Deep in southern Tanzania lies a vast and breathtaking wilderness where nature unfolds at its own timeless pace, a place where horizons stretch endlessly and human footprints fade into insignificance. This is Nyerere National Park, formerly known as the Selous Game Reserve. Covering more than 30,000 square kilometers, it stands as one of Africa’s largest and least disturbed protected areas, a sanctuary where wildlife thrives in remarkable freedom.

Sweeping miombo woodlands, open savannahs, rich wetlands, and lush riverine forests combine to create an ecosystem of extraordinary scale and beauty. Wildlife densities here rival the continent’s most celebrated parks, yet the experience remains uncrowded and deeply immersive. At Above and Beyond Photographic Tours & Safaris, Nyerere represents the essence of wild Africa, dramatic, quiet, authentic, and endlessly inspiring for photographers and nature enthusiasts alike.

A Landscape Steeped in History and Purpose

Nyerere National Park carries a heritage deeply rooted in exploration and conservation. The area was originally named after Frederick Courtney Selous, a renowned explorer and naturalist whose respect for Africa’s wilderness helped shape early conservation thinking. In later years, the reserve was partially reclassified and renamed in honor of Julius Kambarage Nyerere, Tanzania’s founding president and a strong advocate for environmental stewardship.

This transition from Selous Game Reserve to Nyerere National Park symbolizes more than a change in name. It reflects Tanzania’s continued commitment to protecting one of the world’s last truly wild landscapes and preserving it for generations to come.

A Pillar of African Conservation

First designated as a protected area in 1922, Nyerere National Park is among the oldest conservation zones in Africa. Its guiding purpose has always been clear: to protect expansive ecosystems and the wildlife that depends on them.

Today, the park supports:

• One of Africa’s largest elephant populations
• Strong numbers of lions, buffalo, giraffes, and hippos
• A globally significant population of the endangered African wild dog

Through sustained anti-poaching initiatives, scientific research, and partnerships with local communities, Nyerere continues to stand as a model of effective, forward-thinking conservation.

Landscapes Defined by the Rufiji River

The identity of Nyerere National Park is shaped by the majestic Rufiji River, Tanzania’s largest river system and the park’s ecological lifeline. As it winds through the landscape, it feeds an intricate network of channels, lakes, marshes, and floodplains that support immense concentrations of wildlife.

Across its 30,893 square kilometers, the park reveals a remarkable variety of habitats:

• Vast miombo woodlands dominated by towering brachystegia trees
• Open savannah plains scattered with acacia
• Dense riverine forests alive with birds and primates
• Seasonal swamps and lagoons where hippos and crocodiles reign

These diverse environments shift constantly with light, season, and water levels, offering photographers an ever-changing natural canvas.

GETTING TO NYERERE NATIONAL PARK

Located approximately 230 kilometers southwest of Dar es Salaam, Nyerere feels remote and refreshingly off the main safari circuit, an essential part of its allure.

By Air
Scheduled and charter flights from Dar es Salaam, Arusha, and Zanzibar provide easy access via airstrips such as Mtemere, Siwandu, and Beho Beho. Flight times range from 45 minutes to one hour, offering spectacular aerial views of the Rufiji River and the surrounding wilderness.

By Road
A five- to six-hour drive from Dar es Salaam offers a gradual transition from urban life to rural Tanzania, passing villages, markets, and open countryside before entering the park’s vast silence.

For guests seeking extended journeys, Above and Beyond Photographic Tours & Safaris often combines Nyerere with Ruaha National Park or Mikumi National Park, creating a richly diverse southern safari circuit ideal for photography-focused travel.

Wildlife and Natural Richness

Nyerere National Park hosts an extraordinary array of wildlife, supported by abundant water and minimal human disturbance. The Rufiji River acts as a magnet for animals, particularly during the dry season.

Key Wildlife Highlights

• Large herds of elephants gathering along riverbanks
• African wild dogs, among the rarest predators on Earth, thriving in stable packs
• Lions and leopards moving freely across woodlands and floodplains
• Hippos and Nile crocodiles dominating waterways
• Abundant buffalo, giraffes, zebras, elands, impalas, and other antelope species

Birdlife
With over 440 recorded bird species, Nyerere is a premier birding destination. Wetlands attract African skimmers, kingfishers, storks, and fish eagles, while the miombo woodlands host species rarely found elsewhere in Tanzania.

Safari Experiences Designed for True Discovery

At Above and Beyond Photographic Tours & Safaris, we design experiences that allow guests to explore Nyerere deeply, patiently, and with purpose.

Game Drives
Expert-led morning and afternoon game drives traverse diverse habitats, offering exceptional photographic opportunities and intimate wildlife encounters in beautiful natural light.

Boat Safaris
One of Nyerere’s defining experiences, boat safaris along the Rufiji River provide close-up views of hippos, crocodiles, and birdlife from a unique water-level perspective.

Walking Safaris
Guided by experienced naturalists and armed rangers, walking safaris reveal the finer details of the ecosystem, from tracks and insects to plant life and animal behavior.

Fly-Camping and Bush Dining
For guests seeking deeper immersion, fly-camping offers nights beneath open skies in remote locations. Bush meals beside rivers and lakes enhance the feeling of complete wilderness.

Cultural Encounters
Visits to nearby communities, including the Ndengereko, Matumbi, and Lusewa, provide meaningful insights into local traditions, crafts, music, and daily life in southern Tanzania.

Best Time to Visit

Nyerere National Park offers rewarding experiences year-round:

• Dry Season (June–October): Excellent wildlife viewing as animals gather near water sources
• Green Season (November–May): Lush scenery, dramatic skies, fewer visitors, and outstanding birdlife

Each season presents a distinct mood, making every visit unique.

Accommodation Options

The park offers a wide range of accommodations to suit different travel styles:

• Luxury Camps: Siwandu, Beho Beho, Roho ya Selous – refined comfort in secluded settings
• Mid-Range Lodges: Selous Serena Camp, Rufiji River Camp – comfort combined with immersion
• Budget Camps and Campsites: Ideal for adventurous travelers

All lodges provide access to both game drives and boat safaris, ensuring a complete safari experience.

Why Visit Nyerere National Park with Above and Beyond Photographic Tours & Safaris

For travelers seeking vast, uncrowded landscapes where wildlife thrives naturally and photography opportunities are limitless, Nyerere National Park is unmatched. It is a place where silence speaks loudly, nature dictates the rhythm, and every encounter feels profoundly authentic.

At Above and Beyond Photographic Tours & Safaris, we specialize in guiding our guests beyond the ordinary, into remote wilderness areas where exploration is unhurried, experiences are personal, and the true spirit of Tanzania is captured through unforgettable moments.