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.

What's there

Places to visit

Lodging

Nyerere (Selous)

Rufiji River

The park's lifeblood, a braided river of channels, lagoons and sandbanks that hosts hippos, crocodiles and the finest boat safaris in Tanzania.

Park

Nyerere (Selous)

Lake Manze

A wildlife-rich lake where elephants, hippos and abundant birdlife gather, a highlight of boat and driving safaris.

Natural Feature

Nyerere (Selous)

Lake Tagalala

One of the park's larger lakes, framed by palms and teeming with hippos and crocodiles, near natural hot springs.

Natural Feature

Nyerere (Selous)

Stiegler's Gorge

A dramatic gorge on the Rufiji River, a striking geological landmark within the park.

Lodging

Nyerere (Selous)

Beho Beho hot springs

Natural warm springs in the park's hills, a scenic stop often combined with walking safaris.

National Park

Nyerere (Selous)

Selous's grave

The memorial to hunter-naturalist Frederick Courteney Selous, who was killed here in 1917 and gave his name to the old reserve.

National Park

Nyerere (Selous)

Miombo woodlands & floodplains

The park's mosaic of woodland, grassland and palm-dotted plains, home to its rich and varied wildlife.