic springs that bubble up to the surface.  Soaking in these volcanic hot springs makes for a relaxing afternoon at any time of the year.

Mammals:

Selous Game Reserve is home to a proliferation of wildlife, including some of Tanzania’s largest populations of elephants and buffalos.  Selous is a sanctuary for the endangered and spectacular African Wild Dog (aka Painted Dogs) with about one third of Africa’s remaining populations being found in this Reserve.  Critically endangered black rhinos cling to life in the depths of Selous Game Reserve. 

hippos are common in the river and a variety of antelopes graze on the riverbanks. These include hartebeest, greater kudu, sable antelope, eland, reedbuck, bushbuck, waterbuck, comical warthog and giraffe.  With some luck, we may spot the elusive leopard here.

During the dry season an amazing amount of wildlife congregates in and around the river, which provides some respite from the heat.  At this time, the elephants are on the move on their ancient migration between Selous and Mozambique’s neighbouring Niassa Reserve. 

Birds:

With over 440 bird species occurring here, Selous Game Reserve is recognised internationally as an Important Bird Area (IBA).  The riverbanks are populated by a myriad of birds.  During your boat safari, you will be able to sit quietly in the boat and listen to the sound of the water and the orchestra of birds.  Watch as African fish eagles swoop down to catch fish & Saddle-billed storks wade in the water.

Birding in Selous - more info

Reptiles & fish:

As in other Tanzania parks with large rivers, Selous is home to a good number of Crocodiles.  In addition, see active Nile monitors around the river and sunning themselves in the mornings.  A large variety of other reptiles occur here also, including the enigmatic Mozambique Agama, Tree gecko and south-eastern green-snake.

Vandu catfish with primitive lungs pull themselves from pool to pool in search of water during the dry season. 

Herping in Selous - more info

Views across Selous Game Reserve

Visit Selous Game Reserve on our Tanzania Safaris: