Geo Travel Blog

The Tanzanian southern circuit comprises of the Selous Game reserve, Mikumi National park and Udzungwa National park. The Selous reserve is one of the biggest game reserves on the continent of Africa. The large scores of visitors have left no permanent mark on the natural setting of the game reserve. Exclusivity is synonymous with this reserve. It got its name from the renowned British game hunter and conservationist Sir Fredrick Selous who died in that territory in 1917.

The seleous game reserve is served by rivers Rufiji, Ruaha and Kiliombero. This reserve supports a big population of the big five plus wildebeest, zebra, bush buck. The vegetation comprises of dense of miombo and Mopane thickets, expansive plains and a large selection of trees with thick evergreen bush along the riverine areas.

The Selous game reserve provides open roofed 4wd safari vehicles though one could opt for foot safaris, hiking and fly camping.

Foot safaris and game walks accompanied by an armed Park Ranger are allowed in the Reserve, and is probably one of the best ways to enjoy the natural beauty and diversity of plant life of the area. There are sections of magnificent grass plains, wetlands, swamps and dense forest.

The river Rufiji Delta is an eye striking feature in the reserve. It connects the Ruaha and Rufiji rivers close to the park boundaries and deposits its waters out into the Indian Ocean along the Tanzanian coast. The biggest water catchment resource in this region is the Rufiji River. It is home to a variety of water an bird life, one can explore the deltas by taking an exciting boat ride into the different channels and lakes found in this river system. The water usually is packed with hippos and crocodiles that are usually found on the river banks soaking in the sun warmth. The river also has plenty of storks, ducks and herons.

Flights operate daily from Arusha, Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar with a transfer at an airstrip known as Mtemere. Flights usually take 45 minutes. The distance from Dar es Salaam via Kibiti is 250km and 250km from Morogoro via Uluguru Mountain.

For visitors seeking accommodation they can find it at the Rufiji River Camp. It is well equipped with 20 private tents and is ideally located on the banks of Rufiji River. Each tend has a private verandah that has a commanding view of the river plus a bathroom. The bar & restaurant is the epicenter of the camp. The camp sports a large swimming poll with sun loungers and a library.

A visit to Selous Game Reserve offers visitors the opportunity to visit the nearby Mikumi National Park and Udzungwa National Park, and the three locations make a varied and pleasant safari circuit.

The Mikumi National park is acclaimed for its diversified animal population that comprises of elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, elands, antelopes. As it is the norm with every food chain predators are present like the jackal, wild hunting dogs, and leopards and last but not least we have the king of the jungle the lion.

Luxurious accommodation is offered for Mikumi National park is offered at the Vuma Hills tented camp. Yhe restaurant and bar has a commanding view of the breathtaking plains, it provides a most relaxing environment to eat. As is the norm with camps the menu is limited but the food is finger licking sumptuous. Just below the restaurant is a small and well maintained swimming pool

The Vuma tented camp is a 2 hour journey from THE National mountain park of Udzungwa which offers the ideal choice for travelers to go hiking or walking. Its is a haven of choice with bird watchers and boasts to having over 400 bird species.

For those who want an off beaten track safari, Tanzanias southern circuit is worth considering.