Selous National Park

The Selous Game Reserve is a hidden gem, with only 1% of Tanzania's tourists venturing to this part of the country. It is renowned as one of Africa's last remaining untouched wilderness areas. Its vast savannah stretches as far as the eye can see, offering a rare opportunity to go days without encountering another car or traveler.

One of the highlights of this game reserve is the Rufiji River, a majestic river teeming with crocodiles and hippos. Together with the Great Ruaha River, it forms a river delta, providing incredible game viewing opportunities and some of the most thrilling boat safaris in East Africa.

History of Selous

The Selous Game Reserve was initially established as a protected area in 1896 by the German Governor of Tanganyika, Hermann von Wissmann. In 1905, it was transformed into a hunting reserve and was officially named Selous Game Reserve in 1922 (hunting is no longer permitted). Its name pays homage to Frederick Courtney Selous, a renowned hunter and friend of the colonialist Cecil Rhodes. Selous tragically lost his life in 1917 to a German sniper and was laid to rest in Beho Beho within the game reserve.

It wasn't until the 1940s that the reserve reached its massive size, and in 1982, it was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In 2019, the Tanzanian government, under President Magufuli, allocated a significant portion of the territory to create a new national park, which is now under the management of TANAPA, the national park agency.

President Magufuli also controversially planned the construction of a mega dam to provide hydroelectricity to surrounding villages. This decision has faced criticism from both conservationists and economists.

Wildlife in Selous Game Reserve

Selous boasts an impressive density of wildlife, making it one of Tanzania's premier safari destinations. The reserve is home to 40,000 hippos, 120,000-150,000 buffalo, 100,000 wildebeests, and 35,000 zebras, all thriving in an area comparable in size to Denmark.

The abundance of prey attracts a diverse range of predators, including 4,000 lions, as well as leopards, hyenas, and crocodiles. Selous is also a sanctuary for rare species such as the African wild dog, with 50% of its population residing here, and the sable and puku antelopes.


How to Reach Selous Game Reserve

There are several transportation options for reaching this remote wilderness. The most convenient method is by plane from Dar es Salaam or the nearby Ruaha National Park.
The flight from Dar es Salaam to Selous takes approximately 45 minutes, while it would take around 90 minutes from Ruaha.

For those seeking a scenic route, a car journey offers breathtaking views. The drive from Dar es Salaam takes between 4 to 6 hours and passes through the equally stunning Mikumi National Park, providing two adventures in one.

Adventurous travelers may opt for the unique experience of taking the TAZARA train line from Dar es Salaam to Zambia. This train passes through Selous and offers a four to five-hour journey with stunning views and the chance to see wildlife directly from the train. However, be aware that the train is notorious for its delays.

When to Visit Selous Game Reserve

The best time to visit Selous, like most national parks in Tanzania, is during the dry season from June to October. During this period, the sparse vegetation makes it easier to spot wildlife.

The rainy season from March to May and late October to mid-December can make the roads impassable and animals harder to spot. For bird enthusiasts, the shorter dry season from mid-December to March is highly recommended. This is when many migratory birds settle in Selous. If you're hoping to catch a glimpse of the elusive wild dog, June to August is the ideal time, as it is their denning season.

Things to Do in Selous Game Reserve

There are numerous ways to explore the park, including game drives, river rafting safaris, boat cruises, fishing, and walking safaris. For a truly unique experience, consider embarking on a hot air balloon safari or indulging in fly camping. Bird enthusiasts can marvel at the 440 species of birds from a boat, while also enjoying sightings of hippo pods and crocodiles patiently awaiting their prey.