Selous Game Reserve

Selous Game Reserve

Selous Game Reserve is Africa's second-largest game reserve, covering an area of 50,000 square kilometers, located in the Kilwa, Morogoro, Lindi, Mtwara, and Ruvuma regions in southeastern Tanzania. The reserve’s elevation ranges from 100 meters in the northeast to 1,200 meters in the southwest, and it is also part of the Selous ecosystem. The Selous ecosystem includes Mikumi National Park and the Kilombero Valley controlled hunting area. The reserve drains into the Rufiji River and its tributaries—the Luwegu, Kilombero, Great Ruaha, Lukuledi, and Mbamba rivers.

The protected area contains a series of relatively undisturbed vegetation zones, ranging from dense thickets to open grasslands. The environment supports populations of elephants, black rhinos, cheetahs, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, and wild dogs. It is also home to a range of characteristic wildlife, such as Lichtenstein’s hartebeest and greater kudu, which are typical of woodland areas, while grassland species include Burchell’s zebra, African waterbuck, and warthogs. Other animals such as cheetahs and large populations of wild dogs may have some of the highest numbers on the African continent. Rare species include the mountain reedbuck and a rare type of cheetah.

Selous Game Reserve also boasts a rich birdlife, including spur-winged geese, hornbills, and the short-tailed eagle. The reserve remains relatively intact and undisturbed, with no forestry exploitation taking place.