What is the difference between Nyerere and Selous?

Nyerere National Park was created in 2019 from the game-rich northern part of the former Selous Game Reserve, north of the Rufiji River, and is now a full national park run by TANAPA; the reduced Selous Game Reserve continues in the southern sectors.

What makes a safari here different?

Nyerere is famous for boat safaris on the Rufiji River, a rare experience in Tanzania, alongside walking safaris and fly-camping, all in a vast, uncrowded wilderness that feels wilder than the northern parks.

When should I visit Nyerere?

June to October is best for wildlife along the drying river; December to April is lush and excellent for birds, but heavy rains around March to May flood tracks and close many camps.

How do I get to Nyerere National Park?

Most visitors fly from Dar es Salaam to the park airstrips in under an hour, or take a road transfer of about five to six hours to the Mtemere or Matambwe gates.

Destination guide

Nyerere (Selous)

A vast wilderness of the Rufiji River's channels and lakes, Tanzania's finest boat safari and the heart of the former Selous.

Things to do

Activities in Nyerere (Selous)

Nature Preserve

Nyerere (Selous)

Boat safari on the Rufiji

Glide past hippos, crocodiles, elephants and waterbirds along the river's channels and lakes, Nyerere's signature experience.

Nature Preserve

Nyerere (Selous)

Game drives

Explore the woodland and floodplains in search of lions, elephants, buffalo, giraffe and endangered wild dogs.

Nature Preserve

Nyerere (Selous)

Walking safari

Head into the bush on foot with an armed ranger, reading tracks and getting close to the smaller details of the wild.

Lodging

Nyerere (Selous)

Fly-camping

Spend a night under canvas in the open wilderness, a remote and immersive way to experience the park's vastness.

Nature Preserve

Nyerere (Selous)

Birdwatching

Scan the riverbanks and lakes for fish eagles, skimmers, storks, bee-eaters and hundreds of other species.

Hotel

Nyerere (Selous)

Sundowner river cruise

Watch the sun set over the Rufiji from a boat, drink in hand, as hippos grunt and birds settle for the night.

Nature Preserve

Nyerere (Selous)

Fishing (catch and release)

Try for tigerfish and catfish on the Rufiji at camps that offer guided angling excursions.