
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 stretches across a vast area of southern Tanzania. Most safaris focus on the northern sector along the Rufiji River, where a chain of lakes such as Tagalala, Manze and Nzerakera concentrates wildlife and birdlife. Visitors usually fly into airstrips such as Mtemere or Siwandu from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar, or arrive by road through the Mtemere or Matambwe gates.
The main areas visitors explore. Numbers on the map match the list.
How travellers usually arrive and enter.
| Access point | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mtemere airstrip | Airstrip | Scheduled light-aircraft flights from Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar |
| Siwandu airstrip | Airstrip | Serves camps near Lake Nzerakera and Lake Manze |
| Mtemere gate | Road | Eastern gate, reached by road from Dar es Salaam |
| Matambwe gate | Road | Western gate, near the old Selous headquarters |
Hand-picked southern circuit itineraries featuring Nyerere National Park, tailored privately by Foot Slopes Tours and Safaris.

A six-day fly-in safari linking Nyerere's Rufiji River boat safaris with Ruaha's vast wilderness.
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An eleven-day journey through Nyerere, Mikumi, Udzungwa, and Ruaha's finest southern-circuit wildlife.
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A seven-day circuit through Nyerere, Mikumi, and the Udzungwa Mountains' rainforest and wildlife.
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A seven-day safari exploring quieter parks away from the crowds.
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An authentic eight-day safari experience across classic Tanzania destinations.
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An eight-day journey across Tanzania's most remarkable wildlife areas.
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A budget-friendly seven-day camping safari without compromising on wildlife.
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An eleven-day itinerary designed specifically for solo safari travelers.
View Package →Nyerere National Park is in southern Tanzania, inland from Dar es Salaam. It forms the northern photographic safari area of the former Selous Game Reserve and is part of the southern safari circuit with Ruaha and Mikumi.
Most safaris explore the northern sector along the Rufiji River and its lakes, including Tagalala, Manze and Nzerakera. This area has the best mix of game drives, boat safaris and walking safaris, and most camps are located here.
The easiest way is a scheduled light-aircraft flight from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar to airstrips such as Mtemere or Siwandu, usually under an hour. You can also drive from Dar es Salaam, but it takes much longer on rough roads.
Yes. Nyerere is one of the best parks to combine with Zanzibar because of short flight connections. A popular plan is three nights in Nyerere followed by a beach stay, or adding Ruaha for a longer southern safari.
Tell us your dates, style, and preferred parks, and we will build the perfect itinerary around you.
Book Now Online →Real 5-star reviews from guests who traveled with us
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We had an incredible private safari experience with Foot Slopes Tours and Safaris. Their office staff was very helpful and informative, and they communicated very well. Our pick-ups to and from the airport were on time and hassle-free, an unforgettable Safari
Foot Slopes Tours and Safaris is truly one of the best local tour companies in Tanzania. From start to finish, their service was professional, reliable, and personalized. The team went above and beyond to make sure every detail of our trip was perfect. Our saf
Our family chose Foot Slopes Tours and Safaris for a custom 11-day safari itinerary, and we couldn’t be happier with our choice! Everything from our initial inquiry to building our custom itinerary to pre-departure and on-trip support was top quality. Communic