This pristine, uninhabited wilderness serves as the home to the worlds largest elephant herd and other wildlife. The meandering Rufi River, crisscrossed with waterways that connect to lakes and lagoons, offers visitors a unique boat safari experience. This journey allows travelers to witness the spectacular gathering of wildlife from an extraordinary vantage point, especially during the dry season when the animals congregate in remarkable numbers.
Drive tours and hiking are also well worth a try. There are elephants, hippos and rhinos (though the rhino population is now small). The sanctuary is home to about one-third of the worlds African wild dogs (often called African jackals).
Location: Situated in southern Tanzania between Ruaha National Park and Dar es Salaam, this destination is typically accessible by air from Arusha or Dar es Salaam. It pairs perfectly with a visit to Ruaha National Park. Visitors can also reach the area via long-distance car trips from either city, or take a train from Dar es Salaam.
Things to do: Drive hunting, boat hunting, hiking hunting, camping
Time: Considering the long distance, at least 3 nights should be spent. The dry season is best for sightseeing.
Animal Kingdom: The sanctuary boasts an extensive array of wildlife, including elephants, wildebeests, Kuroseze zebras, Maasai giraffes, various antelope species, African buffalo, lions, cheetahs, and primates such as red-green langurs, golden baboons, Tanzanian snub-nosed monkeys, and Peters angolians. Tanzania hosts approximately 20% of the worlds African wild dog population, with its Selussi National Park holding the highest concentration of these predators in Africas wildlife reserves.
