At an unbelievable 55,000 sq km, the Selous is almost twice the size of Belgium, is larger than Switzerland and is four times larger than the famous Serengeti in the north, covering 5% of Tanzania’s land area.
The Selous’ ecosystem as a whole is made up of a few conservation areas, namely Mikumi in the North and the Kilombero game controlled area in the West, covering in total over 90,000 sq km of pristine wilderness devoid of human influence. Fed by the mighty Rufiji River, the largest river in East Africa which drains most of South Western Tanzania’s water, this reserve is home to over a million large animals and is home to over half of Tanzania’s elephant population.
The Selous also contains about one third of the worlds' population of wild dog (often called painted dogs). Their need to roam vast areas and their formidable hunting skills have caused many to be shot by farmers, but here in Selous they have boundless woodlands and savannahs in which to roam.
However, one of the major attractions has to be the mighty river itself, home to one of the largest crocodile and hippo populations in Africa, swarming with fish which in turn bring about some of the world’s best water birding. Navigable by boat, the river has created a myriad of water channels and lakes and to view game from the water adds an extra dimension to your safari.
Walking in the Selous is a speciality and is reputed to be one of the best places in the world to safari on foot. Spend a night or two in a mobile fly camp, surrounded only by the sights and sounds of the bush and your own personal guide will teach you about the more intricate detail of the bush.
With over 2,100 species of plants, 350 species of birds, 60,000 elephant, 108,000 buffalos and an estimated 1,300 of the worlds’ 4,000 (approx.) remaining rare wild dogs, the Selous Game Reserve gives guests an opportunity to game view in a true unspoilt wilderness.
