The grave of Frederick Selous

The grave of Frederick Selous is a historical site located in the Selous Game Reserve in Tanzania. Selous was a renowned hunter, explorer, and conservationist who played a crucial role in the development of the game reserve. The reserve, named in his honor, is the largest protected wildlife reserve in Africa, covering an area of over 50,000 square kilometers.

The Selous Game Reserve is one of the most remote and inaccessible game reserves in Africa, making it a popular destination for adventurous travelers. The reserve is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, crocodiles, and hippos. Visitors can explore the reserve through game drives, boat safaris, and walking safaris.

Who was Frederick Selous

Frederick Courteney Selous, a conservationist and early British explorer, was murdered and buried in the Selous Game area during World War I, and the area is named for him. You will be able to see his gravestone, which is located beneath a tamarind tree. He was Cecil John Rhodes’ right hand man in his plan to bring the current Zimbabwe country under the British Empire, and he also received a brief disgrace in 1899 for speaking out against the war that the people of England had launched on the Boer Republics residing in South Africa. During the First World War, at the age of 60, Fredrick Selous was appointed Captain of the 25th-Royal-Fusiliers and was awarded the DSO in 1916.

He spearheaded the pursuit of the German guerilla army that controlled southern Tanzania due to his intimate knowledge of the terrain.

How did Frederick Selous Die?

On the 4th of January 1917, while fighting against Schutztruppen, a German colonialist, along the banks of the Rufiji River, he was outnumbered and shot in the head by a German sniper. He was buried near his death on the northern edge of the Selous wildlife reserve at a site named Beho.

The grave of Frederick Selous is a popular attraction in the reserve, and visitors can pay their respects to this iconic figure. Selous was killed in action during World War I in 1917, while serving as a soldier in the British army. His grave is located near the Beho Beho Hills, overlooking the Rufiji River.

The Life and Achievements of Frederick Selous

Selous spent most of his life exploring the wilds of Africa. He travelled extensively throughout the continent, mapping uncharted territories, collecting specimens of the region’s rich flora and fauna, and meeting with local tribes. He was also a skilled hunter and was known for his incredible marksmanship and his ability to track even the most elusive of prey.

Selous was an incredibly influential figure in the world of hunting and exploration. He wrote several books on his experiences in Africa, including “A Hunter’s Wanderings in Africa” and “Travel and Adventure in South-East Africa”. He also played a key role in the colonization of Rhodesia (modern-day Zimbabwe), helping to secure land for European settlers and aiding in the suppression of local uprisings.

The Grave of Frederick Selous

After a long and adventurous life, Frederick Selous eventually passed away on January 4, 1917, during World War I. He was serving as a captain in the British army at the time, and was killed by a German sniper while on a reconnaissance mission in what is now Tanzania. Selous was buried in a small cemetery near the site of his death, and his grave has since become a popular destination for hunters, explorers, and history buffs from all over the world.

The grave of Frederick Selous is located in the Morogoro region of Tanzania, near the border with Mozambique. The cemetery where Selous is buried is a small, quiet place, surrounded by rolling hills and lush vegetation. The grave itself is a simple stone marker, engraved with Selous’ name, the dates of his birth and death, and the inscription “He gave his life for his country”.

Visiting the Grave of Frederick Selous

For those interested in visiting the grave of Frederick Selous, there are several options available. The cemetery where Selous is buried is located about 30 kilometers from the town of Morogoro, and can be reached by car or on foot. There are also several tour companies that offer guided visits to the site, as well as other attractions in the surrounding area.

Visiting the grave of Frederick Selous is a unique and memorable experience. It is a chance to pay homage to one of the greatest explorers and hunters of all time, and to reflect on the incredible life and achievements of this legendary figure.

Getting there

Visitors can reach the grave by boat, which provides a scenic and peaceful journey down the Rufiji River. The journey takes visitors through the heart of the reserve, providing an opportunity to spot wildlife along the way. The boat trip to the grave can take several hours, depending on the starting point and the route taken.

Upon arrival at the grave, visitors are greeted by a simple stone monument that marks the resting place of Frederick Selous. The monument is surrounded by a small garden, which is maintained by the park rangers. Visitors are free to explore the area around the grave, which offers panoramic views of the reserve and the Rufiji River.

The grave of Frederick Selous is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought in World War I, and the contribution that Selous made to the conservation of Africa’s wildlife. It is also a testament to the enduring legacy of this remarkable figure, whose passion for the natural world continues to inspire people today.

FAQs about the Grave of Frederick Selous

1. Who was Frederick Selous?

Frederick Selous was a renowned hunter, explorer, and conservationist who played a crucial role in the development of the Selous Game Reserve. He was killed in action during World War I in 1917.

2. How can I visit the grave of Frederick Selous?

The grave of Frederick Selous can be reached by boat, which provides a scenic and peaceful journey down the Rufiji River. The journey takes several hours, depending on the starting point and the route taken.

3. What is the Selous Game Reserve?

The Selous Game Reserve is the largest protected wildlife reserve in Africa, covering an area of over 50,000 square kilometers. It is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, crocodiles, and hippos.

4. What activities can I do in the Selous Game Reserve?

Visitors can explore the reserve through game drives, boat safaris, and walking safaris. The reserve is a popular destination for adventurous travelers who want to experience the beauty and wilderness of Africa.

The grave of Frederick Selous is a significant historical site that pays tribute to a remarkable figure in African history. It is also a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought in World War I and the importance of conservation efforts in protecting Africa’s wildlife. A visit to the grave is a must for anyone traveling to the Selous Game Reserve, and it provides a unique and peaceful way to explore the beauty of this remote and inaccessible reserve.