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Discover Nyerere National Park, formerly Selous Game Reserve – a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the largest protected areas in Africa. With the mighty Rufiji River flowing through, it offers a unique blend of boat safaris, game drives, and walking adventures.
Why choose Nyerere National Park?
• Tanzania's largest national park (30,000 km²)
• Only park with boat safaris on the Rufiji River
• High density of hippos, crocodiles, and elephants
• One of the best places to see African wild dogs
• Remote and uncrowded safari experience
• Combination of game drives, walking, and boat trips
• Over 440 bird species recorded
Contact our Nyerere specialists today for a free consultation!
Nyerere National Park, formerly the northern sector of Selous Game Reserve, was gazetted as a national park in 2019. It covers 30,000 km², making it the largest national park in Africa. The park is bisected by the Rufiji River – Tanzania's largest river – creating a lush oasis of lagoons, channels, and floodplains that support incredible wildlife concentrations.
This is a pristine wilderness where you can experience game drives, boat safaris, and walking safaris all in one day. It's famous for its large elephant population, packs of African wild dogs, and prolific birdlife. Far from the crowds of the northern circuit, Nyerere offers an exclusive, authentic safari experience.
Day 1: Arrival & Afternoon Boat Safari
Morning scheduled flight from Dar es Salaam to Nyerere airstrip (approx. 1 hour). Meet your guide and transfer to camp/lodge. After lunch, embark on a boat safari along the Rufiji River – see hippos, crocodiles, and waterbirds up close. Return for dinner and overnight.
Day 2: Full Day Safari – Game Drives & Walking
Early morning game drive in search of wild dogs, elephants, and predators. Return for breakfast. Mid-morning walking safari with armed ranger – learn about tracking, medicinal plants, and small creatures. After lunch, afternoon game drive to explore different areas. Dinner and overnight.
Day 3: Morning Game Drive & Departure
Final morning game drive focusing on any missing species. Breakfast at camp. Transfer to airstrip for your flight back to Dar es Salaam, arriving by midday.
Day 1: Arrival & Boat Safari
Flight from Dar es Salaam to Nyerere. Afternoon boat safari on Rufiji River. Dinner and overnight.
Day 2: Game Drives & Walking
Full day of activities: morning game drive, walking safari, afternoon game drive. Picnic lunch in the bush. Dinner and overnight.
Day 3: Remote Area Exploration
Full-day game drive to remote sectors of the park with picnic lunch. Look for wild dogs, sable antelope, and large elephant herds. Return for dinner and overnight.
Day 4: Final Safari & Departure
Early morning game drive, breakfast, then transfer to airstrip for flight to Dar es Salaam.
Game Drives: Morning and afternoon drives in open 4x4 vehicles. The park's vastness ensures exclusive wildlife sightings. Best times: 6:30-10:30 AM and 4:00-6:30 PM.
Boat Safaris: 2-3 hour trips on the Rufiji River – a highlight of Nyerere. Observe hippos, crocodiles, elephants swimming, and incredible birdlife. Sunset boat safaris are magical.
Walking Safaris: Guided walks with armed ranger (2-3 hours) – a chance to experience the bush on foot, learning about tracks, insects, and plants. Minimum age: 12.
Fly Camping: For the adventurous, spend a night under the stars in a mobile camp deep in the wilderness.
Bird Watching: Over 440 species including African fish eagle, malachite kingfisher, and the rare Pel's fishing owl.
Luxury Tented Camps: Permanent safari tents with ensuite bathrooms, private decks overlooking the river. Full board. Examples: Selous Safari Camp, Rufiji River Camp.
Mid-Range Lodges: Comfortable lodges with swimming pools and restaurant.
Budget Options: Basic campsites and bandas for budget travelers.
Family Accommodation: Family tents available at several camps. Special rates for children.
Fly-Camping: Basic mobile camping for the ultimate wilderness experience.
The only park in Tanzania offering extensive boat safaris on a major river. See hippos, crocodiles, and elephants from a unique perspective.
Nyerere has one of the highest densities of endangered African wild dogs. Regular sightings make it a top destination for wild dog enthusiasts.
Experience true solitude. At 30,000 km², Nyerere offers limitless exploration with minimal vehicles – a pure African wilderness.
Over 440 bird species including waterbirds, migrants, and rare species like the African pitta and Pel's fishing owl.
Yes and no. In 2019, the northern section of the Selous Game Reserve (approx. 30,000 km²) was designated as Nyerere National Park, while the remaining southern part (about 20,000 km²) continues as Selous Game Reserve. Most safari activities now focus on Nyerere National Park, which offers better infrastructure and easier access. The park is named after Tanzania's founding father, Julius Nyerere.
Nyerere is home to large populations of elephant, buffalo, hippo, crocodile, lion, leopard, and the endangered African wild dog. Other species include giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, eland, sable antelope, greater kudu, and many antelope. Over 440 bird species have been recorded, making it a top birding destination.
Dry Season (June-October): Best for wildlife viewing as animals concentrate near the river. Boat safaris are excellent with clear skies. Wet Season (November-May): Lush landscapes, excellent birding, and fewer tourists. Boat safaris are still possible, though water levels are higher. The park is accessible year-round, but the dry season offers the best game viewing.
Yes, many lodges welcome families. Children will love boat safaris and game drives. Walking safaris have a minimum age (usually 12). The park is less crowded, offering a safe environment for children. Always supervise children near water and wildlife.
By Air: Scheduled flights from Dar es Salaam (Coastal Aviation, Auric Air) to various airstrips (Mtemere, Kiba, Beho Beho). Flight time approx. 1 hour. By Road: 5-6 hour drive from Dar es Salaam (220 km) via Morogoro. We recommend flying to maximize your safari time. All transfers can be arranged by True Africa Escape.
Absolutely! Nyerere pairs perfectly with a Zanzibar beach holiday (fly from Dar es Salaam) or with Mikumi National Park (road transfer). It can also be combined with Ruaha for a southern circuit safari. We specialize in custom itineraries.
Our Nyerere specialists are ready to craft your exclusive safari experience – from boat safaris to walking with wild dogs. We handle every detail. Contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation and detailed quote.
What makes our Nyerere safaris special?
• Expert guides with deep knowledge of the ecosystem
• Exclusive boat and walking safari combinations
• Access to remote areas with high wildlife density
• Seamless Zanzibar or Mikumi add-ons
• Family-friendly and private safari options
• All-inclusive packages with no hidden costs
• Personalized itineraries for photographers and birders
3-Day Safari Starting From: $1,250 per person sharing (flights included)