Tanzania · National park
Nyerere National Park
Boat safaris on the Rufiji River
Size
About 30,900 km²
Location
Southern Tanzania
Best time
June – October
Known for
Boat safaris · Wild dogs
About the park
Wild and vast southern Tanzania
Nyerere National Park, created in 2019 from the northern part of the Selous Game Reserve, is one of the largest protected areas in Africa. The Rufiji River and its lakes and channels run through it, making it one of the few places where you can combine game drives with boat safaris and walks.
It feels completely different from the northern circuit: green river landscapes, palm-fringed lakes and very few other vehicles. It’s an excellent place for African wild dogs, alongside elephants, lions, hippos and crocodiles. Nyerere is easily reached by light aircraft from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar, making it a perfect safari-and-beach combination.
Highlights
Why visit Nyerere
Boat safaris
Glide past hippos, crocodiles and birds on the Rufiji River.
Wild dogs
One of the best places in Africa for African wild dogs.
Walking safaris
Guided walks with an armed ranger.
Easy from Zanzibar
A short flight from the coast.
When to visit
The dry season, June to October, is best. Some camps close in April and May, the height of the long rains.
Wildlife you may see
Wild dog, elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, giraffe, hippo, crocodile, sable antelope and over 400 bird species.
Getting there
A 45–60 minute flight from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar. Road access is possible but long.
Visit with Asili
Trips including Nyerere
Plan your Nyerere safari
Tell us when you’d like to travel and we’ll design a private journey that includes Nyerere.
Enquire now