Selous Game Reserve
Southern Tanzania Region
Selous Game Reserve, renamed in part as Nyerere National Park, is a vast protected wilderness in southern Tanzania covering around 50,000 square kilometers. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized for its rich biodiversity and undisturbed natural habitats including grasslands, miombo woodlands, and riverine zones. The reserve supports some of Africa's most iconic and endangered species such as bush elephants, black rhinoceros, lions, leopards, and African wild dogs. The Rufiji River, flowing through the park, is a key ecological feature supporting hippos and crocodiles and is a designated photographic zone popular with tourists. Visitors can experience diverse safari activities including game drives, walking safaris, boating on the Rufiji, and fly camping. The reserve's vastness means wildlife densities are lower than in northern parks, but its wilderness quality remains exceptional. Access is mostly by small aircraft, with some road and rail options, and several high-end lodges offer accommodation along the river and lakes. Conservation challenges include poaching and controversial developments such as uranium mining and the Stiegler's Gorge hydroelectric dam, which may impact the ecosystem and local communities.
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Tip: The best time to visit Selous Game Reserve is during the dry season, when wildlife is easier to spot near water sources. Booking safaris and accommodations in advance is recommended due to limited access and lodge capacity. Visitors should consider guided walking safaris and boat trips on the Rufiji River for unique wildlife experiences. Photographic zones along the Rufiji are especially popular for wildlife viewing. Be aware of conservation rules and support eco-friendly operators to help protect this fragile ecosystem.
Interesting facts
- •Selous once held the world's largest elephant population with approximately 109,000 elephants in 1976, which declined sharply to about 13,000 by 2013 due to poaching.
- •The Rufiji River, flowing through the reserve, empties into the Indian Ocean opposite Mafia Island and features the dramatic Stiegler's Gorge, nearly 100 meters deep.
- •Selous is one of the few Tanzanian parks allowing walking safaris, offering a unique close-to-nature experience.
- •The reserve is a stronghold for the endangered African wild dog, one of the continent's most threatened predators.
History
The Selous Game Reserve was first protected in 1896 by German colonial authorities and became a hunting reserve in 1905.
It was named after Frederick Selous, a renowned big game hunter and conservationist who died in the area during World War I.
The reserve was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982 due to its ecological significance.
In 2019, part of the reserve was renamed Nyerere National Park, becoming Africa's largest national park.
Over the decades, the reserve has faced challenges including poaching that drastically reduced elephant populations and recent controversies over mining and hydroelectric projects that threaten its natural habitats.
Place Guide
Rufiji River Photographic Zone
A scenic and wildlife-rich area along the Rufiji River designated for photographic safaris, known for hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife.
Stiegler's Gorge
A dramatic canyon nearly 100 meters deep and wide, located within the reserve and notable for its geological and ecological significance.
Miombo Woodlands
Extensive woodlands of miombo trees forming a key habitat for many species within the reserve, contributing to its biodiversity.
Contact
Phone: 027 297 0404
