Venture on an unforgettable safari experience in Nyerere National Park with Licaon Tours & Safaris, where every moment is a journey into the extraordinary. Named after Frederick Courtney Selous, a legendary explorer and hunter, this expansive reserve spans an impressive 30,000 square kilometers, making it one of Africa’s largest national parks.
Nyerere National Park is a living testament to the wonders of the natural world. This remarkable park offers a unique blend of captivating wildlife, stunning landscapes, and historical significance. Choose Nyerere if you seek an authentic African safari adventure that will immerse you in the heart of untamed wilderness. Encounter the Extraordinary Wildlife of Nyerere National Park with Licaon Tours & Safaris In Nyerere, the wildlife is truly remarkable. The park is home to a thriving population of iconic species, including majestic lions, agile cheetahs, colossal elephants, graceful giraffes, and a diverse array of enchanting bird species. From the powerful buffalo to the mighty hippos, Nyerere provides sanctuary to a multitude of remarkable creatures.
Nyerere National Park is divided into two main sections. The northern part, covering a small percentage of the park, is dedicated to photographic safaris. This is where our small, exclusive camps are situated, offering an intimate and immersive experience. On the other hand, the southern Nyerere, located south of the Rufiji River, presents a different aspect of the park. This region is divided into multiple ‘hunting blocks,’ each encompassing approximately 1,000 square kilometers. At the heart of Nyerere National Park, the Rufiji River forms a complex network of channels, lakes, and swamps, creating one of the most outstanding ecological systems in East Africa. The river divides the park into two sections, each with its own unique charm and wildlife. Make an inquiry Book your private, custom tour of a lifetime with 100% confidence Arrival Departure Number of people Please select 1 Person 2 People 3 People 4 People 5 People 6 People 7 People More than 7 people Tell us more about your inquiry Please type the characters * This helps us prevent spam, thank you. Send This field should be left blank
Scheduled and charter flights from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar reach the park's airstrips in under an hour.
The drive from Dar es Salaam to the Mtemere Gate takes around 6 hours.
Explore popular animals that easy found on this world-class destinations
Loxodonta africana
Panthera leo
Syncerus caffer
Lycaon pictus
Hippopotamus amphibius
Crocodylus niloticus
Giraffa tippelskirchi
Glide along the Rufiji River and its lakes past hippos, crocodiles, elephants drinking at the water's edge and a wealth of birdlife, a highlight of any southern safari.
Look for lion, elephant, buffalo, giraffe and one of Africa's largest populations of African wild dog in Tanzania's largest national park.
Walks with an armed ranger are a speciality of Nyerere, giving an intimate feel for the wilderness on foot.
Spend a night under the stars at a simple fly camp deep in the bush, an unforgettable adventure away from the main camps.
With more than 400 recorded species, the lakes and river channels are superb for fish eagles, kingfishers, storks and herons.
The best time for game viewing, when animals concentrate around the Rufiji River and the lakes, and boat safaris and walks are at their best.
A good, quieter time to visit, with green landscapes and excellent birdwatching.
Heavy rain makes many areas inaccessible and most camps close during these months.
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Nyerere National Park was created in 2019 from the northern part of the former Selous Game Reserve, one of the largest protected areas in Africa. It is now Tanzania's largest national park, covering more than 30,000 square kilometres. The rest of the Selous remains a game reserve, and many people still use the old name for the whole area.
Nyerere offers a wonderful variety of activities in a remote wilderness with few vehicles. Boat safaris on the Rufiji River and its lakes bring you close to hippos, crocodiles, elephants and a wealth of birdlife, while walking safaris and fly camping let you experience the bush on foot. Game drives complete the picture, making it one of Africa's most complete safari experiences.
Most visitors fly from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar, landing at one of the park's airstrips in under an hour. By road, the drive from Dar es Salaam to the Mtemere Gate takes around six hours. Flying in is the most comfortable option, especially if you're combining Nyerere with a beach stay on Zanzibar.
Yes. Nyerere and the wider Selous ecosystem have one of the largest populations of African wild dogs left in Africa. They range over huge areas, so sightings are never guaranteed, but experienced guides know where packs have been denning and give you a good chance of seeing these rare and fascinating predators.
The dry season, from June to October, is the best time for game viewing, boat safaris and walks, as animals concentrate around the river and lakes. January and February offer a shorter, quieter dry spell with green landscapes. Many camps close during the long rains, from March to May, when much of the park becomes inaccessible.
