Selous Safari Holiday Guide – Wildlife and Wetlands in Southern Tanzania
Due to its unique ecological importance, the Selous Game Reserve was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1982. With an area of about 55,000 sq. km it is by far the largest wildlife sanctuary in Africa, and one of the largest protected areas in the world.
Being larger than Switzerland, the size of the Selous is quite remarkable. Mostly uninhabited and little touched by human interference it is one of the most pristine wilderness areas still remaining in Africa.
Named after Captain Frederick Courtney Selous, a legendary 19th century naturalist, explorer and hunter, the Selous Game Reserve was founded in 1905. Situated in southern Tanzania it is bordered by Mikumi National Park to the northwest and by the Udzungwa Mountains National Park and Kibasira Swamp to the west.
In the entire game reserve only a restricted number of camps are permitted, making a safari in the Selous an exclusive experience. The greater part of northern Selous is reserved for photographic safaris and is one of the most beautiful and game rich areas of the reserve.