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.

If something goes wrong

Emergency & health

Police

112

National emergency line

Ambulance / Fire

114

Also try 115

Your guide

Founder-vetted

Every guide knows the nearest help.

Hospitals & clinics

Park ranger posts / airstrip clinics

Clinic

Nyerere National Park

basic first aid only; the park is remote with no hospital inside

View details & directions

AMREF Flying Doctors

Clinic

Air evacuation

medical air-evacuation service for serious cases from the remote park

View details & directions

Muhimbili National Hospital

Hospital

Dar es Salaam

nearest advanced referral hospital, reached by air evacuation

View details & directions

Regional/district facilities (Morogoro/Coast)

Hospital

surrounding regions

district and regional hospitals outside the park for referrals

View details & directions

Police

nearest towns / park HQ

national emergency line 112

View details & directions

Insurance accepted for emergencies

Nyerere National Park is deep wilderness with no hospital inside and only basic first aid at ranger posts and camps, so any serious illness or injury means evacuation by air to Dar es Salaam. Comprehensive travel-medical insurance with emergency air-evacuation cover is essential, and many top camps include or recommend AMREF Flying Doctors membership. Dial 112 for emergencies and 114/115 for an ambulance where reachable.

NHIF AAR AMREF Flying Doctors