Nyerere National Park: The Wild South
Julius Nyerere National Park, usually called Nyerere National Park, is a huge, quiet wilderness in southern Tanzania. Formerly the northern part of the Selous Game Reserve, it was established as a national park in 2019 and covers about 30,893 square kilometres. That makes it the largest national park in Tanzania, and one of the biggest in Africa. It is named after Julius Nyerere, the country’s first president.
This guide covers the history of Nyerere National Park, its wildlife, the best activities, how to get there and the best time to visit. If you would like a ready-made trip, see our Tanzania safari packages.
History of Nyerere National Park
The story begins in 1896, when the German governor of Tanganyika declared the area a protected hunting reserve. In 1922 it was named after Frederick Selous, a British explorer, hunter and conservationist who knew the region well, and it became the Selous Game Reserve.
In 2019, the Tanzanian government created Nyerere National Park from the northern part of the Selous, which gave the area national park status under the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA). The aim was to improve management, strengthen protection and develop tourism. The southern part of the Selous remains a game reserve.
Wildlife in Nyerere National Park
Nyerere National Park has rich biodiversity and a wide range of landscapes, including rivers, lakes, open plains, woodland and swamps. Wildlife you may see includes:
- Elephants and buffalo: Large herds, often seen along the river and around the lakes
- Big cats: Lions, leopards and cheetahs
- African wild dogs: The park is one of the best places in Africa to see this endangered predator
- Giraffes, zebras and wildebeest: Common on the open plains
- Hippos and crocodiles: Plentiful in the Rufiji River and its lakes
- Birds: More than 400 species, including kingfishers, fish eagles, bee-eaters and herons
The Rufiji River, Tanzania’s largest river, flows through the park. It feeds lakes, channels and swamps that draw wildlife all year, and it is the heart of the park’s most distinctive safari experience. The river continues to the Indian Ocean, where it forms a large mangrove delta.
Things to Do in Nyerere National Park
- Boat safaris: Glide along the Rufiji River and its lakes and see hippos, crocodiles, elephants and birds at close range. Because you are on the water, you can get closer to animals than in a vehicle.
- Game drives: Explore the plains and woodland in a 4x4 safari vehicle, with the best sightings in the early morning and late afternoon.
- Walking safaris: Walk with an armed ranger to learn about tracks, plants and smaller creatures. This is something many northern parks do not allow.
- Catch-and-release fishing: Try your luck in the park’s lakes, where permitted.
- Cultural visits: Meet nearby communities to learn about local life.
Nyerere National Park receives far fewer visitors than the Serengeti or Ngorongoro, so it is a good choice if you want a quiet, remote safari. Compare it with the north in our guide to Serengeti National Park.
Best Time to Visit Nyerere National Park
- Dry season (June to October): The best time for game viewing. Grass is short, animals gather along the river and lakes, and roads are in good condition.
- Late December to February: A shorter dry spell with green scenery and good birdlife.
- Wet season (March to May): Heavy rain can make roads difficult, and some camps close. Rates are lower and the park is very quiet.
How to Get to Nyerere National Park
By Air
Flying is the quickest and most convenient option. Scheduled flights leave from Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam to airstrips in the park, and take about 45 minutes to an hour. Several domestic airlines operate this route, such as Coastal Aviation and Auric Air.
By Road
Nyerere National Park is roughly 230 km from Dar es Salaam, and the drive takes around 5 to 6 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. The usual route goes through Kibiti and Mloka to the Mtemere Gate on the eastern side of the park. The final stretch is on a gravel road, so expect a rough ride. Another entrance, the Matambwe Gate, is in the north-west.
By Rail
The TAZARA railway serves towns near the park, and a road transfer is needed to reach the gates. It is a scenic but slow option that few visitors use.
Inside the park, you will travel in a 4x4 safari vehicle or minibus. Nyerere National Park combines very well with a beach stay in Zanzibar, so see our beach holiday packages.
Nyerere National Park Entry Fees
Fees depend on your category (non-resident, resident or East African citizen) and on age, with lower rates for children. Because TANAPA updates its fees from time to time, check the current rates on the official TANAPA website before you travel. If you book with Yulle Adventures, park fees are included in your quote. East African citizens usually need to show their passport at the gate to get the lower rate.
Why Visit Nyerere National Park?
Nyerere National Park offers a wilder and quieter safari than the better-known parks to the north. With boat safaris, walking safaris, wild dogs and few other visitors, it is a rewarding stop for travellers who want a different side of Tanzania.
Ready to go? Browse our wildlife safari packages or contact Yulle Adventures for a free, tailor-made quote.