Nyerere National Park — carved out of the northern Selous Game Reserve in 2019 — is the largest national park in Africa, about three times the size of the Serengeti. It sits in southern Tanzania, four hours' drive or 45 minutes' flight from Dar es Salaam.
Discover Nyerere National Park (Selous)
What makes Nyerere different from the northern parks is the water. The Rufiji River cuts through the centre of the park, opening into a network of lakes, channels and sandbanks. You game-view from a boat as well as from a vehicle — something the northern parks legally cannot offer.
It's also one of the last strongholds for African wild dog: an estimated 800 individuals, the largest population on the continent. Combined with the lack of vehicle traffic, Nyerere is the destination for travellers who've already done the Serengeti and want something wilder.
Wildlife in Nyerere National Park (Selous)
- African wild dog — the continent's largest population
- Big elephant herds along the Rufiji
- Hippo and crocodile in every channel
- Lion, leopard, and the rare sable antelope
- 440+ bird species: pel's fishing owl, palm-nut vulture, African skimmer
Every drive is different — sightings are never guaranteed, and your guide reads the bush as you go.
Excursions and activities in Nyerere National Park (Selous)
Rufiji boat safari
Two to three hours along the river at sunset. You approach elephant, hippo and croc at water level — completely different perspective.
Walking safari
Half-day on foot with an armed park ranger. You read the bush at the pace it actually moves.
Fly-camping
An overnight under a mosquito net on a sandbar in the middle of the river. The wildest sleep you'll ever have in Tanzania.
Game drives in the Mtemere & Beho Beho sectors
Quiet roads, big skies, easily a dozen lion sightings per stay in dry season.
Travel time to Nyerere National Park (Selous)
- Dar es Salaam → bush flight ~45 min. Not road-accessible from Arusha.
Travel tip from our guides about Nyerere National Park (Selous)
Combine Nyerere with Ruaha by bush flight. It's the strongest southern-circuit combo and you'll see almost no other vehicles for a week.
How long to stay? Minimum 3 nights — you need one boat safari, one walking safari and one drive day to do the park justice.
Best time to visit Nyerere National Park (Selous)
Jun–Oct (dry). Boat safaris year-round.
- Jun–Oct: dry season, easy game viewing along the Rufiji.
- Nov–Mar: green season, excellent birding, some camps close in long rains (Apr–May).
Would you like to add Nyerere National Park (Selous) to your itinerary? Browse our Tanzania safaris for inspiration, or contact us for personal advice.
