Nyerere National Park

About Nyerere National Park

Nyerere National Park is one of Africa’s largest and most remarkable protected wilderness areas, offering an extraordinary safari experience in the heart of southern Tanzania. Covering approximately 30,893 square kilometres, the park is located in the southern part of Tanzania, with its northern sections accessible from Dar es Salaam through the Morogoro and Rufiji areas. Established as a national park in 2019, it was created from the northern section of the historic Selous Game Reserve and named in honour of Tanzania’s first President, Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere. Its vast landscapes include open grasslands, extensive miombo woodlands, riverine forests, wetlands, lakes and beautiful floodplains, making it one of the country’s most diverse wildlife destinations.

The park is dominated by the magnificent Rufiji River, one of Tanzania’s most important river systems, which supports an incredible variety of wildlife and vegetation. Nyerere National Park is particularly famous for its large populations of elephants, buffaloes, lions, leopards, hippos and crocodiles. It is also an important refuge for the endangered African wild dog, making it a special destination for visitors interested in rare wildlife encounters. Unlike some of Tanzania’s busier safari destinations, Nyerere offers a more secluded and peaceful wilderness experience, with expansive landscapes and opportunities to observe animals in their natural environment.

Top Attractions and Experiences

• Rufiji River: Enjoy spectacular river scenery, hippos, crocodiles and diverse birdlife.

• Boat Safaris: Experience wildlife viewing from the water while exploring the river channels and lakes.

• African Wild Dogs: Discover one of Africa’s most fascinating and endangered carnivores.

• Elephant Herds: Observe large groups of elephants moving through the woodlands and open plains.

• Big Five Wildlife: Look out for lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes and other iconic African wildlife.

• Birdwatching: Discover hundreds of bird species, including African fish eagles, kingfishers and colourful bee-eaters.

• Guided Walking Safaris: Explore the African wilderness on foot with authorised professional guides.

• Sunset River Experiences: Enjoy beautiful African sunsets along the Rufiji River.

Best Time to Visit: June to October is generally an excellent period for wildlife viewing, particularly around water sources.