Nyerere National Park
The ultimate wilderness safari on the Rufiji—water-rich, wild, uncrowded
You can’t explain the magic of the wilderness—you have to experience it.
Why Nyerere National Park is so unique
The Rufiji River Labyrinth
Water shapes the safari here: the Rufiji River splits into channels, lakes and small deltas, bordered by miombo woodland and wide floodplains.
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On a Rufiji boat safari you drift close to hippos and crocodiles, while fish eagles, herons and kingfishers animate the banks.
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When morning mist lifts and the water turns silver, Nyerere feels like true wilderness—quiet, vast and wonderfully remote.
Boat, Drive, Walk & Night
Nyerere is all about variety: game drives for lion, elephant and buffalo, then straight onto the river for a completely different safari perspective.​
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On guided walks you read tracks in the sand, spot termite mounds and discover the smaller details a vehicle easily misses.
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Some camps add night drives—cool air, sharpened sounds, and sudden eyes in the spotlight that make the bush feel brand new.
Former Selous: Wild Dogs
Created in 2019 from the northern Selous ecosystem, the park is still widely searched as “Selous”—and it still feels huge, wild and lightly visited.
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With luck you’ll meet African wild dogs, one of Africa’s rarest predators, moving fast as a pack and vanishing into the miombo.
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Add hippos and crocodiles on the Rufiji, excellent birdlife, and classic big game on the plains—and you have a safari defined by space and immersion.
Highlights in Nyerere National Park
At sunrise, the Rufiji shimmers like liquid silver, reeds crackle along the banks, and a fish eagle calls in the distance. By day you follow tracks on a game drive, then swap the vehicle for a Rufiji River boat safari and drift through quiet side channels. And at night, Nyerere reveals its gentle magic —Selous captured the feeling back in 1893: “The moon soon rose well above the trees, and cast a soft white light over the forest-covered country.” By the campfire or on your terrace overlooking the river, you realise: Nyerere isn’t about “more animals”—it’s about more wilderness.
Rufiji River Boat Safari
Glide through Nyerere National Park on a Rufiji River boat safari, drifting past hippos and crocodiles while fish eagles, herons and kingfishers bring the banks to life.
Rufiji River Boat Safari
Southern Wetlands & Hippos
In the southern wetlands and floodplains of Nyerere National Park, wildlife concentrates around water—hippos, waterbirds and often buffalo, all at wonderfully close range.
Southern Wetlands & Hippos
African Wild Dogs
One of the rarest highlights in Nyerere: African wild dogs hunt as a pack— fast, focused and brilliantly in sync. A hunting scene you won’t forget.
African Wild Dogs
Night Game Drives
Selected camps in Nyerere offer night game drives. In the spotlight, the eyes of predators, buffalo and other nocturnal animals shine back from the darkness.
Night Game Drives
Sundowner on the Rufiji
As the light softens, enjoy a sundowner on the Rufiji—by the fire or on your terrace—listening to the river while the wilderness moves right in front of.
Sundowner on the Rufiji
Walking safaris
On a guided walk in Nyerere National Park, you read tracks, discover plants and the small details of the bush—an immersive safari experience at eye level with the wilderness.
Walking safaris
Best time to visit Nyerere National Park
In Nyerere National Park, seasons mainly affect visibility, wildlife concentrations at water, and how good boating conditions are on the Rufiji.
Our suggestions for your Nyerere safari
Nyerere National Park on the Rufiji offers remarkable variety: game drives, boat trips and walking safaris on foot through the bush—often quiet, wild and far from the main routes. To help you find the right mix, we’ve put together suggested Nyerere safari itineraries that bring together wildlife viewing, river landscapes and a true feeling of wilderness. From slow river days to deeper time in the bush, each route has its own rhythm.
Classic Northern Circuit
Tarangire → Serengeti → Ngorongoro
Best for: First-timers, Big 5 seekers
Duration: 5–7 Days
Classic Northern Circuit
Tarangire → Serengeti → Ngorongoro
Best for: First-timers, Big 5 seekers
Duration: 5–7 Days
Classic Northern Circuit
Tarangire → Serengeti → Ngorongoro
Best for: First-timers, Big 5 seekers
Duration: 5–7 Days
Classic Northern Circuit
Tarangire → Serengeti → Ngorongoro
Best for: First-timers, Big 5 seekers
Duration: 5–7 Days
Helpful tips for safari travellers in
Nyerere National Park
Whether it’s a game drive in an open 4x4, a Rufiji River boat safari, or a walking safari on foot, a few simple preparations will make your time in Nyerere National Park more comfortable—and more immersive. With these tips, you’ll be well prepared to enjoy the adventure with ease.
What to Pack
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Neutral-colored clothing
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Lightweight layers for changing temperatures
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Comfortable closed shoes
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Wide-brim hat and sunglasses
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Binoculars and a camera with zoom lens
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Insect repellent and sunscreen
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Soft duffel bags instead of suitcases
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A Type G, D travel adapter
What to Expect
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Game drives early morning and in the afternoon
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Rufiji River boat safaris through channels and backwaters (seasonal)
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Time to relax at your lodge or camp between activities
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Dusty, sometimes bumpy tracks are part of the safari experience
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Open 4x4 safari vehicles for close-up wildlife viewing​
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In selected camps, walking safaris or night game drives may be*
(*depending on lodge and availability)
Learn more here
Entry Requirements
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Tourist visa required, e-Visa recommended
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Yellow fever vaccination if arriving from risk areas or transit > 12 h
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​Passport valid at least 6 months beyond entry date
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Proof of return or onward ticket required
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Import/export of Tanzanian shilling (TZS) prohibited
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Cash over USD 10,000 must be declared
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Frequently Asked Questions about a
Nyerere National Park safari
Nyerere National Park was established in 2019 from the Selous protected area. It is Tanzania’s largest national park—yet it’s rarely the first name people mention. Quite unfairly: the Rufiji River, boat safaris and vast open space make it one of the country’s most unspoilt safari regions.
1. How many days should I plan for Nyerere National Park?
We recommend at least 2 nights, ideally 3. That gives you time for several game drives at different times of day—plus a Rufiji River boat safari and, depending on the camp, a walking safari or a night drive.
2. Is Nyerere National Park suitable for children?
Yes—many lodges and camps are family-friendly, and game drives can be tailored to your family’s pace. Some activities have minimum-age guidelines depending on the lodge, especially walking safaris. We’ll match the right accommodation and schedule to your family.
3. Which animals can I reliably expect to see in Nyerere?
Very common sightings include elephant, buffalo, hippo, crocodile and many antelope species. Lions are often seen and, with luck, leopard as well. A real highlight is the African wild dog. Rhinos are only seen extremely rarely.
4. How is a safari in Nyerere different from other parks?
Nyerere is a water-based safari: Rufiji River boat safaris are a core part of the experience. Add a varied mix of river channels, lakes, woodland and open plains—and usually far fewer vehicles than on Tanzania’s classic northern route.
5. What types of accommodation are available?
Options range from comfortable lodges to stylish tented camps, often right on the river. Many are unfenced, so wildlife can move freely—adding to the authentic Nyerere National Park safari atmosphere. Clear camp rules and welltrained teams on site ensure you feel well looked after at all times.
6. How can I best include Nyerere in a safari itinerary?
A Southern Tanzania safari circuit is ideal: combine Nyerere with Ruaha for even more wilderness and strong predator country. Alternatively, pair Nyerere with Mikumi for a shorter, easy add-on, and include Udzungwa if hiking and waterfalls are on your wish list. For a beach finish, Zanzibar or Mafia Island are excellent choices. If you continue north afterwards, you can fly on toward the Serengeti.