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Southern Tanzania

River wilderness on an enormous scale.

Nyerere National Park

Tanzania's vast southern park, built around the Rufiji River, with boat safaris and walking as well as game drives.

Overview

Nyerere National Park, carved from the former Selous Game Reserve, is one of Africa's largest protected areas and one of its quietest.

The Rufiji River and its network of lakes and channels make this the best place in Tanzania to combine boat safaris, walking safaris and classic game drives.

Why Visit

  • Boat safaris — rare in Tanzania's northern parks
  • Walking safaris with armed guides
  • Very low visitor numbers and a genuine wilderness feel
  • Strong populations of wild dog and hippo

Wildlife You May See

LionAfrican wild dogElephantHippoCrocodileBuffaloSable antelopeGreater kudu

Best Time to Visit

June – October
Dry season; best wildlife concentration and boating conditions.
January – March
Green, hot and excellent for birds.

Things to Do

  • Rufiji River boat safari
  • Guided walking safari
  • Fly-camping
  • Full-day drives to the lake circuit

Travel Tips

  • Flying in from Dar es Salaam or Arusha saves a long drive.
  • Most camps close during the heaviest rains in April and May.

Location

Nyerere FAQs

Most guests fly in from Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar or Arusha. Road transfers are possible but long.

Safaris Visiting Nyerere

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