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.

How to get there

Getting to Nyerere (Selous)

However you're arriving — from overseas, from another part of Tanzania, or just moving around once you're here.

Flying in from abroad

International visitors

Fly into Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam, the main gateway, then continue to the park by light aircraft or road transfer.

From elsewhere in Tanzania

Upcountry & other cities

Scheduled carriers such as Coastal Aviation and Auric Air fly from Dar es Salaam to the park's airstrips (e.g. Mtemere, Siwandu) in under an hour; alternatively, road transfers reach the Mtemere and Matambwe gates in roughly five to six hours from Dar via Mloka.

Getting around locally

Once you're in the region

Inside the park, movement is by safari 4x4 game drive and, distinctively, by boat safari on the Rufiji River; there is no public transport within Nyerere.

Want the door-to-door leg handled? Travel with a driver who knows the roads.

Book a driver