Nyerere (Selous) National Park

Nyerere National Park, formerly known as Selous Game Reserve, is one of Africa’s largest and most untouched wilderness areas, covering over 30,000 square kilometers in southern Tanzania. Named in honor of Julius Nyerere, Tanzania’s founding president, the park forms part of the vast Selous ecosystem, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its ecological importance and unspoiled beauty. The landscape is dominated by open savannahs, miombo woodlands, rolling hills, and the mighty Rufiji River, whose network of channels, lakes, and swamps sustains a staggering variety of wildlife. Visitors can encounter large populations of elephants, buffaloes, hippos, crocodiles, giraffes, and African wild dogs, along with healthy numbers of lions, leopards, and hyenas. The park also boasts over 440 bird species, making it a haven for birdwatchers. Nyerere offers one of Tanzania’s most authentic and adventurous safari experiences, with fewer tourists compared to the northern parks. Unique activities include boat safaris on the Rufiji River, where hippos and crocodiles glide beside your vessel, walking safaris led by expert rangers, and classic game drives through the park’s vast plains. The combination of river, woodland, and open grassland provides an ever-changing backdrop for wildlife photography and exploration. The best time to visit is during the dry season from June to October, when animals gather near water sources and the roads are most accessible. Accessible by light aircraft or a long scenic drive from Dar es Salaam, Nyerere National Park offers an off-the-beaten-path adventure for travelers seeking raw, untamed wilderness, abundant wildlife, and the tranquil beauty of Tanzania’s southern safari circuit.