Nyerere National Park

“The Land of the Mighty Rufiji”

This is the Africa’s Largest National Park! The Park with staggering size of 30,893km2 host one of the world’s largest concentration of wildlife. The collection of wildlife both in diversity and abundance is just remarquable! Visitors to this vast sanctuary will be able to see astounding volume of wildlife both rare and common species.

The park host the famous ‘’Big Five’’ and some rare species of antelopes like Roan Antelope, Brindled Gnu, Lichtenstein hartebeest, roan, and sable antelopes, Kudu etc.!

Climate

The Park experiences bimodal rainfall season and the short rains fall in November and December and are followed by a partial drying out in January and February. Thereafter, the long rains follow ending in early May. It is located at an altitude between 100 and 400 meters with annual average rainfall ranging from ……to …… mm.

Getting there

The Park can be accessed by road or air

Road: From Dar es salaam to Nyerere National Park is about 250km via Kibiti

Air: There are regular flights from Dar es salaam,Kilimanjaro and Arusha to a number of small airstrips in the Park.

Attractions

Nyerere National Park has numerous attractions that visitors to the place can enjoy. Some of the best attractions in the Park include the ability to see the big Five, Large concentrations of elephants and Hippos. The Rufiji River full of abundant wildlife, Largest population of African wild dogs to mention but a few. The Park is also endowed with beautiful and scenic landscapes that add to the beauty of this majestic place.

The Rufiji River,Myriad oxbows, delta and Lakes

The Rufiji is East Africa’s largest river. It flows through the northern part of the Park, and this river which is slow moving and wide, has created a number of oxbow lakes in its northern flood plains, and they create a beautiful landscape of plains and woodlands interspersed with expanses of water.  

The might Rufiji with its renown population of hippo and crocodile flows to Indian ocean. The river has been designated as a photographic zone and is a popular for tourists.

Large Populations of African Wild dogs

In Nyerere African Hunting Dogs are thriving, unlike most of those elsewhere on the continent .In fact, the park has the last true stronghold for African hunting dog in Africa. While this species is highly endangered and seen in few areas,Nyerere gives visitors chance to see them.

Endangered African Hunting Dog

Highest Concentration of Hippos and Crocodile

Rufiji River in Nyerere National Park is home t plenty of hippos and Nile crocodiles.

Hippos are numerous in the Rufiji, Nyerere National Park

Diverse birdlife

In Nyerere National Park, bird life is diverse and abundant. More than 440 species of birds has been recorded! These species are found in sandbanks, oxbow lakes and channels are home to these species. The rare species of pel’s fishing owls and white backed heron which live in the wooded section of the riverbank.

Bee eaters

Kingfisher waiting to fish in Nyerere National Park River and streams

Continent Largest Population of Elephants

The largest concentration of elephants on the continent has been known for taking home in this park. 

Rare Species of Antelopes

Apart from being very famous for elephants, rhinos and hippopotamus, Nyerere has also a vast range of game including: brindled gnu, Nyasaland gnu, sable antelope, eland, greater kudu, waterbuck, hartebeest, zebras, giraffe, reedbuck, warthog, spotted hyena ,lion, leopard, hunting dog, in addition to the largest populations of buffalo in Africa.

Antelopes

Blue wildebeest

Lichtenstein hartebeest

Tourism Activities

Nyerere National Park has some of the activities that give visitors opportunities to enjoy its beauty. The Park will give opportunities to do walking safaris, Game Viewing by vehicles as well as Unforgettable boat trips along the mighty Rufiji.

Boating.

Watching wildlife from the water is a beautiful and different way of game viewing. Crocodiles and hippos abound and elephant, waterbuck and buffalo spend a lot of time near the water, but a mass of other game including birds will be seen.

Game Drives

Game driving along the numerous small tracks is a popular way of enjoying the wildlife.

Walking safaris and fly camping. Guided walking safaris with overnight stays in light weight fly camps are popular.

Bush meals

Nyerere National Park facilities and the beautiful wilderness give an excellent opportunities to enjoy meals in the bush.

Accommodations

Every type and quality of accommodation is available from light weight fly camps to high end lodges.

Seasonal Campsites

The park has several seasonal campsites for guests to book and stay and enjoy the unspoiled beauty of the park.

Permanent Tented Camp

There a number of luxury tented camps in Nyerere where visitors can choose depending on their preferences

Full Itinerary of Nyerere National Park

Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve), ideal for a 3–5 day adventure combining game drives, boat safaris, and walking safaris.

🐘 Full Itinerary of Nyerere National Park

🗓️ Day 1: Dar es Salaam – Transfer to Nyerere

• Early morning departure from Dar es Salaam
• Travel options:
  • Drive (5–6 hours) through scenic countryside
  • Fly-in (1 hour) to park airstrip
• Arrival at lodge or camp
• Lunch and short rest
• Evening boat safari on the Rufiji River
• Dinner and overnight stay

Highlights:

• First wildlife sightings from the river
• Hippos, crocodiles, and birds at sunset

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🗓️ Day 2: Full Day Game Drive

• Early breakfast
• Full-day game drive inside the park
• Explore plains, woodlands, and river areas
• Picnic lunch in the bush
• Continue afternoon game drive
• Return to lodge before sunset

Wildlife you may see:

• Elephants, lions, giraffes
• African wild dogs (rare highlight)
• Buffalo, zebras, antelopes

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🗓️ Day 3: Walking Safari & Cultural Experience

• Early morning walking safari with armed ranger
• Learn about animal tracks, plants, and ecosystems
• Return to camp for breakfast
• Optional visit to nearby local village
• Afternoon leisure or short game drive
• Dinner and overnight stay

Highlights:

• Close-to-nature experience
• Cultural interaction with local communities

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🗓️ Day 4: Bush Safari & Optional Activities

• Morning game drive or boat safari
• Optional activities:
  • Fishing in Rufiji River
  • Bird watching
  • Photography safari
• Relaxation at lodge in the afternoon
• Sunset views and dinner

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🗓️ Day 5: Return to Dar es Salaam

• Early breakfast
• Short morning activity (optional)
• Drive or fly back to Dar es Salaam
• Arrival by afternoon