ATTRACTIONS IN SELOUS GAME RESERVE IN TANZANIA
OVERVIEW:
Selous is one of Africa's largest wildlife reserve and also the continent's second-largest conservation area at 50,000 square kilometers with a plethora of amazing features. It's noteworthy to note that it's almost four times larger than the Serengeti National park. Since Selous is one of the most isolated game reserves in Tanzania, it is worthwhile to go on a safari there. This will allow you to have a less crowded Tanzanian safari experience. The Selous is home to a wide variety of wild species due to its intricate and distinctive beauty, which is why UNESCO designated it a world heritage site in 1982.
KEY ACTIVITIES AT SELOUS GAME RESERVE
THE RUFIJI RIVER
The Selous Reserve is traversed by the largest river in Tanzania, the Rufiji, which creates a vast network of wetlands, waterways, and little "lakes. As a result, a variety of water sources are created, which draw a lot of wild animals, including enormous herds of antelopes and elephants, particularly during the dry season. While on a Tanzanian safari in Selous, this river is also well-known for its exhilarating boat rides. It's also important to note that the powerful Rufiji River divides the reserve into two main areas: the southern area is divided into hunting blocks, and the northern area is devoted to photographic safaris.
BIRDS IN SELOUS GAME RESERVE
More than 440 different bird species may be found in the Selous, and the best places to watch them are along the beaches of lakes and the Rufiji River. The White-backed night heron, Spur-winged lapwing, Palm-nut vulture, African wattled lapwing, Brown-necked Parrot, White-headed Lapwing, Black-winged stilt, White-fronted bee-eater, White-fronted plover, Pearl-spotted owlet, and Black-winged stilt are just a few of the amazing species found here.
ANIMALS IN SELOUS GAME RESERVE
Selous is one of the best places in Africa to go on a wildlife safari when we look at the variety of giant species that call it home. About 110,000 elephants, 35,000 zebras, 40,000 hippos, 25,000 impalas, 150,000 buffalos, and perhaps 4,000 lions—the highest number in Africa—are found in the Selous. Rhinos, brindled gnu, Nyasaland gnu, sable antelope, eland, greater kudu, waterbuck, hartebeest, giraffe, reedbuck, warthog, spotted hyena, lion, leopard, and hunting dogs are all included.
There are numerous game-watching safari excursions available in this reserve since wildlife viewing is one of the main tourist attractions in Selous. There are several journeys available by car, boat, or foot. For instance, boat safaris let you gently navigate rivers and waterways while passing through animal and bird habitats, giving you up-close views of creatures like crocodiles and hippos. For those who are old enough (typically 12 years old), a handful of hotels also provide guided nature walks, which offer excellent opportunities to interact with large animals like elephants and buffaloes.
The end of the dry season is the ideal time to see game in the Selous since it's when many large mammals congregate around the five lakes and other surviving water sources, making game drives extremely rewarding.
Unfortunately, the strong demand for ivory on the black market in the 1970s and 1980s had an impact on many animal species, particularly elephants, as a result of criminal actions like poaching.
SELOUS DISTINCTIVE VEGETATION
Generally speaking, the Selous wildlife reserve is distinguished from the rest of Tanzania by its distinctive forest cover. Both a deciduous Miombo forest and forested savanna grasslands dominate its enormous regions. However, the Selous' distinctive ecology also includes large water woods, dense shrubs with thorns, and rocky outcrops.
FREDRICK SELOUS’S GRAVE
The Selous Game Reserve bears the name of Frederick Courteney Selous, an early British explorer and naturalist who was slain and buried there during World War I. You will be able to see his gravestone, which is located under a tamarind tree. He served as Cecil John Rhodes' right-hand man in his attempt to subjugate the modern-day nation of Zimbabwe to the British Empire. In 1899, he was briefly disgraced for speaking out against the English people's war against the Boer Republics in South Africa.
At the age of sixty, Fredrick Selous was appointed Captain of the 25th Royal Fusiliers during World War I and was awarded a DSO in 1916. He spearheaded the pursuit of the German guerrilla army that controlled southern Tanzania due to his extensive knowledge of these regions.
Unfortunately while struggling in this bush battle along River Rufiji’s banks against Schutztruppen a German colonialist, on the 4th January 1917, he was out numbered and shot by a German sniper in the head near to his location of death, he was buried on the northern border of the Selous wildlife reserve at a place called Beho
SELOUS’S LAKE TAGALALA
The oxbow-shaped Lake Tagalala is surrounded by decaying trees that typically drown, especially during the rainy season when the water levels are high. Lake Tagalala draws a lot of zebras, buffaloes, elephants, impalas, and many other herbivores as the dry season begins and most of the Selous becomes dry. As a result, numerous predators, including lions, are drawn to this abundance of prey. Additionally, this lake's shallows are home to a wide variety of bird species, making Selous Game Reserve an excellent location for game drives and birdwatching.
Many tourists who come to this lake on a Tanzanian safari typically take a refreshing dip in the nearby hot spring, while others choose to go on a boat ride for birdwatching and game viewing, while still others just use their safari vehicles to spot wildlife.
ACCOMMODATIONS
SAND RIVERS SELOUS
Perched along the mighty Rufiji River, Sand Rivers gives you that classic “open-fronted cottage in the bush” vibe. It’s perfect for travelers who want a touch of adventure — think river excursions, walking safaris, and even fly-camping for the brave.
SELOUS IMPALA CAMP
If you're searching for something relaxed but still comfortable, Selous Impala Camp hits the sweet spot. Raised tents overlook the river, the atmosphere is peaceful, and the camp runs mostly on solar power — perfect for eco-minded travelers.
SELOUS WILDERNESS CAMP
For the traveler who wants the feeling of being far from it all, Selous Wilderness Camp is a great pick. With tents tucked away along the Rufiji River, it offers a raw safari feel but with enough comfort to relax after a long day in the bush.
SELOUS RIVER CAMP
This is one of the most affordable and friendly options in Selous. With a mix of riverbank rooms and traditional safari tents, Selous River Camp is ideal for those who want to experience the reserve without splurging on high-end luxury.
BEHO BEHO
Beho Beho is a masterpiece. Stone bandas overlook the rolling hills, and the guiding reputation here is outstanding. It’s peaceful, intimate, and deeply photogenic.
CONCLUSION
Selous Game Reserve is one of those rare places where wild Africa still feels truly untouched. Its sweeping landscapes, winding river channels, and thriving wildlife populations create a safari experience that is both peaceful and thrilling. Whether you’re drifting along the Rufiji River at sunset, tracking animals on foot, or watching elephants wander past your tent, Selous offers a level of intimacy and authenticity that’s hard to find in more crowded parks.
. If you’re looking for a safari that balances adventure with serenity, and wildlife with wide-open space, Selous Game Reserve is a place you’ll never forget.