Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve)

A Wilderness Like No Other

Nyerere National Park, formerly known as the Selous Game Reserve, is Tanzania’s largest national park and one of Africa’s most remote and unspoiled safari destinations. Located in southern Tanzania, the park is defined by its vast scale, low visitor numbers, and remarkable diversity of landscapes, offering a safari experience that feels raw, immersive, and deeply exclusive.

The park’s defining feature is the Rufiji River, which flows through a mosaic of savannah plains, miombo woodlands, riverine forests, and seasonal lakes. This river system supports one of the most varied safari experiences in Tanzania, allowing visitors to combine classic game drives with walking safaris and boat safaris – a rare combination found in few other parks.

Nyerere National Park is particularly renowned for its strong populations of elephants, lions, and buffalo, as well as one of the largest remaining populations of African wild dogs in East Africa. The park is also home to elusive species such as the sitatunga antelope, which thrives in the swampy wetlands along the Rufiji. For travelers seeking a quieter, more adventurous alternative to northern Tanzania, Nyerere delivers a truly wild safari experience.

Unrivalled Safari Experiences:

Game Drives: Enjoy the freedom of exploring the wild at your own pace. With few visitors, every drive is intimate and uninterrupted—ideal for spotting iconic species such as elephants, lions, and buffalo roaming across the open plains.
Walking Safaris: For those who wish to truly immerse themselves, guided bush walks allow you to experience the sights, sounds, and subtle wonders of the African wilderness up close.
Boat Safaris: Glide along the Rufiji’s tranquil waters at sunrise or sunset. Witness hippos and crocodiles up close while observing the vibrant birdlife that congregates along the riverbanks.

Unique Wildlife Encounters:

Nyerere is renowned for its extraordinary populations of endangered species. It boasts one of the largest concentrations of African wild dogs in the world—making it a coveted destination for wildlife enthusiasts. Moreover, the park is one of the few places where you may catch a glimpse of the elusive sitatunga antelope, an amphibious species perfectly adapted to swampy habitats.