History of Nyerere National Park

History of Nyerere National Park, Nyerere National Park, previously referred to as the Selous Game Reserve, is situated in the southern region of Tanzania, distant from the frenetic northern circuit.

In 1888, the inaugural formal environmental legislation was enacted in German East Africa, mandating the creation of designated wildlife reserves, the implementation of hunting quotas, and the enforcement of stronger regulations for the hunting of particular species. In 1896, the inaugural protected areas were established—one to the west of Mount Kilimanjaro and the other near the Rufiji River in southern Tanzania.

Frederick Courtenay Selous

Frederick Courtenay Selous was a British adventurer, hunter, conservationist, and military commander. He dedicated numerous years to the African continent, pursuing medium and big mammal species from South Africa to South Sudan. Specimens were gathered for his private collection and public museums, chiefly the Natural History Museum in London, which has over 500 mammals, all hunted by him. He contributed about 5,000 specimens of flora and fauna to the museum. His passion for big game hunting led him to acknowledge the substantial decline of wildlife in Africa due to European hunters. This realization prompted him to push for the establishment of game reserves, the preservation of wildlife populations, and the conservation of natural habitats. His influence, along with that of other prominent big game hunters who supported his cause, resulted in the enactment of formal legislation across much of Africa in the 1880s.

In 1917, amidst World War One hostilities in German East Africa, Selous was fatally shot by a German sniper on the banks of the Rufiji River. In 1919, Tanzania was granted independence from Britain, and in 1922, the reserve where he perished was renamed the Selous Game Reserve in recognition of his impact and contributions to the establishment of game reserves in Africa.

Throughout the years, the dimensions and configuration of the Selous Game Reserve evolved and enlarged, attaining its maximum extent in the 1940s, encompassing over 50,000 km²—surpassing the area of The Netherlands. Until recently, a limited section in the northern part of the reserve was designated for photographic tourists, whilst the majority of the reserve was partitioned into hunting units.

 

Change of name

In 2019, the Government of Tanzania established a new national park by reallocating land from the Selous Game Reserve, delineating new boundaries and designating approximately 31,000 km² for photographic tourism under the jurisdiction of the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA). The newly established park was designated Nyerere National Park, in tribute to Julius Nyerere, the inaugural President of Tanzania. Nyerere was highly esteemed as an anti-colonialist and played a pivotal role in securing Tanzania’s independence from Britain in 1961. In Tanzania, Nyerere’s memory is revered, and he is frequently referred to as “The Father of the Nation.” The transition of management to TANAPA will enhance on-site efforts to combat poaching, expand tourism offerings across the park, and facilitate the professional administration of the overall tourism experience.

Currently, Nyerere National Park presents a remarkable variety of animals, including robust populations of elephants and large herds of buffalo numbering in the hundreds. The population of apex predators comprises numerous lion prides, substantial leopard populations, and rival clans of hyenas. Groups of African wild dogs traverse the expansive grasslands, hunting the plentiful antelope and gazelle. Waterways and lake systems are abundant in tigerfish, crocodiles, and hippopotamuses, while the diverse biomes support a multitude of avian species exceeding 400.

Roho ya Selous, signifying the “heart” or “soul” of the Selous, is strategically located in a premier game viewing area. The waterways surrounding the lakes of Nzerakera and Manze sustain diverse wildlife year-round due to a consistent water supply, while the lakes provide an exhilarating alternative to terrestrial activities such as walking safaris and game drives through boating safaris and catch-and-release fishing.

The establishment of the new national park has exhilarating tourism prospects, as extensive areas of land await exploration. A safari location previously celebrated for its diverse landscapes and activities now provides unparalleled exclusivity amid one of East Africa’s premier animal habitats.