Nyerere National Park was created in 2019 from the northern part of the Selous Game Reserve, and at over 30,000 km² it is Africa’s largest national park. Its lifeline is the Rufiji River, which feeds a chain of lakes and channels crowded with hippos, crocodiles and waterbirds.
Unlike the Northern Circuit, Nyerere is explored by boat and on foot as well as by vehicle, and it is a stronghold for African wild dog. With only a handful of camps, it feels genuinely remote.
Highlights
- Boat safari on the Rufiji River
- African wild dog
- Walking safaris
- Very few visitors
Wildlife & what you'll see
- African wild dog
- Hippo and Nile crocodile
- Elephant, buffalo and lion
- Over 440 bird species
Things to do
- Boat safari
- Walking safari
- Game drives
- Fly-camping (seasonal)
Best time to visit
June to October. Many camps close from April to May during the long rains.
Getting there
Scheduled light-aircraft flights from Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar or Ruaha.
Experiences in Nyerere National Park
FAQs about Nyerere National Park
Is Nyerere the same as the Selous?
Nyerere National Park was formed from the northern, photographic-tourism area of the Selous Game Reserve.
