Nyerere National Park Itineraries: 3, 5 and 8 Day Sample Safaris

Nyerere National Park, created from the northern part of the former Selous Game Reserve, is Tanzania's most accessible southern park. The Rufiji River, its channels and lakes, and the surrounding woodland provide a very different safari from the open plains of the north.

The sample plans below suit travellers arriving by light aircraft from Dar es Salaam, though road and rail access also exist.

This guide is part of our Uganda road routes and driving guide. When you are ready to plan, see our Uganda safari packages or the Ameera Africa Safaris Uganda tours homepage.

What Makes Nyerere Different

Nyerere combines game drives, boat safaris and, in some camps, guided walks and fly camping, which means you can see the same landscape from water, vehicle and foot. Hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffalo, giraffes, lions and large numbers of water birds are all part of the experience, and African wild dogs are a highlight for many visitors. For a comparison with its neighbour in the south, see Ruaha and Nyerere together and African wild dog facts.

Three Day Fly-In Sample

Day one: fly from Dar es Salaam to a camp airstrip, with a late-afternoon game drive. Day two: a morning boat safari on the Rufiji, a midday rest and an afternoon drive or short walk with an armed ranger. Day three: a last dawn drive, breakfast and a flight back to Dar es Salaam or on to Zanzibar. Three days is the minimum worth flying for, and it links well with a coastal stay described in the Zanzibar and Stone Town guide.

Five Day Sample

Day one: arrival and an afternoon drive. Day two: boat safari and game drive. Day three: walking safari or a fly-camping night under canvas if the camp offers it. Day four: a different sector of the park, perhaps visiting lakes where water birds and hippos concentrate. Day five: fly out. Five days is the ideal length for most travellers because it gives two full days on the water and two on land. See private concessions and walking safaris for how walking works.

Eight Day Southern Circuit Sample

Days one to three: Nyerere, with boat safaris and drives. Day four: fly to Ruaha National Park. Days five to seven: Ruaha game drives, with baobab landscapes, sable and roan antelope and strong lion densities. Day eight: fly to Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar. This is the best way to experience the southern parks together, and it avoids the busier northern routes. The tour 10 day magical southern Tanzania safari follows a similar spirit.

Pacing and Logistics

Light aircraft carry soft bags only, so pack accordingly using the duffel bags and luggage guide. Midday is hot, so camps schedule long rests, and activities begin early. Boat safaris and walks are weather and ranger dependent, so keep your schedule flexible. Confirm malaria precautions with the health and vaccinations guide.

When to Go

The dry season from about June to October is best for game drives, as animals gather along the river. Some camps close during the heaviest rains. See best time to visit Tanzania for details.

Planning a Uganda safari? Send us your dates and we will build the route, permits and transport around what you want to see.

Related Tours, Guides and Resources

• Ameera Africa Safaris homepage: Uganda safaris, tours and holidays
• Uganda safari packages
• Uganda travel guide
• How to book a Uganda safari
• Plan your safari with our team