Rufiji River
Tanzania’s largest river, with sandbanks, hippos and birdlife best seen from a boat.
Wetlands and Waterways
Nyerere
The largest national park in Tanzania, dominated by the Rufiji River. Offers unique boat safaris, walking trails, and diverse wildlife in a lush, riverine setting.
- Type
- National Park
- Region
- Southern Tanzania
- Best months
- Jun–Oct
- Known for
- Boat safaris on the Rufiji River, African wild dogs
Overview
About Nyerere
Nyerere (formerly Selous) is a water-based safari haven. It offers a distinctly different pace from the northern circuit, combining vehicle safaris with extraordinary boating and walking opportunities in an untouched delta.
Nyerere National Park was created in 2019 from the northern part of the Selous Game Reserve, one of the largest protected wildernesses in Africa. Only a small area along the Rufiji River is used for photographic safaris, which keeps it remarkably wild.
This is a water-based safari. The Rufiji River and its chain of lakes (Tagalala, Manze and Siwandu among them) mean you can explore by boat as well as by vehicle and on foot, drifting past hippo pods, crocodiles and elephants coming down to drink.
Nyerere is one of the best places in East Africa to see African wild dogs, and it combines easily with a Zanzibar beach stay thanks to the short flight from Dar es Salaam.
Known for
- Boat safaris on the Rufiji River
- African wild dogs
- Hippos and crocodiles
- Walking safaris
At a glance
- Type
- National Park
- Region
- Southern Tanzania
- Size
- About 30,900 km²
- Established
- 2019 (formerly part of the Selous Game Reserve)
- UNESCO
- The Selous Game Reserve has been a World Heritage Site since 1982
- Best months
- Jun–Oct
- By road
- About 5–7 hours from Dar es Salaam by road. Most visitors fly.
- By air
- Flights from Dar es Salaam take around 45 minutes; connections run from Zanzibar and Arusha too.
Inside the park
Areas of Nyerere
Where you stay and explore shapes what you see. These are the main areas we plan around.
The northern lakes
Lakes Tagalala, Manze and Siwandu, framed by palms and dead trees, where game gathers in the dry season.
Miombo & palm woodland
Varied habitat where wild dog packs hunt and walking safaris take place.
Wildlife
What you can see in Nyerere
Wild dogs, huge hippo pods, crocodiles and a long list of birds, seen by boat, by vehicle and on foot.
Big game
- African wild dog
- Lion
- Leopard
- Elephant
- Buffalo
- Hippo
- Nile crocodile
Antelope & others
- Sable
- Greater kudu
- Eland
- Impala
- Masai giraffe
- Wildebeest
- Zebra
Birds
- Over 400 species
- African fish eagle
- Carmine bee-eater
- Pel’s fishing owl
- Skimmers
When to go
The best time to visit Nyerere
June to October. The dry season thins the vegetation and concentrates wildlife along the Rufiji River.
- JanGood
- FebGood
- MarQuieter / wet
- AprQuieter / wet
- MayQuieter / wet
- JunPeak
- JulPeak
- AugPeak
- SepPeak
- OctPeak
- NovGood
- DecGood
Dry season
Animals concentrate around the river and lakes; ideal for game drives, boat trips and walks.
Short rains
Green, warm and good value; birding is excellent.
Long rains
Many camps close between about mid-March and May.
Getting there
Travel and access
About 5–7 hours from Dar es Salaam by road. Most visitors fly.
Flights from Dar es Salaam take around 45 minutes; connections run from Zanzibar and Arusha too.
Things to do
Activities
- Boat safaris on the Rufiji River and lakes
- Game drives
- Walking safaris with armed rangers
- Fly camping
- Fishing (catch and release)
Where to stay
Camps and lodges
We match each stay to your budget and the season, from classic tented camps to luxury lodges.
Lakeside tented camps
Camps on the shores of the northern lakes and the Rufiji, most offering boats and walks from the door.
A day here
Mornings are spent gliding silently down the Rufiji River in a small motorboat, watching elephants drink and dodging massive pods of hippos. Afternoons shift to thrilling walking safaris, connecting you intimately with the bush.
Our travel tips
- Combine game drives with at least one boat trip: they show the park from a completely different angle.
- Pair Nyerere with Ruaha for a full southern safari, or with Zanzibar for safari and beach.
- Check camp opening dates if you are travelling in March to May.
Itineraries
Safaris that visit Nyerere
Each one is a starting point we tailor to your dates, pace and budget.
The Photographic Journal
The Spirit of Nyerere.
Questions
Nyerere: frequently asked questions
Nyerere questions
Combine with
Pairs well with Nyerere
Plan your Nyerere safari
Tell us your dates and interests. A safari designer replies within 24 hours with ideas and prices.