Where to go

Nyerere National Park

Nyerere National Park (formerly the Selous Game Reserve) is arguably one of the best and most varied parks in Africa...

Itinerary photo - Safari
Itinerary photo - Safari

One of the largest designated game areas in Africa, Nyerere National Park (formerly the Selous Game Reserve) is approximate two and a half times the size of Wales and is truly one of the last frontiers in Africa, with game roaming freely and unimpeded throughout. The main focus for the safari activities is around the mighty Rufiji River that flows west to east through the northern section of the park and, in the dry season, it becomes a Mecca for all types of game looking to replenish water supplies.

Often the first stop on a circuit to the south, Nyerere National Park is a fantastic park and is a safari destination that is suitable for safari hands right through to first timers and the young. What it offers, that is truly unique in Africa, is the whole range....great game viewing (in particular elephant, wild dog, leopard, hippos and crocodiles), a range of accommodations from tented through to luxury lodges, and the full spread of safari activities, boating, walking and driving.

Located just a short hop flight of around 30 mins from Dar es Salaam it is possible to arrive off an overnight flight and be in the bush within an hour or so. Another string to its bow is that the park also features a good but not overwhelming range of accommodations and, where the average prices in the northern parks start from around U$D700 per person per night, the lodges in the Nyerere National Park start at around U$D500 or less for a similar experience and level of service.

We are huge fans of the southern parks and Nyerere National Park in particular with the diversity and range that it offers it is possible to stay here for weeks and not get bored. While it is traditionally seen as being the best time to travel in-between July and October, the park is a birders' paradise throughout the year and, for those that have ticked off the "big 5", it is the perfect place to come and learn more about what the African bush is about any time.

Best time to visit Nyerere National Park:

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  • NMay
  • YJun
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  • MNov
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  •   = Yes   = No   = Maybe

    At a glance...Nyerere National Park

    • Size: 27,340 square miles
    • Location: 30 mins flight west of Dar es Salaam
    • Recommended time: 3 to 6 nights
    • Time to visit: June to Nov/Jan to Mar
    • Safari Activities: Walking, boating, driving, fly camping
    • Topography: Miombo woodland, riverine, open grassland, mountainous
    • Main species: Elephant, wild dog, rhino, lion, zebra, giraffe, leopard, crocodiles, hippo, buffalo

    Further reading...

    Our top five hotels & lodges in Nyerere National Park:

    1. Beho Beho - Lounge

      Beho Beho

      Well, what can we say? Beho Beho is certainly a camp that is in the top three in East Africa if not Africa at the moment...they have been leading the way for the last few years in the Selous. Great location, up in the Beho Beho hills, away from the relative "traffic" in the park's centre. Great... More...

      Our rating:
      5
      User rating:
      5
      Price:
      5
    2. Siwandu Camp

      Siwandu Camp

      The first of the camps catering to the top end of the market, Siwandu Camp (formerly Selous Safari Camp) offers great value for money and is ideal for those that want this level of luxury and service but without the price tag. Comparatively, it arguably doesn't live up to the safari standards of... More...

      Our rating:
      5
      User rating:
      5
      Price:
      3
    3. Lake Manze Camp - elephant in camp

      Lake Manze Camp

      Lake Manze Camp is set right in the heart of the best game area in the Selous, and is, arguably, one of the best value options in Africa! Set up around 4 years ago on an elephant run it has simply gone from strength to strength and, based on our ratings system, where the most expensive is not... More...

      Our rating:
      5
      User rating:
      5
      Price:
      2
    4. Sand River Selous

      Sand Rivers Selous

      The grand dame of the Selous Safari circuit, along with Beho Beho, Sand Rivers Selous is the longest running safari camp and is also, still, one of the best. One of the major selling points is the location....set right on the banks of the Rufiji River, it is possible to sip a G&T looking both... More...

      Our rating:
      5
      User rating:
      5
      Price:
      4
    5. Selous Impala Camp

      Selous Impala Camp

      Located over to the eastern edge of the main game viewing area, Selous Impala Camp is still privately owned and, especially in low season when it drops its rates and offers a 4th night for free, offers very good value for money. Impala has definitely grown to be one of our favourite properties over... More...

      Our rating:
      4
      User rating:
      4
      Price:
      3