Southern Tanzania
Nyerere National Park
Africa’s biggest wild area by the Rufiji River, where you can game-drive, walk and take a boat in the same day. The northern part became Nyerere National Park in 2019.
- Best: Jun–Oct
- Tailor-made
- Park fees in every price
About Selous / Nyerere
Why go to Selous / Nyerere
Africa’s biggest wild area by the Rufiji River, where you can game-drive, walk and take a boat in the same day. The northern part became Nyerere National Park in 2019.
The Selous was for decades Africa’s largest game reserve. In 2019 its northern section, where almost all tourism happens, became Nyerere National Park. The Rufiji River and its lakes are the centre of a visit: boat safaris past hippos and crocodiles, walking safaris with an armed ranger, and game drives for lions, elephants and African wild dogs.
It is remote and quieter than the north, which is the appeal. We do not publish a fixed Selous itinerary yet; we build one around flights from the coast.
What you’ll see
Boat safaris on the Rufiji River and its lakes
Walking safaris with a ranger
African wild dogs
Elephants, lions, giraffe and buffalo
Hippos and crocodiles in large numbers
- Best timeJun–Oct
- Time needed3 nights
- Getting thereFlight from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar
- StatusNyerere National Park since 2019
- Our safaris hereTailor-made on request
- RegionSouthern Tanzania
More about Selous / Nyerere
The reserve
The Selous was long Africa’s largest game reserve, over 50,000 km² of miombo woodland, grassland, wetlands and the Rufiji River floodplain, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its northern part, where safaris take place, is now Nyerere National Park.
Wildlife includes elephants, lions, leopards, wild dogs, zebras, giraffes, buffalo, hippos and crocodiles, and over 440 bird species. It was once home to one of Africa’s largest elephant populations.
What to do
- Game drives through the woodland and floodplains.
- Walking safaris with an armed ranger.
- Boat safaris on the Rufiji River and its lakes, among hippos, crocodiles and birds.
Getting there
By air from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar, or by road. Best June to October, when roads are easier and animals gather at water.
Seasons
When to go
Best Jun–Oct · many camps close in the long rains. Best time to visit Tanzania, month by month
Where it is
Location
In pictures
Photo gallery
Good to know
FAQs
Is it called Selous or Nyerere now?
Both names are used. The area where safaris take place became Nyerere National Park in 2019; many people still call it the Selous.
Guest reviews
Travellers on travelling with Makini
5.0Excellent · 105+ reviews
The communication with the company was very good, and we were in good hands from the minute we arrived… we got a lot of value for the money.
Saudat N. TripAdvisor The communication with Lucas via WhatsApp was always very friendly, direct and immediate… our tour guide Aboh was very familiar with all animals and plants.
Godfrey M. TripAdvisor Great value local Tanzanian operator that provided an unforgettable safari experience.
Damas F. TripAdvisor
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