At
54,000 sq. kilometers, Selous Game Reserve is Africa’s largest
protected wilderness reserve, three times larger than the Serengeti.
The sheer diversity of the landscape - from hot volcanic springs,
placid lagoons and the many channels from the Great Ruaha and Rufiji
Rivers which bisect the reserve - makes the Selous a unique area in
which to observe the full panoply of African wildlife. Most of
Africa’s mammal species, from the largest to the smallest to the
rarest, thrive here. In addition there are some 440 species of birds
and more than 2,000 recorded varieties of plants.
The river & lake systems attract a huge diversity of animals
including lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, hippo and crocodile, and
is also home to one of the few remaining wild dog populations in the
world. Selous is a birders’ paradise with more than 300 bird
species.
June to September: Dry and warm – animals are drawn to dwindling
water supplies in the lakes around the river. With vegetation
sparse, this is the perfect season for walking and for larger
concentrations of game.
October – March: Hotter and greener. This is the season for bird and
plant lovers and is the main reproductive time of year so a good
time for seeing young.
November & Dec: Chance of rain, flowers are in abundance and the
deciduous trees are starting new growth.