Explore Nyerere National Park, formerly Selous, a vast Southern Tanzania wilderness known for African wild dogs, elephants, the Rufiji River, boat safaris, and diverse wildlife.
Plan Your Nyerere SafariSome safaris are about ticking famous places off a list. Nyerere is about slowing down and experiencing the wilderness.
Formerly known as the Selous Game Reserve, Nyerere National Park is Tanzania's great Southern wilderness—a vast landscape of rivers, floodplains, woodlands and open plains where elephants move through the bush, hippos gather in the Rufiji River, crocodiles wait along the banks, and African wild dogs roam one of their important strongholds.
At 30,893 square kilometers, Nyerere is Africa's largest stand-alone national park and one of the largest wildlife sanctuaries in the world. It offers something increasingly difficult to find: space, wildlife and a sense of remoteness away from the busier northern safari routes.
And there is another reason to come here.
You don't experience Nyerere from a safari vehicle alone.
You can drive through the wilderness, cruise along the Rufiji River, and explore the bush on foot—giving you three very different ways to experience Tanzania.
Location | Southeastern Tanzania |
Size | 30,893 km² |
Formerly known as | Selous Game Reserve |
Established as a national park | 2019 |
Main feature | Rufiji River and its wetlands |
Famous for | African wild dogs, elephants, hippos, crocodiles and big game |
Safari experiences | Game drives, boat safaris, guided walking and birdwatching |
Birdlife | 430+ species recorded by TANAPA's current wildlife page |
Best general wildlife period | June–October |
Ideal stay | 3–5 days |
Best combinations | Mikumi, Ruaha and Zanzibar |
Nyerere isn't simply an alternative to the Serengeti.
It offers a different style of safari.
Here, the Rufiji River becomes part of your journey. Wildlife gathers around waterways, boats move quietly through channels and lakes, and vast stretches of woodland and grassland give you a sense of wilderness that is hard to replicate in more heavily visited safari destinations.
Fewer crowds
Enjoy wildlife without spending your entire safari surrounded by vehicles.
More than game drives
Experience the park from a safari vehicle, a boat and, where permitted, on foot.
African wild dogs
Nyerere is one of East Africa's important strongholds for this endangered predator.
River and wildlife experiences
The Rufiji system supports hippos, crocodiles, elephants and abundant birdlife.
A slower, more immersive safari
Instead of rushing from one sighting to another, you have time to appreciate the landscape, sounds and smaller details of the bush.
Tell us your dates and preferences — our team will tailor this experience for you.
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