Situated in southeastern Tanzania, the Selous Game Reserve is Africa’s largest protected wildlife area, encompassing over 5% of Tanzania’s total land area. This remote and infrequently visited reserve features diverse landscapes of rivers, hills, and plains, and is home to roaming elephant herds, the region’s renowned wild dogs, and some of the last black rhinos in the area. Due to its isolation and the fact that it is most accessible only by small aircraft, the Selous Game Reserve remains one of Tanzania’s untouched treasures, offering visitors a chance to experience a pristine, wild Africa far from paved roads and souvenir shops.

The Selous Game Reserve has a rich history, named after Frederick Courteney Selous, a British explorer and hunter who extensively documented his travels in East Africa and was tragically killed in the area during World War I. In 1905, well before the concepts of land conservation and wildlife preservation became common, parts of the region were set aside as a hunting reserve. By 1922, the reserve had been expanded and named in Selous’s honor. The reserve continued to grow in size until 1975, when its current boundaries were established. Today, while tourists primarily visit the northern part of the reserve, large sections of the southern region remain designated for hunting.

The Rufigi River Delta is a remarkable feature of the game reserve, linking the Great Ruaha River with the Rufigi River and eventually flowing into the Indian Ocean near the park’s boundaries along the Tanzanian coast. As the largest water catchment area in the region, the Rufigi River supports a diverse array of aquatic and avian life. Along its banks, massive hippos bask in the mud and sun, their mouths wide open as the river flows by. Crocodiles, with their armored skins, are also commonly seen along the riverbanks, adding a rugged element to the river’s constant flow. Stiggler’s Gorge, where the Great Ruaha River converges with the Rufigi River, showcases the stunning diversity and dramatic landscapes of the reserve’s waterways.

What sets the Selous apart from Tanzania’s more famous protected areas is its designation as a game reserve rather than a national park, which allows for a broader range of activities. Boating safaris have become a popular alternative to vehicle-based excursions, offering a closer view of the rich life along the Rufigi River. Hiking safaris and fly camping also provide adventurous ways to explore this unique landscape and enhance your African adventure.