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How to get from Dar es salaam to Nyerere national park?

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s commercial capital and largest transport hub, offers several convenient ways to reach Nyerere National Park, formerly part of the vast Selous Game Reserve, is now one of the largest protected areas in Africa and the largest national park in Tanzania

The most common means of making this trip are listed below, and so are the practical tips.

1. By Air – Fastest and Most Convenient

The fastest and also the most comfortable means of traveling is flying between Dar es Salaam and Nyerere National Park. Daily flights to airstrips in or near the park are operated by several domestic airlines via Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR). Mtemere, Siwandu and Beho Beho airstrips are among the airstrips in the area.

  • Flight duration: Approx. 1 hour
  • Airlines: Auric Air, Coastal Aviation, Safari Air Link
  • Best for: Tourists with limited time or looking for a luxurious safari experience

These are usually packaged in a safari organized by tour operators and they usually operate with light aircraft. The airstrips are well set up in the areas near favorite safari lodges and camps and the transfer to/from the airstrip is normally provided by your accommodation facility.

Tip: Flights can fill up quickly, especially during the high season (June to October), so book well in advance.

2. By Road – Budget-Friendly but Lengthy

To get to Nyerere National Park, road travel is also available from Dar es Salaam city.  Nevertheless, it needs preparation and patience.

  • Distance: Approx. 230–270 km depending on the entry gate (e.g., Mtemere or Matambwe)
  • Travel time: 6–8 hours by car, depending on road and weather conditions
  • Vehicle type: 4x4 is recommended, especially during the rainy season

The road travels through towns such as Kibiti and Mloka and then into the main gates into the park. The last 70–80 km approaching Mtemere Gate, especially from Mloka, are on rough dirt roads that can become muddy and impassable in the rainy season.

Tip: Guided road transfers must be highly encouraged with experienced safari drivers as they are a safety measure as well as convenient.

3. Combined Option – Fly In, Drive Out (or Vice Versa)

Many travelers choose to fly one way and drive the other. As one example, you could possibly fly to the park in order to save on time and then have a picturesque overland drive back to Dar es Salaam at the end of your safari.

The method provides you with an ideal situation- a relatively peaceful arrival and an immersive return journey through rural Tanzania.

Public buses and shared minibuses (daladalas) go between Dar es Salaam and such nearby towns as Kibiti or Mloka, but not into the park. Travelers, in turn, would have to organize their own transports to gates. This option is not recommended for international tourists because of safety questions, uncertainty, and no connections.

Final Tips

  • Points of Entry: The best entry point open to tourists who want to use Dar es Salaam is called Mtemere Gate.
  • Park Fees & Permits: All visitors must pay park entry fees through TANAPA, and some activities may require additional permits or ranger escort fees.
  • The best time to visit: June to October (dry season), the best period to have good road conditions and to see games.
  • Safari packages: Many licensed safari operators in Dar es Salaam or Arusha offer all-inclusive packages to Nyerere National Park, including flights, accommodation, game drives, and meals

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