Tanzania's Crown Jewel

Nyerere (Selous)National Park

Name: Nyerere (Selous) National Park
Address: Tanzania

Renamed in honour of Tanzania's founding father, Nyerere National Park — formerly Selous Game Reserve — is Africa's largest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Rufiji River, Tanzania's mightiest river, winds through the park supporting extraordinary concentrations of hippos, crocodiles, and waterbirds. Boat safaris along the river offer a unique perspective on wildlife, complementing traditional game drives and walking safaris. Nyerere shelters Africa's largest elephant population, along with wild dogs, lions, leopards, and buffalo. The park's vast wilderness and diverse habitats — from riverine forests to open grasslands — ensure an authentic, uncrowded southern Tanzania safari experience.

• Boat safaris on the Rufiji River — Africa's finest river safari experience

• Africa's largest elephant population — estimated 50,000+ elephants in the broader ecosystem

• Outstanding African wild dog population — one of Africa's most important strongholds

• Walking safaris and fly-camping — deep wilderness immersion impossible in vehicle-only parks

View Safari Tours Plan Your Visit

Best Time

Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Aug, Dec, Nov, Jul, Jun, Oct, Sep, May

Peak Safari Season

Park Size

14,750 km²

Pristine Ecosystem

Wildlife

Big 5 & Predators

Incredible Density

Lodges

Premium Stays

Luxury & Mobile

Navigation

Overview Wildlife Location Safaris Where to Stay FAQs

Ancient Wisdom

Heritage StatusUNESCO Global

Guided ExperienceMaasai Led

Expert Briefing

The Destination

The Spirit of the Wild

Nyerere National Park — renamed from Selous Game Reserve in honour of Tanzania's founding president — is Africa's largest national park and one of the continent's most extraordinary wilderness areas. Straddling the Rufiji River in southeastern Tanzania, it shelters an unparalleled diversity of ecosystems and abundant wildlife. Boat safaris along the Rufiji offer a perspective on African wildlife rarely available elsewhere, drifting past hippos, crocodiles, and waterbirds while elephants drink at the bank. The park's size and remoteness guarantee an authentically wild, uncrowded experience.

• Boat safaris on the Rufiji River — Africa's finest river safari experience

Experience the raw power and beauty of nature in its purest form.

• Africa's largest elephant population — estimated 50,000+ elephants in the broader ecosystem

Experience the raw power and beauty of nature in its purest form.

• Outstanding African wild dog population — one of Africa's most important strongholds

Experience the raw power and beauty of nature in its purest form.

• Walking safaris and fly-camping — deep wilderness immersion impossible in vehicle-only parks

Experience the raw power and beauty of nature in its purest form.

• Rufiji River system — vast network of lakes, channels, and oxbow lagoons

Experience the raw power and beauty of nature in its purest form.

• Large lion prides regularly encountered from boats and on game drives

Experience the raw power and beauty of nature in its purest form.

• Exceptional birding with over 440 species including African skimmer

Experience the raw power and beauty of nature in its purest form.

• UNESCO World Heritage Site — one of the world's most important natural areas

Experience the raw power and beauty of nature in its purest form.

When to Embark?

Official Recommendation

Best Months to Visit

Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Aug, Dec, Nov, Jul, Jun, Oct, Sep, May

Climate Pulse

26°C Avg High

Temperate African days and crisp, star-filled nights await your arrival.

Wildlife Surge

Peak Density

The absolute best window for clear vistas and peak predator sightings.

Wild Souls