SELOUS GAME RESERVE
The game
reserve gets its name from the hunter-explorer Frederick
Courtney Selous, whose books about his exploits were
best sellers in Victorian England. Selous was killed by
an Elephant in early 1900's during the First World War.
The Selous Game Reserve is the largest protected
wildlife area in Africa. Only in the Serengeti will
visitors see a greater concentration of wildlife.
Yet Selous boasts Tanzania's largest population of
elephant as well as large numbers of buffalo, hippo and
wild dog.
The remaining African Black Rhinos are also dominating
the reserve. Other species commonly seen are sable
antelope, bushbuck, impala, giraffe, lion, eland,
baboon, zebra, crocodiles, leopard and greater kudu.
The topography of Selous varies from rolling savannah
woodland, grassland plains and rocky outcrops cut by the
Rufiji River and its tributaries, the Kilombero and
Luwegu, which together cover the greatest catchments
area in East Africa.
The Rufiji, which flows from north to south, provides
the life-blood of the Selous and sailing or rafting down
the river is a wonderful method of seeing game,
especially during the dry season between June and
October. The Rufiji River outside the reserve has a
delta which accommodates numerous birdlife species
appropriate for the bird watchers to visit.
Walking safaris can be arranged after along time of
drive with 4x4 vehicles. Appreciate will be made for the
advance booking of walking safaris.
SEASONS
Dry Season: The dry season sets in during June to November and is the best time for game viewing along the rivers. Elephants come out of the bush at that time and predators are more commonly seen.
Rainy Season: January to April is wonderful for birdlife ad lush scenery but many roads become impassable after heavy rains. December to February is still good for game viewing but can be rather hot and humid. The safari lodges are usually closed from March to May.
SELOUS SPECIALITIES
• Rare and endangered Wild Dog
• Boat game viewing
• Fishing
• Thousands of migrating elephants
• Walking safaris
• Huge wilderness
ACCOMMODATIONS IN SELOUS:-
- Sable Mountain Lodge - The friendly and relaxed Sable Mountain Lodge is about halfway between Matambwe gate and Kisaki village on the northern western boundary of the reserve, in an area known for elephants. The cosy and confortable en suite stone cottages all have views. The are also four tented banda, two of which are honeymoon suites, a tree overlooking a water hole, a spring water swimming pool an snug for stargazing the ultimate relaxation. Free pick-ups and drop-offs are provided to the Kisaki station and staff are very helpful if you're travelling independently.
- Rufiji River Camp - This long standing and unpretentious camp has a fine location on a wide bend in the Rufuji River about 1km inside Mtemere gate. The 20 en suite tents all have river views, there's a suset terrace and a small library.
- Selous Impala Camp - The attractive Selous Impala Camp is beautifully set on the river bank near Lake Mzizimia amidst borassus palms and other vegetation. With just six tents, it's one of the smallest of the Selous Camps.
- Selous Jimbiza Lodge
- Selous Wilderness Camp
- Selous Big 5 Lodge
- Selous Riverside Camp
- Selous Mbega Camp - This laid-back camp is conveniently located about 500m ouside the eastern boundary of the Selous near Mtemere gate and about 3km from Mloka village. It's ab excellent budget choise, with eight pleasant tents set in the folige a bit back from the riverbank. Each has three beds, a bathroom and veranda. There's also a tree house overlooking a water hole and a small camping ground (for which you'll need to be self-sufficient with food). The camp is open year around. Pick-ups and drop-offs to and from Mloka are free.
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