Nyerere National park
Explore Nyerere National park
Nyerere National Park was established in November 2019 from a portion of the legendary Selous Game Reserve, which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982 due to the diversity of its wildlife and its undisturbed natural environment. The Nyerere National Park has grown to become Africa’s largest. The park, which spans 30,893 square kilometers, is home to one of the world’s greatest concentrations of wildlife. The variety and abundance of wildlife on this largest National Park in Africa are astounding. Visitors to this vast sanctuary will be able to see both rare and common wildlife species. The park is far less popular than its northern counterparts. This, combined with its pristine and untouched landscapes, has earned Nyerere the distinction of being one of Africa’s last remaining wildernesses.
The main wildlife viewing route follows a chain of five linked lakes fed by the Rufiji River. Hippo and crocodile abound in the Rufiji River, and the birdlife is spectacular. Lion sightings are common because the opportunistic creatures prefer to laze around the lakes, waiting for animals to come to drink. The opportunity to meet wild dogs is also one of the park’s attractions.
The park is home to the famous ‘Big Five’ as well as some rare antelope species such as Roan, Sable, Brindled Gnu, Lichtenstein hartebeest, Kudu, and others. This magnificent ecosystem, located in southern Tanzania and far from the madding crowds of the northern safari circuit, has remained virtually untouched by man. With only a few safari camps and few visitors, it is largely undiscovered and pristine, remaining the last wilderness frontier. Acacia savannah, wetlands, and extensive miombo woodlands are among the habitats found in Nyerere National Park.
NYERERE NATIONAL PARK HIGHLIGHTS:
- The largest national park in Africa, covering more than 30,000 square kilometers.
- The world’s largest flora reserve
- Unlike its northern counterparts, it is much less crowded.
- One of Africa’s last remaining wilderness areas features pristine and undeveloped landscapes.
- There are options for overnight treks that provide a genuine safari experience.
HOW TO GET TO NYERERE NATIONAL PARK
The National Park is a simple place to get to, but only if you are coming from Dar es Salaam city, as it is only a few kilometers away. It is a very long journey, especially if you are driving, to get to the park from Arusha city. You can travel to Nyerere using three different modes of transportation: air, rail, and the road.
Air transport
The best way to get to the park is by flying to Nyerere, which is also the most expensive option. It is possible to fly to Nyerere from Zanzibar, Dar es Salaam, and Arusha.
Rail transport
The most affordable method of travel to Nyerere is by rail, which will also likely provide you with beautiful views before arriving at the park. Before arriving at the Matambwe stop, you get to pass through a lot of rural villages and mountains. Since it is only a short drive from here, Nyerere National Park can be reached by car.
Road transport
The most popular method of transportation to reach Nyerere is this one. You can make stops at the various locations according to your itinerary during the 4 to 8 hours it will take you to drive to the park. Even though getting there might take some time, it will be worthwhile.
Things to do in Nyerere National park
The activities that you can do while in the park will depend on the number of animals, birds, and other wildlife that can be seen in Nyerere’s enormous park. You should look forward to doing the following while you are here, among other things:
Game drives
The best time to go on a game drive in Nyerere is during the dry season, which lasts from June to October, when most animals can be seen at the various waterholes seeking relief from the heat and food. The well-known wild dogs, buffalo, hippos, lions, giraffes, zebras, rhinos, elands, impalas, elephants, and baboons are just a few of the animals you should keep an eye out for when you arrive in Nyerere National Park. Because there aren’t many visitors to the park, the animals tend to hide from visitors, but if you have patience, you can see all of them in their natural habitat. The best times to go on a game drive in Nyerere are in the early morning before 11:00 a.m. and in the late afternoon around 3:00 p.m. since this is when the animals are not hiding from the heat.
Birding
One of the best places to go birding safari in Tanzania is Nyerere, and the best time to go is between November and April during the wet season, when migratory birds arrive in the nation. The yellow-bellied bulbul, mangrove kingfisher, black cuckoo-shrike, palm-nu vulture, red-winged warbler, African skimmer, spotted flanked barbet, and grey hooded kingfisher are just a few of the bird species to keep an eye out for.
Walking safaris
You won’t visit every part of the reserve on a walking safari through Nyerere, but you will visit some of the best locations. An armed ranger is present during a walking safari in Nyerere to ensure that no wild animals attack you. Zebras and elephants are just a couple of the animals you might see while on your walk, which is organized on a more tame side without any predatory animals. Make sure you adhere to all the instructions the guide provides you with while you are out walking.
Cultural tours
While on a Nyerere safari tour, one activity you can do is take a cultural tour of the Mwaseni. With the aid of a Select Adventure Safari tour guide, you get to spend the entire day interacting with the locals as they go about their daily lives.
Photographic safari
This is one of the top things you should do while on your Nyerere National Park safari Tour. You can do this throughout the entire year and get pictures of the birds, animals, and landscape that are found in the park.
Boat safari
One of the best ways to see the game reserve is on a boat safari. A boat ride along the River Rufiji will allow you to see aquatic creatures like hippos and crocodiles, as well as a sizable flock of birds. A boat ride in the Nyerere National Park is an experience you must not pass up.
WHEN TO VISIT SELOUS
The dry season and the wet season are the two seasons that Nyerere National Park experiences. The best time for you to visit the Selous is largely determined by the activities you can participate in during each season. The best time for a walking safari and game drives is from June to October, while the best time for anyone who wants to go birding safari is from November to April.
You should visit Nyerere during the dry season (June to October), even though you’ll be joining the crowds attracted by the clear, blue skies during this time. At this time of year, animals congregate at rivers and waterholes, and the dry bush is sparse enough to allow unobstructed views of wildlife. If you do decide to travel during the rainier months, be aware that many lodges close from March to May.
Make sure to thoroughly research the tour company you intend to use before packing your bags for a trip to Nyerere National park in order to avoid being duped. You should also inquire in advance about what to bring and what to avoid before traveling to the southern region of Tanzania.
