Nyerere National Park, formerly known as Selous Game Reserve, is a vast protected area located in southern Tanzania, Africa. It was renamed in 2019 in honor of Julius Nyerere, Tanzania’s first president and a prominent figure in the country’s history. This park is one of the largest game reserves in the world and is renowned for its diverse wildlife and pristine wilderness.
Nyerere National Park covers an area of approximately 50,000 square kilometers (19,300 square miles), making it larger than some countries.
The park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, hippos, crocodiles, giraffes, zebras, and numerous bird species. The Rufiji River, which flows through through the park, is known for its healthy population of hippos and crocodiles.
The park encompasses a diverse range of ecosystems, including grassy savannahs, woodlands, wetlands, and rivers. The Rufiji River delta and various lakes provide valuable habitats for both wildlife and birdlife.

Nyerere National Park is renowned for its stunning and diverse natural landscapes, including savannahs, woodlands, swamps, rivers, and lakes. The Rufiji River, one of East Africa’s most extensive river systems, flows through the park, providing a vital water source for a wide variety of wildlife.
This park is home to a remarkable array of wildlife, including large populations of elephants, buffaloes, hippos, and crocodiles. It is also known for its diverse birdlife, with over 440 bird species documented within the reserve. Nyerere National Park is a critical habitat for the African wild dog and hosts a variety of big cats, such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs.
Tourism in Nyerere National Park mainly focuses on game drives, boat safaris along the Rufiji River, walking safaris, and fly camping. Visitors can experience the natural beauty and wildlife of the park while staying in various lodges and camps within the reserve.
Nyerere National Park is an excellent destination for nature enthusiasts and those looking to experience the wonders of African wildlife in a pristine and less crowded environment compared to some of the more famous Tanzanian parks like the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Nyerere National Park attractions

Nyerere National Park, formerly known as Selous Game Reserve, offers a wide range of attractions for visitors to explore and enjoy. Some of the key attractions in the park include:
Nyerere National Park is renowned for its rich and diverse wildlife. Visitors can encounter a variety of animals, including large populations of elephants, buffaloes, lions, leopards, cheetahs, hippos, crocodiles, African wild dogs, giraffes, zebras, and a plethora of bird species. The park offers excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography.
The Rufiji River is a central feature of the park and offers unique attractions. You can enjoy boat safaris along the river, which provide a chance to spot hippos, crocodiles, and numerous bird species. The river also hosts a wide array of aquatic life and offers a serene and picturesque setting for visitors.
Nyerere National Park allows guided walking safaris, which provide an up-close and intimate experience with the park’s flora and fauna. While on foot, you can discover smaller creatures, tracks, and the intricate details of the ecosystem.
The park is a haven for birdwatchers with over 440 bird species documented. You can spot various waterfowl, raptors, and colourful bird species throughout the park. The Rufiji River is a prime location for birdwatching.
The park boasts a diverse range of landscapes, including savannahs, woodlands, grasslands, wetlands, and lakes. The Rufiji River’s picturesque bends and the Stiegler’s Gorge add to the park’s scenic beauty.
Nyerere National Park offers various accommodation options, from luxury lodges to more rustic camps. These accommodations provide an opportunity to experience the wilderness while enjoying comfortable facilities.
Some operators offer fly camping experiences, allowing visitors to venture deep into the park for a night or more under the stars. This is a more adventurous way to experience the reserve.
Game drives are a popular way to explore the park. Knowledgeable guides take visitors on safaris in open vehicles, providing opportunities to see wildlife up close.
The park is an excellent destination for photographers, offering stunning natural landscapes and diverse wildlife. Specialized photographic safaris can be arranged to capture the best moments.
Nyerere National Park is actively involved in conservation efforts and research projects. Visitors can learn about these initiatives and the park’s commitment to preserving its unique ecosystem.
Visiting Nyerere National Park provides a chance to connect with nature, observe Africa’s iconic wildlife, and immerse yourself in the remarkable beauty and tranquillity of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Conservation: Nyerere National Park is dedicated to the conservation and protection of its wildlife and ecosystems. It has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its ecological significance and biodiversity.
Safari and Tourism: The park offers excellent opportunities for safaris, both on land and on the water. Game drives, boat safaris, and walking safaris are popular activities for visitors. The park is less crowded than some of Tanzania’s other wildlife areas, making it a fantastic destination for those seeking a more exclusive and remote experience.
While Nyerere National Park is a crucial conservation area, it faces various challenges, including poaching and habitat destruction. Conservation efforts are ongoing to protect the park’s wildlife and natural resources

Nyerere National Park activities

Nyerere National Park offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy, allowing them to experience the park’s diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes. Some of the activities you can partake in while visiting Nyerere National Park include:
Game drives are one of the most popular activities in the park. Experienced guides take visitors on safaris in open 4×4 vehicles to explore the park’s wilderness and search for wildlife. Morning and afternoon game drives are typically available.
Exploring the Rufiji River by boat is a unique and fascinating experience. Boat safaris provide opportunities to see hippos, crocodiles, and a wide variety of bird species, as well as other animals that come to the riverbanks to drink and cool off.
Guided walking safaris allow visitors to get closer to nature and experience the park on foot. These walks provide a more intimate connection with the environment, and you can learn about the smaller creatures, tracks, and plant life in the area.
Nyerere National Park is a paradise for birdwatchers. You can go birdwatching by boat, on game drives, or during walking safaris to spot numerous bird species, including waterfowl, raptors, and colourful avian species.
Some operators offer fly camping experiences, which involve setting up temporary camps deep within the park. This is an adventurous way to spend a night or more in the wild and experience the park’s sounds and sights up close.
The park’s diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife make it an excellent location for photographic safaris. You can embark on specialized photographic safaris to capture the beauty of Nyerere National Park.
Some tour operators and lodges offer educational visits that focus on the park’s conservation efforts and research projects. These visits can provide insights into the park’s commitment to preserving its unique ecosystem.
In addition to its natural attractions, Nyerere National Park is also home to the local communities of the Rufiji River Basin. Visitors can participate in cultural visits to learn about the traditions and daily life of these communities.
Fishing is allowed in certain areas of the park, and it’s a popular activity for those interested in angling. The Rufiji River is home to various fish species, and fishing tours can be arranged.
Many lodges and camps within the park offer opportunities for relaxation and unwinding amidst the beautiful surroundings. You can enjoy your time by the pool, take in the views, or simply Savor the tranquillity of the natural environment.
It’s important to note that activities within Nyerere National Park are typically guided to ensure safety and to minimize the impact on the environment. Visitors should always follow park regulations and guidelines to protect the park’s fragile ecosystem and wildlife.

Accessibility/ How to get to the park

The park is relatively remote and can be accessed by small aircraft from various cities in Tanzania. It’s advisable to plan your visit through a tour operator with experience in the area.
Nyerere National Park offers an incredible opportunity to experience the beauty and biodiversity of the African wilderness while contributing to its preservation. It is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers.

How to get to Nyerere National Park?

International Travel: If you are coming from outside Tanzania, you would typically fly into Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam (DAR). This airport is well-connected to various international destinations.
From Dar es Salaam, you will need to take a domestic flight to one of the airstrips or airports near Nyerere National Park. The nearest airstrip to the park is Mtemere Airstrip, but there are other options as well, such as Stiegler’s Airstrip.
Many visitors to Nyerere National Park use charter flights to get closer to the park. You can book a charter flight from Dar es Salaam directly to one of the airstrips within the park. This is often the most convenient and time-efficient way to reach the park.
If you prefer to use a combination of air and road transport, you can arrange for a road transfer from the airstrip to your chosen lodge or camp within Nyerere National Park. Lodges often offer this service to their guests.
Depending on where you are staying in Nyerere National Park, you may also use boat safaris on the Rufiji River to access certain areas within the park.
Accommodation facilities in Nyerere National Park
Serena Mivumu River Lodge
Sand Rivers
Rufiji River Camp
Selous Serena Camp
Mbuyu Safari Camp
Stiegler’s Gorge Camp

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