Nyerere National Park
The Selous Game Reserve occupies a 45,000 km2 area of wilderness covered with forests, open woodland, mountains, as well as
grassy plains, making it the largest game reserve in Africa, and it is nearly four times the size of the renowned Serengeti
National Park, and almost three times the size of Kruger National Park, which is located in South Africa. Consequently,
Selous Game Reserve is among the three World Heritage Sites in Tanzania.
The northern part of Selous, about 30,000 sq km, was renamed Nyerere National Park in 2019 to commemorate
The first President of Tanzania – Julius Nyerere, and this change in the name was declared by Tanzania’s National Park Authority (TANAPA).
Selous was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982, however, the very large River Rufiji, which is made up of an intricate
system of swamps, lakes as well as channels which form one of the most exceptional ecological systems found in East Africa
is found in the central part of the Selous and divides the reserve into two distinct parts;
The Southern Selous, which is located on the southern side of the River Rufiji, is divided into several hunting blocks, and every single
block extends for close to 1,000 sq km; however, please note that Dumela African does not support wildlife hunting or even
organize such tours. On the other hand, the northern Selous is entirely reserved for photographic safaris, and
hunting is strictly prohibited there. Almost all the camping in Selous Game Reserve takes place in the northern Selous.
When to go | Best time to visit Selous Game Reserve
Selous Game Reserve is generally a dry season park. The recommended time to visit the park is in , July to October
since most of the wild animals congregate in the park and most of the vegetation has dried and thinned, offering clearer views.
On the other hand, the wet rainy season is highly discouraged as most of the roads in the reserve are inaccessible, and several
Accommodation facilities have locked down.
The wildlife in Selous Game Reserve
The incredibly large mammal populations that live in Selous Game Reserve are an affirmation of the claim that it is the
most outstanding African wilderness and one of the best destinations to enjoy a Tanzania Wildlife Safari. The lions in
the park are about 4,000 in number, buffaloes about 120,000 to 150,000, and the population of hippos is approximately 40,000
(which is likely the biggest numbers in Africa). Selous Game Reserve is also the home to about 25,000 impala, giraffe, 35,000 zebra,
Lichtenstein’s hartebeest, greater kudu, bushbuck, eland as well as the waterbuck. It is in addition among the best
wildlife sanctuaries to see the puku antelope, the endangered wild dog, plus sable in Africa. It is also a home to large
numbers of crocodiles, leopards, spotted hyenas, hippo, as well as other members of the big game family.
It’s alleged that a huge population of elephants previously lived in the Selous Game Reserve, however, because of
The increase in poaching within the park in previous years has led to a great decline in the population of elephants compared to their initial numbers.
Birds in Selous Game Reserve
Selous Game Reserve has documented over 440 bird species. During your Safari in Selous, you will be able to view various
species like the giant kingfishers, African skimmers, plus pink backed pelicans that crowd the alkaline lake.
The white-fronted bee-eater colonies as well as the carmine occupy the sandbanks while the ibises, pairs of fish eagles,
palm swifts, and palmnut vulture live in the borassus palms. Some of the other birds that live on the water are
the numerous small waders, white crowned and spur-winged plovers, pied and malachite kingfishers, as well as
the yellow-billed stork. You can also get a glimpse of the purple crested turaco as well as the trumpeter among the riparian trees.
You should keep an eye out for the Malagasy squacco heron that usually comes during the winter season,As as
well as the evasive Pel’s fishing owl which you can usually see in the evening.
Boat Ride Tours on Rufiji River
Rufiji River cuts through central Selous and it is the source of 5 lakes that form the famous game drive area.
Several ungulates normally congregate around the water bodies as well as large numbers of lions and
predators that standing waiting for their prey. The Boat ride safaris are conducted on the river as well as on the lakes.
Game Drives in Selous Game Reserve
The traditional ay of exploring the flora and fauna of the vast Selous is on the game drives conducted early morning
nd in the late afternoons. these are done in open-sided safari vehicles to offer you clearer views
Bird watching in Selous Game Reserve
Selous Game Reserve has documented more than 440 bird species and is an ideal place to go for a Tanzania Birding tour.
A boat safari comes highly recommended if you would like to have the best bird viewing experience. During the
month of November all through to April, there are various migratory birds in the park. some of the exceptional
birds that you should definitely look out for are: the African spoonbill, the African wattled lapwing,
the common white-headed vulture, the spur-winged lapwing, the Pel’s fishing owl rare plus the white-fronted bee-eater
Walking safaris at Selous Game Reserve
Selous game reserve is among the few areas in Tanzania that provides you with the opportunity to get really up-close to
the various wildlife including elephants, giraffes, birds, gazelles as well as the unique fauna. You will be accompanied by
an armed ranger guide who will ensure your safety in addition to providing you with additional information about
the various animals you will come across. A walking safari is recommended for the more adventurous holidaymakers seeking to experience the wilder part of the Reserve.
Photographic Safari Tours
Many wildlife photographers have travelled to the Selous Game Reserve to take unique shots and record wildlife documentaries
thanks to the diverse variety of wildlife found here. During these tours, we offer you very knowledgeable and highly skilled guides who will lead you to areas that are well-populated with animals.