Size
Nyerere National Park 30,893 km² (11,928 mi²) | Combined: 54,600 km² (21,000 mi²)
Founded
1922 (Selous Game Reserve) | 2019 (Nyerere National Park)
Best time to visit
All year-round
Located in Southwest Tanzania, Nyerere National Park and the Selous Game Reserve together form one of the largest protected areas in Africa, covering a region larger than Switzerland. These areas, rich in wildlife and diverse habitats, were recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982.
Originally established in 1922, the Selous Game Reserve was divided in 2019. The northern part became Nyerere National Park, while the southern section retained the name Selous Game Reserve.
This vast protected area includes varied landscapes such as Miombo woodlands, rolling hills, savannahs, rocky outcrops, swamps, lakes, and rivers. The Rufiji River, Tanzania’s longest river, is crucial to the region’s ecosystem.
Nyerere National Park is now focused exclusively on photographic safaris, while the southern part of Selous has been divided into hunting concessions leased to professional hunting companies.
On safari in Nyerere National Park, you can spot large populations of buffalo, hippo, wildebeest, impalas, zebras, gazelles, hartebeests, giraffes, waterbucks, kudu, crocodiles, as well as roan and sable antelopes. The park is also renowned for housing half of Tanzania’s elephant population, providing outstanding elephant viewing opportunities.
Along the Rufiji River, predators such as lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, and jackals are frequently seen. The park is also home to endangered species like the African wild dog and the black rhino.
Birdwatchers will be delighted by the ~440 resident bird species, including the African spoonbill, white-fronted bee-eater, white-headed vultures, African fish eagle, spur-winged lapwings, and francolins. Rare sightings, such as the pel’s fishing owl, are also possible.
Visitors to Nyerere National Park can enjoy various activities, including game drives, boat safaris, or guided walks with armed rangers.
One of the largest remaining wildernesses in Africa with a range of habitats and vast numbers of wildlife, this area was classified as a World Heritage Site in 1982.
There is believed to be one of Africa’s largest populations of elephant, hippo and buffalo present in this park. During the dry season large numbers gather along the Rufiji River.
Nyerere National Park is one of the best places to see the Big Five in Tanzania. The Black Rhino, the hardest to see, is easier to spot during the dry-season.
The ideal time to visit Nyerere National Park is during the dry season, which lasts from June to November. During this period, animals gather around water sources, making wildlife viewing easier. The weather is also favorable, with daytime temperatures ranging between 27°C (80°F) and 30°C (86°F). All areas of the park are accessible during this time.
From October to February, temperatures increase across the park. The rainy season in Southern Tanzania begins earlier than in the north, with rain sometimes starting as early as mid-December. Many lodges and camps close during the long rains, so it’s essential to plan your trip carefully.
June to November
Ideal for game drives, boat trips and guided walks to see the wildlife.
December to May
Some camps and lodges close during some of this time.
Visiting Nyerere National Park isn’t just about exploring one of Africa’s largest and most untouched wilderness areas, but also experiencing the remarkable wildlife and unique habitats it offers.
A trek or riverboat safari provides a more immersive way to observe wildlife. These experiences allow you to engage with your surroundings—taking in the sights, sounds, smells, and colors in a way that goes beyond simply being a spectator.
While the Big Five can be spotted here, nature enthusiasts will be captivated by the park’s approximately 2,100 plant species and 440 bird species. Additionally, fewer visitors compared to the Northern Circuit parks make for a more peaceful, private safari experience.
The area offers a diverse safari experience: classic game drives in a 4×4 safari vehicle, bush walks on foot and boat safaris on the water – not many parks in Tanzania offer all three!
This ecosystem is of outstanding importance. UNESCO valued the vast undisturbed land, the diversity of habitats, and the plethora of wildlife. Interestingly, the area has a higher diversity and density of species than any other Miombo woodland. Plant (~2100) and bird (~440) numbers are high, but so are the populations of elephants, hippos, buffalos, and lions. Rare species such as the Black Rhino, Wild Hunting Dog, and Pel’s fishing-owl also reside here.
To break up the long journey, you could drive to Nyerere National Park from Dar es Salaam and stop en route at parks like Mikumi National Park or Udzungwa Mountains National Park. However, most visitors take a chartered plane that leaves from Dar es Salaam or Arusha. Matambwe Gate (park entrance) can be found near a small town called Kisaki in the northwest of the park. Most of the incredible accommodation on offer is located along the Rufiji River. The effort to get to this park is definitely worth it.
