Nyerere National Park, formerly known as Selous Game Reserve, is located in southern Tanzania, covering over 30,000 square kilometers, making it one of the largest protected areas in Africa. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its vast wilderness, rich biodiversity, and pristine rivers. It is less visited than northern circuit parks, offering a true off-the-beaten-path safari experience.
Rufiji River: The Rufiji River is the lifeline of the park and supports a wide variety of wildlife. Boat safaris along the river allow visitors to see hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and an abundance of bird species. The river scenery is particularly beautiful at sunrise and sunset.
Big Game Safaris: Nyerere is home to some of the largest populations of elephants in East Africa. Lions, leopards, buffalos, giraffes, zebras, and African wild dogs roam freely in the park’s savannahs and woodlands, making game drives a thrilling experience.
Walking and Canoe Safaris: Unlike the northern parks, Nyerere offers walking safaris and guided canoe trips, giving tourists a closer encounter with nature and wildlife in a more intimate setting.
Birdwatching: With over 450 bird species recorded, including the rare Pels Fishing Owl and African skimmer, the park is a paradise for bird lovers. The combination of wetlands, forests, and savannah provides ideal habitats for diverse avian life.
Ecological Diversity: Nyerere features a mix of miombo woodlands, grasslands, wetlands, and riverine forests. This diversity supports rich wildlife populations and makes it an important conservation area.
Vast Wilderness: Nyerere is one of the largest parks in Africa, providing a sense of true wilderness. Unlike Serengeti or Ngorongoro, visitors often see fewer vehicles and have the feeling of being alone with nature.
Boat Safaris: The park’s rivers allow unique water-based safaris, which are rare in other Tanzanian parks. Seeing hippos, crocodiles, and elephants from a boat is a highlight for many visitors.
Conservation Success: Nyerere is a stronghold for African wild dogs, one of the most endangered predators in the world. The park’s remote location and strict protection have helped safeguard these species.
Dry Season (June to October): Wildlife is concentrated around rivers and waterholes, making animal spotting easier. The dry season also offers better conditions for walking and boat safaris.
Wet Season (November to May): The park is lush and green, ideal for birdwatching and photography. Some roads may be difficult to access due to rain, but the scenery is spectacular and fewer tourists visit.
Selous Serena Camp: Luxury tented camp overlooking the Rufiji River, offering both comfort and a close-to-nature experience.
Fanjove Island Lodge: Located on an island along the Rufiji delta, this lodge provides a unique mix of water and land safari experiences.
Siwandu Camp: A mid-range tented camp that combines rustic charm with modern amenities, located in a prime game-viewing area.
Stiegler’s Gorge Lodge: Situated near the Stiegler’s Gorge, this lodge offers spectacular river views and easy access to boat safaris.
Elephants, lions, leopards, buffalos, giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species.
Yes, the park offers both guided walking safaris and canoe safaris along the Rufiji River.
The park can be accessed via small charter flights from Dar es Salaam, or by road from Morogoro or Dar es Salaam.
Yes, the park is one of the best places in Africa to see these endangered predators.
Nyerere National Park is a remote, wild, and untouched safari destination. Its vast landscapes, river safaris, diverse wildlife, and low tourist traffic make it ideal for travelers seeking a more authentic and private safari experience. Whether on land or water, visitors can enjoy unparalleled encounters with nature in one of Tanzania’s most pristine national parks.
Don’t miss out on an incredible desert experience! Complete the booking form to secure your spot and prepare for the adventure.
