Nyerere National Park, formed from the northern section of the former Selous Game Reserve, is Tanzania’s largest national park and one of the least crowded major wildlife areas in East Africa. The Rufiji River and its network of channels and lakes run through the park, supporting large populations of hippo and crocodile alongside elephant, buffalo and one of Tanzania’s most important remaining wild dog populations.

Unlike the drive-only parks of the northern circuit, Nyerere allows boat safaris along the Rufiji as well as walking safaris, giving visitors a wider range of ways to experience the landscape. The park’s sheer size means wildlife is spread across a vast, largely untracked wilderness, giving game drives a genuine sense of remoteness.

Reached by road or scheduled flight from Dar es Salaam, Nyerere anchors Tanzania’s southern circuit alongside Ruaha and Mikumi. Its combination of activities and low visitor numbers make it a strong choice for travellers who have already experienced the more visited northern parks.