Morogoro and Lindi regions, southern Tanzania · Tanzania
Boat safaris, walking safaris and wild dogs in the Rufiji River wilderness.
Photo: Erasmus Kamugisha · CC BY-SA 4.0
Nyerere National Park was carved from the northern part of the former Selous Game Reserve, one of the largest protected areas in Africa. The Rufiji River winds through it, feeding lakes, channels and floodplains where hippos, crocodiles and huge numbers of birds gather.
What sets Nyerere apart is the variety of safari styles. In addition to normal game drives, camps offer boat safaris on Lake Tagalala and the Rufiji, and guided walking safaris with armed rangers, which are not allowed in most other Tanzanian parks. The park is one of the best places in the country to see African wild dogs, along with lions, elephants, giraffes and buffalo.
It is easily reached by a short flight from Dar es Salaam, making it a good add-on for a beach holiday on Zanzibar. Most camps are small, and visitor numbers are low, giving a more private experience than the northern circuit.
Why visit
Nyerere is a wilder, quieter alternative to the northern parks.
Float among hippos and crocodiles.
Experience the bush on foot.
One of the best places to see them.
A private experience.
A quick add-on.
Main attractions
Activities here centre on the river and lakes.
Hippos, crocodiles and riverbirds.
Tip Take a sunset boat trip.
A lake with elephants and waterbirds.
Tip Great for boat safaris.
Led by an armed ranger.
Tip Wear neutral colours.
Often seen in the dry season.
Tip Ask guides for den sites.
Lions, giraffes and buffalo.
Tip Go early.
Sleep in a simple tent in the bush.
Tip Ask your operator.
Things to do
Mix drives with boat and walking activities.
On the Rufiji.
Tip Bring a hat.
With a ranger.
Tip Listen carefully.
At dawn.
Tip Binoculars help.
Catch-and-release.
Tip Ask your camp.
Under the stars.
Tip A camp highlight.
Learn about local life.
Tip Ask your camp.
Local food
Meals are mostly camp-prepared.
Rufiji catch.
Where to try it Camp dinners.
Maize porridge.
Where to try it Local meals.
Flatbread.
Where to try it Camp breakfast.
Fried dough.
Where to try it Tea time.
Spiced rice.
Where to try it Lunch.
Accommodation
Camps are the way to stay.
Transport
Most guests fly in from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar.
You will move by vehicle, boat or on foot.
When to go
The dry season gives the best wildlife viewing around the river and lakes.
Dry and easy wildlife viewing.
Short rains.
Green and hot.
Long rains, many camps close.
Worth planning around: March to May, when most camps close.
Itinerary
A river-based stay.
Flight in
Boats and birds
On foot
Travel tips
A few tips for southern safaris.
FAQ
Yes for boat and walking safaris.
Fewer people, more variety of activities.
Not recommended.
Yes, take advice.
June to October.
Two to four days.
Keep exploring
Places that pair well with Nyerere National Park (Selous), whether you have a few spare days or are building a longer route.
Iringa Region, southern Tanzania, Tanzania
A remote, wild park of 20,000 square kilometres with huge baobabs, big lion prides, greater kudu, sable and roan antelope.
Don't miss Watching a big lion pride at the Great Ruaha River with no other vehicles around.
Explore Destination — Ruaha National ParkUnguja island, Zanzibar, Tanzania
The north and east coast beaches of Zanzibar: Nungwi, Kendwa, Paje, Jambiani, Matemwe and Michamvi, plus snorkelling, kite-surfing and red colobus monkeys.
Don't miss Watching the tide drift out and a dhow sail past at sunset on a quiet beach.
Explore Destination — Zanzibar BeachesMara and Simiyu regions, northern Tanzania, Tanzania
A UNESCO-listed park of 14,750 square kilometres, home to the Great Migration of wildebeest and zebra, big cats, balloon safaris and classic acacia-dotted savannah.
Don't miss Watching a river crossing or a lion pride at sunrise from an open safari vehicle.
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