National park
National park
Nyerere National Park
Africa's largest national park, explored by boat on the Rufiji.
- Southern Tanzania
- Best: Jun–Oct
- Entry from US$82.60
Overview
- Established
- 2019, from the Selous Game Reserve
- Area
- 30,893 km²
- Bird species
- 440+
- From Dar es Salaam
- About 45 minutes by air
Nyerere National Park was created in 2019 from the northern part of the Selous Game Reserve. At 30,893 km² TANAPA describes it as Africa's largest national park.
The Rufiji River and its oxbow lakes and channels hold hippos, crocodiles and large numbers of elephants, buffaloes and lions, along with rare antelopes such as sable, Lichtenstein's hartebeest and greater kudu. It is a stronghold of African wild dogs.
More than 440 bird species have been recorded, including Pel's fishing owl. Boat safaris and walking safaris make it a different experience from the northern parks.
- Rufiji boat safari
Hippos, crocodiles and birds along the river.
- Wild dogs
One of Africa's largest populations of African wild dogs.
- Walking safaris
On foot with an armed ranger.
Things to do
- Boat safariUS$23.60
On the Rufiji and its lakes.
- Walking safariUS$23.60
With an armed ranger.
- Game drives
Around the lakes in the north of the park.
Prices are the foreign non-resident rate per person. Resident and East African rates are lower; see the full table below.
Wildlife and nature to look for
When to go
Dry season, June to October, is best. Many camps close in the long rains (about April–May).
- Jan: Good
- Feb: Good
- Mar: Wetter
- Apr: Wetter
- May: Wetter
- Jun: Best
- Jul: Best
- Aug: Best
- Sep: Best
- Oct: Best
- Nov: Good
- Dec: Good
Fees and permits
Official rates from the Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) (TANAPA Tariffs 2023/24 (GN 666 of 2018, GN 490A of 2020)). Children, vehicle and accommodation rates are in the full tariff.
| Item | Foreign non-resident | Foreign resident | Rest of Africa | East African citizen |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry (adult, 16+)per person per 24 hours, 16 May – 14 MarchChildren 5–15: TZS 2,360 / US$11.80 / US$23.60 (EAC citizen / resident / non-EAC visitor). | US$82.60 | US$41.30 | US$82.60 | TZS 11,800 |
| Low-season entry (adult, 16+)per person per 24 hours, 15 March – 15 MayChildren 5–15: TZS 2,360 / US$11.80 / US$23.60 (EAC citizen / resident / non-EAC visitor). | US$70.80 | US$35.40 | US$70.80 | TZS 11,800 |
| Boating safariper person | US$23.60 | US$23.60 | US$23.60 | TZS 11,800 |
| Walking safari (1–4 hours)per adult, with an armed ranger | US$23.60 | US$23.60 | US$23.60 | TZS 5,900 |
- Park entry (adult, 16+)per person per 24 hours, 16 May – 14 March
- Foreign non-resident
- US$82.60
- Foreign resident
- US$41.30
- Rest of Africa
- US$82.60
- East African citizen
- TZS 11,800
Children 5–15: TZS 2,360 / US$11.80 / US$23.60 (EAC citizen / resident / non-EAC visitor).
- Low-season entry (adult, 16+)per person per 24 hours, 15 March – 15 May
- Foreign non-resident
- US$70.80
- Foreign resident
- US$35.40
- Rest of Africa
- US$70.80
- East African citizen
- TZS 11,800
Children 5–15: TZS 2,360 / US$11.80 / US$23.60 (EAC citizen / resident / non-EAC visitor).
- Boating safariper person
- Foreign non-resident
- US$23.60
- Foreign resident
- US$23.60
- Rest of Africa
- US$23.60
- East African citizen
- TZS 11,800
- Walking safari (1–4 hours)per adult, with an armed ranger
- Foreign non-resident
- US$23.60
- Foreign resident
- US$23.60
- Rest of Africa
- US$23.60
- East African citizen
- TZS 5,900
- Prices include 18% VAT; TANAPA's tariff lists them before VAT (for example US$70 + VAT = US$82.60). Children are aged 5–15; under-5s are free.
- Other African citizens pay the non-EAC rate. Payment is electronic through TANAPA's online reservation system, banks or mobile money.
- TANAPA still publishes its 2023/24 tariff as current in October 2026. Confirm the amount when you pay.
Getting there
- By airFrom Dar es SalaamAbout 45 minutes
Scheduled flights to the park's airstrips.
- By roadFrom Dar es SalaamAbout 5–6 hours
Via Kibiti to Mtemere Gate; 4x4 needed in the rains.
Open larger map Directions Marker shows an approximate location.
Photos
Know before you go
- The UNESCO World Heritage listing for the Selous Game Reserve, which included this area, has been on the List in Danger since 2014.
- Combine with Ruaha for a southern circuit, or with Zanzibar for a beach finish.
- Foreign visitors must buy Tanzania's US$44 inbound travel insurance (92 days) before arrival: from NIC for the mainland or ZIC for Zanzibar. One policy covers both; residents of EAC and SADC countries are exempt.
Frequently asked questions
Is Nyerere National Park the same as the Selous?
Nyerere was created in 2019 from the northern Selous Game Reserve, which includes the main photographic safari area.
How much is the Nyerere entry fee?
US$82.60 per non-EAC adult per 24 hours (US$70 plus VAT), or US$70.80 from 15 March to 15 May. East African citizens pay TZS 11,800.
Sources
Checked on 23 October 2026. Fees and rules change; confirm with the authority or your operator before you pay.
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