Nyerere National Park
Africa's largest national park, explored by boat, on foot and by vehicle along the Rufiji River.
- Boat safaris
- Walking safaris
- Wild dog
- Rufiji River
- Lakes and lagoons
- Elephants
Our view
Nyerere was created in 2019 from the northern part of the old Selous Game Reserve, and it is the park I recommend to people who want variety in one place. Few other parks let you do a game drive, a boat safari and a walk in the same day.
The Rufiji River and its chain of lakes are the centre of it all. A boat trip brings you close to hippo, crocodile, elephant coming down to drink and a remarkable number of birds. On foot with an armed ranger you see the smaller details, and on drives there is a good chance of lion, and of wild dog, which do well here.
It is also easy to reach. The flight from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar takes about an hour, so Nyerere fits well at the start or end of a beach stay, and pairs naturally with Ruaha for a southern safari.
Most camps are in the area along the river and the lakes, which keeps the rest of the park wild. Outside the dry season some camps close, so the timing matters.
Areas within the park
Rufiji River
The great river at the centre of the park, explored by boat for hippo, crocodile, elephant and birdlife.
The lakes (Siwandu, Manze and Tagalala)
A chain of lakes and lagoons off the river, where most camps sit and the dry-season game concentrates.
Beho Beho and the northern hills
Rolling hills and hot springs to the north of the lakes, quieter and good for walking.
When to go
Many camps close from late March or April to the end of May.
Where to stay
Nyerere, Tanzania
Kiba Point
$417 – $667
Nyerere, Tanzania
Laba Siwandu
$904 – $1,090
Nyerere, Tanzania
Roho ya Selous
$950 – $1,260
Nyerere, Tanzania
Sand Rivers Selous
$830 – $1,235
Safaris that go here
10 Nights Usangu, Ruaha and Nyerere
Dar es Salaam › Usangu › Ruaha › Nyerere
From US$10,500 pp · 2026 rate
A flying safari through Tanzania's wild south, with a different way of exploring at every camp: night drives and boating in the Usangu wetlands, walking from a private camp in…
Southern Tanzania’s Nyerere and Ruaha Circuit
Dar es Salaam › Nyerere › Ruaha
2027 rates on request
A flying safari in Southern Tanzania visiting Nyerere and Ruaha National Parks, staying in high-quality permanent camps
10 Night Serengeti and Southern Tanzania
Arusha › Central Serengeti › Ruaha › Nyerere
2027 rates on request
11 day safari to Serengeti, Ruaha and Nyerere This high-end 11 day safari combines northern Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park with Ruaha and Nyerere National Parks in the south of the…
Southern Tanzania and Zanzibar
Nyerere › Ruaha › Zanzibar
2027 rates on request
Explore the wildlife-rich and unspoilt wilderness areas of southern Tanzania’s parks on safari for 6 days. Hop on a plane to the island of Zanzibar for 3 days spent snorkelling…
8 Night Nyerere and Zanzibar Deluxe
Nyerere
2027 rates on request
An unforgettable 8 night / 9 day holiday itinerary, combining the natural splendour of remote African bush with the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar. Offering a sea and safari adventure off…
8 Night Nyerere and Zanzibar
Nyerere › Zanzibar
2027 rates on request
An unforgettable 8 night / 9 day holiday itinerary, combining the natural splendour of the remote African bush with the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar. Nyerere National Park Zanzibar Island
Combine with
Questions
Is Nyerere the same as the Selous?
Nyerere National Park was created in 2019 from the northern part of the Selous Game Reserve, which includes the area where the safari camps are. Many people still call it the Selous.
How do I get to Nyerere?
Most visitors fly in on scheduled light aircraft from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar, about an hour, landing at airstrips close to the camps.
What activities are there in Nyerere?
Game drives, boat safaris on the Rufiji River and its lakes, and walking safaris with an armed ranger. Some camps also offer fly camping.
Can I combine Nyerere with Zanzibar?
Yes. The short flight makes it one of the easiest safari and beach combinations in Tanzania.
Plan a safari to Nyerere
Tell us roughly when and how you would like to travel, and we will reply with ideas and a detailed quote within one working day.