Nyerere National Park Tanzania, Attractions, Activities & Lodges

Nyerere National Park is one of the largest wildlife sanctuaries and national parks that exist in Africa. It is located in Southern Tanzania in the northern part of Selous Game Reserve. Selous was the name of explorer Fredrick Courtney Selous that was killed in combat along River Rufiji. Nyerere National Park was named after the first president of Tanzania, the late Mwalimu Julius Nyerere.

Nyerere National Park was established in 2019 by Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA). The park occupies an area of 30,893 square kilometers inhabited by the great River Rufiji.

Nyerere National Park can be visited all year round but the best time to view animals is during the dry season between July to October when the vegetation is thinner and plenty of animals and birds can be spotted at the shores of River Rufiji since it acts as a fresh water source for wildlife in the park.

Attractions in Nyerere National Park

Nyerere National Park is a home to diverse animal species including; elephants, cape buffaloes, lions, hippos, leopards, wild dogs, zebras, the magnificent sable antelopes, giraffes, hyenas, wildebeest, gazelles and many more.

The park has a record of over 400 bird species like African fish eagle, Malachite Kingfisher, African skimmer, Bohm’s Bee-eater. The park has an abundance of Savannah grasslands and Miombo woodland.

Activities in Nyerere National Park

Game drives

Game viewing in Nyerere National Park is good throughout the year. A game drive can be done in the morning or afternoon enjoying the beautiful scenery as you observe the different animal species wander in the park and around water sources like River Rufiji. Animals like giraffes, zebras, cape buffaloes may be seen and bird species like African fish eagle.

Walking safaris

Capture amazing pictures of the scenery, bird species and animals as you get an up close encounter with Mother Nature walking through the trails in the park. This is done in the company of an experienced armed game ranger.

Cultural visit

Get an opportunity to link up with the famous indigenous Masaai people who inhabit most of the national parks in Tanzania. While visiting the Masaai community you will gain an insight on their unique customs and way of living as you interact with the local people.

Boating safaris 

This is a unique and great activity to do as you visit Nyerere National Park. The boating safari is a great way to explore the park on the river as you spot different animals like hippos swimming, crocodiles and also several other animals can be seen on the shores of River Rufiji as you sail through.

How to get to Nyerere National Park?

By Air: Scheduled flights from Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro or Arusha to one of the airstrips in Nyerere National Park.

By Road: A car drive can be taken from Dar es Salaam to Nyerere National Park with a recommended stopover at Mikumi National Park.

Accommodation facilities in Nyerere National Park

• Serena Mivumu River Lodge
• Sand Rivers
• Rufiji River Camp
• Selous Serena Camp
• Mbuyu Safari Camp
• Stiegler’s Gorge Camp