Nyerere National Park

Famous For: Africa’s largest national park, Rufiji River boat safaris, wild dogs, walking safaris

Ecosystem: Rivers, floodplains, miombo woodlands, savannah, seasonal swamps, and lagoons

Key Wildlife: Elephants, lions, leopards, wild dogs, hippos, Nile crocodiles, over 440 bird species

Overview

Nyerere National Park, carved out of the northern portion of the former Selous Game Reserve, is Tanzania’s newest and largest national park. Officially gazetted in 2019, it covers over 30,000 square kilometers, making it the largest national park in Africa — even bigger than Switzerland. Named after Julius Nyerere, Tanzania’s founding father, this vast wilderness features meandering rivers, palm-fringed lakes, woodlands, grasslands, and seasonal floodplains. It offers a raw, remote, and authentic safari experience away from the busy northern circuit.

Landscape and Ecosystems

The park is dominated by the Rufiji River and its wetlands, woodlands, open plains dotted with baobabs and palms, miombo forests, and seasonal swamps and lagoons. This mosaic supports a remarkable variety of flora and fauna, providing a feeling of untouched wilderness.

Wildlife

Nyerere is home to large populations of elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, lions, leopards, spotted hyenas, jackals, and one of Tanzania’s strongholds for endangered African wild dogs. Aquatic life includes hippos and Nile crocodiles.

Birdlife

With over 440 species, Nyerere is a birdwatching hotspot attracting African fish eagles, kingfishers, pelicans, storks, carmines, sunbirds, bee-eaters, and rare waterbirds like African skimmers and Pels fishing owls.

Safari Activities

1. Boat Safaris: Explore the Rufiji River for close encounters with hippos, crocodiles, and waterbirds, with unforgettable sundowner cruises.
2. Game Drives: Early morning and late afternoon drives in open-sided 4WD vehicles offering exclusivity and diverse wildlife sightings.
3. Walking Safaris: Guided by armed rangers, these intimate bush walks include animal tracking and learning about the ecosystem.
4. Fishing: Catch-and-release fishing is permitted in select Rufiji River areas.

Best Time to Visit

Dry Season (June to October): Best for game viewing, with animals gathering near water and roads more accessible.
Green Season (November to April): Lush landscapes perfect for birding and photography, though some lodges close during heavy rains.

Accommodation

Nyerere offers exclusive camps and lodges mostly along the Rufiji River:
– Siwandu Camp: Luxury riverside lodge with boat and land safaris.
– Beho Beho: Elegant bush camp with walking and fly-camping.
– Lake Manze Camp: Rustic, wildlife-rich, budget-friendly.
– Selous Wilderness Camp and Mbuyu Safari Camp: Mid-range options near entry points.
Most operate fly-in safaris with full board and guided activities.

Conservation and History

Created from Selous Game Reserve’s northern part in 2019, Nyerere is key to Tanzania’s conservation efforts, especially for elephants and wild dogs. Despite past poaching challenges, ongoing protection is restoring wildlife populations and preserving the park’s pristine ecosystems.

Why Visit Nyerere?

It’s perfect for travelers seeking solitude in Africa’s largest national park, a mix of boat, walking, and vehicle safaris, diverse ecosystems, and close encounters with wild dogs, elephants, and aquatic wildlife — a true off-the-beaten-path adventure.

Quick Facts

• Location: Southeastern Tanzania, 230 km from Dar es Salaam
• Size: Over 30,000 km²
• Established: 2019
• Best Time to Visit: June–October (dry), November–April (green season)
• Famous For: Rufiji River boat safaris, wild dogs, vast wilderness
• Key Wildlife: Elephants, lions, wild dogs, hippos, crocodiles
• Activities: Boat safaris, walking safaris, game drives, fishing
• Access: Charter flights from Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, or Ruaha; 6–8 hr 4WD drive from Dar es Salaam