Overview

Once known as the Selous Game Reserve, Nyerere National Park is Tanzania’s largest and most diverse protected area—a boundless wilderness where rivers carve through open plains, forests hum with bird calls, and nature feels truly untamed. Covering more than 30,000 square kilometers, it’s one of Africa’s last great wilderness frontiers, offering an extraordinary blend of land and water safaris far from the crowds of the northern parks.

Highlights & Attractions

The beating heart of Nyerere is the mighty Rufiji River, a life-giving artery that sustains an incredible array of wildlife. Its channels, oxbow lakes, and sandbanks are alive with hippos, crocodiles, and elephants that gather along its edges at dusk. The park’s vast landscapes—ranging from miombo woodlands and open grasslands to acacia-dotted plains—create breathtaking contrasts and endless photographic opportunities.

Wildlife & Activities

Nyerere is home to a staggering diversity of species. You’ll find large elephant and buffalo herds, prides of lions, elusive leopards, and endangered African wild dogs. Boat safaris on the Rufiji River offer close encounters with hippos and crocodiles, while walking safaris led by armed rangers reveal the smaller wonders—tracks, plants, and birds that define the soul of the bush. Game drives, both day and night, reveal predators on the move and the park’s untamed energy after dark.

With fewer lodges spread across such a vast space, every safari here feels private and deeply connected to the rhythms of the wild.

Best Time to Visit

The dry season (June to October) is ideal for game viewing as animals concentrate around water sources and the Rufiji River. The green season (November to April) brings lush scenery, bird migration, and dramatic thunderstorms, transforming the park into a photographer’s paradise.

Getting There

Nyerere National Park is most easily accessed by light aircraft from Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, or the southern highlands, with flights landing at airstrips such as Mtemere or Beho Beho. For adventurers, it’s also reachable by road from Dar es Salaam (a full-day drive), making it a favorite for those seeking off-the-beaten-path exploration.