Selous Game Reserve | Nyerere National Park
Nyerere National Park - Tanzania (Selous Game Reserve)
Selous Game Reserve, now officially known as Nyerere National Park, is one of the largest wildlife parks in Africa. Located in southern Tanzania, it covers over 30,000 square kilometers, making it even bigger than Serengeti National Park. This park is a hidden treasure for safari lovers looking for a peaceful and wild experience. Unlike the busy northern safari circuit, Selous offers a quiet and untouched natural paradise.
It is famous for its rich wildlife, including lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, and the rare African wild dogs. The park is also home to beautiful rivers, lakes, and thick forests, making it one of the best places for boat safaris in Tanzania. Selous/Nyerere is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its outstanding natural beauty and biodiversity.
If you are planning a safari in Tanzania and want a unique, off-the-beaten-path adventure, Selous Game Reserve (Nyerere National Park) should be on your list.
Highlights
- The park is home to the largest population of baboons on the planet.
- The varied vegetation ranges from lush forests to open grasslands.
- The best Tanzania National Park to see a full display of high-flying avians with more than 400 documented species of birds.
- The Rufiji River, which flows past Mafia Island
- A unique amount of animals (there are about 30,000 elephants, 200,000 giraffes and 420 different species of birds)
Discover our most popular safaris
Selous Safari Packages from Zanzibar
Zanzibar to Selous National Park 1-Day From Cruise Port
- 1 Days | Bush to Beach Safari
Starting From
On Request
Per Person On Twin Sharing
1 Day Selous Safari Tour from Zanzibar
- 12 Days & 11 Nights | Bush to Beach Safari
Starting From
On Request
Per Person On Twin Sharing
Nyerere National park in Detail
map of Selous Game Reserve
Where Is Selous Game Reserve (Nyerere National Park) Located?
Selous/Nyerere is found in southern Tanzania, about 220 kilometers (137 miles) from Dar es Salaam. This makes it an excellent choice for travelers who want a safari experience without flying to the northern parks like Serengeti.
How to Get to Selous Game Reserve (Nyerere National Park)
By Air: The fastest way to get to Selous is by domestic flight from Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, or Arusha. Flights take about 45 minutes.
By Road: If you prefer an adventure, you can drive from Dar es Salaam to Selous. The drive takes about 5 to 6 hours, passing through villages and beautiful landscapes.
Many safari tours, including Seko Tours, arrange transport to Selous, either by flight or by road.
Interesting Facts about Selous Game Reserve | Nyerere National Park
Nyerere National Park which was formerly known as Selous Game Reserve, is the largest Game Reserve in Tanzania and it is a protected area covering about 50,000km2. Selous was at first a series of National Parks that were made a protected area in the year 1896 but in 1905, it became a hunting reserve for all who wanted to enjoy the hunting game. It was named Nyerere after a British adventurer Fredrick Nyerere who died during the world war I. after his death, all the small game reserves around were combined by the British colonialists to form the current Nyerere National Park.
The Nyerere National Park is one of the least visited places in Tanzania and this makes it the perfect place for tourists who want to enjoy the big 5 without the large crowd. It has a diversity of vegetation especially the famous Miombo woodland, lots of wildlife and over 400 bird species that can all be viewed in their natural habitats.
The National Park is one of the few places in Tanzania which you can explore with both a game drive and a boat ride. The National Park is very safe for a safari but you must follow all the guidelines that are put in place by the tour guide, you can spend as many days as you want for as long as you can afford it and you can join your safari to Nyerere with other destinations in the country.
Where to Stay in Selous Game Reserve
Where To Stay In Nyerere Park (Selous) In Tanzania
On a Seko Tours wildlife trip in southern Tanzania, Nyerere (Selous) offers a variety of accommodations, from luxurious lodges to simple, authentic camps. Some guests prefer a basic, nature-focused experience, while others seek luxury and top-notch service. Lodges usually offer more comfort, while camps bring you closer to nature. The value of your stay depends on comfort, exclusivity, eco-friendliness, activities, and the quality of guides and food.
which safari park is best in Tanzania.
How Selous is Different from Serengeti
Compare Selous with Serengeti
| Feature | Selous (Nyerere) | Serengeti |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Southern Tanzania | Northern Tanzania |
| Crowds | Fewer tourists | More tourists |
| Best for | Boat safaris, wild dogs | Great Migration |
| Size | Bigger than Serengeti | Smaller than Selous |
Things to Do in Selous Game Reserve (Nyerere National Park)
Selous offers a variety of safari activities that make it different from other parks in Tanzania:
Game Drives
The most popular way to explore Selous is by 4×4 safari vehicle.
Best times: Early morning (6 AM – 10 AM) and Late afternoon (3 PM – 6 PM).
Expect to see lions, elephants, zebras, giraffes, and many other animals.
Boat Safari on the Rufiji River
Selous is one of the few parks in Tanzania where you can do a boat safari.
You can see hippos, crocodiles, and many water birds up close.
Sunset boat safaris are very popular and offer stunning views.
Walking Safari
This is one of the few parks in Tanzania where you can go on a guided walking safari.
A professional guide leads you through the bush, teaching you about tracks, plants, and smaller animals.
Fly Camping (Bush Camping)
Sleep under the stars in a small tent, surrounded by nature.
This is a unique experience for true adventure lovers.
Best Time to Visit Selous Game Reserve (Nyerere National Park)
The best time for a safari in Selous depends on what you want to see:
Dry Season (June – October)
Best for wildlife viewing because animals gather near water.
Less rain, making roads easy to drive on.
Comfortable temperatures and lower humidity levels.
Great visibility, making it easier to spot animals.
Wet Season (November – May):
Best for bird watching as migratory birds arrive.
Lush green landscapes and fewer tourists.
Baby animals are born, attracting predators and creating unique wildlife interactions.
Afternoon showers bring freshness to the park but rarely disrupt activities.
For the best overall experience, visiting between June and October is recommended. However, if you love birdwatching and want a quieter safari with beautiful green scenery, November to May is a fantastic choice.
Packing List for Selous Safari
Light and breathable clothes – It can get hot.
Hat and sunglasses – Protect yourself from the sun.
Sunscreen & insect repellent – To stay safe from sunburn and mosquitoes.
Camera & binoculars – To capture and see wildlife better.
Good walking shoes – If you plan to do a walking safari.
Travel Tips for Visiting Selous Game Reserve (Nyerere National Park)
Visa: Most travelers need a Tanzanian visa.
Currency: Tanzanian Shillings (TZS) or USD are accepted.
Health: Bring malaria tablets and get a yellow fever vaccination if required.
Park Fees: The entrance fee is around $50 per adult per day.
Guided Tours: Booking with a reliable tour operator like Seko Tours ensures a smooth trip.
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Popular questions about Selous Game Reserve | Nyerere National Park
Selous Game Reserve, now known as Nyerere National Park, is one of the largest wildlife parks in Africa. It is famous for its vast wilderness, diverse wildlife, and unique safari experiences, including boat safaris on the Rufiji River.
Nyerere National Park is located in southern Tanzania, covering a large area along the Rufiji River. It is about 220 km from Dar es Salaam.
The Tanzanian government renamed part of the Selous Game Reserve to Nyerere National Park in honor of Julius Nyerere, Tanzania’s first president and leader of independence.
The park covers 30,893 square kilometers, making it the largest national park in Tanzania and one of the biggest in Africa.
The park is home to elephants, lions, leopards, African wild dogs, hippos, crocodiles, giraffes, buffalos, and many antelope species. It also has over 440 bird species.
- Game Drives – Explore the park by 4x4 safari vehicle.
- Boat Safaris – Unique wildlife viewing along the Rufiji River.
- Walking Safaris – Guided walks to get close to nature.
- Birdwatching – A paradise for bird lovers.
- Fishing – Catch-and-release fishing in the Rufiji River.
The best time is the dry season (June to October) when animals gather around water sources, making it easier to spot them. The wet season (November to May) is great for birdwatching.
Yes! You can combine it with Ruaha National Park, Mikumi National Park, and Zanzibar for a complete Tanzania safari experience.
You can book with Seko Tours Adventures for a well-planned safari. Contact us today for more details!
- Light clothing (neutral colors)
- Hat and sunglasses
- Binoculars and camera
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen
Yes, the park is very safe. Safari activities are guided by professional rangers.
Zebras, wildebeests, hippos, hyenas, and various bird species are commonly seen in the crater.
Yes, the park has family-friendly lodges and activities like boat safaris, which kids can enjoy.
There are luxury lodges, tented camps, and budget campsites, offering different safari experiences.
Nyerere National Park is unique because it offers a combination of game drives, walking safaris, and boat safaris, which is rare in other parks. The Rufiji River is a major highlight, attracting large numbers of hippos, crocodiles, and bird species.
- By Road: A 5–6 hour drive from Dar es Salaam.
- By Air: Flights are available from Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar to airstrips inside the park.
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