Part of the southern circuit of Tanzania, and sometimes missed off the regular itinerary, is Selous Game Reserve. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982 and named after Sir Frederick Selous, a famous big game hunter and early conservationist who died in the area during the first World War, this reserve is strictly a game haven. No permanent human structures or habitation is allowed and therefore the camps in the area must have minimal impact on the surroundings and movement is monitored closely for the preservation of the area. It is nearly four times larger than the Serengeti and access for tourism is quite limited, which does certainly improve the quality of the game here.

The Reserve is well known for its large packs of wild dog that have been making a come-back in other areas of eastern and southern Africa but are doing extremely well in this highly guarded habitat. They might look scruffy but they work remarkably well in teams of up to 30 individuals and have a rather sweet family interaction that is fascinating to watch. The Rufiji River wangles its way through the park and helps to sustain huge numbers elephant and stunning sickle horned sable, kudu and a variety of other antelope. The River itself is full of tiger fish who are as fierce as their name suggests but also have significant markings that are reminiscent of the land mammal and catfish who can sliver through the mud and overland thanks to their prehistoric lungs. A really special wilderness to visit in addition to the well-trodden tracks of the north.