Logo
Let's Chat
Nyerere National Park

Southern Safari Circuit

Nyerere National Park

Africa's largest national park, offering unforgettable boat safaris, walking adventures, wild dog encounters, and untouched wilderness along the Rufiji River.

Overview

A landscape without equal

Nyerere National Park is Tanzania's largest national park, covering approximately 30,893 km² (11,928 sq mi) in the southern safari circuit. Established in 2019 after being separated from the northern section of the former Selous Game Reserve, the park forms part of the larger Selous ecosystem, one of Africa's most important wilderness areas. Named in honor of Tanzania's founding president Julius Nyerere, the park is characterized by vast miombo woodlands, open grasslands, lakes, seasonal wetlands, and the spectacular Rufiji River system. Unlike many traditional safari destinations, Nyerere offers a diverse safari experience combining classic game drives with boat safaris, walking safaris, and remote wilderness exploration. The park is especially famous for its strong population of African wild dogs, large elephant herds, hippos, crocodiles, and exceptional birdlife.

Wildlife Highlights

  • African Wild Dog
  • African Elephant
  • African Lion
  • Leopard
  • African Buffalo
  • Hippopotamus
  • Nile Crocodile
  • Giraffe
  • Zebra
  • Wildebeest
  • Greater Kudu
  • Sable Antelope
  • Roan Antelope
  • Impala
  • Waterbuck
  • Warthog
  • Baboon
  • Spotted Hyena
  • Lichtenstein's Hartebeest
  • Over 400 bird species

Activities

  • Boat safaris on the Rufiji River
  • Game drives
  • Guided walking safaris
  • Fly camping adventures
  • Bird watching
  • Wildlife photography
  • Fishing experiences (where permitted)
  • Sunset river cruises
  • Private wilderness safaris
  • Cultural visits to nearby communities
Best Time to Visit
June–October is the best period for wildlife viewing as animals gather around permanent water sources during the dry season. November–May offers lush landscapes, excellent birdwatching, newborn animals, and fewer visitors, although some roads may become challenging during heavy rains.
Photography
Nyerere National Park provides unique photography opportunities unavailable in many Tanzanian parks. Capture elephants drinking and swimming in the Rufiji River, hippos and crocodiles along waterways, African fish eagles perched above the riverbanks, wild dogs moving through woodland, dramatic sunsets over lakes and channels, and vast untouched landscapes of miombo forest and savanna. Boat safaris provide exceptional low-angle wildlife photography opportunities.

Gallery

Explore Nyerere National Park

A visual journey through the breathtaking landscapes and wildlife of Nyerere National Park

Nyerere National Park - 1
Nyerere National Park - 2
Nyerere National Park - 3
1 / 3
←Swipe to navigate→

Nyerere National Park — Captivating views from the heart of Africa

Related Journeys

Safari packages featuring Nyerere National Park

4-Day Fly-In Private Safari to Nyerere National Park – Zanzibar Return
4-Day
5.0
4D / 3NZanzibar · Nyerere National Park

4-Day Fly-In Private Safari to Nyerere National Park – Zanzibar Return

Experience an unforgettable 4-day luxury fly-in private safari from Zanzibar to Nyerere National Park, featuring scenic flights, a Rufiji River boat safari, thrilling game drives, a guided walking safari, and exceptional wildlife encounters in Africa's largest protected wilderness.

View Itinerary
4-Day Private Safari Tour to Nyerere National Park – Dar es Salaam Return
4-Day
5.0
4D / 3NDar es Salaam · Nyerere National Park

4-Day Private Safari Tour to Nyerere National Park – Dar es Salaam Return

A luxury 4-day private safari from Dar es Salaam to Nyerere National Park featuring scenic flights, a Rufiji River boat safari, exciting game drives, a guided walking safari, and unforgettable wildlife experiences in Tanzania's largest wilderness destination.

View Itinerary
3-Day Luxury Safari Tour to Nyerere National Park – Dar es Salaam Return
3-Day
5.0
3D / 2NDar es Salaam · Nyerere National Park

3-Day Luxury Safari Tour to Nyerere National Park – Dar es Salaam Return

A luxury 3-day private safari from Dar es Salaam to Nyerere National Park featuring a scenic road journey, Rufiji River boat safari, exciting game drives, guided walking safari, and premium accommodation at Serena Mivumo River Lodge.

View Itinerary

Your Journey Awaits

Ready to Design Your Tanzania Safari?

Speak with Gasper Ephraim and our safari specialists — no obligation, always bespoke.

Request a Free Quote Browse Safaris