Nyerere
Nyerere National Park, carved from the world famous Selous Game Reserve in 2019, spans an area roughly the size of Belgium or South Carolina. As one of Tanzania’s four Natural UNESCO World Heritage Sites, it stands apart from the more famous Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Kilimanjaro by remaining largely untouched by mass tourism. In this wild and remote stretch of Tanzania, you can witness nature’s most breathtaking dramas unfold.
This expansive wilderness boasts incredible biodiversity, making it the largest of its kind in Africa. Nyerere is a realm of raw, unfiltered nature—where every moment feels like a step back in time. The northern part of the park, characterized by acacia bushland and a warm climate at sea level, is the most accessible. Here, the experience is pristine and uncrowded, with surprises awaiting around every bend of the track.
The Rufiji River and its interconnected lakes can be regarded as the heart of Nyerere National Park, providing an ideal setting for unforgettable boat safaris. Glide through these waterways to encounter playful hippos, sunbathing crocodiles, and a myriad of bird species. It’s one of the last destinations in Africa where you can spot the elusive African wild dog in a free, unfenced habitat—if luck is on your side.
Explore the enchanting landscapes and vibrant wildlife through my extensive collection of photographs below. For a deeper dive into my adventures and a very special encounter, visit my blog. To return to the destinations overview click here.
Tanzania Map Highlighting Nyerere Nat'l Park
Lone Elephant Bull on Beho Beho Plains
Family Sundowner on Island in Lake Nzerakera
Baboon Mother and Child
In Happy Anticipation of Upcoming Boat Safari
Safari Vehicle and Boat (photo credit: Julia von Schoenfels)
Bee Eater With Catch
On Game Drive
Croc on its Way into the Water at Lake Nzerakera
Baboons and Croc at Shores of Lake Nzerakera
Swallow on Safari Boat
Hyena Cub
Evening Scene With Hippos at Lake Manze
Bloat of Hippos
Baboon Family
Luxury Tented Camp Unit on Shores of Lake Nzerakera
Tent at Roho Ya Selous (photo credit: Asilia Africa)
Interior of Tent and Outdoor Shower (photo credit: Asilia Africa)
Roho Ya Selous Camp Pool (photo credit: Asilia Africa)
Interior of Tent Bedroom (photo credit: Asilia Africa)
At Camp's Outdoor Lounge
Morning View Out of Tent at Roho Ya Selous
Hippo Drinking in Morning
Morning on Lake Nzerakera
Witness of the Wild
Young Hyena Sneaking Up to Snatch Zebra's Leg
Anna, our safari guide Kivuyu, and myself on a Gamedrive
Bee Eater With Catch
Slender Elephant in Morning Light
Lots to Observe
Family Breakfast in the Bush
Crocodile in Shallow Water of Lake Nzerakera
Elephant Herd In Front of Giant Borassus Palm Trees
Elephant Calf Passing Safari Vehicle
Baboon Family
Sharing the Passion for Nature
Bush Breakfast Facing Lake Manze
Bush Breakfast Buffet
Child Bonding With Her Grandfather
Tuskless Elephant Really Close
Leopard crossing Miombo Forest (Can you spot him?)
Camp Staff Performing Birthday Song
Sunset Over Lake and Hills With Hippos
Male Greater Kudu in Evening Light
Child Enjoying Game Drive With Grandmother
Guide Assisting Child at Sundowner
Big Leap: Impala Jumping Over Stream in Evening Light
Ten Bee Eaters and Their Catches
Leopard Resting on Tree
Inside Tent at Camp
Camp Pool
Croc on its Way into the Water at Lake Nzerakera
On Boat Safari
Evening Scene With Giraffes, Marabous, and Spoonbills
Mom and Child in Happy Anticipation of Boat Safari
In Good Spirits After an Exciting Boat Safari
Sunset over Lake Nzerakera
Crocodile Sliding Into Rufiji River in Stieglers Gorge
Crocodile Sliding Into Rufiji River in Stieglers Gorge
On Boat Safari on Rufiji River
Yellow Billed Stork and Crocodile
Here's to Our Morning Game Drive
Resting in Camp
Encountering Elephants
Recent Hatch: Crocodiles Egg Shells
Young Crocodile
Lilac Breasted Roller
Baby Chimp on Board
Croc on its Way into the Water at Lake Nzerakera
Tent at Roho Ya Selous Tented Camp
Inside Tent at Roho Ya Selous Tented Camp
Inside Tent at Roho Ya Selous Tented Camp
Herd of Eland Antilopes
Impala Calf Nursing
Elephant Calf Nursing
Mud-Covered Hippo
Studying Birds
Dragonfly at Camp Fire
Crocodiles Feasting on Dead Zebra 1
Crocodiles Feasting on Dead Zebra 2
Crocodiles Feasting on Dead Zebra 3
Crocodile Swimming Away With Zebra's Intestines
Rufiji River at Mivumo Looking Towards Stieglers Gorge
Young Leopard on Rock on Banks of Rufiji
Two Baboons Drinking from Lake Nzerakera
Crocodile Sliding Into Rufiji River at Mivumo
Family Breakfast in the Bush
Evening over Lake Manze
Male Greater Kudu in Palm Forest
Elephant Herd in Palm Forest
Learning More About the Birds We Saw
Giraffe Drinking
Lilac Breasted Roller
Giraffe Drinking
Family Breakfast in the Bush
Hyena Chewing on Impala Head
Dawn on the Banks of Lake Nzerakera
Herd of Muddy Elephants
Croc on its Way into the Water at Lake Nzerakera
Infant Giraffe
King of the Swamp
Hyena Resting on Track
Photography Lesson
Lioness on Tree in Miombo Woodlands
Lion Cub on Tree in Miombo Woodlands
Bloat of Hippos
Lone Elephant Bull Near Lake Manze
The Joys of a Game Drive (photo credit: Julia von Schoenfels)
Float of Crocodiles on Island in Lake Nzerakera
Sundowner on Boat Safari
Large Croc Really Close
Bloat of Hippos
Family Sundowner on Island in Lake Nzerakera
Sundowner on Boat Safari
Lone Buffalo in Dry Grass
Three Giraffes in Shallow Water
Three Elephants Drinking
Meadow with Giraffe and Zebras
Tuskless Elephant Passes Safari Vehicle
Safari Boat on Lake Nzerakera
Moloneys Monkey in Tree Overlooking Rufiji River at Mivumo
Northern Carmine Bee Easters
Impala Herd With Calves
Yellow Billed Stork Wading Through the Shallow Water
Two Young Hyenas Resting in Ditch
Two Girls Having Fun on Safari Vehicle
Warthog in Acacia Bushland
Interior of Tent Bedroom (photo credit: Asilia Africa)
Outdoor Shower at Roho Ya Selous (photo credit: Asilia Africa)
Camp Lounge (photo credit: Asilia Africa)
Lunch Platter (photo credit: Asilia Africa)
BBQ by the Camp Fire (photo credit: Asilia Africa)
Desserts (photo credit: Asilia Africa)
Camp Fire (photo credit: Asilia Africa)
Camp Staff Saying Farewell to Guests at Roho Ya Selous