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SelousTravel Guide |
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Tented Camps and Lodges in the Selous
Note: These contact details are correct at the time of publishing (September 2005), but may change. Please consult the Worldwide Web or a travel agent, if you experience problems.
CampingCamping is allowed in the Reserve at two designated campsites. The sites are:
Information about camping in the Reserve can be obtained from the Chief Warden or at Matambwe or Mtemere Stations. Visitors are generally advised to make use of the services of a game scouts for general assistance and for protection. All camping sites are frequented by dangerous animals. This is normally not a problem, if visitors behave reasonably and fortunately no accident has so far occurred. Camping fees (20 US-$ per person and day in addition to the entry fees) are payable in advance at the Selous office in Dar es Salaam or at the gates. The camper must bring a kerosene or gas stove for cooking. Small campfires are allowed but with collected dead wood only. Water is obtainable nearby at most times but must be filtered and preferably boiled. For preference, drinking water should be brought in, as most rivers and all the lakes are murky. Simple toilets have been erected at the sites, and all waste must be taken back out of the Reserve. No camping is permitted outside of the official camping sites, but arrangements can be made for special camping sites in the Mtemere-Manze zone on payment of the appropriate fee (40US-$ per person and day in addition to the entry fees). Visitors are required to contact the Reserve management for details. The JUKUMU camping site (5 US-$ per person and night) is two hours drive away from Matambwe on the road towards Morogoro on the left. It is called Kilengezi and the headquarter of the village scouts who conserve and manage the Wildlife Management Area North of the Reserve. Coming from Dar it is on the right (North), about 500m from the road and the turn off is clearly marked by a large signboardIt provides an excellent safe location amidst beautiful surroundings. Scouts stay at the station around the clock and arriving late is therefore no problem.
Some Advice for MotoristsVisitors coming by car have to bring their fuel from Dar es Salaam, Morogoro or Kibiti. There are no repair facilities in the Reserve. Vehicles must be 4-wheel drive. Drivers are advised to carry essential items such as tools, spare tyre, tyre repair kit, shovel, panga and drinking water. In the event of a breakdown in the Reserve stay with your vehicle and wait for another car to come along. If you must go for help in the case of a real emergency always follow the designated roads and tracks and remember that even in such a case you should not walk after sunset, as it is very dangerous. All distances and travel times given in this guide are approximate and should be regarded as indicative only. New sightseeing and anti-poaching tracks are being built by the Reserve’s management, and they can not all be described here. Gates are open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
What are the best Seasons for Visiting?To start with: All seasons are best, only different! The most pleasant time to visit the Selous is during the cool season from the end of June until October. The drier it gets the more areas are burnt, and the bare burnt grounds look a bit depressing to some visitors. On the other hand the animals are not dispersed as they are during and after the rains. They have to come to the water regularly, and this is therefore the best time to observe game in bigger numbers, even in concentrations. It can already be pleasantly cool in May and June, depending on the year. The rainy season in the Selous is normally from November to May, although there is a drier spell in January and February. This is also a beautiful time to visit as the trees and flowers are blossoming and everywhere it is green. Every old Africa hand knows, however, that the rains are notoriously unreliable. Showers occur in the dry season and drought in the wet season. If you have doubts, enquire about the road conditions before you travel! It is only during the heavy rains, normally from the end of March to May, that the Reserve is inaccessible and most tourist camps are closed. Nevertheless some may accept visitors even during the rainy season when it is very possible that there will be lengthy dry spells.
BibliographyA detailed tourist map of the Northern Sector has been produced by GTZ. Please enquire from your tourist lodge or the local bookstores. Millais J.G. (1918) Life of Frederick Courtenay Selous; Reprint by Gallery Publications, Zanzibar 2001, ISBN 9987 667 112; available in local bookstores The following books are both on the Selous, but can be found only in antiquarian bookshops or through the Internet: Matthiessen, P. (1981) Sand Rivers, London. Aurum Press Robins, E. (1980) Secret Eden, London. Elm Tree Press
Selous Game Reserve Fee Structure (2004):
Explanations:
You must obtain an official receipt for every payment. Entry fees may be subject to change without prior notice, and up to date information can be obtained from camp and tour operators or from the Selous administration. Please remember that the fees are channelled back into the Reserve and this is your contribution towards conservation of wildlife. The Reserve’s staff is always pleased to offer advice or render assistance to visitors. If you have anything to report or if you have any complaints or suggestions, please do not hesitate to write to the Chief Warden or consult with the Sector Warden at Matambwe. The visitor can contact the Selous Office at the “Ivory Room”, Nyerere Road (at Chang’ombe turnoff on the way to the airport), Dar es Salaam for all enquiries. Postal address: Chief Warden - Selous Game Reserve - P.O. Box 25295 – Dar es Salaam Tel: ++255-22-866064 - Fax: ++255-22-861007 – email: scp@africaonline.co.tz
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