The Nyerere National Park, previously known as Selous Game Reserve, is Africa’s largest stand alone national park, spanning over 30,000 square kilometers in southern Tanzania. The park attracts far less visitors than its northern counterparts. This – accompanied by its pristine and untouched landscapes – has earned Nyerere a reputation as one of Africa’s last remaining wildernesses. 

Relatively undisturbed by humans, the park’s diverse vegetation includes patches of savannah, riverine forest, and swamp that impose on the predominant miombo woodland. In turn, this diverse habitat accommodates a wide range of fauna and flora. Off-roading is permitted, allowing visitors to get up close and personal with the areas residents. 

A popular pastime at Nyerere is extended treks through the bush with overnight options at fly-camps available along the way. Visitors will wake in the morning to decipher the animal tracks near their tents and speculate about who wandered nearby during the night. Other more permanent accommodation options are available throughout the park, offering game drives and water safaris along the Rufiji River. Nyerere National Park is the perfect add-on to a Zanzibar trip with flights departing from the island and Dar es Salaam and landing in the park.

Nyerere National Park Highlights

  • Africa’s largest national park with over 30,000 square kilometers
  • The largest faunal reserve in the world
  • Far less crowded than its northern counterparts
  • Pristine and untouched landscapes – one of Africa’s last remaining wildernesses
  • Overnight trek options are available, offering an authentic safari experience
  • Easily reached from Zanzibar & Dar es Salaam and a budget-friendly addition to a Tanzanian itinerary

Best time to go
Nyerere National Park

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

Frequently Asked Questions

We've taken the liberty to answer everything you may need to know about visiting Nyerere National Park

  • For a northern circuit  safari tour, 10 nights is a strong minimum. That gives you enough time to visit Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro and Tarangire without rushing between them. If you’re adding Zanzibar, Kenya or Rwanda, 14 to 18 nights gives the journey more breathing room.

    Tanzania looks simple on a map until you start planning it properly. Distances are long, seasons matter and camp location can change everything. We’ll help you decide where to spend your time, where to fly, where to slow down and where not to overcomplicate the route.

  • A luxury Tanzania safari is tailor-made, so the cost depends on season, camp style, routing, trip length and inclusions. 

    Peak season, private concessions, specialist guiding and remote camps sit at the higher end. Zanzibar island extensions, additional countries and longer fly-in routes will also affect the final cost.

    The better question is what that spend unlocks and supports: excellent guiding, small camps, safer logistics, conservation fees, community projects and access to wild places that need to remain valuable as wilderness.

    For an accurate quote shaped around your dates, route and preferred camp style, speak to a Rhino Africa Travel Expert.

  • That depends on your route, season and travel style. Seasonal tented camps work well for the Great Migration, crater-rim lodges suit Ngorongoro access, and private areas can offer a more flexible safari experience. We’ll match the accommodation to the journey rather than simply pointing you at the most famous names.

  • Yes. Tanzania is one of Africa’s strongest first-safari destinations because it offers the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire and Zanzibar in one journey. It gives you scale, wildlife density, strong guiding and a natural bush-to-beach route.

  • The best Tanzania safari depends on your timing and what you want from the journey. For the full classic route, we often combine the Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Tarangire. For the Great Migration, we shape the route around where the herds are likely to be. For remoteness, the southern circuit can be exceptional.

  • Most guests fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport for the northern Tanzania circuit, while Dar es Salaam works well for the southern circuit and Zanzibar. Internal bush flights connect many safari camps and are often the most efficient way to travel through Tanzania.

  • Tanzania’s main safari regions are well-established and professionally guided. We work with vetted camps, lodges and service providers, and your game drives are led by experienced guides who know the terrain, wildlife behaviour and safety protocols.

  • The Tanzanian Shilling is the official currency, and local transactions are priced and paid in Tanzanian shillings. Visa and Mastercard are accepted in many places with reliable signal, but it’s important to carry some cash for tips and smaller purchases.

  • Pack light, neutral-coloured clothing for game drives, a warm layer for early mornings, comfortable walking shoes and sun protection. For Zanzibar and Stone Town, bring modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees. Once your itinerary is confirmed, we’ll share a detailed packing list shaped around your route and season.

  • For a first Tanzania safari tour, the classic northern circuit is usually strongest: Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Tarangire National Park, often starting from Arusha. Arusha National Park can add a great first stop nearby, while Lake Manyara works well as a short scenic pause.

    For a wilder, more remote safari with fewer vehicles, look south to Nyerere National Park and Ruaha National Park. For something more specialist, Mahale Mountains National Park offers chimpanzee trekking beside Lake Tanganyika.

  • Yes, Tanzania is a malaria area. Speak to your doctor or travel clinic before departure, use insect repellent, wear long sleeves and trousers in the evenings, and follow the medical advice given to you.