Nyerere National Park, formerly known as Selous Game Reserve, is Africa’s largest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was renamed in 2022 in honour of Tanzania’s first president, Julius Nyerere.

Wildlife:Nyerere is home to one of the largest concentrations of wildlife in Africa, including elephant, lion, leopard, wild dog, buffalo, hippo, and crocodile. The park is particularly renowned for its exceptional population of African wild dog, one of the continent’s most endangered predators, making sightings here especially rare and rewarding.

Landscape:Defined by the great Rufiji River and its sprawling network of lakes, channels, and floodplains, Nyerere offers a stunning variety of habitats including miombo woodland, open grasslands, and dense riverine forest. This rich and varied terrain makes it one of Tanzania’s most ecologically diverse parks.

Known For:Nyerere is best known for offering a truly off-the-beaten-path safari experience. With vast wilderness and relatively few visitors compared to northern Tanzania, the park provides an exclusive and intimate wildlife encounter. Boat safaris along the Rufiji River offer a unique perspective, bringing guests face to face with hippos, crocodiles, and a remarkable diversity of birdlife.

Cultural Heritage:The park carries deep national significance, bearing the name of Julius Nyerere — “The Father of the Nation” — a symbol of Tanzania’s identity and independence. The surrounding communities maintain strong ties to the land, and conservation efforts in the area are closely intertwined with the livelihoods of local people.