NYERERE NATIONAL PARK
Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve)
The Selous Game Reserve, once one of the world's largest protected areas, covered 54,600 km² and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982 for its remarkable diversity of flora and fauna. Today, much of this wilderness has been reclassified as Nyerere National Park, now the largest national park in Tanzania.
Wildlife numbers here are among the highest in Africa, with elephants, lions, buffaloes, giraffes, hippos, and crocodiles all present. However, due to the vast size of the park, animal densities are often lower than in the northern circuit. The landscapes are beautifully varied, ranging from thick woodlands and sprawling savannahs to wetlands and river systems.
Once home to over 109,000 elephants in 1975, the reserve tragically witnessed a dramatic decline due to poaching, with numbers plummeting to around 13,000 by 2013. This represented a 90% loss of elephants and rhinos, putting its UNESCO status under threat. Thanks to anti-poaching task forces, including the PAMS Foundation, progress has been made in curbing ivory poaching and bringing traffickers to justice, offering hope for the park's recovery.
Today, Nyerere National Park remains wild, remote, and less crowded than other Tanzanian parks, offering a truly off-the-beaten-track safari. For travelers seeking an authentic wilderness adventure, a safari in the Southern Circuit's Nyerere National Park is an unforgettable experience.
Special Interest
Most visitors to Nyerere National Park spend their time along the mighty Rufiji River, the lifeline of the park that eventually flows into the Indian Ocean. This river system creates an incredible landscape of channels, lakes, and swamps, attracting abundant wildlife year-round.
While here, you can enjoy a variety of unique safari activities not always possible in other parks — from guided walking safaris that bring you close to nature, to boat trips along the Rufiji where you can spot hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and a spectacular array of birdlife. These experiences make Nyerere a truly diverse and adventurous destination.
Where to Stay
Beho Beho offers a distinctive safari experience, tucked away in the refreshing highlands of Nyerere National Park. For breathtaking river views, Selous River Lodge sits majestically above the expansive Rufiji River.
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Why Choose Sema Africa Tours
Sema Africa Tours is dedicated to offering personalized, unforgettable experiences for travelers seeking to explore the best of northern Tanzania. Our team of expert guides is passionate about the wildlife, culture, and landscapes of Tanzania, and we pride ourselves on providing sustainable, responsible travel that benefits both the environment and local communities.
From tailor-made safari itineraries to insider knowledge of the best places to visit, Sema Africa Tours ensures that every moment of your journey is exceptional. Whether you're embarking on a classic game drive, a walking safari, or a hot air balloon adventure, we are here to make your dream Tanzanian safari come true.
Authentic Local Knowledge
Authentic Local Knowledge As a proudly local company, we offer authentic cultural encounters and off-the-beaten-path experiences you won't find in any guidebook.
Experienced Guides & Staff
With extensive experience organizing safaris in Tanzania and beyond, our friendly guides and staff ensure every detail of your journey runs smoothly, sharing stories, wildlife insights, and hidden gems along the way.
Value – Driven Practices
We strive to improve the tourism industry by committing to fair compensation, supporting local communities, and protecting Tanzania's environment through responsible, ethical tourism.
COMMUNITY FOCUSED
We aim to support and empower local communities through responsible tourism, providing income-generating activities as well as funding community projects.
CUSTOM-MADE EXPERIENCES
Your safari should reflect your dreams! We tailor every itinerary to match your interests, schedule, and budget for a truly personal experience.