Nyerere National Park
Tanzania’s largest national park, carved from the old Selous Game Reserve and shaped by the Rufiji River. Here you explore by boat as well as by vehicle, among hippos, crocodiles, elephants and African wild dogs.
At a glance
- Size
- About 30,900 km²
- Getting there
- By road from Dar es Salaam, or a short flight
- Best for
- Boat safaris, wild dogs, quiet game drives
- Best time
- June to October
Why go
The Rufiji River and its lakes and channels are the heart of Nyerere. A boat safari takes you past pods of hippos, basking crocodiles and elephants coming down to drink, with birds everywhere. On land, the park is one of Africa’s strongholds for the endangered African wild dog, and lions, buffalo, giraffe and many antelope are common.
Nyerere sees far fewer visitors than the northern parks, and it is the nearest big wildlife area to Dar es Salaam.
Highlights
- Boat safaris on the Rufiji River and its lakes
- African wild dogs
- Hippos, crocodiles and rich birdlife
- Walking safaris with an armed ranger (on request)
- Quiet, uncrowded game drives
The conservation story
The Selous Game Reserve, from which Nyerere was created in 2019, was once home to one of the largest elephant populations in Africa, and lost much of it to poaching in the 2000s and early 2010s. UNESCO lists the Selous as a World Heritage Site in Danger. Tourism helps make the case that this wilderness is worth more alive: park fees fund protection, and visitors on the ground are an extra pair of eyes.
How your visit helps. The park and conservation fees in your trip price go to the authority that protects this place, paying for rangers, anti-poaching patrols and park upkeep. We hire local guides and staff and use locally owned suppliers wherever we can.
Trips that visit Nyerere
From US$1,750 per person
Private trip
From US$3,300 per person
Private trip
From US$4,950 per person
Private trip
From US$5,043 per person
Private trip
When to go
June to October is the dry season and the best time for game viewing. January and February can also be good. Many camps close during the long rains, roughly April and May.
Where to stay
Lodges and camps we work with here include Selous Kinga Lodge, Rufiji River Lodge, Selous Mapumziko Lodge and Selena Lodge. We suggest the best fit for your budget and dates in your personal itinerary and quote.
Combine with: Mikumi · Udzungwa Mountains · Ruaha · Southern Circuit safaris
Ready to plan your visit to Nyerere?
Tell us your dates and how you like to travel, and we will send you a personal itinerary and quote. No obligation to book.
Our partners
Adventure That Gives Back
Private safaris, treks and beach holidays across Tanzania, planned by a Tanzanian team.
Forest Hill, Kihimbwa St, Morogoro, Tanzania
Talk to us
WhatsApp +255 622 191 154
ecolegacy@ecolegacy-africa.com
★ 5.0 on Google, from 2 reviews
Tourism licence No. 035908
Insured with Sanlam Allianz