Tanzania • Safari • Kilimanjaro • Zanzibar • Mafia Island
Tanzania • Southern Circuit

Nyerere National Park

Discover one of Tanzania's great wilderness areas, where the Rufiji River, wetlands, woodlands and open landscapes create a safari experience that can be enjoyed from both land and water.

Plan This Safari Explore Nyerere
Location Southern Tanzania
Known For Rufiji River & boat safaris
Experience Land & water wildlife viewing
Nyerere National Park landscape
About Nyerere

Where Safari Meets the River

Nyerere National Park is a vast protected area in southern Tanzania, offering a very different atmosphere from the northern safari circuit.

The Rufiji River and its connected lakes and wetlands are central to the character of the area, making it possible to experience wildlife from the water as well as during traditional game drives.

  • Rufiji River landscapes
  • Boat safari experiences
  • Game drives across diverse habitats
  • Opportunities for walking experiences
What You'll Discover

Nyerere's Highlights

Water, wildlife and wide-open wilderness come together to create one of southern Tanzania's distinctive safari experiences.

Rufiji River in Nyerere National Park

Rufiji River

The river and surrounding waterways form an important part of the park's landscape and offer memorable views of wildlife and wetlands.

Wildlife in Nyerere National Park

Wildlife

The park supports elephants, hippos, crocodiles, giraffes, buffalo, antelopes, lions and many other species.

Wilderness landscape in Nyerere National Park

Wild Landscapes

Woodlands, grasslands, wetlands and river environments create changing scenery throughout a safari.

Boat safari on the Rufiji River
The Rufiji Experience

See Tanzania From a Different Perspective

One of the special aspects of Nyerere is the opportunity to explore parts of the wilderness by boat.

A boat safari can offer a quieter perspective of the river environment, with opportunities to observe hippos, crocodiles, birds and other wildlife around the waterways.

  • Boat safari along the Rufiji River
  • Wildlife viewing from the water
  • Scenic river and wetland landscapes
  • Photography and birdwatching opportunities
Wildlife

Life Along the River and Plains

Nyerere's combination of river, woodland, grassland and wetland habitats supports a wide variety of wildlife.

Elephants in Nyerere National Park

Elephants

Elephants are among the important large mammals found across the park.

Hippos in Nyerere National Park

Hippos & Crocodiles

The Rufiji waterways provide opportunities to observe aquatic wildlife from a safe distance.

Lion in Nyerere National Park

Predators

Lions and other predators inhabit the park, although wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

Birdlife in Nyerere National Park

Birdlife

The river, lakes and wetlands create excellent habitats for a wide variety of bird species.

Things To Do

Experience Nyerere Your Way

Combine different activities to experience the park from several perspectives, subject to park and operator arrangements.

Game Drives

Explore the park by safari vehicle in search of wildlife across its diverse landscapes.

Boat Safaris

Travel along the Rufiji River and observe the aquatic environment from the water.

Walking Experiences

Experience the bush on foot where permitted and arranged with qualified guides.

Photography

Capture river scenery, wildlife, birds and the changing light across the southern wilderness.

Planning Your Visit

When to Visit Nyerere

Nyerere can be visited at different times of the year, with seasonal differences in rainfall, vegetation and wildlife conditions.

June – October

The generally drier season is a popular period for safari, with wildlife often easier to spot around available water sources.

November – May

The landscape becomes greener during the wetter months. This period can also bring strong birdlife and seasonal changes across the park.

Why Nyerere

A Safari Beyond the Northern Circuit

Nyerere is a natural choice for travellers looking for a southern Tanzania journey and a safari that includes both land and water.

Boat Safari

Experience the Rufiji River from the water.

Wildlife

Explore a large wilderness supporting diverse wildlife.

Wilderness

Enjoy broad landscapes and a strong sense of southern Tanzania wilderness.

Southern Tanzania

Combine Nyerere with other southern destinations for a deeper Tanzania itinerary.

Your Southern Tanzania Journey

Let Tanzania Take You Further

Tell us what you would like to experience and we can help shape a Nyerere safari around your travel style, time and interests.

Plan Your Journey