Nyerere National Park
Formerly the Selous Game Reserve. Africa's largest protected area. Boat safaris on the Rufiji River.
The Nyerere at a Glance
The scale and character of this destination, briefly.
An Nyerere Primer
Everything worth knowing before you visit.
In 2019 the northern portion of the old Selous Game Reserve was re-designated Nyerere National Park, named after Julius Nyerere, Tanzania's founding president.
It's still enormous (roughly the size of Switzerland), still wild, and still one of the only places in East Africa where you can do proper boat safaris.
What You'll See
The species you can realistically expect in Nyerere — with honest context on season and where.
Inside Nyerere
The distinct areas and experiences within Nyerere.
Boat safaris on the Rufiji
The defining Nyerere experience. Slow drift down the Rufiji past pods of hippo, crocodile sunbathing on sandbanks, and enormous bird concentrations. African fish eagles on every dead tree.
Walking with rangers
One of the few parks where walking is standard fare. Smaller camps build their morning programs around guided walks — three hours at dawn, returning for a bush breakfast.
Rare wildlife
African wild dog (painted wolf) is a Nyerere specialty. Sable antelope, puku, and hartebeest. Lower lion density than the Serengeti but a much wilder feel.
Accommodations in Nyerere
From mid-range classics to ultra-luxury tented camps. Swipe to compare.
Luxury
$1,450 / night
Open-fronted stone-and-thatch cottages on a rock outcrop above the Rufiji River. Infinity pool, boat safaris, walking, fly-camping.
Premium
$880 / night
Eight tented suites overlooking a lake with spectacular hippo pods. Plunge pools, boat safaris, walking — the full Selous experience.
Mid-range
$410 / night
Twelve tented rooms in a classic bush setting. Accessible by drive or short flight from Dar. Good value introduction to the south.
From the Field
A visual sample of what Nyerere offers.
What You'll Do
The experiences we build into every Nyerere itinerary.
The defining Nyerere experience. Drift past hippo pods, crocodile-lined sandbanks, fish eagles. No other Tanzanian park offers this.
Daily
Dawn walks with an armed ranger. Three hours at sunrise, bush breakfast, return to camp. Immersive and genuine.
Most campsClassic 4×4 game drives across the park's diverse habitats. Wild dog sightings are a Nyerere specialty.
Daily
Light bush camps that move every day or two. The most immersive East African safari experience available.
2–3 nights · PremiumWhen to Visit Nyerere
Jun–Oct (dry season). Many camps close Apr–May.
Practical Details
The key info for fitting this destination into your trip.
Safaris That Include Nyerere
Our signature trips that feature Nyerere on the itinerary.
Walking Wild
Off the vehicle and into the landscape. Armed-ranger walks in Tanzania's wilder corners.
Big Five Safaris
Lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino. All five, in one trip.
Bush & Beach
Five days on safari, four on the Indian Ocean. The quintessential Tanzania combination.