PLANNING TO VISIT?

The best time to visit is from June to October, the dry season, when the animals gather at water holes.

Individual or tailor-made tours to Selous, with 4WD game drives, walking or boating safaris, or birding, are offered by Scott Dunn ( scottdunn.com). Package holidays are offered by Explore ( explore.co.uk).

Independent travellers can fly to Dar es Salaam then transfer on to Selous with airlines such as Coastal Aviation ( coastal.co.tz). The journey takes six hours in a 4WD or five hours by train. There is a range of accommodation within Selous and reserve entrance fees are usually around £70 for 24 hours.