Nyerere National Park

Nyerere National Park is a vast, remote UNESCO site in Tanzania. Larger than Denmark, it offers pristine wilderness, exceptional wildlife diversity, and an exclusive, crowd-free safari experience with expert-guided tours from Ariel Tanzania Tours.

A jewel in Tanzania’s south and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, Nyerere National Park (formerly the Selous Game Reserve) is a testament to untamed nature on a monumental scale. Encompassing over 50,000 km² of protected wilderness, its immense size surpasses that of Denmark. Celebrated for its profound wildlife diversity and pristine ecosystems, this remote park offers an exclusive and authentic safari experience far from the crowds. Ariel Tanzania Tours and Safaris provides expert-guided journeys into the heart of this magnificent and unspoiled realm.

Wildlife in Nyerere

Ariel Tanzania Tours and Safaris invites you to discover the remarkable biodiversity of Nyerere National Park. This vast wilderness is a sanctuary for an impressive array of species, from formidable predators like lion, leopard, and Nile crocodile to elusive herbivores such as the endangered black rhino and sable antelope. The park’s river systems are home to substantial hippo pods, while its plains host iconic African game, including giraffe, zebra, and wildebeest—the latter participating in a significant annual migration. The park’s relative tranquility compared to other destinations guarantees a truly unique and immersive experience. While Nyerere was once a primary habitat for a massive elephant population, these numbers have been reduced due to past poaching, making the conservation efforts supported by tourism all the more vital.

Birds in the Nyerere National Park

Renowned for its astounding avian biodiversity, Nyerere National Park provides a sanctuary for over 445 recorded bird species. With Ariel Tanzania Tours and Safaris, discover a world where majestic Fish Eagles survey the waterways, flocks of Carmine Bee-eaters colour the skies, and elusive Malachite Kingfishers dart through the reeds. The park’s diverse habitats, from lush riverine forests to expansive sandbanks, support an incredible array of life, including the striking Trumpeter Hornbill, the stately Yellow-billed Stork, and unique residents like the Palm-nut Vulture. We expertly curate excursions to witness both prolific resident populations and captivating seasonal migrants.

Boat tour in Nyerere

Ariel Tanzania Tours and Safaris invites you to discover the unparalleled beauty of Nyerere National Park, one of Tanzania’s few protected areas to feature both boat and walking safaris. A voyage along the Rufiji River reveals a vibrant ecosystem of hippos, crocodiles, and diverse avian species. As the day concludes, witness an stunning sunset from the water, an unforgettable experience marked by perfect tranquility and the golden light of the African horizon.

Best Park Activities

Bird Watching, Boat Safaris, Wildlife Game Drive

INFORMATION AND FACTS

Nyerere National Park, situated in southern Tanzania, stands as one of the largest and most pristine protected areas on the African continent. This vast wilderness sanctuary provides a critical habitat for an astounding diversity of wildlife, including formidable predators like lions and leopards, significant populations of African bush elephants and Cape buffaloes, and rare, endangered species such as the black rhino and East African wild dog.

Key Wildlife Highlights:
The park is renowned for its robust populations of iconic African species, including:

  • African Bush Elephants

  • Lions, Leopards, and Spotted Hyenas

  • Hippopotami and Nile Crocodiles

  • Endangered Black Rhinos and East African Wild Dogs

  • Masai Giraffes, Zebras, and Wildebeests

  • A variety of antelope species, including Impala, Eland, Sable Antelope, and Hartebeest

  • Over 440 documented species of birds

Notable Features & History:

  • A Legacy of Conservation: Formerly known as the Selous Game Reserve, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is recognized for its outstanding ecological significance.

  • Immense Scale: Encompassing approximately 50,000 km², the park offers an unparalleled sense of untouched wilderness.

  • Diverse Landscapes: The lifeblood of the park is the mighty Rufiji River system, which creates a network of waterways and swamplands teeming with life. A premier attraction within the park is the spectacular Stiegler’s Gorge, a dramatic canyon 100 meters deep and wide.

Ariel Tanzania Tours and Safaris invites you to discover the untamed beauty and incredible biodiversity of Nyerere National Park, an authentic African adventure destination.

great customer experiences

RECEIVE A FREE, NO OBLIGATION QUOTE

CALL AN EXPERT

OUR SPECIALIST ARE HERE TO ASSIST YOU