Travel Idea

Southern Tanzania

Enjoy epic boat safaris and wild walks in this untouched paradise

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Perfect for those who are after something more raw, private and adventurous yet luxurious. The National Parks, Selous and Ruaha, are less travelled compared the Northern Parks and feel like a trip back in time.

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If you like privacy and the feeling of space, then you don't need to look much further, especially if boating and walking activities are of interest.

Ben Nelson
Founder

Selous Game Reserve

Wonderfully wild and atmospheric rich riverine wilderness of palms, forests, lakes, and savannah.

Located in Southern Tanzania, far from the busy crowds, you will find the Selous Game Reserve, Africa's largest game reserve. Yet, given its size, it remains a hidden gem for tourists, which only adds to its appeal.

At the heart of the Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania's largest river, the Rufiji, forms a complex network of channels. These are the life source of a park which hosts fantastic game, including buffalo, hippo, crocodile, elephant, wild dog and prides of lions. Given its size, it is impossible to count the exact wildlife numbers.

Selous has the best selection of safari activities of all Tanzania's National Parks. You can walk, boat and fly camp here - the boating safaris being the stand out attraction.

Interesting Fact

Established as a wildlife reserve in 1922, Selous is the oldest wildlife reserve in Africa.

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Ruaha National Park

Hot, dry and wild, the untrammelled expanse of Ruaha National Park is impressive.

In 2008 the Usangu Game reserve merged its borders with Ruaha transforming it into Tanzania’s largest national park. There are still only a handful of camps found here, which has built Ruaha’s reputation as Tanzania’s best kept game viewing secret.

Ruaha is well known for its varied dramatic scenery, which includes rolling hills; large open plains; groves of skeletal baobabs and along its southern border, the Great Ruaha River, from which the park gets its name. This is by far the most dominant geographical feature of the national park and, for the wildlife it is the most important. Ruaha has a hot, dry climate which means the animals don’t tend to stray too far from dependable water sources.

What's in the name

Ruaha originates from the Hehe tribe word 'Ruvaha', which means river.

Did you know?

Approximately 10,000 elephants reside here and a tenth of the world's lion population.


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