Wildlife
The Rufiji river system draws elephant, buffalo, hippo, crocodile and varied birdlife. Lion and wild dog are important highlights, though the experience is defined as much by landscape and activity variety as a checklist.
Southern Tanzania
Nyerere National Park.
A vast river wilderness explored by vehicle, boat and on foot.
Our take
A vast river wilderness explored by vehicle, boat and on foot.
Choose a camp with good access to the river and lakes, then stay at least three nights. Nyerere links efficiently with Ruaha, Zanzibar and Fanjove.
Nyerere offers a broader mix of safari activities than a drive-only itinerary. Around the Rufiji river system, the landscape includes channels, lakes and woodland; depending on the camp and conditions, a stay can combine game drives with boating and guided walking. Its appeal lies as much in the changing perspective and sense of wilderness as in any one wildlife sighting.
Choose the Right Base
This is an enormous park, so a Nyerere address on its own tells you little about the day-to-day experience. We look at access to the river and lakes, how far drives take, the calibre of guiding and which activities are available from the exact property. Three nights usually give a much better rhythm than a hurried visit, especially when flights form part of the route.
For a southern circuit, pair Nyerere with Ruaha to exchange waterways for a wilder, drier landscape. The coast can follow without returning through the northern parks. Our accommodation section below shows the Nyerere stays in this collection, each with its own detailed page.
When to go
June to October is generally driest and most reliable. The greener months are atmospheric, but camps and access vary during the long rains.
How it fits
Choose a camp with good access to the river and lakes, then stay at least three nights. Nyerere links efficiently with Ruaha, Zanzibar and Fanjove.
Where to stay
5 properties in Nyerere National Park
These are the properties currently featured in our Tanzania collection. We recommend them selectively according to the route, season, party and style of trip.
Nyerere
Kiba Point
Kiba Point is a private safari retreat beside the Rufiji River in Nyerere National Park. It is reserved for one group, with four open-fronted cottages and a dedicated team looking after your stay. The combination of river views, private plunge pools and varied safari activities makes it an appealing alternative to a trip built entirely around game drives. It suits families and friends who want to explore a wilder part of southern Tanzania while enjoying the freedom of a camp to themselves.
View property
Nyerere
Roho ya Selous
Roho ya Selous sits near Lake Nzerakera in Nyerere National Park, combining conventional wildlife drives with the waterways of southern Tanzania. The lake, palm-lined waterways and surrounding bush create a different environment from Tanzania’s northern grasslands. Hippos and crocodiles are part of the waterside experience, while land-based outings seek the park’s broader wildlife. Its location and programme make it a varied safari base where time on the water is as much part of the story as driving.
View propertyNyerere National Park
Sand Rivers
Sand Rivers is a stylish camp, offering breathtaking views across the Rufiji River in Nyerere National Park. Set amongst an intricate network of sand river channels and with wildlife in abundance, enjoy your days exploring the wilderness by vehicle, boat or on foot.
View property
Nyerere National Park
Beho Beho
Beho Beho is perched on the slopes of Namikwera Hill in the remote and untamed Nyerere National Park (formerly the Selous Game Reserve) is the embodiment of a luxury African safari. Overlooking the vast Rufiji River floodplain, this exquisite camp offers an unrivalled gateway to one of Africa's most enchanting wildernesses.
View property
Nyerere National Park
Siwandu
Siwandu is a tented camp beside Lake Nzerakera in Nyerere National Park, combining game drives with boat and walking safaris in the Rufiji river landscape.
View propertyStart planning