Herd of elephants moving through the waters of a clearing in a dense green Nyerere National Park, Tanzania

Luxury Safaris in
Nyerere National Park
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Explore one of Africa's wildest parks

Abundant wildlife and picturesque scenery

One of Africa‘s wildest parks, Nyerere National Park (previously known at Selous Game Reserve) is vast. Measuring a staggering almost 31,000 square kilometres, it has claimed the title of Africa’s largest stand-alone national park and is, in fact, one of the largest in the world.

The wildlife here is not only abundant and diverse, but the concentrations are high, and thanks to the park being relatively new (formed in 2019) and not as popular as other areas yet, the animals have been less expose to humans, making for a far wilder safari experience. Game drives here often reward you with unforgettable sightings of lions, cheetahs and leopards, as well as elephants, giraffes, buffalos, wildebeest, zebras and plenty more.

The mighty Rufiji River winds through the park, helping sustain huge numbers of elephants (half of all of Tanzania‘s) and stunning sickle horned sables, kudus and a variety of other antelopes. The picturesque river is also home to one of the largest hippo and crocodile populations in Africa. Elusive African wild dog are regularly seen here, a truly memorable sighting. Make sure you have your camera at the ready, and your binoculars on hand.

Nyerere National Park is the ideal destination for an off-the-beaten-track safari experience, giving you a genuine look at Africa at her wildest. In addition to game drives, there are also boat safaris and the opportunity to visit nearby Maasai villages to spend time with the people who call this breathtaking area home.

From our experts

Experiences picked by our destination specialists

Walk the bush with an expert guide

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Go on exhilarating bush walks, seeing nature close-up with an experienced guide

Drive the park at dawn and dusk

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Head out on fascinating morning and afternoon game drives getting to know the park

Cruise the Rufiji River by boat

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Enjoy a leisurely river safari spotting wildlife on the banks and in the waters

A word from one of our experts

From its large concentrations of mammals and birds, this stunning park is a wildlife spotter's dream. And even better, it's fairly new, so you won't have to share it with the crowds you may find elsewhere in Tanzania.

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Emily Wallington

Senior Travel Designer

Luxury accommodation in Nyerere National Park

There are many incredible places to stay in Nyerere National Park. Here are some of our favourites, handpicked by our travel designers:

Nyerere National Park

Beho Beho
Beho Beho is known as ‘wansalishi’ which means when translated from the swahili ‘the pioneer’. The first camp in the Northern sector of the Selous game reserve, its stone cottages, perched on Kipalala Hill, offer panoramic views over the Rufiji river flood plain. 145 miles south west of Dar es Salaam, as the crow flies, the camp is 3 miles from the grave of Frederick Courteney Selous. Beho Beho has 8 individual very spacious Bandas, (stone built and palm thatched cottages) furnished with king-sized beds, Zanzibari day beds, writing desks and comfortable ‘suite’ furniture. The front of the banda is totally open and extends on to a spacious verandah. The banda can be secured for the night with ‘tented curtains’ or left open as desired. Each banda has a separate dressing room leading into an en suite bathroom with twin basins, high flush WC and an ‘open air’ shower. Furnished in the style of a private house with comfortable seating and dining areas the most noticeable thing in the Main House is that there are few walls. Shaded and protected by a huge palm thatched roof there is also a full sized billiards table, the Eagle’s nest for private dining and lots of cosy nooks. Meals are a moveable feast and are not confined to the formal dining area. There are several lookouts where breakfast and lunch are served and of course areas for dining under the stars. Bush Breakfasts and picnics are also arranged for longer safaris.
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Why book with Jacada?

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Personalised design

We’ll plan your trip around your specific interests, tastes and preferences, providing helpful tips and honest advice based on first-hand knowledge of the destination.

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Authentic experiences

Our expert guides and brilliant travel concierges are hand-picked to provide a genuine experience, bringing your destination to life with care and passion.

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Responsible travel

Our luxury trips are designed with responsible travel principles that prioritise travel experiences that are both good for you and good for the planet.

Trip inspiration

Get inspired with our Tanzania example trips and then get in touch to plan your own adventure

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Ready to plan your adventure?

Whatever you want from your Nyerere National Park tour, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

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Meet your Africa team

When to visit

June to November is the dry season and peak time for seeing excellent game. January to April is green and wonderful for birdlife but difficult terrain for game drives.

Best game viewing

July–October

Lush scenery

December–February

World-class birding

February

When Is the Best Time to Visit Tanzania?

When Is the Best Time to Visit Tanzania?

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Plan your trip to Nyerere National Park

Whatever you want from your adventure in Nyerere National Park, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

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Your trip, your story

We craft trips deeply personal, delightfully surprising and entirely one of a kind. Every Jacada journey begins in conversation with a travel designer, a specialist in their destination of expertise. Behind each journey is a wealth of insight, gathered over years of on-the-ground exploration.

Once you’re booked, you’ll meet your concierge. Based in the region you’re visiting, they’ll take care of all the details so your mind is at rest. They make the trip truly special – and truly yours.