_(28420159914).jpg?width=1600)
Boat safaris and big wilderness in southern Tanzania
Nyerere National Park, formerly the northern part of the Selous Game Reserve, is a large wilderness in southern Tanzania. It is known for Rufiji River boat safaris, walking safaris, elephants, hippos and wild dogs.
The Selous Game Reserve was one of Africa’s largest protected areas, and its northern section was gazetted as Nyerere National Park in 2019. Today the area is often referred to as Selous and Nyerere, and the park is the main area for photographic safaris.
The Rufiji River and its lakes create a landscape where you can see wildlife from the water as well as from a vehicle. The area is also known for walking safaris and fly-camping, which offer a close, slow-paced view of the bush.
Start PlanningSelous and Nyerere National Park at a glance
The essentials travellers search for most, in one place.
- Location
- Southern Tanzania, inland from Dar es Salaam
- Nyerere National Park
- Gazetted in 2019 from the northern Selous
- Size
- About 30,000 km² (Nyerere National Park)
- Managed by
- Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA)
- Main river
- Rufiji River
- Habitats
- Miombo woodland, open grassland, riverine swamps
- Famous for
- Boat safaris, walking safaris, wild dogs, elephants
- Getting there
- Short flight or road safari from Dar es Salaam
- Activities
- Boat safaris, game drives, walking safaris, fly-camping
- Best time to visit
- June to October (dry season)
- Typical stay
- 3 to 4 nights
- Park fees
- Set by TANAPA and revised periodically; we confirm current rates when quoting
Experience Selous and Nyerere your way
This is a park for varied safaris. Combine a river cruise, a game drive and a guided walk for the full experience.
Rufiji River Boat Safari
Glide past hippos, crocodiles and riverbank birds. Boat trips offer a calm, close view of wildlife and are a highlight here.
Game Drives and Walking Safaris
Drive through open grassland and woodland, then walk with an experienced guide to study tracks, birds and small details.
Sunrise and Sunset on the River
Light across the Rufiji River and its lakes makes the early and late hours especially rewarding.
Animals you can see in Nyerere National Park
The park’s size and variety of habitats mean species and sightings vary by area and season.
Hippos and crocodiles
Easy to see from the Rufiji River and the lakes, especially in the dry season.
Elephants and buffalo
Both live in woodland and open areas, with elephants often near water.
African wild dogs
The park is known as an important area for wild dogs, though sightings are not guaranteed.
Birdlife
Waterbirds, bee-eaters and other riverine species add colour on boat and walking safaris.
Dry season brings the best wildlife
Wildlife concentrates around the Rufiji River and lakes in the dry months, which are generally best for game viewing. The green season brings birds and fewer visitors.
- Jun–OctDry season. Best for wildlife and easiest conditions.
- Nov–DecShort rains. Greener landscapes and more birds.
- Jan–FebWarm and often drier. Good birding and quieter safaris.
- Mar–MayLong rains. Quiet and green, with some camps closed and roads affected.
_(28964356101).jpg?width=1400)
How Selous and Nyerere compare with other Tanzania parks
Selous and Nyerere offer water-based and walking safaris that are less common in the north.
Selous vs Serengeti
Serengeti offers the migration and open plains. Selous offers boats, walks and a quieter wilderness feel.
Selous vs Ruaha
Ruaha is drier, with baobabs and big predator numbers. Selous has the Rufiji River and boat safaris.
Selous vs Mikumi
Mikumi is smaller and easier to reach by road. Selous is larger, wilder and more varied in activities.
Plan your Selous and Nyerere safari
Plan the route, timing and activities in advance. Adhama Africa Adventures can arrange flights, camps and guides.
Fly or drive
A short flight from Dar es Salaam is common. A road safari is possible but takes longer.
Mix activities
Combine a boat safari, game drives and a guided walk for a fuller experience.
Add a southern circuit
Selous and Nyerere pair well with Mikumi and Ruaha.
Let’s plan your Selous and Nyerere safari
Tell us your dates, starting point and the activities you like. We’ll plan the flights and camp stays.
Helpful things to know before you go
Where is Selous and Nyerere National Park?
It is in southern Tanzania, inland from Dar es Salaam. Nyerere National Park was created in 2019 from the northern part of the Selous Game Reserve.
What is the difference between Selous and Nyerere?
Selous Game Reserve was a very large protected area. Its northern section became Nyerere National Park in 2019, and the name Selous is still widely used.
What is Nyerere National Park known for?
It is known for Rufiji River boat safaris, walking safaris, hippos, crocodiles, elephants and wild dogs.
What is the best time to visit Selous and Nyerere?
June to October, the dry season, is best for wildlife viewing.
How do you get to Nyerere National Park?
Most visitors take a short flight from Dar es Salaam. Road safaris are also possible but take longer.
Can you do a boat safari at Nyerere?
Yes. Boat safaris on the Rufiji River are one of the main activities.
Can Selous and Nyerere be combined with other southern parks?
Yes. Many itineraries combine Nyerere with Mikumi and Ruaha.
Make Tanzania Your Next Great Story
Let’s plan your journey together
