3 daysZanzibar
3 Days Selous (Nyerere National Park) Safari from Zanzibar & Back
5.0(74)Free cancellation
from$900
Photo: Rob from United Kingdom, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia CommonsNyerere National Park (Selous)
Southern Tanzania and the coast · UNESCO World Heritage
Nyerere National Park, created in 2019 from the northern part of the Selous Game Reserve, is one of Africa's largest parks at about 30,900 square kilometres. The Rufiji River and its lakes are the heart of it, with boat safaris among hippos and crocodiles, walking safaris and some of Africa's best odds for wild dogs.
What to see and do
- Boat safaris: On the Rufiji River and lakes such as Tagalala and Manze, for hippos, crocodiles, elephants and birds.
- Walking safaris: With an armed ranger, a highlight of the south.
- Wild dogs: One of Africa's largest populations of African wild dogs.
- Game drives: Lions, giraffes, buffaloes and elephants, with very few other vehicles.
Practical information
| Getting there | Light aircraft from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar, or a long drive from Dar |
| Where to stay | Small tented camps along the river and lakes |
| UNESCO | The Selous Game Reserve was listed in 1982 |
| Fees | Published figures vary: confirm with your operator |
Tip: Combine it with Zanzibar: fly in for three nights and back to the beach. See southern Tanzania safaris.
When to go
June to October is best: the dry season concentrates animals around the river and lakes, and walking is easiest. January and February are hot but good. From about March to May heavy rain closes roads and many camps.
Who it suits
Second time safari goers, anyone wanting boat and walking safaris, and travellers looking for a short safari from Zanzibar. It isn't the place for the Great Migration or the density of animals you'll find in the Serengeti.
Honest downsides
Flights add cost, and game viewing is more spread out than in the north. Parts of the wider Selous have been affected by poaching and a large hydropower dam on the Rufiji River, though the tourist area remains wild and beautiful.
Where it is
Multi-day tours that visit Nyerere National Park (Selous)
Every tour here includes Nyerere National Park (Selous) in its itinerary. Best rated first.
3 days
2 days
3 days
5 days
3 days
4 daysDar es Salaam
4 Days 3 Nights Selous (Nyerere national park) & Mikumi Adventure
4.9(18)Free cancellation
from$1,200
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Nyerere National Park (Selous): questions
When is the best time to visit Nyerere National Park?
June to October, the dry season. Many camps close from about March to May.
Is Nyerere National Park the same as the Selous?
Mostly. It was created in 2019 from the northern Selous Game Reserve, where nearly all tourist camps are.
Can I visit Nyerere from Zanzibar?
Yes. It's about 45 minutes by light aircraft, so two or three nights is easy.