SELOUS

The Selous Game Reserve is the largest wildlife area in Africa. A UNESCO World Heritage site, this pristine, uninhabited area is larger than Switzerland. Selous boasts Tanzania’s largest population of elephant as well as large numbers of lion, leopard, Black Rhino, African hunting dog, buffalo and hippo. Species commonly seen are bushbuck, red and blue duikers, eland, hartebeest, hyena, klipspringer, impala, giraffe, oryx, reedbuck, waterbuck and zebra. Families of black and white colobus may sometimes be seen moving from tree to tree. Endangered red colobus inhabit the west of the reserve. The bird-life in the Selous is prolific and the 400 species recorded include the globally threatened wattled crane and the corncrake. The topography of the park varies from rolling savannah woodland, grassland plains and rocky outcrops cut by the Rufiji River and its tributaries. The Rufiji, which flows from north to south, provides the lifeblood of the Selous and sailing or rafting down the river is a superb method of seeing game, especially during the dry season between June and October. Linked to the Rufiji is Lake Tagalala, where elephant, giraffe, waterbuck, reedbuck and bushbuck gather at the water’s edge. In the long grassland, safari enthusiasts may get a chance to see rare sable antelope, greater kudu – or lion. Walking safaris, game drives and boat trips may be organised. The best time to visit is during the dry season. The waters of the Kilombero Game Controlled Area are home to the ferocious tiger fish and vandu catfish.