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4.9 on TripadvisorUSA River, Arusha — Tanzania+255 769 695 552info@bluemonkeyexpeditions.com
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Nyerere National Park — Africa’s largest game reserve, wild dogs & boat safaris
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Nyerere National Park

About Nyerere National Park

Tanzania’s largest protected area, a vast wilderness south of the northern circuit, famous for boat safaris on the Rufiji river and one of Africa’s most important populations of African wild dog.

Renamed from the Selous Game Reserve in 2019, Nyerere is more than five times the size of the Serengeti and sees a fraction of the visitors. The Rufiji river cuts through it, and boat safaris here rival game drives for wildlife density — hippo pods, crocodiles and elephants drinking at the banks. It is a fly-in add-on from Dar es Salaam rather than a drive from Arusha.

Nyerere National Park, gallery photo 1
Nyerere National Park, gallery photo 2

Highlights

Boat safaris on the Rufiji river
One of Africa’s largest wild dog populations
Walking safaris with an armed ranger
Far fewer vehicles than the northern circuit

Wildlife & landscape

African wild dogHippoNile crocodileElephantLionSable antelopeGreater kuduFish eagle

Season by season

Jun – Oct

Dry season, the most reliable game viewing along the river.

Nov – Mar

Short rains then a warm, green window; good birding.

Apr – May

Long rains; many camps close.

Practical notes

  • •Reached by light aircraft from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar, not by road from Arusha.
  • •Boat safaris are usually included at riverside camps — ask when booking.
  • •Pairs naturally with a Zanzibar beach extension given the flight routing.