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Selous & Nyerere National Park
Size
Nyerere National Park 30,893 km² (11,928 mi²) | Combined: 54,600 km² (21,000 mi²)
Founded
1922 (Selous Game Reserve) | 2019 (Nyerere National Park)
Best time to visit
June to October
A large African wilderness
The Selous Game Reserve and Nyerere National Park have been recognised by UNESCO as one of the largest remaining wildernesses in Africa. In particular, the Miombo woodlands have a higher diversity and density of species than anywhere else. Expect to see some of the largest populations of elephants, buffalo, hippo and even lion here. As well as the rare Black Rhino and Wild Hunting Dog. Explore this diversity on foot with a ranger or on a boat trip on the Rufiji River. A safari here will be an unforgettable experience.
Nyerere National Park: A haven for wildlife
One of the largest protected areas on the African continent is located in Southwest Tanzania: Nyerere National Park and Selous Game Reserve. Combined they cover an area larger than Switzerland. They are home to a such a wealth of wildlife and different habitats that it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982.
The Selous Game Reserve was established in 1922. However, in 2019 the Game Reserve was divided into two parts. The northern section was named Nyerere National Park and the southern section continued to be called the Selous Game Reserve.
The protected area has many diverse habitats including Miombo woodlands, rolling hills, savannahs, rocky outcrops, swamps, lakes and rivers. The Rufiji River is Tanzania’s longest river, and it is an important water source, playing a vital role in the ecosystem.
Today, Nyerere National Park is purely dedicated to photographic safaris. Whilst the southern Selous Game Reserve has been split-up into several hunting concessions and leased out to professional trophy-hunting companies.
When going on a safari to Nyerere National Park you can expect to see large concentrations of buffalo, hippo, wildebeest, impalas, zebra, gazelle, hartebeest, giraffe, waterbuck, kudu, crocodile and roan and sable antelopes. What’s more, the park is considered to have half of Tanzania’s elephant population within its boundaries, which makes for exceptional elephant watching.
Numerous predators can be seen along the Rufiji River, such as lions, leopards, cheetah, hyenas and jackals. It is also home to the endangered African Wild Hunting Dog and Black Rhino.
Excellent bird watching is on offer thanks to the ~440 resident bird species. Common species include the African spoonbill, white fronted bee-eater, white-headed vultures, African fish eagle, spur-winged lapwings and francolins. Rare birds include the pel’s fishing owl.
Nyerere National Park offers a variety of activities for guests to choose from, such as game drives, boat safari or a guided walk with an armed ranger.
A UNESCO world heritage site
One of the largest remaining wildernesses in Africa with a range of habitats and vast numbers of wildlife, this area was classified as a World Heritage Site in 1982.
Elephants, hippos & buffaloes
There is believed to be one of Africa’s largest populations of elephant, hippo and buffalo present in this park. During the dry season large numbers gather along the Rufiji River.
The Big Five
Nyerere National Park is one of the best places to see the Big Five in Tanzania. The Black Rhino, the hardest to see, is easier to spot during the dry-season.
Selous Game Reserve and Nyerere National Park are known for their large herds of buffaloes.
You can find camps in stunning locations in the area - like the Beho Beho Camp.
Spot hippos on a boat cruise with Roho ya Selous on the Rufiji River.
The vast expanse of Selous Game Reserve and Nyerere National Park are ideal habitat for African Wild Hunting Dogs.
WHEN TO GO
Best time to go to Selous Game Reserve & Nyerere National Park
The best time to go to Nyerere National Park is during the dry season, from June to November. During this period, the animals congregate near water sources, making it easier to see them. The best weather occurs in this season, with daytime temperatures ranging from 27°C (80°F) to 30°C (86°F). All areas of the park are accessible at this time. From October to February, the temperatures rise in the park. The rainy season in Southern Tanzania starts earlier than in the north of the country. The rains can start as early as mid-December. Some lodges and camps close during the long rains, so good planning is important.
Dry Season
June to NovemberIdeal for game drives, boat trips and guided walks to see the wildlife.
Green Season
December to MaySome camps and lodges close during some of this time.
Experience the Selous Game Reserve & Nyerere National Park
Why to go
A huge African wilderness awaits you
You go to Nyerere National Park not only because it is one of the largest and undisturbed places in Africa, but also because of the exceptional wildlife and unique habitats that can be found here.
A trek or a riverboat trip offer a different way to see the wildlife. These experiences change everything. You become not just a passerby. You touch, see, hear, and take in every sound, smell and colour along the way.
The Big Five can be seen here, but nature lovers will be amazed by the park’s ~2100 plant species and ~440 bird species. Lower visitor numbers compared to parks on the Northern Circuit offer you a more secluded experience.
"We travelled with Tanzania-Experience for the second time and were so happy once again. John Urio was a great guide! From the first moment he convinced us with his winning smile. John was the best companion we could have wished for. He was an excellent driver and taught us a lot about the animals and the culture. He showed us the Big Five and many other rare animals. We thank John for this great trip! We have become friends and hope to see him again."Petra, Victoria, Christian & Matthias Reichart | Lodge Safari
Warm hospitality & service
Stay in beautiful accommodation.
Classic game drives
Take a game drive to seek out the Big Five and more.
Boat trips
Take a boat trip up the river for an unforgettable experience.
Bush walks
Explore the park on foot on a bush walk.
Things to do
Exceptional game viewing options awaits you
The area offers a diverse safari experience: classic game drives in a 4×4 safari vehicle, bush walks on foot and boat safaris on the water – not many parks in Tanzania offer all three!
- Warm hospitality & service
- Classic game drives
- Boat trips
- Bush walks
Lions
Some lions have adapted at climbing on trees.
Crocodiles
See impressive crocodiles in the Rufiji River.
Birds
You can spot colourful birds like this Bee Eater.
Buffaloes
This member of the Big Five can often be spotted here.
Wildlife in Selous Game Reserve & Nyerere National Park
Diverse and plenty - exceptional game viewing
This ecosystem is of outstanding importance. UNESCO valued the vast undisturbed land, the diversity of habitats, and the plethora of wildlife. Interestingly, the area has a higher diversity and density of species than any other Miombo woodland. Plant (~2100) and bird (~440) numbers are high, but so are the populations of elephants, hippos, buffalos, and lions. Rare species such as the Black Rhino, Wild Hunting Dog, and Pel’s fishing-owl also reside here.
WHERE TO STAY IN NYERERE NATIONAL PARK & SELOUS GAME RESERVE
Location
To break up the long journey, you could drive to Nyerere National Park from Dar es Salaam and stop en route at parks like Mikumi National Park or Udzungwa Mountains National Park. However, most visitors take a chartered plane that leaves from Dar es Salaam or Arusha. Matambwe Gate (park entrance) can be found near a small town called Kisaki in the northwest of the park. Most of the incredible accommodation on offer is located along the Rufiji River. The effort to get to this park is definitely worth it.
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