Nyerere National Park
Why Visit: Experience one of Africa’s largest and wildest national parks, with fewer tourists and a rich variety of wildlife, all within easy reach of Dar es Salaam.
Nyerere National Park – formerly the northern section of the famous Selous Game Reserve – is one of Africa’s largest and most unspoiled wilderness areas. Covering about 12,000 square miles, it is part of a vast ecosystem that, together with the surrounding game reserve, forms a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Named in honour of Tanzania’s first president, Julius Nyerere, the park offers exceptional wildlife viewing in a pristine setting with far fewer visitors than more famous northern parks.
Wildlife and Habitats
Nyerere is home to Tanzania’s largest elephant population – around 60,000 across the greater Selous–Nyerere ecosystem – and the world’s largest population of endangered African wild dogs. Lions, leopards, buffalo, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, and over 430 recorded bird species thrive here.
The park’s landscapes range from open grasslands and acacia woodlands to swamps, miombo forests, and the mighty Rufiji River with its many tributaries.
Activities and Access
Nyerere’s northern “photographic zone” is dedicated to non-consumptive tourism. Visitors can enjoy:
- Boat Safaris on the Rufiji River to see hippos, crocodiles, and elephants at the water’s edge
- Walking Safaris for an immersive bush experience
- Game Drives across varied, wildlife-rich terrain
Why Visit Nyerere?
As a national park, hunting is prohibited, ensuring a safe haven for wildlife. Its remoteness and size mean you’ll often have sightings to yourself, making for an intimate, crowd-free safari.
Plan your trip:
Based in Dar es Salaam, and with our own camp at the entrance to the park, Daigle Tours is ideally placed to arrange your unforgettable Nyerere National Park safari.
