Tanzania | Park guide
Nyerere National Park (Selous)
Africa's largest reserve: Rufiji boats, walking safaris and wild-dog country.
Wildlife
Boat safaris past wallowing elephants and hippo pods, wild dogs, big lion prides, and walking safaris with armed guides - plus 440 bird species in riverine forest.
Safaris visiting Nyerere National Park (Selous)
Best time to visit
June to October for boats, walks and dry-country game; green season brings birds and lower rates.
Getting there
Fly-in from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar (45-60 minutes); road from Dar is 5-6 hours.
Where to stay
River lodges and tented camps; boat-and-walk concessions cluster along the Rufiji.
FAQs
What makes Nyerere different from Serengeti?
Water and feet: Rufiji boat safaris and walking safaris are forbidden in most national parks but standard here.
Is Nyerere a Big Five park?
Yes - lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and (rarely seen) rhino, plus wild dogs which many travelers rate higher.
Day trip from Zanzibar possible?
Yes to Nyerere and Mikumi only: early flight out, game activities, evening flight back. Serengeti needs at least two days.
How many days do we need in Nyerere National Park (Selous)?
2 to 3 days.
When is the best time to visit Nyerere National Park (Selous)?
June to October for boats, walks and dry-country game; green season brings birds and lower rates.
What pairs well with Nyerere National Park (Selous)?
Combine with Ruaha for the wild south, or Mikumi for an easy Dar es Salaam loop.
What insurance do we need?
Comprehensive travel insurance is required, including medical evacuation (AMREF/Flying Doctors cover, about 30 dollars, is recommended for remote circuits). Bring policy details - camps and operators ask for them.
Can we customise the route?
Freely - add nights, upgrade camps, swap parks or append beach and trekking. Request a proposal and we re-quote line by line.
Do we need a visa?
Most visitors need one: Tanzania offers visas on arrival for many nationalities, Kenya uses an eTA applied for online before travel, Uganda an e-visa. We confirm the current rule for your passport before you fly.
One decision per country, and they differ. Tanzania sells visas on arrival for most passports - US$50, US$100 for United States citizens - or by eVisa in advance. Kenya has issued only the eTA since 2024, at US$32.50 online at least three days before departure. Uganda runs an e-visa printed before you fly, and the US$100 East African Tourist Visa folds Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda into a single stamp. Six months of passport validity covers all three. Send us passport details at proposal stage and we confirm every rule for your nationality before you commit to flights.
Traveling solo - how do single supplements work?
All itineraries run solo. Expect a 20 to 50 percent supplement where lodges charge per room; vehicles cost the same whether one or six ride. Ask for the honest supplement math per trip.
Is a balloon flight worth adding?
Once, yes: a dawn flight over the Serengeti or Mara with a bush breakfast runs 550 to 600 dollars and minimum ages apply. Book at proposal stage - seats sell out months ahead in season.
How far ahead should we book?
Peak Migration and gorilla-permit months need 6 to 12 months. Green season often works with 2 to 4 months notice.
Put Nyerere National Park (Selous) in the right place
Season, zone and camp selection by a specialist.