River Rufiji in Tanzania : With its amazing array of flora and fauna, the Rufiji River is the biggest river in Tanzania. It begins at the Shuguli Falls, where rivers such as the Luwegu and Kilombero (Ulanga) converge to form the Rufiji River. The river travels northeast through the Selous Game Reserve before joining the Ruaha River and entering the Stieglers Gorge, which is the river’s second section. The river originates in southwest Tanzania and flows for about 600 kilometres (370 mi) before emptying into the Indian Ocean. Great Ruaha River is one of its main tributaries. It can be travelled on for around 100 kilometres (62 miles).
Rufiji River flows through the Selous Game Reserve, one of Africa’s few really unspoiled wilderness areas, where it ensures the survival of some of the continent’s highest animal populations. For a considerable amount of time, the parks and reserves situated in Southern Tanzania have been perceived as the “little brother” of the renowned northern wildlife regions and popular tourist safari destinations, like Kilimanjaro, Ngorongoro, and Serengeti.
The magnificent Selous wildlife reserve is sustained by the River Rufiji in Tanzania . With a surface area of over 180,000, the Rufiji river basin is Tanzania’s biggest river basin.
Why Visiting River Rufiji.
Millions of animals are drawn to the Selous Game Reserve by the Rufiji River. Thus, it has had a significant impact on human prosperity over the ages.
Home to the world’s biggest mangrove forests is the navigable Rufiji Delta.
There are a lot of water sports and activities available on the river.
Huge animals, frogs, and some of the most incredible African reptiles may be found in Rufiji. Huge crocodiles, hippopotamuses, and amazing frogs call it home.
Another incentive to visit the region is its birdlife. The most incredible birds, including kingfishers, African spoonbills, Black-winged stilts, harmerkops, and heron ducks, may be found there.
Activities to do in Rufiji River.
Boat safaris.
Consider taking an amazing Rufiji delta cruise in instead of a conventional wildlife drive. One of Tanzania’s greatest safari experiences is Rufiji. With amazing sightings of hippo, crocodile, and a variety of waterfowl, the water dimension really enhances your journey at the Selous Game Reserve, a top wildlife destination.
Game Drives.
Take a day trip over the legendary Rufiji River to witness wildlife. Typically, game drives are conducted in open vehicles with a sunroof so that no one’s vision is restricted. Trained locally, the guides at Rufiji are knowledgeable about the Selous region.
Game walks.
Your eyes will be truly opened to the finer nuances that are sometimes overlooked on wildlife drives by a walking safari at Rufiji River. When analyzed and discussed by your Walking guide, the spores, footprints, and the “little five,” which stand for the kingdom of insects and reptiles, are interesting.
Exploring Marine life.
Due to the diversity of fish species found in the Rufiji River Delta, it is possible to explore and learn about the marine life there. Invertebrates such as mollusks, crabs, copepods, prawns, jellyfish, and leeches are also abundant.
Best time to visit Rufiji River.
The dry season, which runs from late June to October, is the ideal time to explore the Rufiji River Delta. This is a straightforward relationship between the need for animals to gather around surviving rivers due to the growing scarcity of water as the dry season goes on and other parks that thrive in the dry.
In addition, as the dry spell deepens, the foliage gradually thins down, allowing for better animal visibility. Go right to our top Tanzanian and Rufiji River experiences by joining us.
How to get there.
One option is to drive from Dar es Salaam to the Mikumi National Park, passing through the Matambwe gate (now known as Nyerere National Park), entering the Selous Game Reserve, and finally arriving at the Rufiji River. This would be a typical circle route. Driving from Dar es Salaam to Selous (218 kilometres) might take up to 4 hours.
Here’s a more way to reach the Rufiji River. Many flights depart from Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Zanzibar, and land at one of the airstrips in Ruaha or the Selous Game Reserve.
The country may be entered at Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR), Kilimanjaro International Airport, and Zanzibar International Airport.