The Selous and Ruaha game reserve are principal stopping points of Tanzania's less celebrated Southern Safari Circuit. The reserves are increasing in popularity, especially with seasoned safari goers who are looking for a wilder experience off the beaten track, which these two definitely offer. The Selous is Africa's largest game reserve_ as big as one-and-a-half Switzerland’s, and the low number of flights to Ruaha means that you will find far fewer visitors in these parks compared to those further north giving a true feeling of getting away from it all. Game viewing in both is extraordinary and the Selous, in particular, offers a fantastic variety of activities such as walking and boat trips, where Ruaha offers the chance for extended walking and fly camping safaris.
In the Selous, you will be able to see elephants, buffalos, leopards and large prides of lions as well as wild dogs. As the Selous is a game reserve as opposed to a National Park, you are able to enjoy day and night drives, as well as walking safaris and boat trips along the river so you get real diversity in how you enjoy your game viewing. In the Ruaha, you get similarly strong numbers of predators and the reserve has large numbers of hyenas as well. The really interesting thing about Ruaha is that it has many of the animals that you would more commonly associate with Southern African including rare roans and sable antelopes. Whilst night drives are not permitted in the Ruaha, some camps offer walking safaris and Jongomero has the aforementioned fly camping safaris for you to enjoy.
Ruaha is a really great option if you are looking to get away from the crowds and enjoy one of Africa's most scenic parks.