The Selous Game Reserve is a vast, untamed wilderness of global significance, larger than many countries and one of the largest protected game areas on Earth. Its lifeblood is the mighty Rufiji River, which with its tributaries and lakes, forms a complex and vital ecosystem. The reserve was named in honor of Frederick Selous, a renowned British big-game hunter and early conservationist.

The reserve covers a staggering 50,000 square kilometers and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982 due to its immense biodiversity and pristine ecosystems. Tragically, it was placed on the List of World Heritage in Danger in 2014 due to widespread poaching. It was historically renowned for its large populations of elephants and African wild dogs.

Climate
The reserve experiences a hot, tropical climate. The dry season, from June to October, is the best time for game viewing, as wildlife concentrates around the remaining lakes and channels of the Rufiji River system. The wet season, from November to May, brings heavy rains that transform the landscape into a lush, green paradise, ideal for bird watching and boat safaris, though some areas may become inaccessible.

Getting There
The most common and efficient way to reach the remote Selous is by flight. Scheduled and chartered flights from Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, or Arusha land at several airstrips within the reserve, such as Mtemere Airstrip. Reaching the reserve by road from Dar es Salaam is possible but is a long journey, taking approximately 5-7 hours (around 250 km) on a mix of tarmacked and rough roads.

Attractions
The Selous Game Reserve offers a uniquely diverse safari experience, famous for its walking safaris and boat trips along the Rufiji River, which provide a completely different perspective from traditional game drives. The river itself is a major attraction, with its complex network of channels, oxbow lakes, and hot springs. The reserve was once a critical sanctuary for immense elephant herds and one of the world’s most significant populations of the endangered African wild dog. Its varied habitats, from Miombo woodlands to open grasslands, support a spectacular array of wildlife, including large numbers of hippos, crocodiles, buffalo, and antelope species like the sable and Lichtenstein’s hartebeest. The sense of exploring a truly remote and wild Africa, combined with the diversity of activities, creates an unforgettable and adventurous experience.