Nyerere National Park

About Nyerere National Park

Nyerere was carved out of the northern section of the former Selous Game Reserve in 2019 and named after Julius Nyerere, Tanzania's founding president. It inherited the most accessible and scenic part of what was once Africa's largest protected wildlife area, centered on the Rufiji River, whose channels, lakes, and sandbanks make this one of the only parks in Tanzania where you can safari by boat as well as by vehicle and on foot.

What Makes It Different

Nyerere pioneered walking safaris in Tanzania decades ago, and that tradition continues today alongside game drives and river cruises. The Rufiji's waters support extraordinary numbers of hippo and crocodile, while the surrounding woodland and floodplain hold healthy populations of elephant, buffalo, and one of the country's most important remaining populations of African wild dog. Because visitor numbers remain low, game drives and boat safaris here feel remarkably uncrowded.

Best Time to Visit

The dry season from June to October offers the best wildlife viewing, as animals gather along the Rufiji and its remaining pools while the surrounding bush dries out.

Getting to Nyerere National Park

Nyerere is reached by light aircraft from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar, or by a long drive from the south. Its boat safaris and walking safaris make it a compelling addition for travelers wanting a different pace and perspective from a northern circuit trip.

Good to Know

A typical stay combines a morning boat safari on the Rufiji River with an afternoon game drive or walking safari, giving several different perspectives on the same wildlife in a single day -- a variety few other parks in Tanzania can offer in one place.

Nyerere combines naturally with Ruaha or Mikumi on a dedicated southern circuit itinerary, or can be visited on its own as a shorter, boat-focused safari from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar.