The Selous Game Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage site in Tanzania. With 54,600 km², it is the largest game reserve in Africa.
Most of the reserve remains set aside for game hunting through a number of privately leased hunting concessions, but a section of the northern park along the Rufiji River has been designated a photographic zone and is a popular tourist destination. There are several high end lodges and camps mainly situated along the river and lake systems in this area. Rather difficult road access means most visitors arrive by small aircraft from Dar es Salaam, though train access is also possible.
The area was first designated a protected area in 1896 by the German Governor of Tanganyika Hermann von Wissmann, and became a hunting reserve in 1905.
Habitats include grassland, typical Acacia savanna, wetlands and extensive Miombo woodlands.
Entrance fees to the Selous Game Reserve differ depending on if you will be spending the night inside or outside the game reserve. If you will be staying inside the reserve, the entry fees are US$88.50 per adult per day and US$64.90 per child per day. If you will be staying outside the reserve, you only need to pay entry fees when you enter the reserve (i.e. for a safari) the entry fees are US$76.70 per adult per day and US$53.10 per child per day.
The Selous Game Reserve is very remote with limited roads. The drive from Dar es Salaam is about 230km/143mi and takes around six hours. There's good tarmac up to Kibiti, and then bush roads from there for about 100km/62mi (three hours). It is possible to drive to the reserve in the dry season and (with much difficulty) in the wet season, but the road is long and rough. Most visitors will fly to one of several airstrips. Many lodges within the northern photographic zone offer a 'game package' service, that includes pick up, game drives, walks and boat safaris on the Rufiji River.
No restaurants or bars exist in the area. It may be possible to arrange meals with some of lodges and camps in the area.
There is a wide range of lodges and camps, both within the Selous Game Reserve and just outside its borders, catering for all budgets.
Top of the list is the upmarket Mivumo River Lodge, on the banks of the Rufiji River the lodge offers top service, spacious and luxurious rooms with private balconies. Game drives, boat and walking safaris are all available from the lodge.
Another popular choice is the Selous River Camp. Nestled high on the river bank, within woodland alongside the game reserve, the camp offers a choice of mid-range accommodation and a whole range of safaris.
Selous Wilderness Camp is a small permanent tented camp on the banks of the Rufiji River.
It is possible to camp inside the Selous Game Reserve, though permits can be difficult to arrange without the assistance of one of the lodges.
Selous River Camp has a small campsite.
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