TANZANIA DESTINATIONS

NYERERE NATIONAL PARK

Highlights

Nyerere National Park, formerly Selous Game Reserve, is Tanzania’s largest national park, covering over 30,000 square kilometers. It is one of Africa’s most scenic and wildlife-rich areas, offering outstanding game viewing across vast, untouched landscapes.

Alongside classic game drives, visitors can explore the park by boat, on foot, or through fly-camping, creating a more immersive safari experience. Its quiet atmosphere and easy accessibility make it ideal for both romantic getaways and family adventures. Nyerere is a key highlight of the southern safari circuit and is highly recommended for any Tanzania itinerary.

A network of canals and lagoons that branch from the Rufiji River can be found in the northern part of the park. The region’s wildlife has access to this lush environment’s water supply, and as the dry season draws to a close, the animal population surrounding these water sources increases dramatically. The majority of the campgrounds are located here, along the rivers and lakes, successfully utilizing the animals’ need for water to give game-watching opportunities. From July to the middle of November, when the dry season is in full swing and all the game is concentrating on the few permanent water sources, is when Nyerere is at its busiest. 

Statistics that put most African parks to shame show the incredible amount of games in the park. There are ‘arguably’ no places on Earth where elephants, buffalo, and lions may be found in higher numbers all year long. But what pulls the enthusiasts is Nyerere National Park’s reputation as the last genuine refuge for African wild dogs.

Time to visit Nyerere National Park

Wildlife viewing in Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous GR) is best from late June to October. It is the Dry season and wildlife is easier to spot since animals gather at water sources and vegetation is thinner. The scenery is lush and green in the Wet season, from October to May, but afternoons can be unbearably hot. Many lodges close from March through May.