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Hippos in the Rufiji River at sunset
National ParkSouthern Tanzania

Nyerere National Park (Selous)

River safaris in Africa's great southern wilderness

Best time
June – October (dry season)
Recommended stay
3 days
Nearest airport
Mtemere Airstrip
Main attraction
Boat safaris on the Rufiji River
Overview

About Nyerere National Park (Selous)

Nyerere National Park was created in 2019 from the northern part of the Selous Game Reserve, one of the largest protected areas in Africa and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is Tanzania's largest national park.

The Rufiji River and its lakes make it special: you can combine game drives with boat safaris among hippos and crocodiles, and guided walks. Wild dogs, lions and large elephant herds roam the woodland.

Size
≈ 30,900 km²
Established
2019 (from Selous GR)
Flight from Dar
≈ 45 min
Main attractions

What makes it special

Sunset over the river in the Selous

Rufiji River & lakes

Boat safaris on Lake Tagalala, Lake Siwandu and the Rufiji, with hippos, crocodiles and water birds.

Selous Game Reserve

The southern part of the ecosystem remains a game reserve, with remote walking areas.

Stiegler's Gorge

A dramatic gorge on the Rufiji River.

Wildlife & activities

What you can see and do

  • African wild dog
  • Lion
  • Elephant
  • Buffalo
  • Hippo
  • Nile crocodile
  • Giraffe
  • Sable antelope
  • 440+ bird species

Boat safaris

On the Rufiji River and lakes.

Walking safaris

Game drives

Fly-camping

A night under canvas in the bush, from some camps.

Best time to visit

When to go

June – October (dry season)

  1. January: Good
  2. February: Good
  3. March: Rainy / low season
  4. April: Rainy / low season
  5. May: Rainy / low season
  6. June: Best
  7. July: Best
  8. August: Best
  9. September: Best
  10. October: Best
  11. November: Good
  12. December: Good
  • Best
  • Good
  • Rainy / low season

Recommended stay: 3 days

Location & access

Getting there

By air: daily flights from Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar to Mtemere and Siwandu airstrips (about 45 minutes).

By road: about 5–7 hours from Dar es Salaam.

Nearest airports & airstrips

  • Mtemere Airstrip
  • Siwandu Airstrip
  • Julius Nyerere International AirportDAR

Where to stay

Tented camps and lodges along the Rufiji River and lakes.

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Park fees

Entry and conservation fees

FeeAmount (USD)Notes
Conservation fee — adult non-residentOn requestRate on request (+18% VAT)
Vehicle entry feeOn requestRate on request

Park fees are included in SASU Tours packages. Current official rates are confirmed in your quotation.

Park and conservation fees are set by TANAPA, NCAA and the Zanzibar authorities and can change. Figures shown are indicative; your quotation always uses the current official rates.

Tours & safaris

Packages that visit Nyerere National Park (Selous)

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