Nyerere National Park (Selous Game Reserve)

Nyerere National Park, formerly known as Selous Game Reserve, is one of Tanzania’s largest protected areas, covering 30,893 sq km. It features a mix of woodlands, savannas, rivers, and lakes, offering a stunningly diverse ecosystem. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s a prime spot for those seeking authentic wildlife experiences.

Lion cubs resting under a bush in the Nyerere (Selous) National Park in southern Tanzania

Wildlife in Nyerere National Park

The park is home to an impressive variety of animals, including large populations of elephants, hippos, and Nile crocodiles. Visitors may encounter African wild dogs, leopards, lions, buffalos, giraffes, and numerous antelope species. For bird enthusiasts, the park hosts over 440 bird species, such as fish eagles, African skimmers, and kingfishers, especially visible along the Rufiji River and nearby lakes.

Landscape and Features

The landscape in Nyerere National Park includes sprawling savannas, lush woodlands, and the meandering Rufiji River. Boat safaris along the river are popular, allowing visitors to see hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of waterbirds up close. Dry season (June to October) is the best time to visit, as animals gather near water sources.

Location

Nyerere National Park is accessible via a short flight from Dar es Salaam or an overland trip that brings you to the park’s main gate. Located approximately 240 kilometers from Dar es Salaam, the journey by road offers scenic views of Tanzania’s landscapes.

Safari Options and Activities

The park provides a range of safari options, from game drives to walking safaris and boat tours. The boat safari, unique to this park, offers an immersive experience along the Rufiji River, teeming with wildlife and birdlife. Walking safaris led by armed rangers allow visitors to experience the bush on foot, observing plants, tracks, and animal behavior up close.

African openbill storks (anastomus lamelligerus) wait on a dead tree over a flooded lake as they hunt in Nyerere National Park (Selous Game Reserve) in southern Tanzania.
Leopard cub on a branch in a tree, seen on safari in the Nyerere National Park, Tanzania
  • Nyerere National Park -> Dar es Salaam: ~5-6h drive
  • Nyerere National Park -> Dar es Salaam: ~45 min flight
  • Nyerere National Park -> Zanzibar: ~1h flight
  • Nyerere National Park -> Arusha: ~2h flight
  • Area: 30,893 sq km
  • Established: 1922 (as Selous Game Reserve), re-designated in 2019
  • Visitors: Approx. 50,000/year
  • Official Website
  • Elephants
  • Lions
  • African wild dogs
  • Hippos
  • Crocodiles
  • Buffalos
  • Giraffes
  • Numerous bird species (fish eagles, kingfishers)
  • Visit of a Maasai Boma
  • Night game drive
  • Walking Safari
  • Air balloon Safari
  • Mountain bike tour

Interested to see itineraries that include Nyerere National Park / Selous Game Reserve?

See our Safari tours below

From
$623

From Zanzibar: Day Safari Selous

  • Experience a safari during your Beach Holiday!
  • Fly from Zanzibar to the Game Reserve.
  • Selous Game Reserve: Africa’s wildlife haven with diverse landscapes, and rich wildlife.