Nyerere National Park (Selous)

A river park

Nyerere is defined by water. The Rufiji River, one of the largest rivers in East Africa, winds through the park, creating lakes, channels and floodplains. That makes it a good place for boat safaris, which are quiet, low-level and often produce close views of hippos, crocodiles, elephants coming down to drink and, in the right season, a wide variety of birds.

The park is big and quiet. Most camps are on the river or the lakes, and vehicles are few. You can drive across open woodland and floodplain and see wildlife with hardly anyone else around.

What you can do

Boat safaris are the signature activity. They usually last two or three hours and are done at sunrise or late afternoon. Walking safaris are led by an armed ranger and a guide, and they are a good way to notice small details, like tracks, insects and plants, that a vehicle passes by. Some camps offer fly-camping, where you sleep out under the stars with a light camp.

Game drives are also good. The park has elephants, buffaloes, giraffes and lions, and there’s a healthy African wild dog population. Wild dogs are seen in several areas, especially in the dry season.

When to go

The dry season from June to October is best. Water is limited and the vegetation thins, so animals are easier to see. The hot, humid months of November to March suit birders but make walking uncomfortable. The long rains, from March to May, close many camps, and roads can be impassable.

Getting there

The easiest way is a 45-minute flight from Dar es Salaam. Camps arrange transfers from the airstrip. By road the drive takes about five to six hours, and the Tazara railway provides another slow, scenic option. A bush stay of two or three nights combines well with a Zanzibar beach finish.

Costs

The daily park fee for non-resident adults is about US$59, including VAT (as of September 2026). Lodges range from simple tented camps to luxury riverside retreats. Because flights are needed for most itineraries, the cost of getting there adds up. Ask whether transfers and boat and walking activities are included.

Dam and controversy

Nyerere is the site of the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project on the Rufiji River, which has drawn debate over its environmental effects. Most visitors won’t notice any change on a typical safari, but it’s worth asking your lodge about the current situation and the areas where activities are offered.