Selous Game Reserve is the largest game reserve in Africa and one of the most pristine wilderness areas on the continent. Established in 1922, it spans over 50,000 square kilometers—covering approximately 5% of Tanzania’s total land area. This vast, UNESCO World Heritage Site offers an exceptional safari experience with unmatched biodiversity and fewer crowds than more frequented parks.
The southern part of Selous remains a restricted zone—undisturbed and heavily forested, featuring dramatic cliffs and dense vegetation. Visitors are permitted to explore the northern section, located above the Rufiji River. This accessible area is rich in natural beauty, with sweeping grasslands, river systems, miombo woodlands, rolling hills, and expansive plains. A defining feature of the reserve is the Rufiji River, the largest river catchment in East Africa. It supports an incredible variety of aquatic and land-based wildlife, making boat safaris a unique way to experience the region. The river is vital to the ecosystem and offers excellent opportunities to observe animals such as crocodiles, hippos, and a wide array of birdlife.
Selous is home to an extraordinary range of wildlife, including elephants, buffalo, rhinos, antelope, giraffes, wildebeest, warthogs, and predators like lions, leopards, and cheetahs. Bird enthusiasts will also find a paradise here, with more than 350 species recorded, from colorful bee-eaters to majestic fish eagles. The best time to visit Selous Game Reserve is during the dry season, from July through October, when wildlife congregates around water sources and visibility is at its best.
