Discover Nyerere National Park: Africa’s Largest and Wildest Safari Destination

Discover Nyerere National Park: Africa’s Largest and Wildest Safari Destination

For those seeking a truly wild and off-the-beaten-path safari experience, Nyerere National Park (formerly part of the Selous Game Reserve) is Africa’s largest protected wilderness area—an untamed paradise where nature thrives untouched.

Covering over 30,000 km², Nyerere is nearly four times the size of the Serengeti and offers some of Tanzania’s most authentic and remote safari experiences, far from tourist crowds.


What Makes Nyerere National Park Special?

As the heart of Tanzania’s Southern Safari Circuit, Nyerere is ideal for travelers who value solitude, raw nature, and off-road adventure.

Highlights include:

  • Vast landscapes: rivers, floodplains, miombo woodlands, and grassy savannahs

  • Game drives, boat safaris, walking safaris, and fly-camping

  • Home to the Rufiji River, Tanzania’s largest river

  • Unmatched biodiversity with fewer crowds

Unlike the Northern Circuit parks, Nyerere delivers uncrowded game viewing and deeper immersion in the wild.


Wildlife in Nyerere National Park

Nyerere is home to one of the largest wildlife concentrations in East Africa. It’s especially known for:

  • Lions, leopards, wild dogs, and spotted hyenas

  • Large elephant and buffalo herds

  • Hippos and crocodiles along the Rufiji River

  • Over 400 bird species, including fish eagles, kingfishers, and bee-eaters

It's one of the last strongholds for African wild dogs, making it a must-visit for serious wildlife lovers.


Unique Activities in Nyerere

One of the best aspects of Nyerere is the diversity of safari experiences you can enjoy beyond the typical game drive:

  • Boat Safaris on the Rufiji River: spot crocodiles, hippos, and water birds up close

  • Walking Safaris: guided treks through the bush with expert rangers

  • Fly-Camping: sleep under the stars in remote locations for a real wilderness adventure

These options offer a more intimate and thrilling connection with nature than vehicle-only safaris.


Where to Stay in Nyerere

Lodges in Nyerere are remote, luxurious, and eco-conscious—perfect for travelers who love nature with comfort.

Top picks include:

1. Nyerere tented Camp
2. Lake Manze Camp

3. Beho Beho

Getting to Nyerere National Park

  • By air: Charter flights from Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Arusha
  • By road: About 5–6 hours drive from Dar es Salaam (best in dry season)

SafariBando provides full-service logistics including transfers, flights, and private guides.


Best Time to Visit

  • Dry season (June to October): Best for game viewing, as animals gather near water
  • Green season (November to May): Excellent birding and lush scenery, though access can be harder during heavy rains

Why Visit with SafariBando?

We specialize in custom, immersive safari experiences to wild, less-traveled parks like Nyerere. With SafariBando, you’ll get:

  • Expert local guides with deep knowledge of the ecosystem
  • Personalized itineraries including game drives, boat safaris, and walking safaris
  • Full support from arrival to departure

If you're craving authenticity, adventure, and wilderness, Nyerere is your park—and SafariBando is your partner.


Ready to Explore Africa’s Wildest Safari Destination?

Let us craft your journey into the wild heart of Tanzania.