|
 |
| Home Zanzibar dive resort Diver training Zanzibar Liveaboard Prices / How to book Contact us |
 |
 |
| the sharks the coral reefs the dolphins the ocean |
|
|
| About Spanish Dancer Non Divers Zanzibar Travel info Other sites |
|
 |
| Big Game Safari Diving and Big Game Safari combinations |
 |
 |
|||||
| General Info | National Parks | Itineraries | National Park maps | ||
|
Selous Game Reserve At 54.600 Km˛ the Selous is the largest game reserve in Africa . To put it in perspective, the Selous is larger than Switzerland.  Until recently, the reserve was only accessible by plane or by train. However, with an improvement to the road network, the area is now accessible to everyone. The concentrations of wildlife in the Selous are understandably huge. The Selous, named after a German explorer and author, boasts Tanzania's largest population of elephant – currently about 10,000 animals – as well as some of Africa’s largest numbers of buffalo, hippos, Nile crocodile and wild dogs.
Other species commonly seen are lion, bushbuck, impala, giraffe, eland, baboon, zebra and greater kudu. The Selous also contains one of the few viable populations of black rhinos in the world, with between 150 and 200 individual animals. The reserve also contains more than 350 different bird species and 2,000 different species of plants. The Selous was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983 due to its unique ecological importance.  The landscape is shaped by the Rufiji River and its tributaries, lined by Barrassus Palms, and it is the heart of the park. The Rufiji swells through the park down to the Indian Ocean forming a series of small lakes that serve as an important source of water for the multitude of the plains game. It is only in the Selous Game Reserve that one can combine game drives, boat tours and walking safaris. The hinterland around Lake Tagalala and Beho Beho is some of the most picturesque in area. When To GoThe most pleasant time to visit the Selous is during the cool season from the end of June until October. The rainy season is from November to May. There is a dryer spell in January and February, and this is also a beautiful time to visit as the trees and flowers are blossoming and everywhere the vegetation is green. During the heavy rains, normally from the end of March to May, the Reserve is inaccessible and the tourist camps are closed.  Sable Mountain Lodge The friendly and relaxed Sable Mountain Lodge is idyllically located in the Beho Beho hills just outside the Selous Game Reserve boundary; about 20 mins drive from the airport. Park fees are only paid when spent on safari inside the reserve offering an immediate cost saving compared to those lodges located inside the Selous.  The lodge is set high on two peaks giving each of the eight comfortable ensuite stone cottages great views over the surrounding areas to the Uluguru Mountains. The honeymoon cottage has a small private water hole that is frequently visited by game. Construction has also just finished on five luxury tented bandas, two of which have private plunge pools. The communal areas are pleasant and are well designed tucking in to the natural surroundings. The swimming pool itself is constructed over a natural spring and another spring feeds a waterhole overlooked by a variety of treehouses. Personalised game drives, walking safaris and boat safaris on are all available from the lodge in the Selous. As the camp is outside the reserve boundary night drives are also possible.The game viewing around the lodge is good and the area is especially famed for it’s elephant population. As this is currently the only lodge in this area of the reserve other vehicles are seldom encountered during drives.  Rufiji River CampYou will find the Rufiji River Camp on the banks of the mighty Rufiji River in the north-eastern part of the Selous Game Reserve, with great vistas over the river and the grassy plains of the game reserve. There are many animals coming to drink at the river offering a permanent show to visitors of the camp. There are hundreds of hippos, and crocodiles lazing in the sun on the sandbanks in the river. The Camp boasts 20 large tents. The tents have basic furnishings but are comfortable, with a choice of twin or double beds; all are fitted with mosquito nets, writing desks, shelves and have 24 hour solar powered lighting. Each tent has its own bathroom with a flush toilet, bidet, hand-basin and shower, and a veranda under a roof of local straw offers fantastic views of the river and its animals. Electricity and hot water are powered by solar panels, while UHV-filtered drinking water is available throughout the camp.  The main building in the central part of the camp hosts a well stocked bar and a library plus the restaurant featuring international cuisine, all with a view of the river and the sunset.
A covered swimming pool is situated in the camp, between reception and dining area.Activities at Rufiji include river boat safaris, game drives and guided walks. Boat safaris explore the nearby lakes, whilst game drives can venture further. Whole-day drives are often possible, and you'll take with you a picnic for a leisurely lunch in the bush. The nearby forest is best explored on foot; your guide will lead you along shady paths in search of blue samango and black-and-white colobus. Run by an Italian owner, Luigi, the Rufiji River Camp is well organised, unpretentious and relaxed. Unfortunately kids below 6 years are not allowed to stay at the camp. |
|
||||
