Nyerere National Park (Selous Game Reserve)

Selous Game Reserve, now officially called Nyerere National Park, is located in southern Tanzania, about 200–230 km southwest of Dar es Salaam. It is one of the largest protected wildlife areas in Africa and covers vast savannahs, rivers, lakes, and woodlands. Its remote location makes it less crowded than northern parks, offering a more exclusive and authentic safari experience.

Selous is unique because it offers boat safaris on the Rufiji River, something not commonly available in northern circuit parks. Visitors can enjoy game drives, walking safaris, and river safaris all in one destination. The park is also known for its untouched wilderness, diverse ecosystems, and large populations of elephants, buffalo, lions, hippos, and crocodiles.

Selous is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, African wild dogs, giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, and large buffalo herds. The park is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 440 bird species recorded. Due to its size and low visitor numbers, wildlife sightings often feel private and natural.