Introduction to Nyerere national park
Nyerere National Park in Tanzania is a renowned wildlife sanctuary/national park boasting diverse species of wildlife and expansive wilderness, the park is formerly known as Selous Game Reserve and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular destination for safari enthusiasts.
Nyerere National Park is one of the largest wildlife sanctuaries in the world and the largest in Africa covering an area of 30,893 square kilometers.
Nyerere National Park boasts the highest concentration of wildlife with numerous species including elephants, hippos, buffaloes, lions, zebras, elands, rhinos, giraffes, wildebeests, cheetahs, Nile crocodiles and over 440 bird species including African skimmer, red-winged warbler, spotted flanked barbet, red-billed helmet shrike, pearl-spotted owl, palm-nut vulture, broad-billed roller, von Decken’s hornbill, red throated twinspot, Layard’s black-headed weavers, grey Penduline, purple banded sunbird, African spoonbill, brown necked parrot, Racket-tailed roller, Thick billed cuckoo, white backed vulture, white headed lapwing, Pel’s fishing owl among others.
Why Visit Nyerere National Park
- Nyerere National Park boasts a vast wilderness and diverse wildlife in Tanzania
- Visitors to the park on a Tanzania safari can enjoy game drives, boat safaris, walking safaris, bird watching and walking safaris on which you will admire the breathtaking landscapes of the park.
- The park offers its visitors the opportunity to learn about Tanzania’s rich cultural heritage and interact with the locals
- Nyerere National Park promotes sustainable tourism, this ensures the conservation of its natural resources and supports local economic development.
- Visiting Nyerere National Park provides a once – in a life time opportunity to witness the spectacular natural beauty and wildlife of Tanzania up close.
Getting to Nyerere National Park
By Road
Nyerere National Park can be reached by road from Dar es Salaam, the journey from Dar es Salaam takes around 230 kilometers on a drive of 5 hours’ drive.
By Air
There are daily scheduled flights from Dar es Salaam to Nyerere National Park, the park is served by numerous airstrips including Mtemere airstrip, Matambwe airstrip, Sumbazi airstrip, Kiba airstrip, Beho beho airstrip, Siwandu airstrip, Siwandu Airstrip and Steigler’s Gorge Airstrip
Best Time to Visit Nyerere National Park
The best time to visit Nyerere National Park is during the dry season that is from June to October, in these times of the year wildlife is easier to spot as there are fewer water sources. The animals are easily seen congregating at the Rufiji River which is the major and permanent water source in the park.
However, the wet season from November to May offers lush greenery and excellent bird watching opportunities migratory bird species arrive to join resident species. Also, there are fewer crowds but game drives can be a bit challenging.
Weather summary in Nyerere National Park
| Season | Months of the year |
| Green Season | January, February and March |
| Dry Season | June, July, August, September and October |
| Long Rain Season | April and May |
| Short Rain Season | November and December |
Things to do in Nyerere National Park
Boat Safari
Boat Safari in Nyerere National Park is done on various canals, lakes and the Rifiji River found in the park, this activity offers a good chance to see hippos, crocodiles and other animals such as elephants and buffaloes which come to drink water.
You will also see many birds around 40 different species including yellow-billed storks, kingfishers, lapwings and colorful bee-eaters.
Boat safari takes about two hours and can be done in the morning or in the afternoon, however the afternoon cruise offers greater chance of seeing crocodiles because the temperatures are higher, also take advantage of sailing during sunset.
Cultural Tours
Cultural Tours in Nyerere National Park are done in Mloka a nearby village which is in a short driver down river from Selous River Camp,
the cultural experience is a very personal experience on which you will meet the locals, learn about their daily lives and visit places such as primary schools, markets and the police station.
Game drives
Game viewing safaris in Nyerere National Park are the best way to explore the park’s plains and spot many animals as well, game drives are offered as morning, afternoon and evening game drives done in private safari vehicles.
The popular game drive area in Nyerere National Park is the Rufiji River which runs through the middle of the park and forms five lakes, the park offers excellent game viewing opportunities and some of the animals to lookout for including large populations of giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, elephants, African wild dogs and the scenic vast wilderness of the park.
Bird watching
Nyerere National Park is a paradise for bird watching experiences, the park is home to a huge bird list of over 400 species which you will encounter on a guided tour through the park’s various areas led by a ranger guide.
Some of the birds to lookout for include African skimmer, red-winged warbler, spotted flanked barbet, red-billed helmetshrike, pearl-spotted owl, palm-nut vulture, broad-billed roller, von Decken’s hornbill, red throated twinspot, Layard’s black-headed weavers, grey Penduline, purple banded sunbird, African spoonbill, brown necked parrot, Racket-tailed roller, Thick billed cuckoo, white backed vulture, white headed lapwing, Pel’s fishing owl among others.
Walking safari
Walking safaris in Nyerere National Park offer a unique way to explore the African wilderness on foot, all walking safaris are led by two qualified safari guides who are armed to protect you in case of any unexpectedly close encounters with wildlife.
Walking safaris in Nyerere National Park are usually done in the early morning to avoid the heat, your guides will show you animal tracks and droppings, draw your attention to wildlife calls and introduce you to various plants, reptiles and insects that you would miss on a game drive.
Fly Camping
In Nyerere National Park it is possible to spend a night under the stars in private from the lodge, on this experience you will experience the night life in the African wilderness and its animals.
You can here the lions roar in the night. With a cracking open fire, you will enjoy drinks on ice, shower under a hanging bucket of warm water and a delicious three course diner served under the stars. You will sleep comfortably surrounded by the sounds of nature.
Wildlife in Nyerere National Park
Nyerere National Park hosts a huge population of wildlife with a variety of species including giraffes, wild dog, cheetahs, impalas, African elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, hippo, crocodile, giraffe among others.
Birds in Nyerere National Park
Nyerere National Park is home to over 440 bird species making the most ideal birding destination in Tanzania, some of the birds found in the park include Red-eyed Dove, Ring-necked Dove, Emerald-spotted Wood-Dove, Gray Go-away-bird, White-browed Coucal, African Palm Swift, Water Thick-knee, Three-banded Plover, Saddle-billed Stork, Hamerkop, Hadada Ibis, White-backed Vulture, Bateleur, African Fish-Eagle, Pied Kingfisher, Little Bee-eater, Lilac-breasted Roller, Brubru, Fork-tailed Drongo, Long-tailed Fiscal, Tawny-flanked Prinia, Coastal Cisticola, Wire-tailed Swallow, Lesser Striped Swallow, Common Bulbul, Yellow-billed Oxpecker, Lesser Blue-eared Starling, Greater Blue-eared Starling, White-browed Sparrow-Weaver, Village Weaver, Red-billed Quelea, Zanzibar Red Bishop, Eastern Paradise-Whydah, Village Indigobird, Namaqua Dove and Black-winged Stilt among others.
Landscape in Nyerere National Park
The landscape of Nyerere National Park comprises of rivers and lakes, wetlands, grasslands and savannah and woodland.
- The wetlands in the park are home to many bird species
- The grasslands and woodlands provide a unique habitat for various bird species and primates.
- The hills and mountains are home to several endemic bird species and primate species, the Uluguru Mountains are popular are popular among hikers and boast stunning views of the park.
- Rivers and Lakes – provide a unique habitat for aquatic wildlife of Nyerere National Park including hippos and crocodiles. The Rufiji River is a popular spot for boat safaris.
Frequently asked questions about Nyerere National Park
How big is Nyerere National Park?
Nyerere National Park covers an area of approximately 30,893 square kilometers, this makes it one of the largest national parks in Tanzania.
The park is a vast wilderness area with diverse landscapes such as grassy plains, wetlands, miombo woodlands, riverine forests and sand rivers.
What is the history behind the park’s name?
The park is named after Julius Nyerere the first president of Tanzania, he played a key role in the country’s independence movement and was known for his conservation efforts.
Julius Nyerere was a prominent African statesman who led Tanganyika which later became Tanzania to her independence from the British colonial rule in 1961. After independence, Nyerere implemented policies promoting social justice, economic development and environment conservation.
Are there any cultural sites or activities within the park?
Nyerere National Park contains several important historical and cultural sites including graves of German soldiers who fought in World War I and the ruins of Swahili trading towns. Visitors to Nyerere National Park can participate in cultural tours led by local communities.
Area walking safaris possible in Nyerere National Park
Guided walking safaris are available in Nyerere National Park allowing visitors to explore the wilderness on foot and get closer to nature and wildlife as well, the walking safaris are typically led by experienced and certified guided knowledgeable by the park’s flora and fauna.
During the walking safari, expect to encounter various wildlife such as elephants, giraffes, antelopes, birds, reptiles and insects.
Are there accommodations within the park?
There are several accommodations within Nyerere National Park categorized as budget, midrange and luxury. These accommodations include lodges, tented camps and campsites and they include
