Selous Game Reserve

The Selous Game Reserve is a massive protected wilderness area located in southern Tanzania, within East Africa.

Parts of this vast territory have been renamed Nyerere National Park. In 1982, UNESCO designated the area as a World Heritage Site. This honor was given because of its immense biodiversity. The region also contains vast, undisturbed natural landscapes. These landscapes include wide grasslands and miombo woodlands. These ecosystems are vital for many different species of wildlife.

The landscape is composed of several distinct habitats. You can find typical Acacia savanna and wide grasslands. There are also wetlands and riverine zones. Riparian zones, which are areas near rivers, are also common. Extensive miombo woodlands provide cover for many animals. One of the most important features is the Rufiji River. This river flows through the reserve toward the Indian Ocean. Near the river lies Stiegler Gorge. This is a canyon that is nearly 100 metres deep and just as wide.

Many iconic animal species live within these diverse habitats. The reserve is home to the bush elephant and the black rhinoceros. You can also find hippopotamuses, lions, and leopards. Other notable animals include the spotted hyena and the painted dog. Large herbivores like the Cape buffalo and Masai giraffe live here too. The plains zebra, white-bearded gnu, and giant Nile crocodile are also present. Because these ecosystems are so sensitive, human habitation is not allowed inside the boundaries. The Tanzanian Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism tracks everyone who enters or exits.

The history of the area involves several notable figures. In 1896, German Governor Hermann von Wissmann first designated it a protected area. By 1905, the territory became a hunting reserve. The reserve was named after Frederick Selous. He was a famous big game hunter and an early conservationist. Selous died at Beho Beho in 1917 during World War I. Another explorer, Keith Johnston, also died at Beho Beho in 1879. He was leading a Royal Geographical Society expedition to the Great Lakes of Africa.

Wildlife populations in the reserve have faced significant changes. In 1976, the reserve held about 109,000 elephants. At that time, it was the largest elephant population in the world. However, by 2013, that number had dropped to approximately 13,000 animals. There was a sharp 66% decrease between 2009 and 2013 alone. This represents a decline of about 10% to 11% each year during that period. Many sources attribute these losses to illegal hunting and poaching.

Today, the reserve faces new challenges regarding land use and development. A boundary change was approved to allow for the use of uranium deposits. This decision was criticized by environmental organizations like Rainforest Rescue. Additionally, Tanzania is constructing the Stiegler's Gorge Hydroelectric Power Station. This project began on 26 July 2019. It aims to produce 2,115 megawatts of electricity. This would more than triple Tanzania's current hydropower capacity of 562 megawatts. However, the IUCN warns that flooding nearly 1,000 km2 could impact biodiversity and local people.

Despite these changes, the Selous remains a major destination for travelers. Some parts are used for private hunting leases. However, a northern section along the Rufiji River is a strict photographic wildlife zone. This area is a popular spot for tourists. Visitors often arrive by small aircraft from Dar es Salaam. Some also arrive by train or car. Many people enjoy boat trips on the Rufiji River. Some visitors even participate in walking safaris, which is a unique activity for this park.