Nyerere National Park

Untamed savannahs echo with wildlife symphony

Selous Game Reserve in Tanzania covers over 50,000 square kilometers of savanna and river valleys along the Rufiji River. It is one of Africa’s largest protected areas and home to elephants, lions, crocodiles and many bird species. Visitors can explore by foot, boat or vehicle while learning about conservation efforts that protect wildlife and habitats. The reserve balances tourism with sustainable management, allowing travelers to experience open plains, seasonal floods and diverse ecosystems without disturbing natural processes. It remains a vital refuge for animals across the region.

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National Park in Tanzania

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$	Cheap
$$	Medium
$$$	Expensive, upscale
$$$+	Very expensive, luxury

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Safety: 4.8

General Safety:	7
Health & medical:	2
Accessibility:	1
Tap water:	1

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3/5

English is widely understood by park rangers and tour guides in Selous Game Reserve, especially in visitor centers and lodges. Most staff speak clear, conversational English, making communication smooth for most travelers.

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Last update: 16 Oct 2026

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Nyerere National Park Summary

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Great at showcasing Africa’s most diverse wildlife, Selous Game Reserve offers unforgettable river cruises and intimate bush camps. Its wetlands host rare birds and elusive predators.

Place score

7.8

Best at:

Secluded

Rivers

Natural sites

Guided tours

Stargazing

Personal score

Suited for

👶 4

Families

🧓 4

Seniors

❤️ 8

Couples

🛡️ 5

Travel Beginners

Tanzania – Quick facts

Guide Etiquette Holidays Other

Power Grid:	230 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type D , Type G Type D: Type G: Read about power adapters
Currency:	Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) £1 ≈ TZS 3,520.45
Cashless info:	Rating 3/5 Cashless payments are becoming more common in Tanzania’s larger cities, but cash is still the most widely accepted form of payment. Credit cards are accepted in some establishments. Save with a travel credit card
eSIM providers:	Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison

Tipping:	Tipping is appreciated in Tanzania, typically around 5-10% in restaurants. Taxi fares should be rounded up, and small tips for hotel staff are common.
Public drinking:	Public drinking is not common in Tanzania, and alcohol is typically consumed in licensed venues like restaurants and bars.
Public smoking:	Smoking is allowed in outdoor public spaces and designated indoor areas. Many restaurants and public spaces have non-smoking sections.

Independence Day (9 December)	Celebrates Tanzania’s independence from British colonial rule
Saba Saba (7 July)	Industry Day

Emergency contact:	Emergency Number: 112
Taxi apps:	Uber, Bolt
Other:	Tanzania is famous for its stunning wildlife, including safaris and Mount Kilimanjaro. The coast also offers beautiful beaches, particularly around Zanzibar.

Best times to travel

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for Nyerere National Park, Tanzania

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Mar

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Apr

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High season:	July - Oct.
Shoulder season:	June
Crowdedness:	2 (Few tourists)

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Climate details

Main safari season June to October, boat and walking safaris best when the dry bush opens up

Many camps close April to May, and roads can become impassable during the long rains March to May

Don't miss

🐘 Spot elephants roaming the riverine savannah
🚣‍♂️ Explore mangrove forests on guided canoe tour
🦁 Witness lions hunting near waterholes at dusk
🌅 Take sunset cruise along the Selous River
🐊 Photograph hippos basking in riverbanks

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Why travel to Nyerere National Park?

Selous Game Reserve in southern Tanzania offers a quiet, immersive wildlife experience that differs from the more frequented parks of the region. Spanning over 50,000 square kilometres, it is one of Africa’s largest protected areas and provides an extensive network of rivers, wetlands and savannahs that support diverse ecosystems. The reserve’s riverine habitats are home to large herds of elephants, hippos and crocodiles, while its grasslands host prides of lions, leopards and cheetahs. Birdwatchers will find more than 400 species, including the rare shoebill stork and various waterbirds that thrive along the Rufiji River corridor. Guided game drives are typically conducted in open vehicles, allowing visitors to observe animals at close range while maintaining a respectful distance. The reserve also offers walking safaris led by experienced trackers who can identify tracks, signs and subtle behaviours of wildlife. Accommodation options range from basic campsites to eco-lodges that blend into the landscape, providing opportunities for night sky stargazing in an area with minimal light pollution. For travelers seeking a less commercialized safari experience, Selous offers authentic encounters with nature while supporting conservation efforts through responsible tourism practices.

🏯Places worth seeing

1 Selous Game Reserve

🍽️Eat & Drink

1 Rufiji River Camp
Simple bush food cooked on an open fire at a tented camp on the Rufiji River. The restaurant serves camp guests, with breakfast, lunch, tea and dinner at set times. Packed meals are available on request.
2 Mloka Safari Lodge
Lodge food made with fresh ingredients near the Mtemere Gate in Mloka village. The restaurant serves guests staying at the lodge. It sits beside a waterhole where elephants, warthogs and buffalo sometimes drink. The menu includes traditional dishes.

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Knowledge before you go

Arrive early to avoid crowds and maximize wildlife sightings.
Carry a reusable water bottle; refill at designated stations to reduce plastic waste.
Wear neutral-colored clothing to blend with the environment and prevent attracting insects.
The reserve hosts seasonal bird migrations; check local guides for optimal viewing times during wet season.

How to travel to Nyerere National Park

The Selous Game Reserve in Tanzania is accessible primarily by air and road from major cities like Dar es Salaam or Dodoma. The nearest airstrip is Selule Airport, located within the reserve, offering chartered flights from Kilimanjaro International Airport or other regional hubs. Road access involves a 4–5 hour drive via the Mtwara or Mahali Mzuri highways, with 4x4 vehicles recommended due to rugged terrain and seasonal road conditions. The reserve’s remote location limits year-round accessibility during heavy rains when some tracks become impassable. Travelers often combine air and land transport for optimal access. River-based safaris along the Rufiji River provide an alternative entry point, though this is less common.

Access summary

From Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO): 30‑min taxi to Mtwara town, then 45‑min boat to Selous.
From Dar es Salaam (DAR): 4‑hour bus to Mtwara, then 45‑min boat to reserve.
By ferry from Mtwara port: 1‑hour crossing to the reserve’s main camp.

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Where to stay in Nyerere National Park

Selous Game Reserve offers a range of accommodations that cater to both budget and luxury travelers. Traditional tented camps provide an authentic safari experience with basic amenities such as communal kitchens, shared bathrooms and guided game drives, typically costing US$80 – 150 (£59.81 – 112.14) per night. For those seeking more comfort, semi‑permanent lodges feature private rooms, en suite bathrooms and indoor dining areas, with rates around US$200 – 350 (£149.52 – 261.66) per night. The reserve is also known for its eco‑lodges that blend sustainability with modern comforts, offering solar power, recycled materials and wildlife viewing decks; these can range from US$250 – 500 (£186.90 – 373.79) per night depending on the level of service. All options emphasize proximity to game drives, ensuring guests have ample opportunities to observe the diverse wildlife in their natural habitat.

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How to get around Nyerere National Park

Getting around Selous Game Reserve in Tanzania primarily involves safari vehicles, as it’s one of Africa’s largest protected areas and largely inaccessible by conventional roads. Most visitors use 4x4 safari trucks operated by lodges or tour companies for game drives across the reserve. These vehicles are equipped to handle rough terrain and offer close encounters with wildlife. For remote camps or specific locations within the reserve, chartered flights from Dar es Salaam or Kilimanjaro International Airport provide quick access. Walking safaris are also possible but require licensed guides due to safety regulations. Boat transfers may be used along the Rufiji River for certain sections of the park.

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-12 %

Your exchange rate (GBP to TZS) is 12% better than in recent years. That means travelling now is cheaper compared to the past.

Safety information overview

General safety

Selous Game Reserve offers a generally safe environment for travelers, with low crime rates and well‑trained rangers ensuring visitor protection. Follow standard wildlife precautions: stay on marked trails, avoid night drives alone and respect local regulations to maintain personal security.

Health & Medical

Tanzania’s Selous Game Reserve offers basic medical facilities in nearby towns, but remote areas lack advanced care. Travelers should carry comprehensive insurance, malaria prophylaxis and vaccinations. Airborne dust, waterborne illnesses and limited emergency services pose health risks.

Accessibility

Selous Game Reserve offers limited accessibility: some main roads and guided tours are wheelchair‑friendly, but most trails are uneven and unpaved. Facilities for disabled visitors are sparse; advance planning and a local guide are essential to navigate the park safely.

Tap water

Tap water in Selous Game Reserve is generally safe for drinking after filtration or boiling; most lodges provide treated water. Public taps are scarce outside accommodation, so visitors should carry bottled water or use lodge supplies to stay hydrated during safaris.