The northern and larger tourist section of the former Selous Game Reserve was officially upgraded to national park status in 2019 and is now called Nyerere National Park. The remaining southern section continues to be known as Selous Game Reserve.
The Selous landscape is located in southeastern Tanzania and extends across parts of several regions, including Pwani, Morogoro and Lindi.
Nyerere National Park covers more than 30,000 square kilometres, making it Tanzania’s largest national park. TANAPA currently describes it as covering more than 30,000 km² and featuring the Rufiji River, extensive woodlands, floodplains and wetlands.
The remaining Selous Game Reserve covers approximately 18,000 square kilometres and remains under the management of the Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA).
The History of Selous
The area received formal protection in 1896 during the German colonial period. In 1922, it became known as the Selous Game Reserve, named after Frederick Courtney Selous, a British explorer, hunter and conservationist who died during the First World War.
The reserve was later expanded considerably and became one of Africa’s largest protected wildlife areas.
In 1982, Selous was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its exceptional biodiversity, enormous size and relatively undisturbed ecological processes. UNESCO describes the original World Heritage property as covering about 50,000 square kilometres.
A major change came in 2019 when about 30,000 square kilometres of the former reserve were separated and upgraded to national park status. The new park was named Nyerere National Park in honour of Julius Nyerere, Tanzania’s first president and a strong supporter of wildlife conservation.
This means that when travellers talk about going to “Selous,” they may actually be referring to Nyerere National Park, the former northern part of Selous.
Nyerere National Park Today
The park combines large wildlife populations with a landscape dominated by the Rufiji River and its associated lakes, channels and floodplains. Its habitats include miombo woodland, open grasslands, riverine vegetation and wetlands.
The Rufiji River
The Rufiji River is the geographical and ecological heart of Nyerere National Park.
The river flows through the northern part of the park and creates a network of channels, floodplains, sandbanks and oxbow lakes.
These waterways support large concentrations of hippos, crocodiles, elephants and birds.
A boat safari on the Rufiji allows visitors to experience wildlife from a completely different perspective.
Sunrise and sunset boat trips can also provide excellent opportunities for photography and bird watching.
Wildlife in Selous and Nyerere
The region is famous for its exceptional wildlife diversity. Animals commonly associated with the Nyerere ecosystem include:
- African elephants
- African wild dogs
- Lions
- Leopards
- Buffaloes
- Hippopotamuses
- Nile crocodiles
- Giraffes
- Zebras
- Impalas
- Waterbucks
- Sable antelopes
- Lichtenstein’s hartebeest
- Greater kudu
- Eland
- Warthogs
- Hyenas
TANAPA identifies Nyerere as one of East Africa’s important strongholds for African wild dogs, while the Rufiji system supports substantial populations of elephants, hippos and crocodiles.
The wider Selous ecosystem has historically supported significant populations of elephants, black rhinoceroses, hippos, buffaloes, wild dogs and many other species.
African Wild Dogs
One of Nyerere’s greatest attractions is the African wild dog, also known as the African painted dog.
These highly social predators live in packs and are among Africa’s most threatened carnivores.
Nyerere and the wider Selous ecosystem are important strongholds for the species. Seeing wild dogs in the wild is therefore one of the most memorable experiences a visitor can have in southern Tanzania.
Elephants
During dry periods, water sources can become especially important gathering points.
Watching elephants approach the Rufiji River while on a boat safari offers a very different experience from seeing them from a safari vehicle.
Hippos and Crocodiles
The Rufiji River and its connected lakes provide excellent habitat for hippos and Nile crocodiles.
Hippos can often be seen partially submerged in the water. Crocodiles may lie motionless along riverbanks and sandbanks.
Boat safaris are particularly useful for observing these aquatic animals.
Lions and Leopards
Lions may be encountered in woodland and open areas. Leopards are generally more elusive and require patience and careful observation.
Early morning and late afternoon game drives are particularly useful because wildlife is generally more active during the cooler parts of the day.
Bird Watching
TANAPA records more than 430 bird species in the park, with the Rufiji wetlands and river system supporting a particularly rich bird population.
Depending on the location and season, visitors may encounter fish eagles, kingfishers, bee-eaters, skimmers, waterbirds and numerous wetland species.
The Landscape and Vegetation
Its landscape contains several different ecological zones.
These include miombo woodlands, open grasslands, riverine forests, floodplains, wetlands and river channels.
The Rufiji River periodically influences the surrounding floodplains, creating seasonal changes in water availability and animal movements.
More than 2,100 plant species have been recorded in the wider World Heritage property.
This ecological variety is one reason the region supports such a wide range of wildlife.
Safari Activities
Game Drives
Safari vehicles travel through woodland, grassland and areas surrounding the Rufiji system in search of elephants, lions, buffaloes, giraffes, wild dogs and antelopes.
The park’s relatively open network of tracks can provide opportunities for close but responsible wildlife viewing.
Morning and afternoon drives are generally preferred because temperatures are lower and wildlife activity is often higher.
Boat Safaris
Visitors travel along sections of the Rufiji River and associated lakes and channels while observing hippos, crocodiles, elephants and birds.
The experience is slower than a game drive and gives visitors the opportunity to appreciate the park’s aquatic ecosystem as well as its wildlife.
Walking Safaris
Instead of focusing only on large animals, visitors can learn to identify animal tracks, plants, insects, smaller wildlife and signs of animal activity.
Walking safaris must be conducted with authorised guides and follow park safety regulations.
Camping
Depending on the area and type of safari, visitors can use designated campsites or stay in tented camps and other accommodation facilities.
For travellers who want a deeper connection with nature, spending a night in the wilderness can be amazing.
Best Time to Visit
The best time for wildlife viewing in Nyerere is generally the dry season, particularly from around June to October or November.
During the dry months, vegetation becomes less dense and animals often concentrate around remaining water sources, making them easier to locate.
The wet season brings a different experience.
The landscape becomes greener, migratory and resident birdlife can be rewarding, and the scenery can be exceptionally beautiful. However, some roads may become more difficult depending on rainfall.
Nyerere National Park can be reached by air or road.
Flying is one of the easiest ways to reach the park, especially for travellers with limited time.
Scheduled flights can connect Nyerere with Dar es Salaam and other safari destinations, with airstrips including Mtemere, Siwandu and Beho Beho serving different areas.
Road travel is possible from Dar es Salaam and can be incorporated into a Southern Safari Circuit itinerary.
Road conditions, distance and travel time depend on the specific entrance, camp and route being used, so visitors should confirm the current route with their safari operator before travelling.
Accomodation service
Accommodation around Nyerere ranges from campsites and tented camps to more comfortable safari lodges and permanent camps.
The choice depends on budget, location and the type of experience a traveller wants.
Staying closer to the Rufiji River can be particularly attractive for visitors interested in boat safaris, while other camps offer easier access to game-drive areas.
Climate
The climate is generally warm to hot, with seasonal variations associated with rainfall.
October to March are warmer months, while June to August are cooler. The wet season generally extends from late November into May.
Travellers should prepare for strong sunlight, warm temperatures during the day and cooler conditions during early morning activities.