Nyerere National Park, the northern part of what was once the Selous Game Reserve, is one of the largest protected areas in Africa. It is a wild and watery wilderness, with the Rufiji River and its lakes at its heart, and it is one of the few places in Tanzania where you can go on a boat safari, a walking safari and a game drive in the same stay.
Drifting down the river at dusk past hippo, crocodile and elephants coming to drink is the highlight. The park also has lion, leopard, wild dog, giraffe, buffalo and the rare sable antelope, and the shoreline is full of birds. Camps in the north are small, quiet and set among palms, with few other visitors.
Nyerere is about 45 minutes by air from Dar es Salaam, which makes it a good fit for a short safari before a beach stay on the coast.
The Rufiji River holds large pods of hippo and big crocodiles, and the surrounding bush has elephant, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, waterbuck, impala and lions. Wild dog, the park’s specialty, are seen regularly in the dry season, and leopards are shy but present. The park is also home to a population of black rhino, rarely seen.
Chance of seeing
Our estimate for a stay of two or three nights with a good guide. Wildlife is wild, so nothing is promised.
The Rufiji River winds through a broad floodplain of lakes, sandbanks and palms, with miombo woodland on the surrounding hills. Mornings on the water are calm and golden, and the sunsets reflect on the lakes.
Activities here
Nyerere is hot and humid, with daytime temperatures of 28°C to 33°C. The rains fall from November to May, with the heaviest rain from March to April, while June to October is warm and dry.
| Month | Day °C | Night °C | Rain mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 32 | 23 | 160 |
| Feb | 32 | 23 | 130 |
| Mar | 31 | 22 | 190 |
| Apr | 30 | 21 | 230 |
| May | 29 | 19 | 60 |
| Jun | 28 | 17 | 10 |
| Jul | 28 | 16 | 5 |
| Aug | 29 | 17 | 5 |
| Sep | 31 | 18 | 8 |
| Oct | 33 | 20 | 20 |
| Nov | 33 | 22 | 70 |
| Dec | 32 | 23 | 180 |
Approximate long-term averages. Higher ground is cooler, and forests can rain in any month.
June to October is dry and sunny. The river is lower, the animals gather at the lakes, and walking and boat safaris are at their best.
The wet season from November to May is hot and humid, with a lush landscape and many migrant birds. Many camps close from April to May, and some activities are limited by flooding.
June to October is the best time. Walking safaris and boat trips are at their best, and the game is concentrated near the water. The camps close in the heavy rains of April and May.
Best time to visit Jul to Oct
Nyerere is reached by a 45-minute flight from Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar or Ruaha. The road from Dar es Salaam takes about five to six hours, and the train to Fuga station is another option. Most guests fly in, and the camps are within easy reach of the airstrips.
Park fees are included in our safaris. Most visitors need a Tanzania visa, applied for online before travel or bought on arrival, and a passport valid for at least six months. Walking and boat safaris carry extra park fees which we include in your itinerary.
The park is hot and humid, so bring a hat, repellent and light clothing. Take advice on malaria before you travel. Medical evacuation is by air, so travel insurance is important.
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“Our take”
Nyerere is the easiest way to try a walking and boat safari. Combine it with Ruaha for a full southern trip.
Safaris from
US$2,444 per person
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