Nyerere National Park

Nyerere National Park is Africa’s largest national park, covering 30,893 km² in southern Tanzania. Formerly part of the Selous Game Reserve, it was renamed in 2019 in honour of Tanzania’s founding father, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere.

The park’s lifeline is the mighty Rufiji River, which flows through its heart, creating a network of lakes, channels and floodplains. This water system supports one of Tanzania’s most diverse safari experiences, with boat safaris, walking safaris and classic game drives all on offer.

Nyerere is renowned for its large elephant and buffalo populations, healthy predator numbers and one of East Africa’s most important populations of African wild dogs. The river teems with hippos and crocodiles, while the woodlands and plains host giraffes, zebras and antelope.

Remote, wild and far less visited than the northern parks, Nyerere delivers a raw, authentic safari. Our Moshi-based team can design a Southern Circuit itinerary to suit your travel dates.

Nyerere National Park covers 30,893 km², making it Africa’s largest national park. The landscape is dominated by the Rufiji River and its tributaries, which form a complex network of channels, oxbow lakes and seasonally flooded plains.

Miombo woodland, acacia thickets, open grasslands and riverine forest create a mosaic of habitats. The terrain is generally flat, with scattered rocky outcrops and sandbanks that shift with the river’s flow.

This unique hydrology sets Nyerere apart from other Tanzanian parks. The presence of permanent water allows for year-round wildlife and enables the park’s signature boat safaris, a rare treat in East Africa.

Nyerere supports an impressive array of wildlife, including over 400 bird species and more than 60 mammal species. The park is famous for its predators, with African wild dogs regularly sighted.

Large elephant and Cape buffalo herds are a common sight, while lions, leopards and hyenas patrol the plains and woodlands. The river is home to enormous pods of hippos and some of Africa’s largest crocodiles.

Antelope species include sable, greater kudu, waterbuck, impala and reedbuck. Giraffes, zebras and wildebeest add to the diversity, making Nyerere a rewarding destination for all safari-goers.

What sets Nyerere apart is the range of activities on offer. Boat safaris along the Rufiji River are the park’s hallmark, offering close encounters with hippos, crocs and waterbirds from a safe, peaceful vantage point.

Walking safaris are another highlight, led by armed, experienced guides. These walks reveal the smaller details of the bush — tracks, plants, insects and signs often missed on drives.

Classic game drives remain excellent, particularly in the dry season when wildlife gathers along the river. Fly-camping adventures are also available for those seeking a deeper wilderness experience, subject to conditions.

The area now known as Nyerere National Park was once the heart of the Selous Game Reserve, one of the world’s largest protected areas. Established in 1922, Selous was a hunting reserve for many years before evolving into a major conservation area.

In 2019, part of Selous was gazetted as Nyerere National Park to strengthen conservation and enhance tourism. Today it forms a critical component of the Selous–Nyerere ecosystem, protecting vital habitats and wildlife corridors.

Conservation efforts focus on anti-poaching, habitat protection and community engagement. Tourism revenue helps fund these initiatives and supports local communities living around the park, ensuring long-term protection of this wilderness.