Selous Game Reserve now Nyerere National Park in Tanzania is among the largest and least touched conservation areas in Africa. Measuring over 50, 000 square kilometers, it provides the traveler with the ultimate chance to flee to the unspoiled core of the African veld. The subject matter of this article is the scenic place called Selous, the wildlife species found in the area, and the adventures of a tourist.
Selous Game Reserve was formed in 1922 and is named after Frederick Selous who was a well-known hunter and explorer involved in the early preservation activities of the African continent. The park was later sworn in as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the year 1982 in the aspect of ecology.
In 2019, the reserve was re-branded and named Nyerere National Park in an honourary discharge to Julius Nyerere the first President of Tanzania who was so influential in the area of conservation and the creation of voiceless spaces in Tanzania.
Diverse Ecosystems and Wildlife
It is well known for the largest variety of habitats stretching from the vast Miombo woodlands, vast open grasslands, marsh and swampland, and the mighty Rufiji River. This diverse range of habitats hosts a multiplied list of wildlife.
- Big Game
Selous is home to a wealth of big game species, including Selous is home to a wealth of big game species, including:
– Elephants: It holds one of the biggest elephant concentrations in Africa. One can see these giant animals moving across the woodlands and grasslands, preferably in groups near water points.
– Lions: Lions being common in Selous, it is easier to see them in their natural environment from the reserve. Lions too are not so endangered and are very easily spotted mostly in the grassland tracks.
– Buffaloes: African buffaloes are easily found in Selous; the big herds can be observed feeding on the fresh grass or wallowing.
– Giraffes: Other interesting species that are sighted in Selous include the giraffes. Due to their long necks and unique plumage, these are some of the most admired birds by wildlife lovers.
- Unique Species
Selous also hosts several unique and lesser-known species:
– African Wild Dogs: African wild dogs are a particular species of African canids; however, it is still possible to spot them in Selous. These are relatively difficult-to-see animals and are mostly sighted in the less explored parts of the reserve.
– Hippos: Hippos are abundant in this area, especially in the Rufiji River and the floodplains. Boat safaris on the other hand afford one a raw view of these behemoth animals while they sunbathe in the river or feed on the river bank vegetation.
– Rhinoceros: Even though there are fewer in the reserve, occasional sightings of the black rhino can be made. Measures to prevent the extinction of these mere and scarce species of animals are still being employed.
- Birdlife
Selous is also endowed with diverse bird species with a total of 440 stated bird species. Notable species include:
– Fish Eagles: These birds are commonly found around reservoirs; large birds characterized by beautiful calls and skillful fishing.
– Secretary Birds: Secretary birds are sexually dimorphic large birds that have long legs and are easily identifiable; these are birds that are mostly observed hunting for snakes and insects.
– Greater and Lesser Flamingos: Every once in a while, during certain times of the year especially in summer, the wetlands and the shallow lakes become an attraction to flocks of flamingos.
Activities and Experiences
Selous organizes different activities that let the visitors experience the wilderness to the maximum. These activities are customer interest-specific, ranging from game-viewing activities to cultural interactions.
- Game Drives
Game drives are the most common means of viewing the game reserve and The landscape areas that are covered by the reserve. Visitors can enjoy:
– Day Drives: These are usually done in a small and open type of cars 4×4 to allow one to have a close view of some of the animals and the beautiful landscapes. The best time of the day to expect the wildlife most probably would be the early morning periods and evening periods.
– Night Drives: Selous also lacks some of the features that are quite common among other game parks; things like night game drives and things like leopards, hyenas, and owls which cannot be seen during the day.
- Boat Safaris
Selous would not be complete without taking a boat ride on the Rufiji River and the flood plains. This activity offers:
– Wildlife Viewing: As for the boat safaris, this kind of tourism allows observing the wildlife from the water, and viewing the hippos, crocodiles, and numerous birds. River banks too are visited by elephants and buffaloes.
– Scenic Beauty: The sitting of the Rufiji River is strategic and the boat cruises on the limpid waters for excellent photography of vegetation and the plains.
- Walking Safaris
To get closer to nature, there are options to go on walking safaris accompanied by equipped guides. This activity allows:
– Close Encounters: Walking safaris make it possible to come across smaller wildlife, footprints, and any other evidence of the animals. Interacting with the guides that provide valuable details on the flora and fauna in the area makes walks informative.
– Safety: Proper safety is observed on a walking safari. Rangers are very trained in making a visit safe, full of knowledge, and not Violating the immunities of the wildlife.
- Cultural Experiences
Interaction with local people adds more value to the visit. Visitors can experience:
– Village Visits:: getting first-hand information of the social-cultural practices of the local people that reside around the reserve. Such visits usually entice the students to display some of the local products such as arts and crafts, music and dance.
– Community Projects: Certain tours take tourists to the beneficiary projects in their communities that have been funded by the millions raised in tourism.
Practical Information
– Getting There: The closest airport is in Dar es Salaam not very far from Selous. From there, one has to either take a charter flight or self-drive to the reserve. It is approximately 5-6 hours by road while by air through a chartered flight, it is relatively more convenient.
– What to Bring: Loosely fitted clothing, hats or scarves/sunscreen and binoculars will come in handy especially when observing the wildlife. It is also wise to take a good camera with a zoom lens when going for a wildlife experience.
Conclusion
Selous’ Game Reserve now known as Nyerere National Park, situated in Tanzania is one of the best places to visit for a real wilderness experience. Therefore it is a one-stop natural hub for different ecosystems, wildlife and activity enthusiasts which makes it a special place to visit. It is as if you are actually watching wild animals in their natural habitat either from the car while on the game drive, or from the boat while on the Rufiji River safari while on the cultural tourism.
