Nyerere National Park

Welcome to Nyerere National Park, East Africa’s largest protected wilderness and one of the best-kept secrets of Tanzania’s southern safari circuit. Formerly part of the famous Selous Game Reserve, Nyerere is a paradise for true safari lovers, offering wild, crowd-free game drives, boat safaris, and intimate encounters with Africa’s iconic wildlife.

Covering over 30,000 square kilometers, Nyerere National Park is more than twice the size of Serengeti, making it the largest national park in Tanzania and one of the biggest in Africa.

Most common animals

  • Elephants – Huge herds roam freely across the landscape
  • Lions – Including tree-climbing lions in some regions

  • Crocodiles & Hippos – Especially abundant along the Rufiji River

  • Leopards & Hyenas – Elusive but often spotted on early drives

  • Zebrasgiraffesbuffaloeswildebeestimpalas

  • Hippos – Seen in large pods during boat safaris

  • Birds – Over 440 species, including kingfishers, fish eagles, bee-eaters, and flamingos

  • Nyerere is also a stronghold for African wild dogs, one of the continent’s most endangered predators.

Facts about Nyerere National Park

  • Named after Julius Nyerere, Tanzania’s founding father and conservation visionary

  • Part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Selous ecosystem

  •  Nyerere is one of the few parks in Africa offering boat safaris—perfect for watching elephants drinking at the riverbanks

  • Dry season fires are natural and rejuvenate the grasslands, promoting fresh grazing for wildlife

  • Documentary crews love Nyerere for its raw, cinematic beauty and predator action