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Selous Game Reserve

Covering an area larger than Switzerland (some 65,000 km².) the Selous is by some margin the largest protected wildlife area in Africa. About 45 minutes by air from Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam, it is a true wilderness and holds the continent’s largest elephant, buffalo, crocodile and hippo populations, as well as great numbers of lion, giraffe, bushbuck, eland, greater kudu, leopard and antelope. It is also one of the last strongholds of the African wild dog – the second most endangered carnivore on our planet.

Lion sightings in the Selous are particularly good. Characterised by their dark colouring, the Selous’ lions tend to hunt in the day-time, unlike their counterparts in the rest of East Africa which are nocturnal hunters. As such, the lion prides around the Rufiji River probably offer better prospects of seeing a lion kill than any other reserve in Africa.

All the lodges in the Selous are situated on or near the Rufiji River, in the north of the reserve. This river system is a huge highway of sand and water ‘S’ bending its way through the bush, and its network of associated lakes and waterways is unique in East Africa. Motorized boat trips are an exciting way to explore the river – and it’s palm-fringed banks are a sure place to see elephant, buffalo and other antelope species congregating for a wary drink.

The river delta also harbours a teeming bird population. Whether exploring by boat, on a walking safari, or in a 4x4 vehicle, you will be treated to a brilliant array of kingfishers, herons, waders, bee-eaters and many others during your holiday. Even those with no previous interest in birds will find it hard not to be converted.