Activities to do in Nyerere National Park.
When most safari-goers think of a Tanzania safari, the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater come to mind. These spectacular destinations host some of the most iconic wildlife—from the Great Migration and the Big Five to the world’s highest density of predators and plains game. What matters in the end is not going to a famous park, but the experience.
That said, the Nyerere National Park in the southern safari circuit is one of the top destinations where wildlife roam freely, and the landscape is untouched. In this article, we’ll unveil the top things to do while in Nyerere National Park. But first, let’s get to know a little bit about Nyerere.
Nyerere National Park is a stunning wildlife destination in Southern Tanzania. Before its designation as a national park in 2019, this park was called Selous Game Reserve—the largest game reserve in Africa—spanning about 50,000 km². Currently, it spans 30,393 km² in the north, while the remaining southern part is the Selous Game Reserve, spanning about 20,000 km². Nyerere currently tops the list of Africa’s largest parks.
The best way to get to Nyerere is by flight. Scheduled flights are available from Arusha and Dar es Salaam. And the best time to be there is from June to October. So, what can you do while you’re in the Nyerere National Park? Let’s explore.
Game drives.
This is the best way to appreciate the beauty of the Nyerere. Unlike safari drives in most northern parks, where crowds are common, you may drive for a day here without coming across other safari vehicles. And you can experience drives in the morning, afternoon, and at night.
Morning drives: These early drives reveal the raw beauty of Nyerere before the sun climbs. You have better chances of seeing predators like lions, leopards, and cheetahs in action. They prefer hunting when it’s cool and when there’s a lot of prey to hunt. You will also catch pods of hippos heading to the pools after spending their night grazing.
Afternoon drives: When it’s cool again after the midday sun, you can set off for an afternoon game drive. Herbivores get out again to graze in the woodlands and grass-rich plains. This is the best time to find animals you didn’t see in the morning. These drives may come to an end in the early evening or be combined with a sundowner.
Night drives: Offered in a few parks, these sunset adventures reveal what Nyerere looks like after sunset. You explore the world of the nocturnal animals like porcupines, jackals, lions, hyenas, bat-eared foxes, and more.
Boat safaris.
With its ever-flowing, life-saving Rufiji River, Nyerere offers some of the best safari experiences. With a boat, you will ride in the mighty Rufiji River and get close to hippo pods, crocodiles, and plenty of river birds. This adventure is not only for exploring the Rufiji but also for watching the landscape and vegetation from a different perspective.
Boat rides usually last for one to two hours. After spending your morning and afternoon on drives, you can relax on a boat as you sail on this navigable river. We often include this activity in our safari packages featuring Nyerere National Park. Some lodges also include a boat ride as one of the outdoor activities visitors can do. Either way, we can help you organize it.
Fly camping.
As simple as it sounds, fly camping is one of the unique safari experiences offered in Nyerere. It allows you to sleep under the stars while hearing the roars, ripples, and rustles of the African bush. A simple ‘fly tent’ is set in a pristine location. After you finish your day drives, sundowning, and dining, you will be walked to the tent. Here, you will sleep to the sound of a roaring lion or the laughter of a laughing hyena.
Several camps offer fly camping, including Roho ya Selous, Sand Rivers, Beho Beho, and Siwandu. Others include Rufiji River Camp, Nyamiruba, and Impala Camp.
Walking safaris.
Gentle strolls in the bush enable you to gaze at the natural beauty of Nyerere National Park. You will get close to small creatures like mice and insects. This activity, offered by a few parks in the north, often results in discovering a lot of medicinal plants, insects, and even big game like elephants, wildebeests, and zebras.
Hot air ballooning.
For thrill seekers, this aerial safari is worth it. You will glide gently in the air following the Rufiji River. From atop, you can spot wildlife, birds, and a striking landscape, which looks so attractive. The adventure is always concluded with a champagne breakfast in the wilderness. And on top of that, you can proceed with other activities. We recommend this experience for people below 100 kg (220 lbs).
Photography tour
It’s no luck. Nyerere National Park was recently rated as the most scenic park, an award it clinched from the World Travel Awards in 2025. The pictures shot in this park are indeed so beautiful. You will also enjoy capturing wildlife moments alone. No other vehicles.
The bottom line.
There’s so much to do in Nyerere National Park. It’s just you and your time. We would be glad to help you discover the natural beauty of this scenic park. Call our experts to start planning your next adventure.
