SELOUS SAFARI PARK (1 OR 2 DAYS)

Selous National Park is not only the largest natural complex in Tanzania, but also in the whole African continent. The territory extends over 55 thousand square metres – such scales are really amazing!

The reserve presents unique landscapes inhabited by rare species of animals, birds and plants.
To begin with, it is worth paying attention to the eco-system of the Selous Park. The size of the reserve allows it to encompass several unique natural areas. From the dense forest, which turns into savannah, to the northern part, where there are chains of low mountains Bejo-Bejo and Mua.
The Rufiji River feeds a network of small rivers and lakes, creating a favourable green floodplain for many types of mammals. On the two-day safari programme, one section of the journey follows the course of the main river, allowing you to get a closer look at the local inhabitants – crocodiles and hippos. By the way, hippos like to start peculiar games with tourists, diving out of the water on different sides of the boat. Also during the walk there is a chance to see animals coming to the watering place. At this time, exciting scenes of interaction between predators and herbivores can unfold.
Of course, the landscapes of the Selous Game Reserve are impressive, but what makes it so popular with tourists is the opportunity to be close to wild animals in their natural habitat. It’s one thing to watch a lion through a zoo cage, and quite another to get close to a pride peacefully slumbering after a hunt in the hot savannah. Such impressions remain for a lifetime!
What interesting things to see on a trip to Selous Park.
Almost all species of birds and animals living in equatorial Africa are represented on the boundless expanses. However, much depends on the time of year chosen for the safari. Due to the constant migration, each season pleases travellers with its own peculiarities. In particular, it is possible to meet a cheetah or a leopard only in a certain period and with great luck. Other species are almost always encountered.
For example, very friendly black and white colobus are frequent visitors of camps and lodges where tourists stay. Primates are interested in observing and interacting with guests. As it happens, monkeys are not chased away from camps, so they feel absolutely safe in close proximity to people.
The savannah is inhabited by a huge number of beautiful giraffes. Even when flying to Selous, from the porthole of an aeroplane, it can seem like a “giraffe park”. As well as other inhabitants of the park – are not fearful, and easily go to contact. They love to be photographed and play peek-a-boo with visitors.
One of the most frequent questions tourists ask is: “Will we see lions?”. There are about 3.5 thousand of them here, so the chances of meeting them are very high, and thanks to experienced guides it is easy to get as close as possible to the predators.
To see zebras, almost always travelling in herds, you need to go deep inside the park. Sitting in a jeep, it is amusing to watch them crossing the roads as if they are obeying the rules of the road.
You can also see hyenas, yellow baboons, warthogs, antelopes of different species. Buffalo have a high population – up to 160 thousand heads, elephants – about 60 thousand, hippos – about 40 thousand. There is a large number of crocodiles, some specimens of which reach five metres in length.
More than 440 species of birds live in the Selous Reserve. Watching them is as entertaining as watching animals. The lilac-breasted bluebird is one of the ten most beautiful birds on the planet, and ostriches are always fascinating with their size and unusual behaviour. The secretary bird is also amazing, with its funny feathers on its head and lightning-fast zigzag movements when hunting. To understand the scale of what is happening, you can only see everything with your own eyes.
A lot of the trip depends on the professionalism of the rangers, they know the favourite places of the animals. Communicating with each other by radio, they give each other tips and hints, where the Pride is hiding or where the herd has gone. It is thanks to the work of these experts that our tourists manage to see the maximum of interesting things and make stunning pictures.
Safari in Selous Park will be remembered for a lifetime, it is an opportunity to plunge into the world of wildlife and touch the pristine. Don’t be afraid to take your children with you, as practice shows that the trip brings them indescribable delight. The Selous Game Reserve is waiting for guests!