Southern Circuit · Formerly Selous
River Safaris in a Vast Wilderness
Carved from the legendary Selous Game Reserve, Nyerere National Park is one of the largest protected areas in Africa, covering some 30,000 km². Its heart is the Rufiji River — a maze of channels, lakes and sandbanks that supports enormous numbers of hippo, crocodile and birdlife.
What sets Nyerere apart is the chance to swap the 4×4 for a boat: gliding along the Rufiji at golden hour is one of the most memorable experiences in Tanzania, and the park is also a stronghold for the endangered African wild dog.
- Boat safaris on the Rufiji River — rare in Tanzania
- One of Africa's best places to see African wild dogs
- Immense, uncrowded wilderness with palm-fringed lakes
- Easily paired with Zanzibar for a bush-and-beach trip
Good to Know
Nyerere at a Glance
Wildlife You May Spot
Best Time to Visit
The dry season (June–October) for the best game viewing and comfortable river conditions.
Size
Around 30,000 km² — carved from the former Selous, among the largest parks in Africa.
Famous For
Boat safaris on the Rufiji River, African wild dogs and sheer, uncrowded scale.
Getting There
A short scheduled flight or drive from Dar es Salaam; ideal before or after Zanzibar.
- Elephant
- Lion
- African wild dog
- Hippo
- Crocodile
- Buffalo
- Giraffe
- Sable
- 400+ bird species
Things to Do
How You'll Explore
Nyerere is one of the few Tanzanian parks where you can combine classic game drives with water-based safaris, giving a wonderfully varied few days in the bush.
- Boat safaris along the Rufiji River and its lakes
- Game-drive safaris across floodplain and woodland
- Guided walking safaris in select areas
- Outstanding birdwatching year-round
Cruise the Rufiji With Us
Blend boat safaris, game drives and Zanzibar’s beaches into one unforgettable southern trip.