Rufiji River

sustains crocodile-filled lakes,
attracting ever-thirsty herds daily.

Nyerere National Park Game Drives

Remote miombo plains shelter Africa’s stronghold
for endangered wild dogs.

Nyerere National Park, formerly Selous Game Reserve, dominates southern Tanzania as Africa’s largest single protected wilderness.

The mighty Rufiji River threads through oxbow lakes, sandbanks, and papyrus channels, supplying life-giving water even in the harshest drought.

Surrounding miombo woodlands and open savannah shelter elephant mega-herds, sable and roan antelope, plus one of the continent’s healthiest populations of endangered wild dogs.

Because distances are vast and visitor numbers low, game drives feel wonderfully secluded; sightings unfold without crowds or radio chatter.

Birdlife is equally spectacular, with fish eagles, pink-backed pelicans, and carmine bee-eaters painting vibrant colour along endless riverbanks.

At sunrise, hippos grunt beneath yellow fever trees, by afternoon, lions lounge near shimmering shoreline, and evenings end with scarlet skies illuminating ancient baobabs, sealing Nyerere’s reputation for authentic, untamed safari drama.

Map

Nyerere Highlights

Vast waterways, unspoiled wilderness, and thrilling wildlife encounters shape these highlights from Tanzania’s spectacularly expansive Nyerere National Park.

  • Rufiji River network sustains oxbow lakes, channels, and endless sandbanks, drawing elephants, hippos, and crocodiles throughout the long dry season.
  • Dense miombo woodland merges with open savannah, supporting rare sable, roan, and greater kudu alongside giraffes, zebras, and healthy buffalo.
  • Wild dog packs roam vast territories, offering Africa’s best chance to observe daily cooperative hunting behaviour and energetic puppy gatherings.
  • Seasonal boat cruises reveal hippo pods, basking crocodiles, and fish eagles plucking tilapia against dramatic postcard backdrops of palm-lined lagoons.
  • Low visitor density guarantees private wildlife sightings, minimal vehicle noise, and uninterrupted photography opportunities across immense, untouched southern Tanzanian wilderness.
  • UNESCO Reserve core forms part of the transboundary Selous-Niassa corridor, protecting critical vital migratory routes for elephant, lion, and wild dog.

Activities to Do in Nyerere National Park

River, woodland, and open plains enable drives, walks, boat excursions, and birdwatching, ensuring diverse, immersive, unforgettable safari experiences every day.

Best Time to Visit Nyerere National Park

June to October is best for Nyerere National Park, when dry conditions concentrate wildlife around the Rufiji River for rewarding viewing.

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec
  • Excellent
  • Good
  • Fair
Wet Season in Nyerere National Park

Season Safari Guide

Nyerere experiences an equatorial climate with two distinct safari moods. June to October marks the dry season and delivers outstanding wildlife visibility. Shrinking water levels pull elephants, buffalo, and antelope toward the Rufiji River’s permanent lakes, while predators stake out dusty shorelines. Days remain comfortably warm around 29 degrees, nights cool pleasantly, and roads stay firm for smooth game drives and walks.

The first short rains may arrive in late October, signalling the wet season that peaks from November to May. Afternoon storms refresh the park, repainting landscapes emerald and spawning prolific bird activity, including migratory specials.

March and April bring the heaviest rainfall; some camps close, and access becomes limited. Yet adventurous travellers benefit from discounted rates, vibrant scenery, and private sightings.

Dry Season in Nyerere National Park

Accommodations

Riverside lodges and intimate, exclusive tented camps offer solar power, plunge pools, guided walks, and candlelit dinners beside moonlit waterways.

Tanzania

Angama Mara

Luxury Lodge

Tanzania

Ol Donyo Lodge

Luxury Lodge

Tanzania

Sirikoi Lodge

Luxury Lodge

wildlife To See

  • African Wild Dog

    African Wild Dog

  • Masai Mara National Reserve

    Elephant

  • Masai Giraffe

    Masai Giraffe

  • Sable Antelope

    Sable Antelope

  • Hippo

    Hippo

Get To
Nyerere

International travellers land at Dar es Salaam’s Julius Nyerere International Airport, where safari staff greet and assist with luggage. From the city, daily scheduled light-aircraft flights reach park airstrips such as Mtemere and Beho Beho in about forty-five minutes. Overland adventurers may choose a five-hour, 230-kilometre drive to Mtemere Gate, passing rural villages and coastal plains. Private charters link Ruaha, Mikumi, and Zanzibar for multi-park itineraries. During heavy rains, flying is recommended because unpaved sections can become muddy and slow.

Get to Nyerere National Park

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