Selous Game Reserve Safari Tanzania

Discounted Selous Safari Packages

The History

The Selous Game Reserve is one of the largest and oldest protected areas in Africa. It was established in 1922 and named after British explorer, hunter, and conservationist Frederick Selous. The reserve covers an area of 50,000 square kilometers in the southern part of Tanzania and is renowned for its diverse and unspoiled wilderness.

The history of Selous Game Reserve is deeply intertwined with the colonial and post-colonial periods of Tanzania. During the time of British rule, the reserve was an important hunting ground for big game and became a popular destination for European royalty and aristocrats. However, as the need for conservation efforts became evident, the boundaries of the reserve were expanded and a ban on hunting was established to protect the diverse wildlife and ecosystems of the area.

In 1982, the Selous Game Reserve was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its exceptional natural beauty and ecological significance. The reserve is home to a vast array of wildlife, including the iconic African elephant, black rhinoceros, lion, and giraffe. Additionally, the Rufiji River, which flows through the reserve, supports a rich diversity of aquatic life and provides vital water resources for the surrounding flora and fauna. Today, the Selous Game Reserve continues to be an important stronghold for wildlife conservation and a popular destination for eco-tourism.

The Landscapes 

The Selous Game Reserve is re-known for its diverse and beautiful landscapes. From open grassy plains to thick forests and winding rivers, the reserve offers a wide range of habitats for various wildlife species. The Rufiji River, which runs through the reserve, is a prominent feature and adds to the breathtaking scenery with its meandering channels and lush riverine vegetation.

The Miombo woodlands, which cover a large portion of the reserve, are home to a variety of bird species and other wildlife, such as elephants, giraffes, and lions. The riverine forests along the Rufiji River provide shelter for numerous bird species, including shoebills and African skimmers. The reserve also contains a large number of lakes, which attract a diversity of waterbirds and wildlife.

The landscapes of the Selous Game Reserve not only support a rich ecosystem but also offer visitors stunning views and unique opportunities for wildlife sightings. It is a place where wildlife and nature come together in harmony, creating a truly magical and awe-inspiring setting for all who have the privilege to visit. With its vast and varied landscapes, the Selous Game Reserve is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts alike.

Wildlife in Selous Game Reserve

The safari tours by jeep that travel across the Selous started in the early hours of the morning. After a short drive you will encounter some of the Africa fascinating wildlife by meeting with a number of giraffe as tall as trees staring at you.

The adult giraffe can reach up to an approximately height of about five and half meters and they are so ubiquitous in the Selous game reserve than anywhere else in Tanzania and the East African region.

There are also many African buffalos, the Rufiji River and the local terrain supply them with the good supply of drinking water and food. One of the most remarkable feature of the Selous game reserve is the amazing variety of the fauna and flora.

The vegetation on the banks of the Rufiji and its many tributaries contain a huge variety of plant life. Around three quarter of the Selous is covered by dense miombo forest that have adapted to this region long dry period.

Not all of the 52,000 km square of the Selous is having to the public hunting is permitted to some areas of the Selous game reserve is it restricted controlled.

Selous Safaris are done in the hunting free areas north of great Ruaha and Rufiji River. These two rivers offers refugees to the most successful river hunters the “Crocodile” which are often found in large number in various parts of the rivers. Baboons are obviously observed drinking un-worryingly of the crocodiles since they good runners and they knows how to escapes crocodiles successfully.  The waters and swamps lands of the northern Selous game reserves are home to large number of hippopotamus. On the top of the nearby trees you may spot vultures waiting patiently for another chance to feed on the carcass.

The vastness of the Selous game reserves is due to the fact that natural terrain made difficult for men to settle here. In addition to the wildlife the local of plants are also more fascinating here is large variety of vegetation around the quarter of the reserve is covered by savannah.