Currently seeing:
Two lionesses resting in shade beneath acacia trees in Nyerere National Park, Tanzania
National ParkNyerere National Park (Selous)
A vast southern wilderness of rivers, lions, and varied safari experiences far from the crowds.
Nyerere National Park is the largest protected area in Tanzania and a cornerstone of the southern Tanzania safari circuit. Covering over 30,000 km², it was formerly part of the Selous Game Reserve and remains one of Africa’s great wilderness areas. Its vast landscapes of rivers, floodplains, miombo woodland, and lakes provide habitat for an extraordinary range of wildlife, including the Big 5. A Nyerere safari is known for strong predator populations, with large numbers of lions, frequent encounters with wild dogs, and healthy populations of leopard and cheetah. Buffalo and elephant herds roam the floodplains, while hippos and crocodiles crowd the Rufiji River system. Beyond classic game drives, the park offers boat safaris and walking safaris, giving travellers a more varied experience than many other parks. Accommodation is intimate and often positioned in prime locations, with luxury safari camps overlooking rivers and lagoons where animals gather. The park is easily reached via flights into Mtemere Airstrip, the nearest access point to the park’s eastern entrance. From there, lodges and camps are only a short drive away, making Nyerere a convenient stop on a broader Tanzania itinerary.
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Best time to go to Nyerere National Park (Selous)
The best time to visit Nyerere National Park is during the dry season from June to October, when animals concentrate around the Rufiji River and its lakes, making game drives and boat safaris especially rewarding. Predator sightings, particularly of lions, are at their peak in these months. The green season from November to May brings lush scenery, excellent birdwatching, and fewer vehicles, though wildlife is more dispersed and some areas may be harder to reach. For travellers designing a Tanzania itinerary, the dry months are ideal for big game viewing, while the green season offers quieter, more atmospheric safaris.
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Where to stay in Nyerere National Park (Selous)
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Verified TravellerWith super short notice, they organised a trip that was just perfect. Loved everything about it! Will definitely recommend Viatu to all my friends!
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Verified TravellerI spent one of my most exciting and beautiful holidays with Viatu in Namibia. From unforgettable game drives, lodges with stunning locations, delicious food and an adventurous cycling trip through the desert, we got the full package.
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Verified TravellerFrom the first contact to trip preparation and implementation as well as support during the trip, Viatu always acted very professionally. Our wishes and the given financial framework were taken into account. The hotels, the food, the activities - everything was excellent and highly recommended.
Nadja
Verified TravellerWe had an incredible journey with Viatu and many unforgettable memories in South Africa. The journey was tailor-made to our wishes and the communication with Alex really easy, friendly and helpful. All the information was accessible online at any time, nicely presented and structured in an overview.
Michèle
Verified TravellerWe loved using the Viatu Trip Builder to design our holidays in South Africa. It was super easy and transparent. Our holidays were great and the few times we needed support, our consultant Benoit was very quick and helpful.
Anita
Verified TravellerI'm very thankful for my first Viatu experience. The 3-week trip across Namibia combined incredible landscapes and nature, mindblowing eco-friendly lodges and utter peace of mind. The organisation and support of the Viatu team were spot-on - this is the way to impress. Thanks a lot!
Christoph
Verified TravellerWe booked our honeymoon with Viatu. From the first minute on, we had good communication going with our travel agent, and she suggested a very nice itinerary right away. After some little adjustments that were easily done, we were ready to go.
Nora
Verified TravellerWhat can I say? We've had an absolute blast traveling through Namibia. Soooo many good new memories! We booked our trip a bit last minute but had amazing support from Viatu to get all the information in time.
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