Nyerere NP (formerly Selous)
★★★ Nyerere — Africa's Largest Wildlife Reserve
The Nyerere Reserve (known until 2019 as "Selous Game Reserve," renamed in honor of founding father Julius Nyerere) is one of Africa's largest wildlife reserves at over 30,000 km² and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Only the northern part (about 5% of the area) is accessible to tourists — the rest is a vast, almost untouched wilderness area.
What sets Nyerere apart from most other parks: Here, boat safaris and walking safaris are allowed and are the main attraction. A trip on the Rufiji River — Tanzania's largest river — is one of the most intense safari experiences ever:
- Hippos: Huge groups of 20–40 animals, up close from the boat.
- Crocodiles: Massive Nile crocodiles (up to 5 m!) bask on the banks.
- Elephants at the river: Herds come to drink and bathe.
- Birdlife: Fish eagles, kingfishers, yellow-billed storks, pelicans — a birdwatcher's dream.
In addition to boat safaris, Nyerere offers classic game drives and guided walking safaris, where you walk through the bush with an armed ranger. A completely different, much more intimate way to experience Africa.
Arrival: Flight from Dar es Salaam (45 min., approx. 150–300 USD). Road: 6–8 hours from Dar (only in the dry season).
💡 Tipp
The combination of a morning game drive, an afternoon boat safari, and a walking safari the next morning makes Nyerere one of Tanzania's most versatile safari experiences. Especially the sunset boat safari on the Rufiji is magical.
