Selous Game reserve
Selous Game Reserve is the largest game reserve not only in Tanzania but entire African Continent. The game reserves covers a total land area of 50,000 square kilometers (19,000 square miles). The game reserve is also among the oldest protected area or game reserve in Tanzania. It was established in 1922 and later after 60 years it was designated as the UNESCO World Heritage site in 1982. The reserve was designated after discovering more unique and diversified wildlife at the reserve. The park homes some typical wildlife in its famous Miombo woodland. Selous Game Reserve was first designated as protected area by the colonial masters those are Germans in 1896. In 1905 the game reserve was turned in to hunting area and the reserve was renamed as Fredertick Selous. It was named after the great hunter Frederick who was famous of the big game hunting. He later died in 1917 at Beho Beho in the battle field of the world war 1. The game reserve is now one of the best home for the lions and in 2005 it was considered as a lion Conservation Unit. The most interesting part of the reserve is the River Rufiji which is the source of water at the reserve. There are different habitants at the park like Acacia savannah, open savannah grassland, wetlands, Miombo woodlands and many more. The different habitants have attracted a wide range wildlife at the park.
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Location of Selous Game Reserve
Selous Game Reserve / Nyerere national park is located in the Southeastern part of Tanzania in the Miombo woodlands. Dar es Salaam is the nearest largest town, its around 357 kilometers away through the normal South tourists circuit. This takes you through Mikumi national park entering to Selous Game Reserve through Matambwe gate. The other route is passing through the scenic road that takes you through Morogoro town one of the largest towns in the South Central part of Tanzania that is close to the national parks. You will enjoy the scenic views of the Ulugulu Mountains and the different cultural practices in the villages.
To access Selous Game Reserve / Nyerere National park one can use road transport that leads you directly to the park or air transport which will land you inside the park airport and finally the railway line also is available.
The road transport is the best and most seconded as it gives you mre scenic views of the great Southern Tanzania. However its longer from Dar es Salaam but enjoyful as you pass through the remote villages of the country. The region is full of mountains and hills with ever green vegetation that is covered by the lush vegetation. This vegetation is a habitat of wildlife like rare antelope species.
By railway
The park is one of the parks like Tsavo national park of Kenya where guests can use railway to reach the park.The Tanzania Zambia Railway constructed the railway network that starts from Dar es Salaam to the Matambwe passing the guests through different bushlands of the country. The journey is 5 to 6 hours but more scenic and adventurous as the guests can enjoy more panoramic tour of the rural landscape of Tanzania. This is the most as easy way of getting to Selous Game Reserve at budget costs.
By Air
These is the alternative for the guests who may not wish to spend much time driving on the bumpy routes of Africa. There are agood number of flights departing daily from different airports in Tanzania like Arusha airport, Dar es salaam airport, Kilimanjaro international airport, Zanzibar and others. The flights are also connected from other national parks like Serengeti national park. The flights that services Selous Game Reserve ALSO SERVICE THE Ruaha national park. It may seem expensive but more convenient to use as it saves a lot of time which one would use while driving.
Attractions of Selous Game Reserve
Selous Game Reserve is the largest game reserve not only in Tanzania but entire Africa. It also stands as the second largest protected Area in Africa. Due to its size, the reserve is habiting a lot of attractions. The reserve is standing at 50,000 square kilometers which is four times bigger than the famous Serengeti national park. The reserve one of the special places that is good for family safaris. The reserve is very remotely located in the bush areas of the country. The reserve is gifted by nature with the drainage of River Rufiji being the heart of the park.
Below are some of the attractions at the park
Hot springs and rivers
The park experienced some action of volcanic activity which left more hot springs formed at the park. The park is drained by two key rivers one located in the North that is River Rhuha and the other most popular river is Rufiji River. The river is not only the source of water to the wildlife but also a destination where great boat cruise is done.
Birds and animals
Selous Game Reserve is famous of great large number of the bird species with over 350 bird species recorded at the park. The species include both land bird species, forest species and the wetland species. On the animal side Selous Game Reserve has largest population of animals in Africa. The park has over 110,000 Elephants, large population of Big cats especially the lions and leopards. Other animals at the park include the Buffaloes, Zebras, wildebeest, Rhinos, Giraffes, gazelles, kobs, Sable Antelope, eland, reedbuck, hyenas, cheetahs, jackals and many more. The animal species are all in large numbers across the park.
The wildlife is the key and major attraction found in Selous Game Reserve. Making it one of the busiest national parks in Tanzania. The wildlife viewing is done throughout the year due to favorable weather conditions of the park. The best time to do game viewing is during the dry season that is from June to October and from December to February.
Activities done in Selous Game Reserve
Boat cruise
Game viewing
Baloon safaris
Nature walks
Birding
In conclusion, Selous Game Reserve remains one of the best game reserves in Tanzania which gives you total satisfaction of wildlife experience while on your safari in Tanzania. Not crowded and well organized.
Popular Itinerary to Selous Game Reserve
8 Days selous, ruaha and mikumi park safari
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