Tanzania Destination Guide
Selous & Nyerere National Park
A vast African wilderness
Tanzania Destination Guide
A vast African wilderness
Nyerere: ~30,893 km²
Selous Reserve: ~54,600 km²
1922 (Selous), 2019 (Nyerere)
June to October
Together, Selous Game Reserve and Nyerere National Park represent one of the planet’s greatest swaths of protected wilderness. Here, vast Miombo woodlands meet lush wetlands and winding waterways, providing sanctuary for African Wild Dogs, herds of buffalo, elephants, and even elusive Black Rhinos. Experience it all via classical 4×4 game drives, scenic boat safaris, or up-close bush walks guided by rangers. If unspoiled, crowd-free landscapes are what you crave, Selous & Nyerere deliver.
Historically encompassed by the massive Selous Game Reserve, the northern sector became Nyerere National Park in 2019, focusing exclusively on photographic tourism. The southern areas still form part of the original Selous, featuring regulated hunting concessions. Altogether, the region rivals entire countries in size.
This UNESCO-listed wilderness shelters impressive biodiversity: from iconic predators—lions, cheetahs, leopards—to countless herbivores and water-dependent species like hippos and crocodiles. The mighty Rufiji River remains its lifeblood, fueling broad wetlands that attract wildlife in enormous numbers. Across ~440 bird species, you can find everything from African fish eagles to vibrant Bee-eaters thriving in these abundant habitats.
If you yearn for big-game sightings and a true sense of wilderness— minus the bustle of more famous parks—this southern stronghold is perfect. You can watch elephant herds migrating through baobab-studded plains or track African Wild Dogs hunting amidst wetlands. Despite its grandeur, Selous & Nyerere receive relatively low visitor traffic, ensuring intimate wildlife encounters and deeper immersion in nature’s rhythms.
Each vantage point reveals new wonders:
Combine multiple activities for the most expansive, thrilling experiences.
The dry season from June to October draws animals toward limited water sources, intensifying sightings. Meanwhile, green season (December–May) offers lush views, excellent birding, but with some camp closures. If unique experiences are your goal—like fewer vehicles or rich bird migrations—the shoulder months around November or early December might be perfect. Temperatures hover around mid-20s to low 30s °C throughout the year.
June – October
Prime game viewing, easier road access
December – May
Vibrant birdlife, fewer tourists, some closures
Beyond lions, buffalos, and elephants, Selous & Nyerere stand out for substantial numbers of African Wild Dogs, a globally threatened species. Leopards often lurk near forested rivers, while black rhinos roam discreetly. Hippos and crocodiles dominate the waterways, and wetlands or floodplains feed grazing herds of zebra, wildebeests, impalas, and giraffes. The region’s dynamic ecosystems sustain countless smaller mammals and well over 400 bird species. Expect each game drive or boat safari to reveal brand-new sightings.
Most guests arrive via scheduled or charter flights from Dar es Salaam, Arusha, or Zanzibar, landing on bush airstrips. Overland options do exist but often require 4×4 vehicles and substantial drive times. Lodging typically clusters along the Rufiji River, providing close-up wildlife action and sweeping water views. From intimate tented camps to higher-end lodges, you’ll enjoy comfortable basecamps for daily safaris or relaxing riverfront sundowners.