Over 30,000 km² of miombo woodland, floodplains, rivers, and lakes. Formerly known as Selous Game Reserve, Nyerere is a true wilderness with exceptional variety of activities and wildlife.
One of Africa's largest and most diverse wilderness areas.
Famous for boat safaris on the Rufiji River, large elephant populations, African wild dogs, and the freedom of walking and boating in one of the continent's biggest protected areas.
Vast Rufiji River system
Healthy wild dog population
Abundant elephants & buffalo
Boat & walking safaris
Miombo woodland & lakes
A Glimpse of Nyerere
Wildlife, camps, and landscapes across the park
Why It Matters
Africa's largest protected wilderness
Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous) is one of the largest wildlife sanctuaries on the continent. Its size, river systems, and variety of habitats support exceptional biodiversity and offer unique safari experiences including boat safaris.
As part of a massive ecosystem, it plays a critical role in conserving elephants, wild dogs, and many other species in southern Tanzania.
Park Area
30,000+ km²
Main Feature
Rufiji River
Conservation Status
National Park
Activities
Boat + Walking
The Approach
Into the heart of the southern wilderness
Flying into one of the park's airstrips or driving from Dar es Salaam brings you into a vast landscape of miombo woodland, floodplains, and the mighty Rufiji River.
Size Ranking
One of Africa's Largest
Rufiji River
Central lifeline
Best Season
Dry (Jun–Oct)
Rufiji River
The lifeblood of the park, offering superb boat-based game viewing and birding.
How We Time It
Dry season concentrates wildlife. We combine boat, walking, and vehicle safaris for the richest experience.
A true wilderness where boat and walking safaris reveal Africa at its most authentic.
Wildlife
Elephants, wild dogs & riverine abundance
Nyerere supports large elephant populations, healthy wild dog packs, and abundant buffalo. The river and lakes attract hippos, crocodiles, and prolific birdlife.
Elephants
Large numbers
Wild Dogs
Strong population
Buffalo
Huge herds
Hippos & Crocs
On the Rufiji
Lions
Present
Bird Species
400+
Antelopes
Diverse
Big Game
Big Four
Notable Residents
Excellent for elephants, wild dogs, and river wildlife.
- Elephant
- Buffalo
- Wild Dog
- Hippo
Worth Staying Alert For
Special sightings in this vast park.
- African wild dog packs
- Large elephant herds
- Prolific waterbirds
Diverse habitats and multiple safari styles create unforgettable encounters.
Rivers, woodlands & floodplains.
Miombo woodland, seasonal floodplains, oxbow lakes, and the mighty Rufiji River create a rich mosaic of habitats. The landscape feels truly wild and expansive.
- Rufiji River & lakes
- Miombo woodland
- Seasonal floodplains
- Acacia riverine areas
- Grassland plains
- Wooded hills
The variety supports both terrestrial and aquatic wildlife, making Nyerere one of the most versatile safari destinations in Tanzania.
A genuine wilderness experience across water and land.
Where To Actually Go
Seven spots that define a day in Nyerere
01
Rufiji River
Iconic boat safaris with hippos, crocodiles, and birds.
02
Floodplain Areas
Open plains excellent for game drives and large mammal viewing.
03
Wild Dog Territories
Areas with good chances of seeing endangered wild dogs.
04
Oxbow Lakes
Peaceful water bodies rich in birdlife and aquatic animals.
05
Miombo Woodlands
Diverse habitat for antelope and forest birds.
06
Elephant Corridors
Zones with frequent large elephant herds.
07
Walking Trails
Areas ideal for guided bush walks.
A massive park offering variety unlike anywhere else.
How To Spend Your Day
Ways we build a Nyerere visit around you
Boat safari on Rufiji
Iconic water-based game viewing with hippos, crocodiles, and birds.
Guided walking safari
Immersive on-foot exploration with armed rangers.
Traditional game drive
Explore floodplains and woodlands by vehicle.
Birding by boat & land
Focus on the park's rich and varied birdlife.
Sunset river cruise
Magical golden-hour experience on the water.
Multiple ways to experience one of Africa's greatest wildernesses.
The Short Version
What You're Actually Getting
In One Line
One of Africa's largest protected areas with boat safaris, walking, and abundant wildlife.
Nyerere offers a versatile, wild safari experience perfect for those seeking variety and remoteness.
You'll See These Often
| Elephants | Buffalo | Wild dogs | Hippos |
| Crocodiles | Waterbirds | Antelopes | Lions |
| Zebra | Giraffe | Warthogs | Baboons |
Private & Custom
Same park, shaped around what you're here for
Combine boat safaris, walking, game drives, and birding according to your preferences. We design the perfect balance for your group and interests.
Tell us your priorities, and we'll create the ideal Nyerere adventure — not the other way around.
Boat safaris on Rufiji
Walking in the bush
Wild dog tracking
Elephant & big game
Birdwatching
Multi-activity days