Along
the Rufiji River, an array of grazing antelopes,
crocodiles and hippos are commonly seen as well
as black and white colobus monkeys in the riverine
forests. During the dry season from June to October,
the concentration of animals along the river is
astonishing. Linked to the Rufii is Lake Tagalala
where waterbuck, reedbuck and bushbuck gather
at the water's edge. Magnificent sickle-horned
sable and curly-horned greater kudu tend to keep
to the longer grass and wooded shrubby areas.
In the dry season an ancient migration
of elephants takes place between the Selous and
Mozambique's Niassa Game Reserves. This is one
of the largest natural trans-boundary eco-systems
in Africa and at the last consensus it was estimated
that 64,400 elephants roam the two parks, with
84% on the Tanzanian side.
Fierce tiger fish and smooth slippery
vandu catfish are caught in the rivers. The latter
is equipped with primitive lungs allowing it to
cross land for short distance in an attempt to
find water water during the dry season.
SEASONS
Dry
Season:
The dry season sets in during June to November
and is the best time for game viewing along the
rivers. Elephants come out of the bush at that
time and predators are more commonly seen.
Rainy Season: January to April
is wonderful for birdlife ad lush scenery but
many roads become impassable after heavy rains.
December to February is still good for game viewing
but can be rather hot and humid. The safari lodges
are usually closed from March to May.
SELOUS
SPECIALITIES
• Rare and endangered Wild Dog
• Boat game viewing
• Fishing
• Thousands of migrating elephants
• Walking safaris
• Huge wilderness
FACTS
This massive stretch of land is the second largest
game reserve in Africa. At over 21,000 miles²
(55,000 km²) it is almost four times the
size of the Serengeti.
The only human habitations allowed are limited
tourist facilities.
Road access is only possible during the dry season
and most visitors fly in from Dar es Salaam by
charter aircraft.
Safari lodges are restricted to the top 20% of
the reserve.
This is a malarial area.
Tanzania National Parks contact details: Tel:
+255 (27) 254 8040, Fax: +255 (27) 254 8216, www.tanapa.com
This is a malarial area.
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