A Day out at Selwo in Estepona
Selwo Aventura just east of Estepona, as its name now suggests, is much more than a safari park. Those who have been before will be surprised at the changes and additions made whilst the place was closed over the 2003 - 2004 winter period. It is well worth another visit and a place not to be missed for a first visit.
Essential information. Prices: Adults 18 Euros Children & Seniors 12 Euros Open:Daily 10:00 to 18:00 hrs
All transport, suspension bridge walkways, various raptor exhibitions and shows are included. Extra charges are made for archery, camel rides, aerial runways, bungee trampolines and wall climbing. Visitors are not supposed to take in their own food though many do. Food supplied at the cafes and restaurants is good and not expensive. Set three course meals are 9 Euros and a cheese burger, chips and a drink will set you back 6 Euros. A map is supplied and there are signposted routes but they are confusing. Most of the information boards relating to the various species are in English as well as Spanish.
Start the Tour
Once through the entry point, ahead and to the left is the Botanical Reserve. This area is covered with thatched shady structures covered in aromatic climbers and paths leading through beds laid out in a natural way, with native and introduced plant species. All the plants are in beautiful condition. Between the plants and paths peacocks wander freely.
Leaving the Botanical Reserve do not miss a rare treat. A Red Panda, reputed to be the most beautiful mammal in the world. Mornings and evenings are best, during the afternoon she (I presume - she is much too nice to be a male) takes a siesta curled up in her tree.
Signs now lead you to the aviary but on the way, over to the right, are other attractions. A Nile crocodile, iguanas, wallabies and a childrens farm complete with all the cuddly, strokeable, non biting animals - apart from the bad tempered pot bellied pigs. Ducks and geese are allowed to walk around.
It is easy to miss the large cages here, again to your right, containing monkeys, apes, lemurs and white handed gibbons. Although caged, all the animals look well fed and happy. They have plenty of climbing and swinging space and seem to take delight in showing off for the humans.
To your left is the lagoon and a few minutes spent here is well worth it. There are various water birds on the lagoon including black swans, pochards and mute swans as well as the ubiquitous mallard, coot and moorhen.
The aviary is a large cage containing many types of tropical bird, far too many to mention individually but look out for a white parrot called Pepe. I tried to get a picture of an African Crane, (Archie Henderson tells me it is the national bird of Nigeria), putting my lens right up to the cage, but Pepe kept filling the lens shouting 'Hola'.
From here you can take one of the free safari lorries up to the second main area called the Central Village. Good for those bad on their feet. The alternative is a real treat, a 1 kilometre walk up, definitely up, a netted gully that contains over 40 species and 400 individual tropical and sub tropical birds. There are toucans, bulbuls, storks, cranes, ibis, spoonbills and guinea fowl to name a few. The trick is to stand still whilst other chattering groups have passed. Notice how the birds become silent. While you are waiting you will be entertained by the toucans performing very close, very fast, fly byes on the chatterers. When all is peaceful again the other birds re-appear. Many people must walk up here and see very little.
Emerging at the top of the gully you will be above a wide basin containing herds of animals like buffalo and bison, gazelle and kudu, again too many to mention. They are all free to roam in this large, dusty, semi arid area. A wooden trestle bridge takes you to the Central Village, a useful place to have a much needed drink before taking the paths down to the Lake Reserve. From the trestle bridge look to the right at the far lake. This is the home of the rhinoceros and one of the few places from which to see them unless you take the safari lorry back to the aviary.
Leaving the bridge, on the left is the elephant enclosure. These animals used to have acres to themselves but are now more confined. A sign indicates this is a temporary arrangement. Two of them seemed quite happy though, there may well be baby elephants in due course.
The Central Village is a collection of thatched huts with the usual cafes, souvenir shops, services and, not signposted, the reptile house. At the moment (February 2004) the only residents are pythons and anacondas but there are indications that the range will be extended. There used to be a far wider selection.
The walk down to the Lake Reserve takes you past the giraffes. Again the enclosure is small compared to their previous home but still larger than in most parks I have seen. The Lake Reserve itself is a disappointment. At the time of writing the only attraction was the raptors. These are the birds trained from hatching to accept captivity and perform twice a day. I appreciate that this is the only way most people will see these magnificent proud birds, but having seen some in the wild I sympathise with them.
Return to the Central Village and take the safari lorry to the African Village. Whilst you are waiting you can admire the Bengal tigers. On the way you will see, at very close quarters, camels and bison and behind fences lions and more Bengal tigers. Try to get a seat at the back of the lorry facing backwards. Two reasons, first the animals are on both sides, sometimes not easy to see if you happen to be sat on the wrong side and secondly because the driver gives a continuous commentary via a loudspeaker at the front that is quite deafening particularly when he is trying to persuade camels to get off the road ahead.
The African Village has a nice restaurant at which a good three course meal can be had for 9 Euros. Your table includes a view of the lions and tigers. Alternatively there is a Burger Bar where a very good cheeseburger, chips and drink can be had for 6 Euros, again with a view of lions and tigers. Do not miss the brown bears away over the other side of the valley.
The route back is again a choice. You can take the lorry back to the Central Village or you can walk. The 2 kilometre walk entails crossing three suspension bridges across gullies containing various animals. One is quite high and long and not suitable for those suffering from vertigo or, who do not enjoy walking on thin planks, hanging onto wire supports whilst the whole thing swings from side to side and oscillates up and down above potentially man eating animals. For a fifty year old child it's great fun. Try it soon I have a feeling some EC regulation will force the removal of the bridges.
From the Central Village if time allows, the walk back down the netted gorge can reward you with sightings not seen on the way up. The alternative is a lorry back to the aviary and a short walk to the exit.
Selwo Aventura is a very full day out.