Selous & Ruaha
The Selous Game Reserve is one of the largest faunal reserves of the world, located in the south of Tanzania. The reserve covers a total area of 54,600 km2 (21,100 sq mi), has additional buffer zones. Within the Selous Reserve no permanent human habitation or permanent structures are permitted. Some of the typical animals of the savanna (for example elephants, hippopotami, African Wild Dog, Cape buffalo and crocodiles) can be found in this park in larger numbers than in any other African game reserve or national park. Most of the Selous reserve remains set aside for game hunting through a number of privately leased hunting concessions, but a section of the northern Selous Game Reserve park along the Rufiji River has been designated a photographic zone and is a popular tourist destination. There are several high end lodges and camps mainly situated along the river and lake systems in this area. Rather difficult road access means most visitors arrive by small aircraft from Dar es Salaam.
Ruaha National Park is the largest national park in Tanzania. It covers an area of about 22,000 km². It is located in the middle of Tanzania about 130 km from Iringa. Ruaha is famous for its large population of Elephants. Presently about 10 000 elephants are roaming the park. Ruaha National Park is also a true birdwatchers paradise: 436 species have been identified. The best times to visit for predators and large mammals is the dry season (May–December) and for birds and flowers, the wet season (January–April). There are Six lodges in Ruaha: Tandala Tented Camps, Mwagusi Safari Camp, Mdonya Old River Camp , Ruaha River Lodge, Kwihale and Jongomero Camp.
