Frederick Courteney Selous: Hunter, Soldier, Naturalist

Dubbed “The greatest of the world’s big game hunters” By Teddy Roosevelt, Frederick Courteney Selous’s legacy extends far beyond double guns and dangerous game. From 1851 to 1917, his life was a poem rich with adventure, writing, and historical significance. He was a hunter, soldier, writer, and explorer, things all good men should be. Born in London’s Regent’s Park, Selous showed an early passion for nature and the outdoors. His youthful antics, often leading to trouble, hinted at a future filled with danger and adventure. Around this time, he developed a deep fascination with Africa, setting him on the path to etch his name into the continent’s history.

At the age of 19, he embarked on a journey to South Africa, beginning at the Cape of Good Hope and culminating in Matabeleland, which he reached in early 1872. Here, he claims to have received authorization from Lobengula, the Ndebele King, to hunt freely within his territories. Between 1872 and 1890, he devoted his time to hunting and exploring areas in northern Transvaal and south of the Congo Basin, with occasional returns to England. His focus was on hunting African elephants and amassing a diverse collection of specimens for both museums and private entities. His explorations significantly enhanced the understanding of what is now Zimbabwe, contributing to ethnological studies as well. He…