All the facts you need to know about Selous Game Reserve
The Selous Game Reserve is not only the largest in Tanzania but also the largest on the entire African continent, covering a vast area of 50,000 square kilometers (19,000 square miles). It stands as one of Tanzania’s oldest protected areas, established in 1922 and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1982 due to its unique and diverse wildlife. The reserve is renowned for its Miombo woodlands, which are home to typical wildlife species.
Initially designated as a protected area by German colonial rulers in 1896, it was converted into a hunting ground in 1905 and renamed after the celebrated big-game hunter Frederick Selous, who died in 1917 during World War I at Beho Beho. Today, the reserve is celebrated as a prime habitat for lions and was designated a Lion Conservation Unit in 2005. The Rufiji River, a vital water source for the reserve, adds to its allure, along with varied habitats such as Acacia savannah, open grasslands, wetlands, and more, attracting a diverse array of wildlife.
The Selous Game Reserve/Nyerere National Park is situated in the southeastern region of Tanzania, within the Miombo woodlands. The closest major city is Dar es Salaam, approximately 357 kilometers away via the standard southern tourist circuit. This route includes a journey through Mikumi National Park and entry into the Selous Game Reserve via the Matambwe gate. An alternative scenic route passes through Morogoro, one of the largest towns in south-central Tanzania, offering views of the Uluguru Mountains and a glimpse into the cultural practices of local villages.
To reach the Selous Game Reserve/Nyerere National Park, visitors can opt for road transport, which provides a direct route to the park, air transport landing at the park’s airstrip, or railway. Road transport is highly recommended for its scenic vistas of southern Tanzania, despite being a longer journey from Dar es Salaam. It allows travelers to experience the remote villages along the way. The region boasts a landscape of mountains and hills blanketed in lush, evergreen vegetation, providing a sanctuary for wildlife, including rare species of antelope.
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