Description: This untouched uninhabited area is home to the biggest herds of elephant and other wildlife to be found anywhere in the world. The large meandering Rufiji River with its network of channels, connecting lakes and lagoons offers visitors the unique opportunity to go on safari by boat and experience the spectacular concentration of wildlife from an unusual perspective, especially during the dry season when animals congregate.
Game drives and walking excursions are also very rewarding. There are elephant, hippos and rhino (although few now remain). This reserve contains about one third of all the wild dogs (often called painted dogs), in the world.
Location: Southern Tanzania, between Ruaha and Dar es Salaam, usually reached by flight from Arusha or Dar es Salaam. Works nicely with a visit to Ruaha National Park. Can be reached by vehicle from Dar es Salaam and Arusha with long drives. It is also possible to arrive by train from Dar es Salaam.
Things 2 Do: Game Drives, Boat Safaris, Walking Safaris, Fly Camping
Time: Given the distance, spend at least 3 nights. Best during the dry season.
Animals: All the usual: Elephant, Nyassa Wildebeest, Crawshays Zebra, Masai Giraffe, several different antelopes, African Buffalo, Lion, Leopard and primates (Reddish-green Vervet Monkey, Yellow Baboon, Tanzanian Sykes Monkey and Peters’s Angolan Colobus). Tanzania as a whole contains approximately 20% of the overall wild dog population, with Selous having the largest single population in Africa.
Accommodations
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Jimbiza Selous Lodge
Lake Manze
Rufiji River Camp
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Beho Beho
Serena Mivumo River Lodge
The Retreat Selous
Sand Rivers Camp
Selous Impala Camp
Selous Safari Camp
Selous Wildlife Lodge
Selous Wilderness Camp
“Karen was very helpful in planning our trip and we could not have asked for it to turn out any better. Going to Africa on a Safari had been on my bucket list since I was in high school. And they went over and above to make my dream come true. It was the most amazing trip I have ever been on. I love the way they set up our campsites from primitive to luxury. I loved every camp we went too. The first and second was a little scary from time to time hearing the roaring, screaming and chatting throughout the night from the elephants, lions, zebras and hyenas. I would not have changed one thing about the trip. And then when we got to Zanzibar at The Baraza Resort it was absolutely beautiful and the staff was over the top very friendly and was there to take care of us the entire trip. We felt like kings and queens. We went into Stone Town one day and really enjoyed that tour, and of course shopping. I would definitely recommend them for your trip to Tanzania.”