Nyerere National Park
Nyerere (formerly Selous) is all about getting right out there into the wilderness and feel Africa getting under your skin.
One of the most revered strongholds of animals on earth and the largest game reserve in Africa.
Wildlife connoisseurs adore Nyerere, and for us, for that reason, it’s familiar territory. It’s a huge area way down in southern Tanzania. The Rufiji River is its life-force: swirling, tawny waters – full of hippopotamus and crocodile - cleave the eleven million acres of bush, woodland, hills and grasslands. In this huge, fascinatingly diverse ecosystem, we revel in the anticipation of discovery as it unfolds before us.
It’s hard to explain, but it's as if we've squeezed through a creaking, old gate to gain the freedom of Nature’s secret garden. To be in Nyerere is to suddenly walk onto a hidden riverbank, and see the flash of a leopard leaping the rocks on the opposite bank, is to watch from a treetop hide as a herd of elephant silently crosses a waterhole, is to come upon a pack of African hunting dogs alone on their kill as you round a curve in the river.
Kigelia
Kiba Point
Sand Rivers
Charlie, Ruaha
In the field with Nomad
What makes Nyerere National Park special for me is how big and wild it is. It is part of a huge connected wilderness, stretching from what used to be the Selous Game Reserve through to Mikumi and almost down to the Mozambique border. When you are here, you really feel how far you are from towns, roads, and busy life.
September is one of the best times to visit. It is still cool, it’s dry, and many animals come close to the water, so the game viewing is very good.
What I love most about guiding here is the variety. One day you are on the river, another day you are walking barefoot on the sandbanks, then driving through forests and open plains. Every day feels different, and that is what makes this place special for me.
Hamza Mmole
Sand Rivers, Nyerere, Southern Tanzania
The table below provides a clear overview of suggested locations, durations and key highlights to help plan a memorable and authentic Nomad adventure.
Nyerere National Park
Trip planning information
Location
Southern Tanzania, around the Rufiji River system.
Type of safari
Boating safari, walking and vehicle safari in one of Tanzania’s most varied wilderness areas.
Getting there
Accessed by light aircraft from Dar es Salaam, or Zanzibar, depending on itinerary.
Wildlife
Elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard, wild dog, hippo, crocodile, giraffe, plains game and exceptional birdlife.
How busy is it?
Low to moderate depending on area, but generally far quieter than the northern safari circuit.
Best time to visit
June to October is excellent, as wildlife gathers around rivers, lakes and waterholes. The river gives Nyerere a strong sense of life even in the dry season.
How long to stay
3–4 nights.
Nomad Camps
Best combined with
Ruaha, Zanzibar, Mafia Island or a longer southern Tanzania safari.
Best for
Travellers wanting variety: boating, walking, game drives, river life, predators and a slower southern Tanzania pace.
Why go?
Go to Nyerere for the Rufiji River, big wilderness and the freedom to experience safari in more than one way: by boat, on foot and by vehicle.
Cost range
Costs can vary by camp, season and access route.
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A comfortable tent, hot water bucket shower, and delicious meal awaits at the end of the day and your adventure deep into the wilderness. Evenings are best enjoyed around a crackling fire under a blanket of stars listening to the nocturnal calls of the bush. There is nothing quite like it in the world.
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This is to South Africa’s Kruger Park what most safaris are to Whipsnade Zoo.
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Complete escapism awaits at newly opened Mkombe’s House, the only private house in Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park.