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Nyerere (Selous)
Overview
Wildlife
Birds
Best Time To Visit
Weather & Climate
Getting There
Malaria & Safety
Overview
Wildlife
Birds
Best Time
Climate
Getting There
Malaria & Safety
By Fadhili Mlema
Fadhili is a seasoned East African safari expert with 15 years of experience crafting luxurious and authentic journeys. Deeply rooted in the region, his passion for wildlife and tourism has shaped his unparalleled expertise. Let Fadhili curate your ultimate African adventure.
By Fadhili Mlema
Fadhili is a seasoned East African safari expert with 15 years of experience .
- Live Location
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- Open Map
Best Time To Go
June to October, when wildlife viewing is most accessible.
High Season
June to October, with higher visitor numbers in the main tourist areas.
Size
30,893 km² / 11,928 mi²
Altitude
40–1,317 m / 131–4,321 ft
Nyerere National Park offers an unparalleled wildlife experience, where vast herds of buffalo and elephants roam freely, and the elegant Masai giraffe graces the landscape. The park is a haven for iconic species, including the majestic greater kudu, abundant impalas, and thriving populations of lions, hippos, and crocodiles along the mighty Rufiji River. As a sanctuary for the rare sable antelope and the elusive wild dog, Nyerere stands as a truly unique destination for the discerning safari enthusiast. While it may not match the diversity of Ruaha or Serengeti, Nyerere promises unforgettable encounters with Africa’s most iconic wildlife in an untouched wilderness.
Nyerere National Park sits at the heart of the vast 155,000 km² (60,000 mi²) Greater Selous-Niassa ecosystem, a landscape of untamed beauty. The park’s dense miombo woodlands pulse with the wild rhythms of Africa. The primary wildlife-viewing circuit follows a chain of five interconnected lakes—Tagalala, Manze, Nzerakera, Siwandu, and Mzizimia—fed by the mighty Rufiji River. In the Dry season, these palm-fringed channels burst with life, and the sandbanks become home to enormous crocodiles, enhancing the park’s raw allure.
Nyerere National Park’s equatorial location results in consistently consistent temperatures year-round, averaging 27°C (81°F). The climate is typically hot and humid, with the Dry season (June to October) offering slightly cooler conditions. The Wet season (November to May) brings increased humidity, creating a lush, tropical atmosphere.
The best time to visit Nyerere National Park is during the Dry season, from June to October. Wildlife is abundant around the Rufiji River, and the sparse vegetation allows for clear views. Note that many lodges close from April to May during the Wet season.
Nyerere National Park, once known as the Selous Game Reserve, offers an unparalleled wildlife spectacle. Along the primary circuit, a chain of serene lakes draws together giraffes, buffalo, waterbuck, impala, hippo, plains zebra, sable antelope and eland. Here, the wild comes alive as lions and hunting dogs stealthily stalk their prey while crocodiles silently await beneath the water’s surface. It’s a rare, awe-inspiring moment when the untamed forces of nature collide, offering an unforgettable glimpse into the raw beauty of a daytime hunt.
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- Common
- Occasional
- Rare
- None
- Abundant
- Abundant
- Abundant
- Common
- Common
- Common
- Common
- Occasional
- Occasional
- Rare
- None
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Nyerere National Park stands as a vital refuge for the endangered wild dogs, extraordinary creatures that traverse vast territories. Your best chance to witness these elusive canines is when they establish dens within the park. The landscape is also rich with diverse antelope species—watch for the common waterbuck, the stately greater kudu, and the impressive eland. The park’s crown jewel, the majestic sable antelope, adds to the allure, though sightings are rare as they favour the dense, mysterious bush.
From June to October, the Dry season offers an unparalleled wildlife experience in Nyerere National Park. As the landscape opens up, animals congregate around the park’s lifeblood—the Rufiji River and its lakes—making sightings effortless and frequent. Heavy rains render roads impassable as the Wet season wanes in April, and most camps close, only to reopen in early June. For a truly exceptional encounter, visit the wild dogs’ denning season from June to August, when these elusive predators are most visible.
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Notable Birds in Nyerere (Selous)
Nyerere National Park offers exceptional birding opportunities throughout the year, but the true magic happens from November to April. During this period, the park comes alive with Palearctic and intra-African migrants, creating a birdwatching experience like no other. It’s also when resident birds nest and flaunt their dazzling breeding plumage, painting the landscape with colour and activity. Most camps close at the end of the Wet season in April and reopen in June, so plan accordingly. For those seeking a more comprehensive wildlife experience, the Dry season from June to October is the perfect time to explore the park’s diverse offerings.
Bird Species
440+
Migratory Birds
Nov to Apr
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
- Excellent
- Good
- Fair
- Poor
The best time to witness the incredible wildlife of Nyerere National Park, formerly Selous Game Reserve, is during the Dry season from June to October. Wildlife becomes easier to spot as the landscape opens up, gathering around the park’s lifeblood—the Rufiji River, its lakes, and lagoons. From November to May, the Wet season transforms the park into a lush, green paradise, though afternoons can get quite warm. Keep in mind that many lodges close from April to May.
Best Time
June to October is perfect for unforgettable wildlife experiences.
High Season
June to October, when the area around the Rufiji River becomes bustling with tourists.
Low Season
March to May, with many lodges closing, particularly in April and May.
Best Weather
June to October, when skies are clear and rain is scarce.
Worst Weather
March and April, when the wet season is at its fullest.
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By Fadhili Mlema
Fadhili is a seasoned East African safari expert with 15 years of experience crafting luxurious and authentic journeys. Deeply rooted in the region, his passion for wildlife and tourism has shaped his unparalleled expertise. Let Fadhili curate your ultimate African adventure.
Nyerere National Park, once known as Selous Game Reserve, experiences a warm to hot and humid climate, with temperatures remaining relatively stable year-round due to its equatorial location. The park experiences intense heat from October to April, while slightly cooler temperatures prevail from June to August. The Wet season, marked by heavy rainfall, extends from November to May, during which many lodges close, particularly from April to May.
The Dry season brings abundant sunshine, with afternoon temperatures averaging 29°C/84°F and cooler nights dipping to around 18°C/64°F.
- From June to September, rain is scarce, and while the skies are clear, a layer of dust often lingers. Early morning game drives can feel chilly during these months.
- By late October, the first rains of the Wet season may appear, offering a refreshing relief as the dust settles after a long dry spell.
Embrace the vibrant energy of the Wet season, where warmth and humidity awaken the landscape. Afternoons simmer at 31°C/88°F, easing into cooler nights at 21°C/70°F.
- November & December: The Wet season begins to stir, with unpredictable showers gracing the afternoons. These brief bursts of rain add a refreshing touch to your safari adventure without hindrance.
- January & February: The rains grow more frequent, painting the afternoons with short, lively showers. The air remains warm at 31°C/88°F, while nights offer a gentle respite at 21°C/70°F.
- March, April & May: The season peaks, with near-daily rains nourishing the earth. Daytime temperatures mellow slightly to 30°C/86°F, and nights settle into a comfortable 20°C/68°F, making every moment in nature feel rejuvenating.
- Live Location
- View Photos
By Fadhili Mlema
Fadhili is a seasoned East African safari expert with 15 years of experience crafting luxurious and authentic journeys. Deeply rooted in the region, his passion for wildlife and tourism has shaped his unparalleled expertise. Let Fadhili curate your ultimate African adventure.
Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam is the main gateway to Nyerere National Park. Flights from Zanzibar are also available for those arriving from Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ). As your tour operator, we ensure a smooth journey by handling all travel arrangements.
While many visitors fly directly to Nyerere, a road safari offers a compelling alternative. The drive from Dar es Salaam to Mtemere Gate covers 230km (143 mi) and takes around 5 hours via Kibiti town. Alternatively, the 170km (106 mi) route via Kisarawe town takes about 4 hours.
- Main Park Location
Explore a world of possibilities with Skyscanner. Discover the best airlines and unbeatable fares to Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) and Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ). Start your journey now.
Domestic Flights
As your tour operator, we typically handle the booking of domestic and charter flights between parks as part of your tour package. However, if you prefer to arrange your own flights to the Nyerere (Selous) National Park, several local carriers offer domestic options.
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Please refer to our FAQ—Tanzania pages for detailed information regarding passport, visa, vaccination, and other entry requirements.
By Fadhili Mlema
Fadhili is a seasoned East African safari expert with 15 years of experience crafting luxurious and authentic journeys. Deeply rooted in the region, his passion for wildlife and tourism has shaped his unparalleled expertise. Let Fadhili curate your ultimate African adventure.
Nyerere National Park, once the legendary Selous Game Reserve, offers a sanctuary where safety and adventure go hand in hand. Crime against visitors is exceptionally rare, with incidents typically confined to urban centres, much like anywhere else. As you explore Tanzania’s cities, standard safety precautions will keep your journey smooth and secure (refer to ‘Cities & Urban Areas: Safety Precautions’ for more details). On your safari, rest assured that your guide is dedicated to your safety, allowing you to immerse yourself fully in the wild beauty of Nyerere.
As you prepare to explore the wild beauty of Nyerere National Park, safeguarding your health is essential. Malaria is present, so protect yourself by wearing long trousers and closed shoes during the evening hours. Use a mosquito repellent with DEET for the most effective defence, and take antimalarial medication as recommended. Additionally, ensure you’re up to date on essential vaccinations, which your local travel clinic or doctor can provide. These simple precautions will help you fully embrace the adventure with peace of mind.
Wildlife viewing in Nyerere (Selous) National Park is exceptionally safe when you follow the expert guidance of your safari guide. Adhering to the park’s rules is crucial to ensuring safety and an awe-inspiring experience for those embarking on a self-drive adventure. Explore the ‘Wildlife Viewing Safety Precautions’ section below for more insights and safety tips.
Discover Nyerere (Selous) Safari Tour
to
pp (USD)
Tanzania:
Private tour,
Luxury,
- 12 days
- 4 places
to
pp (USD)
Tanzania:
Private tour,
Luxury,
- 12 days
- 3 places
to
pp (USD)
Tanzania:
Private tour,
Luxury,
- 12 days
- 3 places
