Fact 01
Size
About 30,893 km², Tanzania’s largest national park.
Nyerere National Park Facts
Local Expert
By the Foot Slopes Tours and Safaris team
Our Arusha-based guides and safari planners know Nyerere National Park first-hand, and write this guide from experience on the ground.
Nyerere National Park is Tanzania’s largest national park, covering about 30,893 square kilometres of the former Selous Game Reserve in the south of the country. Created in 2019, it is defined by the Rufiji River and its lakes and channels, where boat safaris glide past hippos, crocodiles and waterbirds, and by wild woodland home to elephants, lions and African wild dogs.
Nyerere at a glance
Nyerere National Park: Key Facts
The essentials for planning a private, tailor-made visit.
Fact 02
Established
2019, created from part of the former Selous Game Reserve.
Fact 03
Location
Southern Tanzania, inland from Dar es Salaam.
Fact 04
Lifeline
The Rufiji River, with its lakes, channels and sandbanks.
Fact 05
Signature activity
Boat safaris on the Rufiji and its lakes.
Fact 06
Wildlife
Elephant, lion, buffalo, hippo, crocodile and African wild dog.
Fact 07
Activities
Game drives, boat safaris and guided walking safaris.
Fact 08
Best time
June to October for dry-season game viewing.
Best Nyerere Safari Packages by Season
Hand-picked southern circuit itineraries featuring Nyerere National Park, tailored privately by Foot Slopes Tours and Safaris.
6-Day Tanzania Southern Circuit Safari
A six-day fly-in safari linking Nyerere's Rufiji River boat safaris with Ruaha's vast wilderness.
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11-Day Best Of Southern Tanzania Safari
An eleven-day journey through Nyerere, Mikumi, Udzungwa, and Ruaha's finest southern-circuit wildlife.
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7-Day Southern Tanzania Safari
A seven-day circuit through Nyerere, Mikumi, and the Udzungwa Mountains' rainforest and wildlife.
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7-Day Tanzania off the Beaten Track Safari
A seven-day safari exploring quieter parks away from the crowds.
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8-Day Authentic Tanzania Safari Tours
An authentic eight-day safari experience across classic Tanzania destinations.
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8-Day Remarkable Tanzania Safari
An eight-day journey across Tanzania's most remarkable wildlife areas.
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7-Day Tanzania Budget Camping Safari
A budget-friendly seven-day camping safari without compromising on wildlife.
View Package →11-Day Tanzania Safari for solo travelers
An eleven-day itinerary designed specifically for solo safari travelers.
View Package →Nyerere Safari Planning Guides
Nyerere National Park Facts: Frequently Asked Questions
How big is Nyerere National Park?
Nyerere National Park covers about 30,893 square kilometres, making it the largest national park in Tanzania. It was created from the northern part of the former Selous Game Reserve, and only a small area around the Rufiji River is regularly visited by safari-goers.
Is Nyerere the same as the Selous?
Nyerere National Park was created in 2019 from part of the former Selous Game Reserve, one of Africa’s largest protected areas. Many people still use the Selous name, and the remaining areas continue as game reserve, but the main photographic safari area is now Nyerere National Park.
What makes Nyerere special?
Nyerere is one of the few parks in Tanzania where you can combine game drives, boat safaris on the Rufiji River and guided walking safaris. Its rivers and lakes attract elephants, hippos, crocodiles and abundant birdlife, and it is an important area for African wild dogs.
How long should I stay in Nyerere?
Three nights is ideal, giving time for game drives, a boat safari and a walking safari. Nyerere combines well with Ruaha, Mikumi or a Zanzibar beach stay, and it is easy to reach by light aircraft from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar.
Plan Further: Nyerere National Park Guides & Resources
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