Stretching across over 30,000 square kilometers, Nyerere National Park is not only Tanzania’s largest park—it’s one of Africa’s largest protected wildlife areas. Formerly known as part of the Selous Game Reserve, it was designated as a national park in 2019 and named after Julius Nyerere, the country’s first president. With fewer crowds, wild terrain, and unique activities like boat safaris and walking safaris, Nyerere offers an adventurous alternative to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.
Nyerere National Park is located in southeastern Tanzania, roughly 230 kilometers from Dar es Salaam. It’s part of the broader Selous ecosystem, which spans woodlands, grasslands, and river systems that support one of the most biodiverse habitats in Africa.
Access: By road (5–6 hours from Dar es Salaam) or charter flight (about 1 hour)
Main Entry Points: Mtemere Gate and Matambwe Gate
Nearest town: Kibiti or Morogoro
While more remote than northern parks, its growing infrastructure is making it increasingly accessible.
Nyerere isn’t your typical safari park. It stands out for its sheer size, low visitor numbers, and the variety of ways to explore.
Here’s what sets it apart:
Boat safaris: Cruise the Rufiji River to spot hippos, crocodiles, and elephants on the riverbanks.
Walking safaris: Guided walks through the bush offer close-up views of animal tracks, plants, and birds.
Diverse terrain: From savannahs and floodplains to thick miombo forests and lagoons.
Large elephant and lion populations: Among the highest densities in East Africa.
Birdwatching paradise: Home to over 440 recorded bird species.
It’s an ideal destination for travelers seeking fewer vehicles, more wilderness, and a flexible safari style.
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Nyerere boasts a high concentration of wildlife and is one of the last strongholds for some endangered species.
Here’s what you’re likely to see:
Elephants: Roaming in herds near the Rufiji River and inland water sources.
Lions: Commonly seen, especially around open plains and near waterholes.
Leopards and hyenas: Frequently spotted during dusk or on night drives.
Hippos and crocodiles: Found in abundance in the Rufiji River.
Wild dogs: Nyerere is one of the best places in Africa to see African wild dogs.
Buffalo, zebras, and giraffes: Often move in mixed herds through the plains.
In addition to mammals, the park is a hotspot for birds, with fish eagles, kingfishers, spoonbills, and bee-eaters among the favorites.
The Rufiji River, one of Tanzania’s largest, cuts through Nyerere and creates a wetland ecosystem that sustains year-round water availability. This makes the park a reliable wildlife viewing destination even in the dry season.
The river is the centerpiece of the park’s unique safari activities, including:
Boat safaris: See elephants, birds, and hippos from a low vantage point.
Sunset cruises: Scenic rides ending with brilliant river sunsets.
Fishing excursions: Offered in some lodges with proper permits.
The Rufiji also enhances predator-prey interactions, as lions and leopards often hunt near the riverbanks.