Nyerere-National-Park – Off2Tanzania Safaris

Nyerere National Park

Africa’s Last Great Wilderness

Overview

Nyerere National Park, located in southern Tanzania, is one of Africa’s largest and most magnificent protected areas. Covering over 30,000 square kilometers, it is nearly the size of Belgium and forms the largest part of the vast Selous Game Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Established as a national park in 2019 and named in honor of Tanzania’s founding father, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, the park represents the heart of Tanzania’s wild southern safari circuit.

Nyerere National Park offers a true wilderness experience—vast, untouched, and teeming with wildlife. Its landscapes, waterways, and remote atmosphere provide a classic African safari environment that feels natural, raw, and exclusive.

Why Visit Nyerere National Park

Nyerere is ideal for travelers seeking an authentic, wild, and immersive safari far from the more frequented northern parks. Its combination of river safaris, walking safaris, abundant wildlife, and vast untouched landscapes offers a uniquely adventurous experience. For those dreaming of a true African wilderness, Nyerere delivers unmatched serenity and natural beauty.

Wildlife Experience

Nyerere hosts some of Tanzania’s richest wildlife diversity. The park is famous for its large populations of elephants, buffalos, hippos, crocodiles, giraffes, lions, leopards, and wild dogs—one of the best strongholds for this endangered predator. The Rufiji River supports huge pods of hippos and basking crocodiles, while the surrounding plains offer sightings of wildebeest, zebras, sable, kudu, and many more. With over 440 bird species, the park is exceptional for birdwatchers, especially around lakes and river channels.

Safari Activities

Nyerere National Park offers a wide range of activities rarely found together in other parks. Classic game drives explore the plains and woodlands, while boat safaris on the Rufiji River are a signature experience—perfect for viewing hippos, crocodiles, and riverine birds up close. Some camps also offer guided walking safaris led by armed rangers, giving visitors an immersive, on-foot wildlife encounter. Fishing excursions on the river or lakes may also be available in designated areas.

Landscape & Scenery

Nyerere’s scenery is dramatic and varied. The Rufiji River dominates the park with wide waterways, islands, palm-fringed banks, and hidden lagoons. Vast miombo forests stretch across the interior, giving way to savannahs dotted with baobabs. Seasonal floodplains and sand rivers create shifting wildlife zones, making every safari feel different. The combination of water, woodland, and open spaces creates one of Tanzania’s most beautiful wilderness settings.

Best Time to Visit

The best wildlife viewing is during the dry season from June to October when animals gather along the Rufiji River and lakes, and visibility is at its peak. During the green season from November to May, the park becomes lush and vibrant, birdlife explodes, and boat safaris become especially beautiful. The rainy months may limit road access in remote areas, but the scenery is stunning and peaceful.

Accommodation

Accommodation in Nyerere ranges from intimate tented camps to luxury riverfront lodges, many positioned along the Rufiji River for scenic views and easy access to boat activities. These properties emphasize tranquility, exclusivity, and close-to-nature experiences. Most lodges operate on a full-board or all-inclusive basis due to the park’s remote location.

Contact Us

Nairobi road, Arusha, Tanzania, East Africa

Phone :+255 677 612 788

info@off2tanzaniasafaris.com