Nyerere (formerly the Selous)
Nyerere, in the south of Tanzania and formerly known as the Selous Game Reserve, is the largest national park in Africa, around 30,000 square kilometres which is about the same size as Belgium! This huge park, unlike many others in Tanzania, is very easy to get to with a short light aircraft flight from Dar es Salaam or, if you prefer, a longer and, in parts, bumpy car ride. Despite the ease of access, you will feel like you are very far from anywhere, almost on another planet, this is a raw and authentic safari experience. The topography is very typically African bush with tall Borassus palms, scrub lands, forests, rivers, lakes and open plains. Combine that with a fascinating mix of exciting wildlife and varied safari activities and a stay here is sure to thrill at every turn. The brave can even spend a night under the stars ‘fly camping’ which is an incredible back-to-nature experience.
With the Rufiji River running through the Selous, and feeding the various lake systems, year-round, the variety of activities on offer is excellent including boat safaris, walking and traditional game drives. Boat safaris are a very relaxing way of seeing so much wildlife including a huge amount of hippo and crocodile but also a host of plains wildlife at the shores edge drinking, we have always been surprised by the variety of wildlife seen on a boat safari. You will also no doubt see kingfishers and fish eagles hunting which is awesome.
Fishing is also possible here, please let us know if you are interested, with catfish and Tiger fish sought, some as big as 50kg although 6-15kg is the norm! Walking safaris are inevitably at a slower pace, often covering just one to two kilometres so suitable for most, with the focus on some of the smaller animals, trees and bugs although it is always possible to come across some of the larger wildlife which makes this a thrilling activity but don’t worry you will have at least two rangers with you!
Wildlife viewing here is fantastic with plains wildlife consisting of Kudu, hippo, giraffe, buffalo, elephant, warthog, zebra, eland, hartebeest, and wildebeest, to name a few, with lion, leopard, spotted hyena and the endangered wild dog making up the predators regularly seen. Rhino are present within the park but are almost never seen so this is a ‘big 4’ rather than big 5 park. It is estimated that the Selous is home to around 1/3rd of the world’s population of wild dog. With this being a ‘wet’ park, the birdlife is also seriously impressive, in excess of 400 species. Nyerere is good to visit year-round but is at it’s best between June and October (the dry season).
With most visitors to Tanzania heading straight to the Serengeti, Nyerere is relatively undiscovered, you often feel like you have the whole park to yourself! With a variety of fantastic activities on offer in a huge unspoilt wilderness with superb wildlife this is sure to deliver a thrilling and fantastic safari adventure, go now before others find it!
Accommodation Options
Lake Manze Tented Camp
3.5 Star. Superb location on the lake shore and a fantastic all round camp.
Selous Kulinda Camp
3.5 Star. Large tented rooms with a lovely riverside location, super value.
Rufiji River Camp
4 Star. Large camp with comfortable rooms and great facilities.
Siwandu Camp
4.5 Star. Luxurious tented camp in a remote area. Absolutely superb.
Roho Ya Camp
4.5 Star. A new luxury camp in a great location with fantastic rooms.
Sand Rivers Camp
4.5 Star. A beautiful luxury lodge located on a bend in the Rufiji River with stunning views.
Beho Beho Lodge
5 Star. Absolute luxury combined with a relaxed feel and amazing staff.
Suggested itineraries
Classic safari and beach, Nyerere and Zanzibar
12 days from £3600 per person including international flights
Raw safari adventure, Nyerere, Ruaha & Zanzibar
14 days from £5400 per person including international flights
