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Selous vs. Ruaha – best Southern Tanzania safari?

Selous vs. Ruaha: Discovering the Best of Southern Tanzania Safaris with Safari Multiways

Embark on an adventure of a lifetime in the heart of Africa with Safari Multiways, your premier guide to the wonders of Tanzania! Today, let’s unravel the magic of two of Tanzania’s hidden treasures: Selous Game Reserve and Ruaha National Park. Both parks offer unique experiences and majestic wildlife, but which one claims the crown in the ultimate Southern Tanzania safari showdown? Buckle up as we explore these breathtaking landscapes to help you decide where your next adventure should be!

Selous Game Reserve: A Pristine Wilderness

Spanning over 50,000 square kilometers, Selous Game Reserve is one of the largest faunal reserves of the world. Named after the English explorer Sir Frederick Selous, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a sanctuary of serene landscapes and abundant wildlife. It’s not just the size but the wild, untouched nature of Selous that makes it a top contender for one of the best safari experiences in Tanzania.

Wildlife and Safari Drives: Selous boasts an impressive array and density of animals, including some of the largest populations of elephants, black rhinos, cheetahs, giraffes, and hippos. It’s also one of the few places in Tanzania where you might catch sight of the rare African wild dog. Safari drives in Selous are particularly thrilling due to the park’s vast, unspoiled terrains and the opportunity to experience game drives, walking safaris, and boat safaris.

Bird Watching and Scenic Views: With over 440 bird species, Selous is a bird watcher’s paradise. The Rufiji River, flowing through the reserve, offers spectacular boat safaris that allow you to witness animals from a unique perspective, including crocodiles and water birds. The riverine environment, coupled with the reserve’s plains and woodlands, offers photographers and nature lovers breathtaking scenes.

Best Time to Visit: The dry season from June to October is the best time to visit Selous, as the wildlife congregates around the few remaining water sources, making wildlife viewing significantly easier and more rewarding.

Ruaha National Park: The Untamed Beauty

Ruaha, with its dramatic landscapes and robust wildlife, stands as Tanzania’s largest national park. It is a place of raw, untrammeled beauty and rugged wilderness that stretches over 20,000 square kilometers. Ruaha’s name comes from the Hehe word for the Great Ruaha River, which snakes through the park and is the lifeblood for the flora and fauna of the region.

Wildlife and Experiences: Ruaha is known for its high concentration of elephants and its unique blend of both eastern and southern African wildlife and vegetation. The park is home to kudus, antelopes, and more than 10% of the world’s lion population, offering an exceptional safari experience. It’s also the habitat for the endangered African wild dogs and several other predators like leopards and hyenas.

Bird’s Paradise and Walking Safaris: With more than 570 species of birds, Ruaha is a haven for bird enthusiasts. The park not only offers traditional game drives but also the rare opportunity for guided walking safaris. These walking tours allow you to connect with the African wilderness, understanding the smaller ecosystems and animal behaviors on a more intimate level.

Best Time to Visit: To get the most out of your Ruaha safari, plan your visit during the dry season from June to October. This season offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, as animals gather around the Ruaha River and other waterholes.

Selous vs. Ruaha – Which One Should Be Your Pick?

Deciding between Selous and Ruaha for your safari adventure can be challenging as both offer distinct and compelling safari experiences. If you are looking for a more varied safari activity like boat safaris along with classic game drives and walking safaris, Selous might be your destination. The large, open horizons filled with a multitude of wildlife and scenic beauty are mesmerizing.

On the other hand, if you seek a rugged, less-traversed landscape teeming with an incredible density of wildlife and the chance to explore on foot, Ruaha will capture your heart. Its vast wilderness, packed with dramatic predator sightings and a wealth of birds, offers a profound connection to nature.

Why Book Your Safari with Safari Multiways?

At Safari Multiways, we are committed to providing unforgettable safari experiences tailored to meet your dreams. Our knowledgeable guides, expert planners, and local insights ensure that your safari adventure in Tanzania is nothing short of spectacular. Whether you choose the enchanting Selous or the wild Ruaha, we are here to make your journey seamless and magical.

Ready to embark on your Southern Tanzania adventure? Contact us today at safarimultiways@gmail.com or arusha@safarimultiwaystz.com, and let Safari Multiways show you why Tanzania is a top safari destination. Your African adventure awaits!