Nyerere National Park

Nyerere National Park

Nyerere National Park is one of Tanzania's most remarkable wilderness destinations and the largest national park in the country. Located in southern Tanzania, the park protects approximately 30,893 square kilometres of rivers, lakes, floodplains, open grasslands, riverine forest and vast miombo woodland. The Rufiji River is the defining feature of Nyerere. Tanzania's largest river crosses the park and creates a complex system of channels, sandbanks, oxbow lakes and seasonal floodplains that sustain extraordinary wildlife. This river environment makes Nyerere different from many of Tanzania's other safari destinations. Visitors can experience wildlife not only by safari vehicle but also from the water during authorized boat safaris. Hippos and Nile crocodiles are among the most visible river species, while elephants, buffalo, giraffes and antelopes frequently move through the floodplains and riverbanks. Nyerere is also one of East Africa's important strongholds for African wild dogs. Lions, leopards and spotted hyenas occur across the wider landscape, while the park's enormous size gives predators and prey space to move across large territories. The park is particularly strong for travelers seeking a quieter safari. Its low visitor density, extensive track network and vast wilderness create a very different atmosphere from busier destinations. Birdlife is exceptional, with more than 430 species recorded in current TANAPA information. Fish eagles, bee-eaters, kingfishers, waterbirds, raptors and wetland specialists thrive around the Rufiji River and its associated lakes. Nyerere also allows guided walking safaris in authorized areas, giving visitors a closer look at animal tracks, plants, insects, birds and the ecological details of the miombo and riverine landscapes. The park was established in 2019 from part of the historic Selous Game Reserve landscape. Today, Nyerere National Park and the remaining Selous Game Reserve are separate protected-area entities and should not be treated as the same destination. With TanzaLux Safaris, Nyerere can be experienced as a private fly-in safari, road safari from Dar es Salaam, or part of a longer Southern Tanzania journey with Mikumi, Udzungwa Mountains and Ruaha National Park.

• Rufiji River
• Boat safaris
• African wild dog stronghold
• Large lion populations
• Elephant herds
• Buffalo herds
• Hippos and Nile crocodiles
• Leopards and spotted hyenas
• Miombo woodland
• Riverine forest
• Oxbow lakes
• Seasonal floodplains
• More than 430 recorded bird species
• Guided walking safaris
• Wildlife photography
• Low-density safari experience
• Remote wilderness atmosphere
• Scenic river landscapes
• Sunset boat safaris
• Fly-in safari access
• Southern Tanzania Safari Circuit

When to go