Nyerere National Park — Simba Pride Safaris

by boat,by foot, by river

Africa's largest national park, built around the Rufiji River and its lakes. Safaris here happen by boat as much as by vehicle, with hippo, crocodile and elephant on the banks, and walking and fly-camping are part of the routine.

Jun to Octbest months

3nights

45 minflight from Dar or Zanzibar

30,000 km²the park

Overview

Wildlife highlights

Wild dog
Hippo
Crocodile
Elephant
Buffalo
Lion
Sable
Giraffe

Boats

A different angle

Drift past hippo pods and crocodiles on the Rufiji while elephant come down to drink.

Walking

Old-school safari

Morning walks with an armed guide, and fly-camping nights on a sandbank.

Wild dog

The best odds in Tanzania

Nyerere holds one of Africa's largest wild dog populations, often seen around the lakes.

Season calendar

What happens when. Use it to pick your month, then ask us to confirm conditions before you book.

Boat safarisJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Wild dog denningJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Fly-campingJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Camps closedJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Areas & highlights

Rufiji River

The main artery. Boat safaris, sundowners on the water, giant crocodiles.

Best: Jun to Oct

The lakes

Tagalala, Manze and Nzerakera, where the game concentrates and wild dog roam.

Best: Jul to Oct

Stiegler's Gorge

Dramatic rapids and cliffs at the river's narrowest point.

Best: Jun to Nov

Beho Beho hills

Cooler highland camps with walking and views over the plains.

Best: Jun to Oct

Things to do

Boat safarisOn the Rufiji River and its lakes, hippo, crocodile and elephant on the banks.
Walking safariMorning walks with an armed guide from most camps.
Fly-campingA night out on a sandbank with a campfire.
Game drivesWild dog, lion and huge buffalo herds around the lakes.
FishingCatch-and-release tigerfish from the boat.

Where to stay

Mid-rangeRiverside tented camps. US$280 to 420 p.p.

LuxuryLake-shore lodges with private boats. US$550 and up.

By area

River and lake camps: tented camps with private boats, mid-range to luxury.
Hills: a couple of exclusive lodges with walking programmes.
Fly-camping: from selected camps, one night out under the stars.

Indicative per-person high-season rates. We hold provisional space at a shortlist of lodges in each tier and book the one that fits your route.

Getting there & around

By air

45 minutes from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar to Mtemere and Siwandu airstrips.

By road

6 hours from Dar on improving roads.

Tip

The easiest southern park to add to a Zanzibar holiday.

Trips that include Nyerere (Selous)

6 days · 6 daysSouthern WildernessFrom $3,150 p.p.

Best time to visit

Best months

JFMAMJJASOND

Jun to OctCool mornings, game at the lakes, best boating and walking.

Nov to MarGreen, hot, dramatic skies. Birds everywhere, fewer people.

Apr to MayLong rains, most camps close, roads flood.

DecHoliday season; camps busy, weather usually fine.

Practical notes

Access: 45 minutes by air from Dar or Zanzibar to the camp airstrips.
Heat: humid and hot from November. June to August is pleasant.
Malaria: high-risk area, prophylaxis essential.
Boats: life jackets provided, hats and sunscreen needed.
Combine: the easiest southern park to add to a Zanzibar holiday.

Nyerere (Selous) questions

Selous or Nyerere?

The same place. The northern part of the old Selous reserve became Nyerere National Park in 2019.

Is it good for first-timers?

Yes, if you like variety. Boats and walks make it feel different from the north.