Nyerere National Park was carved out of the northern half of the former Selous Game Reserve in 2019, and named for Julius Nyerere, Tanzania's first president. The southern half remains Selous Game Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, while Nyerere itself is set up for photographic tourism. The park is built around the Rufiji River, Tanzania's largest, which makes boat safaris possible here in a way they aren't further north.
HighlightsA slow drift down the Rufiji River puts you close to hippo pods, crocodiles, and riverside birdlife.
Both range through the park in large numbers, especially near the river in the dry season.
Nyerere holds one of the largest wild dog populations left in Africa.
Several camps offer guided walks, a rarer option than in the busier northern parks.
A different landscape to the open plains up north, with its own set of birds and smaller mammals.
Despite its size, Nyerere remains one of the least crowded major parks in the country.
Scheduled flights take around 45 minutes, making Nyerere an easy add-on before or after a Zanzibar beach stay.
A short direct flight connects Zanzibar to Nyerere's airstrips, without needing to route through Dar es Salaam.
Tell us your dates, and whether a boat safari or a full multi-day stay fits your trip better.
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