Nyerere National Park (Selous Game Reserve)

Spanning an impressive 30,893 square kilometers, Nyerere National Park is Africa’s largest stand-alone national park and a jewel of Tanzania’s Southern Circuit. Located 230 kilometers from Dar es Salaam, this park was carved out of the famous Selous Game Reserve in 2019. The park showcases a diverse landscape of woodlands, savannas, lakes and rivers, creating a rich ecosystem. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it stands out as a premier destination for those in search of genuine wildlife encounters.

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

Wildlife in Nyerere National Park

Nyerere Park has one of the largest concentrations of wildlife in Africa, a chance to encounter a variety of iconic species. The fact that this park is new and largely less frequented by tourists means that the animals here tend to be less exposed to humans. Visitors can spot the “Big Four” (Lion, Elephant, Cheetah and Leopard) along with other large mammals like African buffalos, giraffes, zebras, and Hippos. Additionally, Nyerere is one of the last strongholds of the endangered African Wild Hunting Dog, a rare species that thrives in the park’s vast wilderness.

Landscape and Features

Nyerere National Park features an impressive variety of landscapes, from dense woodlands and savannas to lush rivers and tranquil lakes. The Rufiji River, one of the highlights of the park, flows through the park and feeds into numerous lagoons and wetlands, creating a rich ecosystem for both wildlife and plant life.

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 is also accessible, showcasing scenic views of Tanzania’s landscapes.

Safari Options and Activities

Nyerere National Park offers a wide range of safari activities for visitors. The River Boat Safari is a must on every check list, which allows guests to explore the park from the water, cruising along the Rufiji River’s channels and lagoons while spotting wildlife from the comfort of a boat. For those seeking a more intimate experience with nature, guided walking safaris led by armed rangers offer the opportunity to explore the bush on foot and observe the park’s flora and fauna 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.