Selous Game Reserve

Discover the Vast Wonders and Untamed Beauty of Selous Game Reserve, Africa's Largest National Park

Spanning an incredible 55,000 square kilometers, the Selous Game Reserve is a treasure trove of biodiversity and one of Africa's most remarkable protected areas. Located in the heart of Tanzania, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is not just the largest national park on the continent but is also larger than Switzerland itself. Its diverse landscape ranges from lush river channels and tranquil lakes to rugged volcanic springs, creating an unparalleled haven for wildlife and adventurers alike.

Teeming with life, Selous is home to a staggering array of animals, including over 60,000 elephants, 40,000 hippos, and 160,000 buffalo. The reserve also boasts one of the largest populations of wild dogs, alongside lions, leopards, and a variety of antelope species. Bird enthusiasts will be thrilled by the sight of over 350 bird species, while the park's crocodiles, snakes, and lizards add an extra layer of thrill to its wildlife offering. Selous isn’t just a park; it’s a world where untamed nature comes alive, offering visitors a chance to step into an unforgettable wilderness experience.

Selous Game Reserve Facts

• Size & Location: 55 000km² in the south-east running in almost five regions of Tanzania
• When to visit the park: June - November (Game Viewing) January - April (Bird Watching, rainy)
• Climate: Tropical climate, hot and humid all year round. Temperature ranges from 13°C - 40°C
• Rainfall: Ranges from 750mm in the east to 1250mm in the west
• Altitude: Varies from 100m (northeast) to 1 200m (southwest) above sea level

Information On Selous Game Reserve

One of the more historic protected areas in Tanzania, the Selous Game Reserve was named after Frederick Courteney Selous, a British explorer and hunter in East Africa who was killed in World War 1 in the Beho region of the reserve. The area has remained one of the untouched gems of Tanzania's national parks and game reserves.

There are large populations of elephant in the park. Approximately 70 % (60 000) of Tanzania's elephants are found in this reserve. Other well-known animals include the hippo (40 000 inhabit the river systems), depleted numbers of the black rhino, large herds of buffalo (over 160 000), the area's famous wild dogs and 5 000 lions patrol the Reserve.

Also found here are Nyasaland gnu, brindled gnu, hartebeest, Greater Kudu, sable antelope, eland, reedbuck, bushbuck, waterbuck, warthog, zebras, giraffe, wildebeest, leopard, cheetah are rare. There are over 350 species of birds including African snipe, Bateleur eagle, Crested lark, Green-headed Oriole, Knob-billed duck, herons, kingfishers, geese and Southern Ground hornbill. Reptiles such as crocodiles and various snakes and lizards are also found.

Main Attractions Of Selous Game Reserve

• Largest National park in Africa (4 times size of Serengeti)
• Large game concentrations including huge herds of buffalo, elephant and large wild dog population
• UNESCO World Heritage Site

Where is Selous Game Reserve located?

and now for the location of this very remote and wild game reserve; southern and central Tanzania is our best shot at this, it is best if one looks at the map link below for a more accurate description of where Selous is located.

HERE WeGo Maps, best shows the exact location as well as surrounding wildlife conservation areas; HERE WeGo Maps - Selous Game Reserve

Also, have a look at the map at the bottoms of this page in which we showcase all of the Selous Lodges on a map.

Needless to say, a flying safari option is best when visiting, while road transfers into the park will just simply take too long.