Selous Game Reserve
United Republic of Tanzania ·
Description
At about 50,000 km², Selous is larger than Switzerland and nearly untouched by human settlement. Vast miombo woodlands, savannas and the Rufiji river floodplain support huge populations of elephants, buffalo, hippos, crocodiles and African wild dogs. In 2014 it was added to the list of sites in danger due to rampant poaching that slashed its elephant population.
Why It's a World Heritage Site
UNESCO recognized Selous for the diversity and wealth of its wildlife and for the undisturbed nature of its ecosystem on an immense scale.
UNESCO Criteria
Frequently Asked Questions
Fly-in safaris from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar (1 hour). Road access is very long and only in dry season.
June-October for wildlife; the park closes for the rainy season in many camps.
Yes — Selous is one of the few parks in Tanzania allowing walking safaris and boat safaris on the Rufiji.
Anti-poaching measures have intensified and tourism revenue supports ranger patrols.
Down from over 100,000 in 1976 to around 15,000 today, but recovering.