Nyerere National Park is Tanzania’s largest national park and one of Africa’s most significant wilderness areas. It is famous for its vast landscapes, river systems, and diverse wildlife. The park was formerly part of the Selous Game Reserve.
Covers approximately 30,893 square kilometers, making it the
largest national park in Africa
Established in 2019
Named after Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere, Tanzania’s first
President
Carved out of the northern part of the Selous Game Reserve
The park features diverse ecosystems, including:
Open Savannas and Grasslands
Miombo Woodlands
Rivers and Lakes
Seasonal Floodplains and Wetlands
Major rivers:
Rufiji River (dominant feature)
Ruaha and other tributaries
Elephants (one of Africa’s largest populations)
Lions
Leopards
African wild dogs
Buffaloes
Giraffes
Zebras
Hippos
Crocodiles
Over 440 bird species, including:
Fish eagles
Kingfishers
Storks
Bee-eaters
Dry season: June–October (best time for wildlife viewing)
Wet season: November–May
Part of the Selous–Nyerere ecosystem, a
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Protected to conserve wildlife, rivers, and wetlands
Important refuge for endangered species
Nyerere National Park offers unique safari experiences, including:
Game drives
Boat safaris on the Rufiji River
Walking safaris
Bird watching
Photography
Nyerere National Park is important because it:
Preserves one of Africa’s largest intact ecosystems
Protects river and wetland habitats
Supports endangered wildlife
Promotes sustainable tourism
Largest national park in Africa
One of the few parks offering boat safaris
Less crowded and very wild
