TANZANIA DESTINATIONS
SOUTHERN PARKS
DESTINATIONS
SOUTHERN CIRCUIT
Selous Game Reserve
Located in south of Tanzania, spreading over an area of 55,000 km2, Selous is the largest natural reserve in Tanzania. Its name is so called after Frederick Courteney Selous, the legendary hunter and explorer who fell to his death, during battle in the 1st World War in 1917 (Selous was the battle scene between the English and Germans).
At the turn of the 19th century, chosen as a destination by philanthropists, hunters, and explorers, Selous had the honour of hosting the likes of David Livingstone and Theodore Roosevelt, as well as hunters of English aristocractic origin. Selous was a park renowned for big-game hunting, but as from several years, 20% of its area has been allocated to photographic safari excursions..
The park hosts over 2,100 species of plants, 350 species of birds, 13,000 elephants, 108,000 buffalo, and an estimated 1,300 specimens of the world’s 4,000 remaining, rare wild dogs, therefore giving guests an excellent opportunity to capture a glimpse all of these exotic animals within their authentic, unspoiled wilderness.
Ruaha National Park
The Ruaha National Park is the second largest natural park in Tanzania. It is situated inland and the fact that it’s difficult to reach, makes it a pristine location. It is named after the Great Ruaha river which, like the other rivers, such as Mwagusi, Jongomero, and Mzombe, has the fundamental role as the lifeline of the National park.
During the dry season, these rivers become the main source of water for all wildlife and at the peak of the dry season, elephants obtain water from the dry sandy rivers by pounding their front feet on the river bed, and subsequently using their trunks to suck up the water. The river is also an important habitat for hippos, fish, and crocodiles.
Ruaha is home to all members of African wildlife: elephants, buffalo, zebras, gnus, antelopes, giraffes, warthogs, monkeys, and of course, lions, leopards, cheetahs, wild dogs, and hyenas. Down at the river, it’s common to spot numerous specimens of crocodiles and hippos.
