Nyerere National Park, formerly known as Selous Game Reserve, is Tanzania’s crown jewel, spanning a whopping 50,000km2. This protected area has a rich history, dating back to 1896 when it was a patchwork of national parks. In 1905, it was transformed into a hunting reserve, where adventure-seekers could test their mettle. The park was later named after Fredrick Nyerere, a British explorer who bit the dust during World War I. After his demise, the British colonialists stitched together the surrounding game reserves to form the current Nyerere National Park.
This hidden gem is one of Tanzania’s best-kept secrets, flying under the radar of mass tourism. Visitors can enjoy the Big Five without the crowds, making it a real treat. The park is a melting pot of vegetation, boasting the famous Miombo woodland, an array of wildlife, and over 400 bird species, all in their natural habitats.
Nyerere National Park offers a unique experience, allowing visitors to explore its depths by both game drive and boat ride. While safety is paramount, visitors can rest easy knowing that the park is a safe haven for safaris, as long as they toe the line and follow the tour guide’s instructions. With the freedom to spend as many days as desired, visitors can tailor their adventure to suit their whims and fancies, and even combine it with other destinations in Tanzania.
What to do in Nyerere National Park
Located in the southern circuit of Tanzania, Nyerere National Park is a treasure trove of wildlife, birdlife, and breathtaking landscapes. This vast wilderness area, formerly known as Selous Game Reserve, offers an unparalleled safari experience that’s off the beaten path.
Birding Safari
Birding safari in Nyerere National Park is one of the most interesting activity that would miss while on a Tanzanian safari. The park hosts over 400 bird species that await you on arrival. With an experienced tour guide by your side, explore the park’s diverse habitats, including lagoons, the Rufiji River, swamps, and vegetation. Keep your eyes peeled for palm-nut vultures, African fish skimmers, pink-backed pelicans, yellow-billed storks, African fish eagles, white-crowned spur-winged plovers, hornbills, and white-fronted bee-eaters, among others. The wet season, spanning from November to April, is the ideal time for a birding safari. The wet season is also perfect for breeding and its when majority of the migratory birds can be spotted.
Nyerere Game Drives
Game drives in Nyerere National Park are one of the most anticipated adventure. Despite being less crowded than its northern counterparts, Nyerere boasts an impressive array of wildlife, including wild dogs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, black rhinos, hippos, buffalos, kudus, hyenas, impalas, and waterbucks. Your game drive will be led by an experienced tour guide, and you’ll ride in an open-roof van for unobstructed views. The dry season, from June to October, is the best time for game drives, with optimal viewing times in the morning and late afternoon. The dry seasons also tend to congregate around waterbodies making it easier to spot.
Nyerere Boat Ride
Nyerere National Park offers a unique opportunity to explore its wilderness by boat. Cruise along the Rufiji River and its smaller channels, taking in the stunning scenery and spotting wildlife and birds. Ensure you wear life jackets and follow your tour guide’s instructions for a safe and enjoyable experience.
Fishing Safari
Cast your line and reel in the excitement on a fishing safari in Nyerere National Park. The Rufiji River and its smaller channels offer excellent fishing spots, with a variety of fish species to catch. Practice catch-and-release fishing, and your tour guide will provide expert guidance and equipment. Relax and unwind in the serene surroundings, making your fishing safari an unforgettable experience.
Walking Safari
Another to enjoy the adventure in Nyerere National Park is by a walking safari in the Park, exploring the offbeat tracks where wildlife roams free. Guided by an experienced tour guide and accompanied by an armed ranger, you’ll venture into the heart of the wilderness. The dry season, from June to October, is the best time for walking safaris, with comfortable temperatures in the morning and late afternoon. Get up close and personal with elephants, hippos, and zebras, among other wildlife.
Hot Air Balloon Rides
Experience the thrill of a hot air balloon ride over Nyerere National Park, offering a unique perspective on the wilderness. As the sun rises, soar above the treetops, taking in the breathtaking scenery, spotting wildlife, and marveling at the sunrise. This unforgettable experience is available in only two Tanzanian national parks: Serengeti and Nyerere.
Photo Safaris
Indulge in a photo safari in Nyerere National Park’s northern region, where the scenery and wildlife are a photographer’s paradise. With your cameras at the ready, capture the majesty of the animals, the beauty of the landscapes, and the vibrant colors of the birdlife. Your tour guide will expertly navigate the terrain, ensuring you get the perfect shot.
Best Time to Visit Nyerere National Park
Nyerere National Park is a year-round destination, but the optimal time to explore its vast wilderness is during the dry season, which spans from June to October. This period is characterized by minimal rainfall, forcing the wildlife to migrate from their natural habitats in search of sustenance and water.
As the dry season intensifies, the animals congregate around the Rufiji River, the lifeblood of the park, offering unparalleled wildlife viewing opportunities. The river’s banks and surrounding areas become a hub of activity, with an array of species, including elephants, lions, leopards, and antelopes, gathering to quench their thirst and satisfy their hunger.
Getting to Nyerere National Park
Nyerere National Park, formerly known as Selous Game Reserve, is a vast and remote wilderness area in southern Tanzania. Despite its secluded location, the park is accessible via three primary modes of transportation: road, air, and railway.
By Road
Traveling by road is a popular option, offering a more flexible and customizable experience. The journey begins in Dar es Salaam, winding its way through Mikumi National Park before reaching the Matambwe gate, the main entrance to Nyerere National Park. The approximately 7-hour drive covers a distance of around 200 miles (320 km), passing through a diverse range of landscapes, from coastal plains to wooded hills.
By Air
Alternatively, for those short on time or seeking a more luxurious experience, flying is the most convenient option. Domestic flights from Dar es Salaam or Arusha connect to several airstrips within the park, including Mtemere Airstrip, Matambwe Airstrip, Sumbazi Airstrip, Kiba Airstrip, Beho Beho Airstrip, Siwandu Airstrip and Steigler’s Gorge Airstrip.
These flights offer breathtaking views of the Tanzanian countryside and the park’s vast wilderness. Upon arrival, visitors can connect with their safari operator or lodge for onward transportation.
By Railway
For those seeking an economical and leisurely journey, the railway is an excellent choice. The Tanzania Zambia Railway (TAZARA) connects Dar es Salaam to Nyerere National Park. With a travel time of approximately 4 to 5 hours. The scenic route passes through the picturesque countryside, offering glimpses of rural Tanzanian life. A stopover at Matabwe breaks the journey, allowing passengers to stretch their legs and take in the surroundings.
Where to Stay in Nyerere National Park
Nyerere National Park, Tanzania’s largest wildlife safari reserve, offers a diverse range of accommodations to suit every traveler’s needs and budget. From luxury lodges to mid-range tented camps and budget-friendly campsites, the park has something for everyone.
Luxury Lodges include; Mivumo River Lodge, Serena Tented Camp, Roho Ya Selous, Beho Beho Tented Camp, Azura Tented Camp
Mid-Range Options include; Selous Tented Camp
Campsites; Public Campsites and Private Campsites