Water
Boat Safaris on the Rufiji
Glide past hippos, crocodiles, elephants and hundreds of birds at eye level, an experience few parks can offer.
07°45′S 38°00′E Rufiji River · 16:45
Formerly the Selous
Nyerere National Park Safari in Tanzania.
Tanzania's largest park 30,000+ km² of wilderness
Plan My Nyerere Safari5-Star Rated · 20+ Years in Southern Tanzania · Private Vehicle, Boat & Guide
What is Nyerere National Park?
Nyerere National Park is Tanzania's largest national park, at over 30,000 km², created in 2019 from the northern part of the former Selous Game Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is famous for boat safaris on the Rufiji River and its lakes, one of Africa's largest populations of African wild dogs, and lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, hippos and crocodiles. It is about 45 minutes by air from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar. Yera Journeys plans private Nyerere safaris with game drives, boat safaris and walking safaris.
Why Nyerere
Wild Tanzania. Far From the Ordinary.
Nyerere is the Africa of old explorers' journals: a vast, wild land cut by the Rufiji River and a chain of shining lakes. Here you can watch elephants drink from a boat, follow wild dog tracks on foot, and see lions without another vehicle in sight.
Few parks in Africa offer so many ways to explore. Mornings on game drives, afternoons gliding past hippos and crocodiles, evenings around the fire under huge skies. Every day feels different.
Best of all, it is close. A short flight from Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam puts you in the heart of the wilderness, which makes Nyerere the easiest wild safari to add to a beach holiday.
Nyerere
By boat, by foot, by vehicle. The wild south, your way.
What you get
Six Benefits of a Nyerere Safari With Yera
Wild dogs
One of Africa's Best Wild Dog Parks
Home to one of the largest populations of endangered African wild dogs on the continent.
On foot
Walking Safaris
Explore with an expert guide and armed ranger, reading tracks and learning the bush up close.
Solitude
Few Other Vehicles
A huge park with small camps, so most sightings are yours alone.
Easy access
A Short Flight From the Beach
About 45 minutes by air from Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam. The easiest wild safari to add to a beach trip.
Scenery
Rivers, Lakes and Palms
Borassus palms, ox-bow lakes and the Rufiji River make it one of Africa's most beautiful parks.
Areas of Nyerere
Where to Go in Nyerere National Park
Most safaris focus on the river and lakes area in the north of the park.
| Area | Best time | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Rufiji River | June to October | Boat safaris, hippos, crocodiles, elephants drinking |
| Lakes Manze, Siwandu & Tagalala | June to October | Wild dogs, lions, birds, boat trips, sunsets |
| Beho Beho hills | June to November | Hot springs, wide views, the grave of explorer Frederick Selous |
| Northern woodlands | June to October | Giraffes, buffalo, sable, quiet drives |
Giraffes live only on the northern side of the Rufiji River, a famous Nyerere fact.
Wildlife of Nyerere
What You Can See in Nyerere
Predators
- African wild dogs
- Lions
- Leopards
- Spotted hyenas
River life
- Hippos
- Nile crocodiles
- Elephants at the water
- Buffalo
Plains game
- Giraffe, north of the river
- Sable antelope
- Lichtenstein's hartebeest
- Zebra, impala and wildebeest
Birds
- More than 400 bird species
- African fish eagles
- Kingfishers and bee-eaters
- Storks, herons and skimmers
Things to do
Things to Do in Nyerere
Boat Safaris
Morning or sunset trips on the river and lakes.
Game Drives
Private drives for wild dogs, lions and elephants.
Walking Safaris
Guided bush walks with an armed ranger.
Fly Camping & Fishing
A night under the stars, or catch-and-release fishing, where camps offer it.
Where to stay
Nyerere Lodges and Camps
Riverside Camps
Tented camps on the Rufiji with boat safaris from the doorstep.
Lakeside Lodges
Lodges on the lakes, with wildlife coming to drink in front of you.
Hillside Camps
Camps in the Beho Beho hills with wide views and cool breezes.
Near the Gate
Comfortable camps just outside the park, ideal for road safaris.
Available in Classic, Signature or Bespoke styles. Facilities and activities vary by camp; we confirm everything in writing.
When to go
Best Time to Visit Nyerere
June to October
Dry season and the best time. Animals gather at the river and lakes, and boat and walking safaris are at their best.
November to March
Green season. Lush scenery, newborn animals and excellent birding. January and February bring a short dry spell.
April and May
Long rains. Many camps close, so we plan around what is open.
At a glance
Nyerere National Park Facts
| Size | Over 30,000 km², Tanzania's largest national park |
|---|---|
| History | Created in 2019 from the northern Selous Game Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site |
| Famous for | Boat safaris, wild dogs, the Rufiji River and lakes |
| Wildlife | Wild dogs, lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, hippos, crocodiles, 400+ bird species |
| Getting there | About 45 minutes by air from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar; a long day by road |
| Ideal stay | 3 to 4 nights |
| Best time | June to October |
| Styles | Classic, Signature or Bespoke |
Nyerere safaris
Popular Nyerere Safaris
Combine Nyerere with
Best Places to Add to a Nyerere Safari
Zanzibar
A short flight to white sand and warm sea.
Ruaha
Big lion prides and baobabs, a short flight west.
Mafia Island
Quiet beaches and diving off the coast.
Serengeti
Add the north for the migration and the crater.
Our promise
Plan With Confidence
No cost to start
Your Nyerere safari proposal is free, with no obligation.
Revise until it's right
Change camps, flights and days before you confirm.
Clear price in writing
Every inclusion and exclusion stated before you pay.
Questions travellers ask
Nyerere Safari FAQs
Is Nyerere National Park the same as the Selous?
Nyerere was created in 2019 from the northern part of the Selous Game Reserve. The area most safaris visit, around the Rufiji River and lakes, is now Nyerere National Park.
What is Nyerere National Park famous for?
Boat safaris on the Rufiji River and lakes, African wild dogs, and lions, elephants, hippos and crocodiles in a vast, quiet wilderness.
How do you get to Nyerere?
By a short flight of about 45 minutes from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar, or by road from Dar es Salaam, which takes most of a day.
When is the best time to visit Nyerere?
June to October, the dry season. January and February are also good. Many camps close in April and May.
How many days do you need in Nyerere?
Three to four nights is ideal, giving you time for game drives, a boat safari and a walk.
Can you see the Big Five in Nyerere?
You can see lions, leopards, elephants and buffalo. Rhinos live in the wider Selous area but are very rarely seen, so add the Ngorongoro Crater for all five.
Can I combine Nyerere with Zanzibar?
Yes. Nyerere is a short flight from Zanzibar, which makes it one of the easiest safari and beach combinations in Africa.
Begin your journey
Let's Plan Your Nyerere Safari
Tell us your dates and dreams. A private proposal reaches you within 24 hours.