Nyerere National Park - Best Wildlife Experience in Tanzania
In which region is Nyerere National Park located? Nyerere National Park is located in the southern region of Tanzania. The park formerly known as Selous has been renamed Nyerere National Park, establishing it as the largest game reserve in Tanzania and on the African continent. The Park features numerous noteworthy wildlife that merit the lengthy journey southward, despite its lesser renown compared to other National Parks in Tanzania Northern Circuit.
What is the optimal period for wildlife observation in Nyerere National Park?
The optimal period for tourists to embark on wildlife drives in Tanzania is during the dry season. The Rufiji River and its adjacent lakes are favored locations for wildlife observation throughout the dry season, occurring from June to October. Given that this period is the most hectic of the year, reservations must be secured well ahead of time to guarantee optimal lodgings when visiting Selous.
In addition to its fauna, Nyerere National Park is home to various avian species, including the African skimmer, egrets, pink-backed pelican, purple-crested turaco, yellow-billed stork, brown-breasted barbet, white-fronted bee-eater, and Pel’s fishing owl. Every traveler on a Tanzania safari should visit Nyerere National Park for an unparalleled safari experience, as several wildlife species can be observed throughout the year.
Nyerere National Park employs armed rangers to guide safari visitors and safeguard them from wildlife; yet, the park continues to confront issues posed by the industrialization of adjacent regions, adversely affecting the fauna and avifauna. Further concerns encompass persistent poaching by both local residents and certain visitors frequenting the area, an activity that is explicitly forbidden and subject to severe penalties, including substantial fines and incarceration for offenders. The park is home to several creatures that can be observed in its various sections. Accompanied by a tour guide, guests can witness several species in Nyerere during game drives, boat safaris, and guided walks. Although these are not the only animals you may encounter during your safari in Nyerere, we have compiled a list of certain species that inhabit the National Park. Traveling from Dar es Salaam to Nyerere can be accomplished via driving, taking the rail, or flying on a chartered aircraft. Regardless of the technique selected, an informed tour guide will accompany you to guarantee your safety and maximize your experience of the park’s offerings.
Accessing Nyerere National Park via Road
Road transportation is the predominant mode of transport for visitors to Nyerere National Park during Tanzania safari tours. Driving a safari to the park offers a limited selection of possibilities, all originating from Dar es Salaam. Traverse the Ulugulu Mountains in southern Tanzania, engage with the villagers, and partake in the traditional food.
An unconventional method to appreciate the beauty is via Morogoro, from which the surrounding cities and mountain ranges are well visible. While driving, you may observe wildlife traversing the roadway. If you are integrating your safari to Nyerere with excursions to other national parks in the southern circuit, this is the optimal route to take. The expedition commences in Dar es Salaam, proceeding through the cities of Mkuyuni and Kisaki, Morogoro, before reaching the Matambwe gate, which provides access to the Game Reserve.
The alternative route commences in Dar es Salaam, traversing Mloka and Kibiti before reaching the Mtemere gate, which provides access to Nyerere National Park. This route allows access to the Reserve in around 7 hours. Self Drive Tanzania is our preferred choice for your driving excursions.
The most economical means of reaching Nyerere National Park is by train. Your journey to the Reserve will be conducted by the Tanzania Zambia Railway (TAZARA), lasting four to five hours. The rail journey will commence in Dar es Salaam and conclude in Matabwe, where you will disembark and transfer to a van for transport to Selous. The train will traverse some of the most scenic regions of southern Tanzania, encompassing mountains and several villages where one may appreciate the stunning vistas.
The most straightforward and expensive means of reaching Nyerere National Park is undoubtedly by flight. Numerous flights are now accessible to the Reserve, and securing a reservation at any of Tanzania’s airports is straightforward. Julius Nyerere International Airport is the most expedient option, while access is also available from Arusha and Zanzibar. These aircraft are capable of landing at several proximate airstrips, and a van will be prepared to transport you to the national park.
Wildlife in Nyerere National Park
Nyerere National Park, previously referred to as Selous Game Reserve, is located in the southern portion of Tanzania and is part of the Southern Circuit national parks. The Park hosts thousands of creatures, and since its inception, the diversity of wildlife species has expanded. The species enumerated below serve as an excellent foundation for your safari adventure in Nyerere National Park, Tanzania.
Puku antelope, spotted hyenas, hartebeest, antelopes, sable antelopes, topi, waterbucks, crocodiles, greater kudu, colobus monkeys, wildebeests (about 1,000 in Selous), impalas (2,500), giraffes, 35,000 zebras, African wild dogs, and hippos. The black rhinoceros is an endangered species that is exclusively located in the Selous, albeit locating one requires patience and diligence. The Big Five, including lions, are commonly observed during the dry season, with approximately 1,000 lions in Nyerere National Park pursuing their prey along the banks of the Rufiji River. Additionally, the park is home to elephants, leopards, and a substantial herd of buffalo, which are best observed during this season.
Nyerere National Park, formerly known as Selous Game Reserve, is a distinguished wildlife destination in Tanzania and one of the largest wildlife sanctuaries in Africa. The freshly inaugurated park is named after Tanzania’s first president, the late Mwalimu Julius Nyerere.
Nyerere National Park encompasses an area of 30,893 square kilometers, featuring the Great River Rufiji, which is famous for its substantial populations of hippos and rhinoceros, as well as a rich array of species, including notable predators and prey.
When is the best time Nyerere National Park
Perfect time to visit Nyerere National Park: Numerous guests intending to visit Nyerere National Park throughout a Tanzania safari inquire about the optimal time for their visit. The dry season, occurring from July to October, is the optimal period to visit Nyerere National area due to the elevated concentrations of species throughout the area. Animals generally congregate around lakes and watering holes for water.
From December to February, the park is an excellent destination because of its verdant terrain and abundant greenery. Nevertheless, the wet season in April and May provides excellent opportunities for game viewing in Nyerere National Park. February is the optimal month for birdwatching and an excellent period to observe newborn animals.
Birding in Nyerere National Park
Nyerere National Park is a sanctuary for avian enthusiasts, featuring over 440 bird species that can be watched in various habitats, including lagoons, the Rufiji River, islands, and channels. The avian species encompass mangrove kingfishers, Boehm’s bee-eater, Livingstone’s flycatcher, green-caped eremomela, yellow-bellied bulbul, white helmet shrikes, wattle-eyed flycatcher, red-throated twinspot, grey-hooded kingfisher, black cuckoo-shrike, African skimmer, red-winged warbler, spotted-flanked barbet, red-billed helmetshrike, pearl-spotted owl, palm-nut vulture, broad-billed roller, von Decken’s hornbill, 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, Dickinson’s kestrel, brown-headed parrot, and rock pranticole, among others.