Nyerere National Park
Why Visit: Experience one of Africa’s largest and wildest national parks, with fewer tourists and a rich variety of wildlife, all within easy reach of Dar es Salaam.
Nyerere National Park – formerly the northern section of the famous Selous Game Reserve – is one of Africa’s largest and most unspoiled wilderness areas. Covering about 12,000 square miles, it is part of a vast ecosystem that, together with the surrounding game reserve, forms a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Named in honour of Tanzania’s first president, Julius Nyerere, the park offers exceptional wildlife viewing in a pristine setting with far fewer visitors than more famous northern parks.
Wildlife and Habitats
Nyerere is home to Tanzania’s largest elephant population – around 60,000 across the greater Selous–Nyerere ecosystem – and the world’s largest population of endangered African wild dogs. Lions, leopards, buffalo, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, and over 430 recorded bird species thrive here.
The park’s landscapes range from open grasslands and acacia woodlands to swamps, miombo forests, and the mighty Rufiji River with its many tributaries.
Activities and Access
Nyerere’s northern “photographic zone” is dedicated to non-consumptive tourism. Visitors can enjoy:
- Boat Safaris on the Rufiji River to see hippos, crocodiles, and elephants at the water’s edge
- Walking Safaris for an immersive bush experience
- Game Drives across varied, wildlife-rich terrain
Why Visit Nyerere?
As a national park, hunting is prohibited, ensuring a safe haven for wildlife. Its remoteness and size mean you’ll often have sightings to yourself, making for an intimate, crowd-free safari.
Plan your trip:
Based in Dar es Salaam, and with our own camp at the entrance to the park, Daigle Tours is ideally placed to arrange your unforgettable Nyerere National Park safari.
7 Days Selous (Nyerere) Ruaha Wilderness Safari Circuit
STARTING FROM $1,244 pp (USD)
Private Tour
Highlights
Two Iconic Wilderness Parks in One Journey Nyerere National Park Rufiji River Boat Safari River Wildlife: Hippos, Crocodiles & Birdlife Ruaha National Park Big Cats & Baobab Landscapes Walking Safari Experience in Remote Wilderness Low Tourist Density & Untouched Safari Experience Seamless Access from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar
6 Days Fly-In & Road Safari: Ruaha, Nyerere (Selous), Udzungwa Circuit
STARTING FROM $2,028 pp (USD)
Private Tour
Highlights
Fly-In to Remote Wilderness for Maximum Safari Time Ruaha National Park Big Cats, Elephants & Baobab Landscapes Nyerere National Park Rufiji River Boat Safari Diverse Ecosystems in One Compact Journey Udzungwa Mountains National Park Rainforest Trekking & Waterfalls Sanje Waterfalls Hiking Experience Seamless Start from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar
6 Days Nyerere (Selous), Mikumi, Udzungwa Safari Circuit
STARTING FROM $1,030 pp (USD)
Private Tour
Highlights
Three Ecosystems in One Compact Safari Nyerere National Park Rufiji River Boat Safari Experience River Wildlife: Hippos, Crocodiles & Birdlife Mikumi National Park Open Savannah Game Viewing High-Visibility Wildlife on Mkata Floodplain Udzungwa Mountains National Park Waterfalls & Rainforest Trekking Sanje Waterfalls Hiking & Natural Pools Scenic Southern Circuit from Dar es Salaam
5 Days Mikumi. Nyerere (Selous), Ruaha National Park Safari Circuit
STARTING FROM $870 pp (USD)
Private Tour
Highlights
Scenic road safari from Dar es Salaam through Tanzania’s southern wilderness corridor Wildlife-rich game drives in Mikumi’s open savannah plains Boat safari along the Rufiji River in Nyerere National Park (Selous) Big game encounters including elephants, lions, buffalo, giraffes, and wild dogs Immersive full-day safari experience in one of Africa’s largest protected ecosystems Remote wilderness exploration in Ruaha National Park, Tanzania’s predator capital Dramatic landscapes from floodplains and rivers to baobab-studded savannahs Authentic bush experience with picnic lunches and sunset game drives Perfect short southern circuit combining three iconic national parks in one journey
4 Days Fly-In Safari: Dar es Salaam, Nyerere (Selous), Mikumi
STARTING FROM $1,134 pp (USD)
Private Tour
Highlights
A relaxed Southern Tanzania safari through Nyerere National Park, Mikumi National Park, and Udzungwa Mountains National Park, combining fly-in access, scenic transfers, and slow-paced game drives across rivers and open plains.
4 Days Road Safari: Dar es Salaam, Nyerere (Selous), Mikumi
STARTING FROM $631 pp (USD)
Private Tour
Highlights
Relaxed road journey through Southern Tanzania combining sunset boat safari on the Rufiji River, classic game drives with elephants, lions, giraffes, and buffalo, and wide-open savannah wildlife viewing across the Mkata floodplain, an easy, scenic short safari packed with diverse landscapes and rich wildlife encounters.
STARTING FROM $808 pp (USD)
Private Tour
Highlights
Fly-in safari combining classic savannah game drives in Mikumi with high wildlife visibility on the Mkata floodplain, and a full wilderness experience in Nyerere featuring the Rufiji River boat safari, diverse ecosystems, and abundant wildlife including elephants, lions, giraffes, buffalo, and wild dogs.
9 Day Safari Zanzibar -Ruaha – Mikumi – Selous to Zanzibar
STARTING FROM $2,207 pp (USD)
Highlights
From the beaches of Zanzibar to the wild heart of Ruaha National Park, Mikumi National Park, and Nyerere National Park, with an exclusive extension to Katavi National Park, a rare journey blending coast, classic safari, and untouched wilderness.
9 Days Selous (Nyerere) – Ruaha – Katavi Wilderness Safari Circuit
STARTING FROM $2,018 pp (USD)
Private Tour
Highlights
Explore the remote wilds of Nyerere National Park, Ruaha National Park, and Katavi National Park, an untamed safari circuit rich in predators, vast landscapes, and true off-the-beaten-path adventure.
8 Days Dar es Salaam – Nyerere (Selous) – Ruaha – Mikumi – Zanzibar Safari Circuit
STARTING FROM $1,719 pp (USD)
Private Tour
Highlights
Journey from Dar es Salaam through the wild landscapes of Nyerere National Park, Ruaha National Park, and Mikumi National Park, ending with relaxation on the beaches of Zanzibar, a perfect blend of safari and coastal escape.
9 Days Selous (Nyerere), Ruaha, Katavi Wilderness Safari Circuit
STARTING FROM $2,018 pp (USD)
Private Tour
Highlights
Explore Tanzania’s ultimate wilderness safari circuit through the remote beauty of Nyerere National Park, Ruaha National Park, and Katavi National Park, home to untouched landscapes, massive wildlife populations, and authentic safari experiences.
