In the Nyerere Nationalpark in Tanzania you can still feel the original wilderness of the African continent up close. The Julius Nyerere Nationalpark (formerly Selous Nationalpark) in Tanzania is with its unbelievable 51,500 km2 (corresponds to approx. 6% of the total area of Tanzania) the largest game reserve in Africa and is home to over a million wild animals.
The game reserve was already partially protected by the German governor under the colonial government at the time and is now one of the largest nature reserves in the world. In 1982 the Nyerere Nationalpark was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and placed under special protection due to its uniqueness. The Nyerere Nationalpark was recently renamed and was previously called "Selous Nationalpark", named after the world-famous big game hunter "Frederick Courteney Selous", who was the model of the writer "Rider Haggard" for the Hollywood film "Quatermain" in the lead role of Adventure films starred "Richard Chamberlain".
In the Julius Nyerere Nationalpark you are also on the trail of German colonial history, like the leader of the German protection troops Lettow-Vorbeck in the last battle in the Beho-Beho area against Frederick Courteney Selous, who unfortunately died here from a ricochet. The tomb of the adventure and big game hunter "Frederick Counteny Selous" can be visited in the Beho-Beho area.
The Nyerere Nationalpark borders the Mikumi Nationalpark in the north and enables a rich fauna along the mighty Rufiji River.
In the wild and romantic Nyerere Nationalpark, 15% of the total area is open to tourists for game drives, photo safaris and game viewing.
The Nyerere Nationalpark with its acacia forests is home to large herds of blue wildebeest, plains zebras, lions, hartebeest, large and small kudu, warthogs, hyenas, giraffes, waterbucks, reedbucks, impalas, giant galago and many other wild animals and bird species as well as 30% of the elephants and 60 % of the very rare African wild dogs and with a bit of luck you will meet one of the few black rhinos in Tanzania.
The heart of the Nyerere Nationalpark with its dreamy landscape is the great Rufiji River and this divides the Nyerere Nationalpark into two areas and influences the national park so strongly during flooding that it resembles the area of the Okavango Delta of Botswana.
Countless hippos and crocodiles can be observed up close on a boat safari along the mighty Rufiji River. The Nyerere Nationalpark can be reached from Dar es Salaam in a driving time of 3 hours or with regular flight connections from Zanzibar and from Dar es Salaam.
The luxurious and comfortable Rufiji River Camp is fantastically located directly on a hill on the banks of the fascinating Rufiji River with a breathtaking view of the river delta. The Rufiji River Camp is 4 km east of the Mtemer Park entrance and is run by the well-known and renowned Fox family who run several lodges and camps in Tanzania.
The beautiful eleven individual accommodations in the authentic safari style of the Rufiji River Camp impress with their unique location and high-quality equipment. The pleasant safari tents under makuti palm roofs with a massive outdoor terrace and stylish bathrooms with solar-heated water for showering exude a classic safari atmosphere.
In addition, the charming Rufiji River Camp has three suites, each with two large tents on a shared platform with a private plunge pool, ideal for honeymooners who are looking for a lot of privacy. After sunset you will be escorted from your rooms to the restaurant by Masai Askaris.
The wonderful Rufiji River Camp offers comfortable and large double beds, a desk, a private bathroom with running water, a fan, leather armchairs, a lockable safe for valuables and nice seating on the beautifully designed wooden outdoor veranda from which hippos, crocodiles and many other wild animals can be observed can be. The shady swimming pool of the Rufiji River Camp offers the opportunity to refresh and cool down with a delicious cocktail between game drives.
The spacious main building with restaurant, pretty bar and cozy lounge area offers breathtaking views of the Rufiji River and is authentically furnished with heavy leather armchairs and sofas to enjoy and relax.
In the restaurant of the Rufiji River Camp you will be pampered by the friendly and attentive staff and delicious and varied three-course menus are served. If you wish, you can have al fresco dining under the stars and private dinners on the riverside.
A special feature of the Rufiji River Camp are the adventurous boat safaris on the fascinating Rufiji River with excellent wildlife observation of hippos, crocodiles, monitor lizards and a variety of water birds with unforgettable dreamy sunsets. Walking safaris with a trained ranger and many other activities are also offered.
In the enchanting Nyerere Nationalpark of Tanzania you can still feel the original wilderness up close and in the luxurious Rufiji River Camp you feel transported back to the times of the big game hunters with unforgettable impressions and unique memories.
