Selous Game Reserve, A Unique East Africa Safari Destination : Have you imagined being on Tanzania safari in the Selous Game Reserve, the largest game reserve in Africa? How have ever though how big is Selous Game Reserve, that it got declared as the biggest game reserve in Africa? This giant game reserve boasts a total area of about 54600 square kilometers in the Southern Circuit of Tanzania. You may be wondering where this spectacular reserve got its name. It is named after Fredrick Courteney Selous who was a great conservationist, explorer and hunter and was established in 1922. By considering its vast unspoiled nature and wildlife, UNESCO declared it as a World Heritage Site in 1982.
Where is Selous Game Reserve located in Tanzania?
Selous Game Reserve is located at about 240 kilometers in the southwest of Dar es Salaam. You may access it by road either on a public or private transport, and it is accessible through chartered flights. Visiting this park is sensational and once-in-a-lifetime experience as you encounter many attractions including;
Wildlife: Beautiful wild animals including the famous Big Five animals reside this splendid destination. African elephants are ones of the animals that are frequently encountered in the Selous among the Big Five and black rhino and leopard are rare. Their encounters are occasional. Other animals are the brindled gnu, waterbuck, hartebeest, reedbuck, warthog antelope, cheetahs, crocodiles, hippos, wildebeests, giraffes, eland, greater kudu, African wild dogs, hyenas and Nyasaland gnu. In short, Selous Game Reserve offers you the sightings of all the Big Five animals, which are elephant, lion, buffalo, black rhino and leopard.
Birdlife: Selous Game Reserve is home to over 440 bird species that are frequently encountered in the lush forest as well as in the shores of lakes and River Rufiji. The migratory birds settle for nesting and breeding between November and April. Therefore, from November to April is the best time to visit Selous Game Reserve for birding. Some bird species, which are encountered frequently in this reserve, include broad-billed roller, white-headed vulture, white-fronted bee-eater, palm-nut vulture, African spoonbill, Bohm’s bee-eater, white-backed night heron, Spur-winged lapwing, Pel’s fishing owl, White-fronted plover, African skimmer, Yellow-billed stork, Pearl-spotted owlet, Black-winged stilt, Brown-necked parrot, White-headed lapwing, African wattled lapwing and many others.
Unique vegetation; Selous Game Reserve consists of lush forests, open grasslands, savanna woodlands, rocky outcrops and kopjes, which stretches from one region to another. Forests are made of tall Miombo trees (a Swahili word for baobab) and acacia trees which are good settlements for birds and primates. Rocky outcrops are made of thick shrubs, which have thorns and spines. You have to walk carefully in these lands.
Lake Tagalala; this is like a “lifeline” of Selous Game Reserve during the dry season. It receives large herds of elephants, buffalos, antelopes, impalas, warthogs, zebras and many others coming for water. You will also see the Tokitoki prides of lions and other predators looking for easy preys in the shore of this lake. Water-loving birds are also available in the shallow waters of this lake.
Activities/things to do in Selous Game Reserve;
Visiting the Grave of Fredrick Selous; As I said earlier, Fredrick Courteney Selous was a British conservationist, explorer and hunter. He was the captain of the 25th-Royal-Fusiliers under Cecil Rhodes. Selous was shot dead by a German sniper in 1917 during the First World War.
Hot air balloon; Like Serengeti, Selous Game Reserve offers a bird-eye view experience to its visitors. You will explore the vast lands of this reserve and wild animals on a hot air balloon. This safari starts at 5:00 a.m. in the morning. You start refreshing your mind with a cup of coffee made in Tanzania. The most difficult part during this safari is during the take-off. All instructions will be given prior to this safari. You will have to carry your lunch box in case your safari takes so long time.
Game drives; Selous Game Reserve offers three types of game drives, which are morning, afternoon and night game drives. Morning game drive is superb because most animals are inactive, birds are still on their nests and big cats like cheetahs and leopards are still exposed to sunlight before hiding in trees to hunt or avoid sunlight. Afternoon drive is also wonderful. Nevertheless, the big cats have hidden in the trees. Many animals hide in tree shadows, so it will not be easy to spot them. Night game drive is conducted for encountering the nocturnal species.
Walking safaris; Most lodges, camps and hotels offer guided nature walks for their visitors. An armed ranger must be available to keep you safe. You will encounter animals like antelopes, buffaloes, wildebeest and elephants on your nature walks. Nature walk is also an exercise for those who want to warm up in the African wilderness.
Boat safaris and canoeing; River Rufiji is navigable by either a canoe or a boat. You will encounter various species like crocodiles and hippos while on your canoe. Birding is also superb when you on a canoe safari. Water birds and other colorful singing birds prefer to stay close to this river for obtaining water.
Unveiling the wonders and beauties of the inaugural Selous Game Reserve is once-in—a-lifetime experience that you will never forget in your life. Consider consulting Explore African Safaris, and start planning a visit to this off the beaten path destination and thank me later.
