Nyerere National Park

Less Traveled Paths!

Nyerere National Park is Tanzania’s best-preserved safari destination. The park is a sanctuary for diverse wildlife and ecosystems home to some of the most sought-after safari animals. Nyerere National Park is Tanzania’s largest protected area, covering 30,893 square kilometers. It stretches from eastern to southern Tanzania, covering part of the Ruvuma, Morogoro, Lindi, and Pwani regions.

This large size makes it ideal for exclusive adventures with high chances of wildlife Discovery. It was formally Selous Game Reserve and later upgraded to a national park status because of its wildlife diversity and numbers.

Nyerere National Park’s ecosystem covers large tracts of the Miombo woodland, open savannas, and wetlands. These ecosystems are continually managed sustainably for the park to retain its eco-friendly status.

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Discovery Journeys To Nyerere National Park

5 days3

5-Day Southern Tanzania Safari

Nyerere National Park

$2000

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5 days2

5-Day Tanzania Fishing Safari

Nyerere National Park

$2000

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10 days2

10-Day Southern Tanzania Safari

Nyerere National Park

$2000

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Wildlife in Nyerere National Park

Nyerere National Park has several wildlife species, including four Big Five Mammals. Elephants and buffaloes occur in large numbers and are often seen grazing over the open savannas. Giraffes, hippos, zebras, hyenas, and wildebeests are also commonly seen.

Leopards are solitary and rarely seen. A leopard sighting in a pristine ecosystem like Nyerere is rewarding. Nyerere National Park is a wild dog stronghold and the best place to see them. Wild dogs are among the deadliest canines and are often seen patrolling the Nyerere wilderness.

The park has several antelope species, including waterbucks, elands, sable antelopes, and greater kudus.

Nyerere National Park is an excellent birding safari destination. The Rufiji River banks, lagoons, and islands are a great place to see notable birds in the park.

Activities to do in Nyerere National Park

Game Drives

The rich wildlife diversity of Nyerere National Park is best explored on game drives. The park has several game drive trails, given its vast size, with a guarantee of a different wildlife sighting. Nyerere National Park game drives are impressive as you journey with safari animals, especially elephants, the land’s largest mammals.

Predator sightings are also incredible, with a chance of witnessing a hunt. Night game drives can be arranged and best to explore the nocturnal wildlife species.

Nature Walks

Guided nature walks are recommended to explore the park’s ecosystem. Nature walks are done following the different trails, paying attention to small wildlife species, including plants and insects. Well-experienced armed ranger guides oversee these walks, sharing their first-hand experiences.

Boat Safaris

Boat cruises are the best way to explore the Rufiji River wildlife and ecosystem. It is a permanent water area in the park where animals gather on a hot day. The river is also a great place to see semi-aquatic animals, including hippos and crocodiles.

Birding

Nyerere National Park is home to over 400 bird species. This makes it an incredible birding safari destination for viewing different birds. African fish Eagles, Spur-winged lapwings, Africa skimmers, and the thick-billed cuckoo are notable birds you can see while in the park.

Fly-camping

Fly camping is an adventurous way to explore Nyerere National Park’s wild ecosystem. It is done exclusively in mobile camps strategically situated in exquisite locations ideal for wildlife viewing. Fly camping is done at night, and is among the best ways to explore the park’s nocturnal wildlife.

Cultural Visits

These are ideal for exploring the different communities around the Park. Cultural tours offer insight into the local people’s ways of life and cultural values. The local communities make handcrafts that you can take home as souvenirs.

Where to stay

Nyerere National Park has several lodging options evenly distributed in the different sectors. Selous Impala Camp is situated on the banks of the Rufiji River, offering incredible views of the river and surrounding environment. The camp’s luxurious tents are spacious, with a viewing deck. Selous Impala Camp offers fly camping in different locations in the park.

Sand Rivers Nyerere is a luxurious safari camp with Five open-fronted cottages and three hillside suites with private plunge pools. Each cottage is raised on a high concrete, spacious, and airy. The lodge’s location by the Rufigi River gives it an advantage in wildlife viewing. It is open from June to November which doubles as the dry season and the best time for wildlife viewing in Nyerere.

Beho Beho, Siwandu Camp, and Lake Manze Camp are other notable safari lodges you can opt for.

Getting There

Nyerere National Park can be accessed by road and air transfer. It takes a 5-hour drive from Dar es Salaam to Mtemere Gate. The road goes through the Tanzania countryside, which has impressive views of the scenery.

You can access the northern sector by charter or scheduled flights by Coastal Aviation, Auric Air, ZanAir, and Safari Air link.

Best time to Visit

Wildlife viewing in Nyerere National Park is best experienced during the dry season from June to October. Animals gather at water holes and are, therefore, easily spotted.

Nyerere National Park is best explored along with Ruaha and Mikumi National Parks in the best of southern Tanzania Discovery Journeys.