Selous & Nyerere National Park Guide
Africa's great river wilderness, one hour's flight from Zanzibar: what changed with the new name, what you see from the boat, and when to go.
Selous or Nyerere?
The Selous Game Reserve in southern Tanzania is one of the largest protected areas in Africa and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982. In 2019 its northern part, where the Rufiji River, the lakes and the safari camps are, became Nyerere National Park, about 30,900 km² and the largest national park in Tanzania. Most travellers and many guides still say Selous; on a safari today you visit Nyerere National Park.
The Rufiji River and the lakes
The Rufiji and a chain of lakes beside it shape the park. On a boat safari you pass hippos and crocodiles at close range, watch elephants, giraffes and buffalo drinking on the banks, and see a great many water birds. It is something Mikumi cannot offer.
What you can see
Elephants, giraffes, buffalo, zebras, impalas, hippos and crocodiles are common. Lions are seen fairly often, and the park is known for African wild dogs, although sightings are never certain. Walking safaris with an armed park ranger are allowed in parts of the park.
Park fees
The official TANAPA tariff (the latest published, for 2023/24) charges Nyerere at the same rate as the Serengeti: US$82.60 per adult for each 24 hours, or US$70.80 from 15 March to 15 May, including 18% VAT. Staying in the park adds a concession fee of US$70.80 per person per night from July to September and US$59 the rest of the year. A 2026 tariff has not been published that we could confirm. Our trip prices include these fees.
Getting there
From Zanzibar, small planes fly to airstrips in the park in about an hour; this is how our Selous trips travel. From Dar es Salaam the road takes most of a day, and from Mikumi it is a long drive across the farmland in between.
When to go
June to October is dry and the best time for wildlife and boat trips. From about March to May the long rains make some roads difficult and many camps close for part of that time. See the best time to go.
Questions
Is a boat safari safe?
The boats are run by experienced crews who know the river and keep a safe distance from hippos and crocodiles. Follow the crew's instructions at all times.
Can we do Selous in one day?
Yes, with a day trip by plane from Zanzibar: a game drive and a boat safari, back on the island in the evening.
Selous or Mikumi?
Selous for the river, the boat and a wilder feel; Mikumi for open plains, a lower price and easy game viewing. With two or three days you can do both.
Sources: TANAPA tariff 2023/24; UNESCO World Heritage List (Selous Game Reserve, 1982); Wikipedia for the park's size and history.
Trips that go there
1 day · by airSelous Day Trip from Zanzibar
A game drive and a boat safari on the Rufiji River in Nyerere National Park, the old Selous.
2 days · by air2-Day Selous Safari from Zanzibar
A night by the river, a boat safari and two game drives in Nyerere.
3 days · by air3-Day Selous Safari from Zanzibar
Two nights in Nyerere with a boat safari, game drives and a walk with a ranger.