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Nyerere National Park (Selous)
Wild southern Tanzania
East Africa's largest national park — untamed, uncrowded and explored by boat, on foot and by 4×4.
Africa as it used to be.
Nyerere National Park was created in 2019 from the northern part of the Selous Game Reserve — one of the largest protected areas in Africa and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982. Named after Julius Nyerere, Tanzania's first president, it covers more than 30,000 km².
The park is shaped by the Rufiji River, which spreads into a maze of channels, lakes and sandbanks. Here you can do something rare on a Tanzanian safari: glide past hippos and crocodiles on a boat safari, and track wildlife on foot with an armed ranger.
Far from the crowds of the north, Nyerere is one of Africa's last strongholds for the African wild dog, with big elephant herds, buffalo, lions and outstanding birdlife.
Rufiji RiverWhat you'll see.
The southern circuit has a wilder, more remote feel — and some species found nowhere in the north.
African wild dogs
One of the best places in Africa to see these rare, endangered painted wolves on the hunt.
Hippos & crocodiles
The Rufiji River and its lakes hold huge numbers of hippos and giant Nile crocodiles.
Elephants & giraffes
Big elephant herds roam the woodland, and Masai giraffes browse among the palms.
Lions & leopards
Large prides of lions and elusive leopards hunt along the river and in the miombo woodland.
Birdlife
Fish eagles, kingfishers, bee-eaters and storks make boat safaris a birdwatcher's dream.
Buffalo & antelope
Herds of buffalo, wildebeest and impala, plus sable antelope in the woodland.
When to visit.
The dry season is best for game viewing. Many camps close during the long rains.
Dry season — best
Wildlife gathers around the river and lakes, the bush thins out and walking safaris are at their best.
Green season
Hot and humid with short showers. Lush scenery, newborn animals and excellent birding.
Long rains
Heavy rains make many roads impassable and many camps close until June.
Things to do 
in Nyerere (Selous).
Boat safari
Cruise the Rufiji River and its lakes for close encounters with hippos, crocodiles and birds.
Walking safari
Follow tracks and learn about the smaller wonders of the bush with an armed ranger and guide.
Game drives
Search for wild dogs, lions and elephants on drives through woodland and open plains.
Birdwatching
Hundreds of species, from fish eagles to colourful bee-eater colonies on the riverbanks.
Lakeside sundowners
Toast the end of the day beside one of the park's lakes as hippos grunt in the water.
Combine with Mikumi
Pair Nyerere with Mikumi National Park for a complete southern circuit, as in our Selous Wilderness Adventure.
Nyerere (Selous)
in pictures.
A glimpse of what is waiting for you.
Getting there.
Practical tips to help you plan your visit to Nyerere (Selous).
By road
From Dar es Salaam the drive takes most of a day; our Selous safari travels via Mikumi National Park.
By air
Light-aircraft flights from Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar reach the park's airstrips in under an hour.
Where to stay
Tented camps and lodges along the Rufiji River and its lakes, many with views over the water.
Good to know
Most camps close in April and May. Plan your visit for June to March.
Safaris that visit Nyerere (Selous).
View All Safaris
Selous Wilderness Adventure
Plan a custom trip
Every Jolita Safari can be tailored — dates, length, parks and lodges. Tell us your dream and we will build it around Nyerere (Selous).
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Explore wild southern Tanzania.
Discover the Rufiji River by boat and on foot — far from the crowds.