Nyerere National Park

Africa’s Largest Wildlife Sanctuary The Untamed Wilderness of Southern Tanzania

Nyerere National Park, formerly known as the Selous Game Reserve, is a vast, unspoiled wilderness that spans over 30,000 square kilometers, making it the largest national park in Tanzania and one of the biggest protected areas in Africa. Named after Tanzania’s founding father, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a haven for safari-goers seeking a remote, crowd-free safari experience teeming with wildlife and natural beauty.

This park is part of the famous Southern Circuit, offering a raw, off-the-beaten-path safari compared to the popular Northern Circuit parks.

The park offers incredible game viewing year-round, and each region has its own magic:

Wildlife in Nyerere National Park

Nyerere is renowned for its diverse habitats, from sprawling savannas and dense miombo woodlands to riverine forests and lush wetlands fed by the mighty Rufiji River.

Key wildlife highlights include:

Massive elephant herds (one of the largest populations in Africa)
African wild dogs (painted wolves) — Nyerere is one of the best places to see them.
Lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, and jackals.
Buffaloes, zebras, giraffes, wildebeests, kudus, elands, sable antelope, and hippos.
Over 440 bird species, including fish eagles, African skimmers, and kingfishers.
Crocodiles basking along the Rufiji River’s sandbanks.

Top Things to Do in Nyerere National Park

Game Drives in Open Savannahs
Explore the park’s diverse terrain in 4×4 vehicles, encountering iconic African wildlife with few other tourists around.
Boat Safaris on the Rufiji River
One of Nyerere’s signature experiences — watch elephants, hippos, and crocodiles from a boat as you cruise the Rufiji’s interconnected waterways.
Walking Safaris with Armed Rangers
Get up close with nature on foot, learning about tracks, plants, and wildlife behaviors in a thrilling, immersive experience.
Birdwatching Expeditions
A paradise for bird lovers with hundreds of resident and migratory species thriving in the wetlands and riverbanks.
Fly-Camping Adventures
For the truly adventurous, spend a night under canvas in the heart of the bush, accompanied by professional guides.

Why Visit Nyerere National Park?

One of Africa’s largest and wildest ecosystems.
Incredible boat safari experiences — rare in most other parks.
Fantastic chances of spotting wild dogs.
Less crowded than Serengeti or Ngorongoro, offering intimate wildlife encounters.
Easily combined with Ruaha National Park for a complete Southern Circuit safari.
Excellent for those looking for off-grid, authentic safari experiences.

Best Time to Visit

Dry Season (June to October): Best for wildlife viewing as animals gather near water sources.
Green Season (November to May): Beautiful landscapes, birdwatching, and fewer visitors. Boat safaris remain fantastic during this time.

Access & Location

By Air: Daily scheduled flights from Dar es Salaam to various airstrips inside the park (approx. 45 minutes).
By Road: 6-7 hour drive from Dar es Salaam (best in the dry season).
Often included in Southern Circuit itineraries with Mikumi, Udzungwa, and Ruaha.