Originating from the Rufiji River - the park’s lifeline - a network of channels, lakes, lagoons, sandbanks and swamps form one of Africa’s most outstanding ecological systems - giving life to abundant game, extraordinary birdlife and vast, thriving, untouched wilderness.

The reserve covers a total area of 54,600 km² (21,081 square miles)'. Within the reserve no permanent human habitation or permanent structures are permitted. All (human) entry and exit is carefully controlled by the Wildlife Division of the Tanzanian Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism. Some of the typical animals of the savanna (for example elephants, hippopotami, African Wild Dog, cape buffalo and crocodiles) can be found in this park in larger numbers than in any other African game reserve or national park.