Teeming with African wildlife, the Selous is home to enormous herds of elephant, large journeys of giraffe, lion and leopard. In addition to game-drives in open 4x4 safari vehicles led by professional rangers, guests may enjoy guided bush walks which allow observation of the 2 000 species of plants, as well as game viewing from intimate riverboats. The Selous Game Reserve lies in an area of practically uninhabited miombo woodland divided between southern Tanzania and northern Mozambique. Bisected by the great Rufiji River, the Reserve is a vast region of largely unexplored bush. There are a variety of different habitats, including the wide meandering river interlaced with myriad channels, swamps, terminalia woodland and magnificent grass plains. The sheer diversity of the landscape - from hot volcanic springs, placid lagoons and numerous river channels - makes the Selous a unique area in which to observe a large array of African wildlife. The Reserve supports a great diversity of mammals and is renowned for the volume of game harboured within it, especially the elephant population which is estimated at 65 000 - the largest in the world. 

Seasons: The dry season (Jun-Nov) is the best time for game viewing. Bird viewing is brilliant during the rainy season (Jan-Apr); however many of the roads are impassable after heavy rainfall. Lodges close between March and May. 

Wildlife: 350 species of bird have been recorded. You should see: elephant; hippo; buffalo; wildebees; hartebeest; Greater Kudu; sable antelope; eland; reedbuck; bushbuck; waterbuck; warthog; zebras; giraffe; lion; spotted hyeana You may see: rhino; leopard; hunting dog; cheetah 

Precautions: Malaria area - minimize mosquito bites by wearing light, long sleeved clothing and using effective insect repellents (containing Diethyltoluamide DEET) on exposed skin. Sleep under treated mosquito netting or ensure that the doors and windows of your accommodation are screened against mosquitoes. Having a fan or air-conditioner on at night will further suppress mosquito activity. Currently, the three effective anti-malaria tablets are Mefloquine (Lariam or Mefliam), Doxycycline and Malarone (Malanil). It is still possible to contract malaria while on malaria prophylaxis. Note that Lariam may present serious side-effects - please test before you depart.