Island and the Stiegler Gorge, a canyon of 100 metres depth and 100 metres width. Habitats include grassland, typical Acacia savanna, wetlands and extensive Miombo woodlands. Although total wildlife populations are high, the reserve is large and densities of animals are lower than in the more regularly visited northern tourist circuit of Tanzania. In 1976, the Selous Game Reserve contained about 109,000 elephants, then the largest population in the world. By 2013, the numbers had dropped to about 13,000 – including a 66% drop from 2009 to 2013. Sources blame corrupt politicians, officials and businessmen who help poachers. Most of the reserve remains set aside for game hunting through a number of privately leased hunting concessions, but a section of the northern park along the Rufiji River has been designated a photographic zone and is a popular tourist destination. There are several high end lodges and camps mainly situated along the river and lake systems in this area. Rather difficult road access means most visitors arrive by small aircraft from Dar es Salaam, though train access is also possible. Walking safaris are permitted in the Selous, and boat trips on the Rufiji are a popular activity. Literature Peter Matthiessen and Hugo van Lawick (Photography): Sand Rivers. Aurum Press, London 1981, . Robert J. Ross, The Selous in Africa: A Long Way from Anywhere, Officina Libraria, Milan 2015, 2016 (2nd. ed.), Rolf D. Baldus: Wild Heart of Africa. Rowland Ward Publications, Johannesburg 2009, References External links African World Heritage Sites - Selous Selous Game Reserve Official UNESCO website entry Eastern miombo woodlands Geography of Lindi Region Nature reserves in Tanzania Protected areas established in 1922 Protected areas of Tanzania Tourist attractions in the Lindi Region World Heritage Sites in Tanzania Northern Zanzibar–Inhambane coastal forest mosaic Important Bird Areas of Tanzania