Once you step inside Selwo Adventura you will be transported to many places around the world. There are four territories to discover where you can learn about their ecosystems and the dangers the animals face.
The Nature Gateway
Enter the park into the Nature Gateway, is the first area you encounter, there is the ‘Great Lake of Africa’ surrounded by lush tropical and subtropical vegetation. Here you will meet animals such as the cheetahs, red pandas, cuvieri gazelles, flamingos, hyenas and meerkats.
There are two super fun areas for little ones (and big kids), where they can actually enter the goat enclosure to get up close and walk among them and even pet them, respectfully. The mini-farm, with sheep, donkeys and pigs is another favourite.
There are a few exciting activities in this area; the Kuruka Trampolines, the Mshale Archery facility and the most thrilling of all is to walk across the great suspension bridge that goes over the lake, 15 meters high and 65 meters long where you will feel like you are in the heart of Africa. You can then go on the great Ziwa Zip Line where you will glide across the lake for 116 meters with the best view in the house! (weight limits apply).
The Madagascar Territory
The Madagascar Territory is next where you can get to know the ring-tailed, Mayotte and the black and white ruffed lemurs. If you are brave enough you can also experience an encounter with the lemurs, this usually takes place in the afternoon, check the schedule before you go, where you can enter the enclosure, sit down and get a photo taken with them, it’s a wonderful experience, they are so cheeky you may even find one or two want to climb onto your back!
On your way to the Grand Canyon of the Birds you will see the territory of the Iberian Lynx, a beautiful creature on the verge of extinction and learn all that is being done to save this species.
You can enjoy a birds eye view of the environment along the Hanging Bridge. The walkway then continues on to La Cascada de las Nutrias, the waterfall of the short-clawed otters, where you are able to see these adorable creatures both above and below the water.
The Bird Canyon
Inside the Bird Canyon you can see birds from all over the world, for example; sacred ibis, trumpeter hornbills, golden pheasants, African wood stork, peacocks, Abdim’s storks and even endangered species like the Crowned Crane who are threatened by the loss of wetlands for many reasons including drought and overgrazing.
The Great Bridge of Africa spectacularly brings you to Central Town, along the bridge on one side you can see the largest land mammal, the family of Asian elephants are part of the European Program for the Reproduction and Conservation of Endangered Species (EEP). Along the other side of the bridge you can see across the whole Lake Reserve and all its inhabitants.
Central Town
Central Town is home to the lion, one of the worlds greatest predators, there are a few different windows from which you can observe the king of the African Savannah.
You can also find the Grotto of the night, where the fruit bats live in their replica internal cave and the snake den.
Lake Reserve
The last area to explore is the Lake Reserve, transporting you to Africa with many of the great herbivores of the Savannah. There are herds of Zebras, antelopes, Angolan giraffes, impalas and white tailed wildebeests. Near the waterfall camels, oryx and water antelope graze.
There are also three male white rhinos, Akono, Tayo and Sethemba in the rhinoceros meadow, in an effort to conserve this endangered species, they are part of the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums (EAZA) program.
Don’t forget to see the most dangerous of all African herbivores, the hippopotamus, swimming in their lake.
Bird show
A spectacular you will not want to miss, just after the Great African Bridge, with a view of the Lake Reserve, you can witness wonderful birds soaring high above your head as they stretch their wings and prepare to swoop down to say hello. You will see and learn about many different birds including the American eagle, blue-and-yellow macaws, red-and-green macaws, the caracara falcon, owls, vultures and many more. It’s such a wonderful experience to see these beautiful birds flying through the audience. Be prepared there is no shade and it gets hot during the summer so don’t forget your suntan lotion and hats.
After the presentation you can then have your photo taken, by their photographer, with one of their birds, my daughter once got to hold an eagle and on another visit we had a family photo with two blue-and-yellow macaws, such treasured memories of a wonderful family day out.
Meet the……
You can go around the park and see which ever animals you like in your own time, however if you are interested in learning something new Selwo offer free educational talks, in Spanish and English, throughout the day with their ‘meet the….’ Programmes. Their guides are very friendly and are happy to answer any questions you might have. You can meet the Cheetahs, lemurs, lions, snakes, elephants, Iberian lynx, hyenas and the red pandas. For example I learned here that cheetahs have black tears to help them see in the bright sun, like natural sunglasses!!
Extras
The Safari Serengeti tour, is an extra you can purchase with your entrance tickets, where you can go on an exclusive tour of the Lake Reserve in an open all-terrain vehicle. Your expert guide will tell you all you would like to know about the creatures there and you can even feed the zebras and see how the keepers feed the hippos, from a safe distance!
For an unforgettable and unique day why not try the VIP Experience? Enjoy a private tour, both on foot and in an off road vehicle, with an expert guide, only for small groups. You will also be able to go behind the scenes for an exclusive peek to see first-hand how the keepers care for the animals of the park and the efforts to conserve the endangered species.
Refreshments
There are lots of choices and pitstops along the way. The main restaurant is in Central Town with all the usual choices; hamburgers, pizzas, chips, salads and sandwiches, however they also offer roast chicken with potatoes or chips, with children’s menu of pasta, chicken nuggets or burgers.
The Barbacoa restaurant is located next to the great Lake of Africa which along with the usual offerings you can get grilled choices like ribs. There is also a café which has longer opening hours.
Just before the Great Bridge of Africa you will find the Aviary Kiosk where you can grab a drink and snack with many options to choose from.
Hotel Selwo
If a day isn’t long enough, or you’ve always wanted to stay in an African lodge then you can extend your stay at Hotel Selwo Lodge. There are three villages to choose from all with different designs and locations, the Watu village, the Masai village and the Zulú jacuzzi villas. All offer free entry into the park and a free Safari Serengeti tour as well as other discounts and offers.
For more information and to book tickets click here.
If you are interested in buying or selling a home, that is just a short drive from Estepona and Selwo Adventura, we would be happy to help. simply fill in our contact form or call us on (+34) 951 242 157
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