At about 30 893km² (11583,065 mi²), Nyerere is more than twice the size of Serengeti National Park and larger than Belgium (at 30,280 km²). The broader Nyerere (Selous) Ecosystem stretches even further, encompassing other natural areas, including Mikumi National Park to the north.
This incredibly vast landscape is divided into two sections by the Rufiji River, which flows into the Indian Ocean. The northern section of Nyerere makes up 10% of the national park and is the area open to tourism and photographic safaris. The remaining 90% in the south is closed to tourism and is exclusively trophy hunting territory.
Selous (now Nyerere) was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982 for its outstanding value as one of Africa's largest remaining wilderness areas. This Tanzania safari park is recognized for its wildlife diversity and relatively undisturbed state. It hosts comparatively undisturbed ecological and biological processes. It also remains uninhabited and relatively free of human development.
Selous Game Reserve was officially gazetted as a national park in 2019 and renamed Nyerere National Park.
Nyerere Park boasts some of the highest populations of animals on the continent, but the density is low due to its sheer size. The Nyerere National Park is home to large populations of lions, leopards, wild dogs, Cape buffalos, elephants, and hippos. There are also plenty of Masai giraffes, crocodiles, hyenas, and antelopes (bushbuck, red and blue duikers, eland, hartebeest, klipspringer, oryx, and impalas), to name only a few.
Nyerere National Park has over 440 recorded bird species to keep avid bird watchers occupied. At the lakes, one can expect to see pink-backed pelicans, African skimmers, and Giant Kingfishers. The sandbanks are home to the Carmine and white-fronted bee-eaters and fish eagles, Palm-nut vultures, hornbills, and the Pel's fishing owl can be spotted. Nyerere also has some hot volcanic springs, lakes, and Stiegler Gorge, an impressive 100-by-100-meter canyon.
The vegetation consists of typical savanna grasslands, wetlands, and woodlands, providing diverse habitats.
A highlight of Nyerere National Park is undoubtedly the boat-based safaris on the Rufiji River, enabling unparalleled close-up encounters with animals and birds. Game drives and walking safaris are also popular, and fly-camping trips offer unforgettable wilderness experiences. Fly-camping entails setting up camps in the open wilderness, under the stars as part of a walking safari, and being engulfed by Africa's overwhelming beauty and magnificence in all her glory. This is wildly romantic and perfect for the adventurous at heart. A raw and untouched, wild landscape.
The dry season is from June to October and is favoured for game-watching due to the thinner vegetation and the gathering of animals at water points. This time of year is less humid, with little to no rain and a much lower risk of malaria. The wet season is from October to May, and the bushveld turns thick and lush. The roads can be very muddy, and the days and nights are hot and humid. Many safari lodges are closed during March, April, and May.
Nyerere is a four-and-a-half-hour drive from Dar es Salam or a mere 45-minute flight. Driving provides the opportunity to experience the local villages, way of life, and breathtaking scenery, giving visitors a true feeling of the secluded remoteness of this corner of the world. Alternatively, you can enjoy a lovely trip by rail with the Tanzania-Zambia Railway, which also lets you get lost in the unspoiled passing views of Africa at its best as you snake through the bushveld. Nyerere Park is an ideal Tanzania safari destination for those wanting to combine a wildlife bush adventure with a relaxing beach holiday along the coast or on one of the Zanzibar Islands.
Established in 1922 as a game reserve, the area was later expanded and granted national park status in 2019. Named after the iconic Tanzanian leader Julius Nyerere, Nyerere National Park encompasses an extensive area of approximately 30,893 square kilometres (11,918 square miles), making it one of the largest protected areas in Africa.
This vast park encompasses various habitats, including woodlands, wetlands, rivers, and savannah plains. It provides a diverse and thriving ecosystem supporting a remarkable array of wildlife. The park's river systems, such as the Rufiji River, provide a vital water source for wildlife, creating opportunities for incredible game-viewing experiences.
Mikumi National Park, part of the broader Nyerere (Selous) Ecosystem, is famous for its open savannah plains, home to towering African elephants, giraffes, lions, and many other distinctive animals. Mikumi's beauty and crucial role in the Selous/Nyerere ecosystem exemplify Tanzania's commitment to preserving its natural heritage and offering visitors an outstanding safari experience.
Nyerere is a very safe place to visit. Crime against visitors is uncommon in Tanzania, and the limited crime that does occur is concentrated in major urban areas, as it is across the world. Tanzania has implemented measures to safeguard the personal safety of tourists visiting all national parks and reserves, as tourism is one of the country's primary sources of foreign income.
The Tanzania National Parks Authority, TANAPA, is professionally operated and overseen by the national government through the various institutions within the Ministry of Tourism. Furthermore, most camps and lodges within the park are well-kept and secure.
Use the Google map to explore Nyerere (Selous Game Reserve).
3 Day Private Tanzania Safari in Nyerere National Park