Nyerere National Park

Nyerere National Park, formerly known as Selous Game Reserve, is one of Tanzania's most spectacular and largest wildlife destinations, covering approximately 30,000 square kilometers of pristine wilderness. The park is renowned for its diverse landscapes, including emerald-green swamplands, riverine forests, open grasslands, and scenic water bodies that create a unique ecosystem unlike any other Tanzanian park. The Rufiji River, which forms the park's boundary and flows through its interior, is a defining feature that adds exceptional beauty and creates distinctive wildlife viewing opportunities through boat safaris. The park's varied topography ranges from dense vegetation to open plains, with dead trees submerged in water and distinctive shaggy-topped palms creating an almost otherworldly landscape. Nyerere is famous for its abundant wildlife, including lions, elephants, giraffes, buffalo, hippos, crocodiles, and notably wild dogs, making it one of Africa's premier safari destinations. The park's year-round greenery and water sources support thriving animal populations, and visitors have reported witnessing rare predator-prey interactions such as lions hunting giraffes. The combination of watery expanses, riverine scenery, and diverse wildlife habitats makes Nyerere a complete safari experience that contrasts dramatically with Tanzania's northern circuit parks.

Diverse landscapes including emerald-green swamplands, riverine forests, open grasslands, submerged dead trees, shaggy-topped palms, hills, meadows, and lakes. The Rufiji River creates scenic water frontage with beautiful sunset views.

Nyerere is located in southern Tanzania with local communities in surrounding areas. Some tours include visits to Maasai villages and local settlements to experience traditional cultures.

Best light during early morning and late afternoon game drives. Sunset boat safaris on Rufiji River offer spectacular photography opportunities. Bring telephoto lenses for wildlife. Polarizing filters help with water reflections on river safaris.