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Nyerere (Selous) Luxury Safari Tours
Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve) is Tanzania’s largest wildlife reserve, extending across almost 31,000km²/12,000mi². This makes it similar in size to Belgium. The reserve is dominated by dry miombo woodland. The Rufiji River runs through Nyerere, feeding a string of palm-lined lakes and channels. The reserve supports the world’s largest populations of buffalo, hippo, lion and African wild dog. It also provides refuge to large numbers of elephant, giraffe, crocodiles and aquatic birds. It is the only safari destination in Tanzania where game drives are supplemented by guided walks, boat trips and overnight fly-camping excursions. This results in a more rounded bush experience than at most other reserves.
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Top Rated Operator
12-Day Luxury Tanzania Family Safari & Beach
$8,466 to $11,308 pp (USD)
Tanzania: Private tourLuxuryLodge & Tented Camp
You Visit: Dar Es Salaam (Start), Nyerere NP, Ruaha NP, Zanzibar (Tanzania Beaches), Zanzibar Airport (End)
Wayfairer Travel
4.8/5 – 174 Reviews
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Top Rated Operator
2-Day Amazing Luxury Safari Inside Nyerere NP (Selous)
$916 pp (USD)
Tanzania: Private tourLuxuryTented Camp
You Visit: Zanzibar (Start), Nyerere NP, Zanzibar (End)
Uwanda Tours and Safaris
4.9/5 – 176 Reviews
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4-Day A Ride down the Rufijii River
$2,745 to $3,623 pp (USD)
Tanzania: Private tourLuxuryTented Camp
You Visit: Nyerere National Park (Start), Dar es Salaam (City), Nyerere National Park (End)
Furahia-Tanzania Safari & Trekking
4.9/5 – 33 Reviews
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11-Day Luxury Tour-Northern and Southern Tanzania
$12,815 pp (USD)
Tanzania: Private tourLuxuryLodge & Tented Camp
You Visit: Arusha (Start), Serengeti NP, Northern Serengeti NP, Ngorongoro Crater, Ruaha NP, Nyerere NP, Dar Es Salaam (End)
WildReality Safari
5.0/5 – 21 Reviews
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![8-Day Sustainable Eco-Safari in Southern Tanzania]()
8-Day Sustainable Eco-Safari in Southern Tanzania
$11,204 to $12,324 pp (USD)
Tanzania: Private tourLuxuryLodge & Tented Camp
You Visit: Dar es Salaam (Start), Nyerere NP, Ruaha NP, Dar Es Salaam (End)
Viatu
5.0/5 – 73 Reviews
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![3-Day Zanzibar to Selous - Private Luxury Boat Safari]()
3-Day Zanzibar to Selous - Private Luxury Boat Safari
$2,608 pp (USD)
Tanzania: Private tourLuxuryTented Camp
You Visit: Zanzibar (Start), Nyerere NP, Zanzibar (End)
Mucho Tours & Safaris
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![2-Day Zanzibar-Nyerere National Park Inside a Park]()
2-Day Zanzibar-Nyerere National Park Inside a Park
$1,375 to $1,386 pp (USD)
Tanzania: Private tourLuxuryTented Camp
You Visit: Zanzibar (Start), Nyerere NP, Zanzibar Stone Town (Zanzibar), Zanzibar (End)
Smile With Us Tours In Africa
4.8/5 – 162 Reviews
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Top Rated Operator
![3-Day Luxury Safari Inside Nyerere NP (Selous)]()
3-Day Luxury Safari Inside Nyerere NP (Selous)
$1,672 pp (USD)
Tanzania: Private tourLuxuryTented Camp
You Visit: Zanzibar (Start), Nyerere NP, Zanzibar (End)
Uwanda Tours and Safaris
4.9/5 – 176 Reviews
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![2-Day Luxury Safari Inside Nyerere NP Fly from Zanzibar]()
2-Day Luxury Safari Inside Nyerere NP Fly from Zanzibar
$1,353 to $1,364 pp (USD)
Tanzania: Private tourLuxuryTented Camp
You Visit: Zanzibar (Start), Nyerere NP, Zanzibar (End)
Smile With Us Tours In Africa
4.8/5 – 162 Reviews
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3-Day Nyerere, a Hidden Safari Gem
$1,667 pp (USD)
Tanzania: Private tourLuxuryTented Camp
You Visit: Zanzibar (Start), Nyerere NP, Zanzibar (End)
Furahia-Tanzania Safari & Trekking
4.9/5 – 33 Reviews
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8-Day Tanzania Bush & Beach Safari
$6,085 to $7,706 pp (USD)
Tanzania: Private tourLuxuryLodge & Tented Camp
You Visit: Dar Es Salaam (Start), Nyerere NP, Fanjove Island (Songo Songo Islands), Dar es Salaam Airport (End)
Gondwana Tours & Safaris
5.0/5 – 83 Reviews
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Tour Operators Offering Custom Tours
Didn’t find the tour you were looking for? Get a free quote for a custom tour from the tour operators below. They can arrange private tours to any destination in Tanzania.
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7 Questions About Nyerere (Selous) Luxury Safari Tours
Answered by
Philip Briggs
Philip is a renowned Africa expert and author of many Bradt guidebooks to African destinations, including the guide to Tanzania.› More about Philip
7 Questions About Nyerere (Selous) Luxury Safari Tours
Philip Briggs
Why should I choose Nyerere (Selous) for a luxury tour?
“When it comes to luxury and exclusivity, the best lodges and camps in Nyerere are hard to beat. This is partly because the reserve extends over such a vast area. Even though all its lodges and camps lie in an area on the north bank of the Rufiji River, they tend to be small and personal. And they are set far enough apart from each other to offer a real feel of exclusivity. What marks Nyerere out as a safari destination is the presence of the Rufiji, a wide, palm-lined watercourse that offers a real African riverine wilderness experience. Nyerere is the only major reserve in Tanzania that can be explored by boat. This is a thrilling experience thanks to the presence of many hippos, elephants and crocodiles, and water birds such as African skimmer, African fish eagle and palm-nut vulture. Back on dry land, Nyerere is also one of the best places anywhere to see the endangered African wild dog. Lions, darker than elsewhere in Tanzania and with scraggly manes, are often seen hunting around the lakes by day. Other attractions are guided walks, an activity forbidden in the national parks, and fly camping around the lakes. That said, Nyerere’s hot climate sporadically sees abundant tsetse flies, and the rather exposed camps and lodges make it relatively challenging compared to, say, the Serengeti. Overall, it is better suited to repeat safari-goers than to nervous first-timers.”
1What is included in a Nyerere luxury safari?
“A luxury safari package is almost always all-inclusive, and Nyerere safari packages are no exception. This means that the quoted price will include flights or road transport in and out of the reserve, and transfers between camps within the reserve. Guided game drives, walks, boat excursions and other activities, along with accommodation and all meals, are also usually included. Most luxury lodges and camps in Nyerere also include non-premium drinks and laundry in their room rates. Non-premium drinks include tea, coffee, soft drinks, local beer and house wine. This isn’t always the case though, so do check to see exactly what your package covers. The most significant exclusion from a safari package will be tips, which can really add up on a Nyerere luxury tour. Check with your operator about expectations for tips and don’t forget to bring cash in small denominations with you.”
2How long do I need in Nyerere (Selous)?
“Many people will be happy with a 4-day, 3-night tour, which comes with a near certainty of spotting lions and elephants. But it really depends on your personal preference and your interest in wildlife. I feel that it is worth spending slightly longer in Nyerere, say 4 to 6 nights. Split your time between two camps or lodges, one in the vicinity of the wildlife-rich lakes near Mtemere Gate and the other in the quieter savannah to the west. Safaris in Nyerere are often combined with Ruaha National Park or the more westerly Katavi and Mahale Mountains National Parks. This can result in a longer, more diverse itinerary of 8 days to 2 weeks.”
3What is the difference between a drive-in or fly-in on a safari in Nyerere (Selous)?
“There are few advantages to driving to Nyerere for a luxury safari. It is a long, hot, dusty trip from Dar es Salaam. Once in the reserve, the car will be redundant as the more luxurious camps offer all-inclusive tours that include game drives and other activities. Flights to Nyerere provide a thrilling introduction to the reserve. The light aircraft sweeping above the Rufiji River provides good views of channels and islets teeming with hippos, elephants and waterfowl. If Nyerere is part of a tour that includes the Southern and Western safari circuits, it is worth noting that these reserves are spaced very far apart. Getting between them by road involves some very long drives, again tipping the scale firmly in favor of flying.”
4How does a typical day on a Nyerere (Selous) luxury safari unfold?
“Typically, you would avoid being out and about during the midday heat, unless you opt to take a packed lunch and do a full-day game drive. Usually, the morning would start with a pre-sunrise wake-up call and quick cup of coffee and snack. You’d then head out on an early morning game drive, boat trip or guided walk. You might carry a packed breakfast to eat on the road or return to camp for a late breakfast or brunch. Lunchtime offers an opportunity for a nap in your tent or a dip in the swimming pool. Then you might head out for an afternoon activity drive at 3 PM or 4 PM. We would favor the morning for game drives, when carnivores are most active. Morning is also best for guided walks since it is relatively cool. The afternoon is better for boat trips, if only to enjoy the unforgettable sight of the sun setting behind the tall borassus palms and baobabs that line the Rufiji River. Either way, the day usually ends with sundowners (sunset drinks) around the campfire, a three-course dinner, and an early night for the next day’s pre-dawn start. The variety of activities on offer on a Nyerere luxury safari means that a typical day tends to be less prescribed than in most other parks and reserves. Your day will be tailored to make the most of the finest wildlife-viewing hours, which are the first hour or two after sunrise and the last hour or two before sunset.”
5What type of accommodation can I expect?
“The dozen or so exclusive permanent lodges and tented camps dotted around Nyerere’s main tourist circuit are generally small, with up to 10 rooms. The lodges are normally in a thatch-and-canvas style, and ecofriendly. Most tented camps offer accommodation in large standing tents with en suite hot showers and comfortable bedding. Private verandas face towards the Rufiji River or one of its lakes. Top-notch cuisine, service and wine are provided. Many camps and lodges also have swimming pools, which are welcome in Nyerere’s extreme heat. Most have wifi. If this is important to you, check in advance that it’s on offer. Most camps and lodges offer overnight fly-camping excursions. This usually involves sleeping beneath a glorified mosquito net on the shore of a lake teeming with hippos and crocs. Fly camping is not for the fainthearted.”
6How much will this safari cost?
“At the very top end, a full fly-in 3- to 4-day safari holiday from Dar es Salaam is likely to be between $1,200 and $1,600 per person daily. Mid-range options tend to be in the ballpark of US$600 to US$1,000 per person per day. The daily cost decreases slightly for longer safaris or if you combine Nyerere with other reserves in southern and western Tanzania. The exclusivity and remoteness of Nyerere means that a luxury trip there tends to be pricier than a similar excursion in northern Tanzania.”
7Nyerere Reviews
Sue is an award-winning writer who specializes in African travel and conservation. She writes for national newspapers, magazines, Rough Guides and Lonely Planet.
True Wilderness – and wild dogs
If you’re after a true wilderness sensation that goes beyond the confines of a Land Cruiser, then come to Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve). A vast chunk of Nyerere, most of the land south of the Rufiji River, is sadly...
US
Mary is an acclaimed travel writer and author of many Lonely Planet guidebooks, including South Africa, Tanzania, East Africa and Africa.
Boat Safaris, Wild Dogs & Wilderness
Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous) is near the top of my list of recommended safari destinations. It offers sublime riverine scenery, year-round greenery and a complete climate and topographical contrast to the Northern circuit. While...
FR
Nyerere National Park is very large. Wildlife is very present there. You can see many animals (elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, etc.). However, the BIG 5 will be more difficult to see. Already because of the size of the park, so you...
DE
It were not the big five but maybe in the other national parks. We were in the wrong national park to see them. This were the first safari and visit in Tansania .It was a great visit in this national park and we saw many another animals. ...
IL
Not every animal chose to appear for us, but we were able to get close to an incredibly diverse range of animals and birds. Our guide was highly professional and knowledgeable and really enhanced our understanding of what we were seeing.
TT
I was able to see 3 of the Big 5. Elephant, Buffalo and Leopard. Didn't see any lions on the day but they are around sometimes. No rhinos on this park. It was a magnificent 3 day experience with a lot of wildlife. The tour guide was...