Things to Do in Nyerere National Park, which is situated in northeast Tanzania, is bordered by Mikumi National Park to the northwest and Udzungwa Mountains National Park to the west and is approximately 230 km from Dar es Salaam. The park is formerly known as Selous Game Reserve, which was upgraded to national park status in November 2019.
The park is one of the most beautiful areas in the ecosystem of Selous Game Reserve, spanning the Rufiji River basin in southeastern Tanzania. The park covers an area of about 30,893 square km and is known as one of the largest national parks in Africa. The Nyerere National Park is one of the least visited places in Tanzania, and this makes it the perfect place for tourists who want to enjoy the Big Five without the large crowd.
The park is home to the largest populations of mammals and reptiles in Africa, including buffaloes, elephants, hippos and crocodiles, and in fact, the national park is considered to be home to the last stronghold of endangered African wild dogs. Other common wildlife includes the wildebeest, zebra, giraffe, eland, greater kudu, sable antelope, black rhino, waterbuck, impala, lion, leopard, spotted hyena, cheetah, baboon, and vervet, as well as the blue monkey and black and white colobus monkeys, which can be viewed in riverine forests.
Nyerere National Park is a wonderful destination no matter when you go. However, if you’re hoping to see wildlife, the dry season from June to October is the ideal time. During these months, animals are more visible because they tend to stay away from dense vegetation. One of the highlights of visiting at this time is witnessing animals congregating around waterholes, which creates a spectacular scene. During the wet season from November to May, you’ll be treated to a lush green landscape that’s perfect for spotting a variety of migratory birds in abundance.
Unique activities done in Nyerere National Park
Game drives
Game drives are one of the highlights of a safari in Nyerere Park, even if this park is often overlooked compared to the more famous ones in the northern circuit. The park is rich in wildlife, making it an exciting spot for animal watching right from your vehicle.
Game drives at Nyerere National Park in this stunning park are conducted on a comfortable open-roof 4×4 safari vehicle for easy viewing of the animals, plus an expert tour guide to take you around the park. This safari lasts 2 to 3 hours per drive and is conducted at scheduled times, morning and afternoon. With morning drives usually scheduled from 6.30 am to 9 am, afternoon timings are 3.30 pm to 6.30 pm.
The park also offers a full-day game drive for tourists who wish to spend the entire day in the wilderness; this Tanzania safari normally runs from 10 am to 4 pm. This safari will include a packed picnic lunch to be had inside the National Park at a designated picnic spot during lunch hours, anytime from 12.30 pm to 2.30 pm.
During your game drive, you’ll have a chance to see fascinating creatures like wild dogs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, black rhinos, hippos, buffaloes, kudus, hyenas, impalas, and waterbucks. Each moment spent on these drives offers a chance to connect with nature and witness the incredible animals that call this vast wilderness home.
Birding safari
Nyerere National Park is a fantastic spot for birdwatching, offering a home to more than 400 different bird species. These birds thrive in various natural settings found throughout the park, such as lagoons, the Rufiji River, swamps, and diverse plants. During your birding safari, you’ll be led by an experienced bird guide who will offer you the sights of different bird species and their characteristics.
Some of the bird species you may sight here include the African fish eagle and the black-winged stilt. Common collared palm-thrush, spur-winged lapwing, white-fronted bee-eater, white-headed lapwing, white-fronted plover, white-fronted bee-eater, white-backed vulture, white-backed night heron, trumpeter hornbill, thick-billed cuckoo, racket-tailed roller, purple-crested turaco and African skimmer, among others.
Birding safaris in Nyerere National Park can be done during the wet season, which runs from November to April. This is the best time to see the resident birds’ nests and display their colourful breeding plumage.
Walking safari
Nyerere National Park is a fantastic spot for a walking safari. These unique adventures take place along quieter paths where there are fewer dangerous animals. It is normally organised during the morning hours and late afternoon to avoid the strongest heat of the day. This is when the temperatures are more pleasant for walking.
You will be given some guidelines by the tour guide that you should follow so that you keep safe, although an armed ranger will also provide you with security during the activity. While on these nature walks, you can get a closer look at the wildlife and the beautiful surroundings. Accompanied by a skilled ranger and knowledgeable guides, you might encounter elephants, hippos, zebras, and other fascinating animals. It’s an incredible way to connect with nature and experience the park up close.
Hot air balloon rides
Hot air balloon rides in Nyerere National Park present an amazing opportunity to see the park and its wildlife from the sky. This park, along with Serengeti National Park, is one of the few places in Tanzania where you can take a hot air balloon ride. These balloon safaris usually begin early in the morning.
The hot air balloon ride is carried out very early in the morning, and you get to see large herds of elephants, lions lounging in the sun, various birds flying around, the landscape, and the sunrise from above. It’s a unique way to experience the beauty of nature from a whole new perspective.
Sport fishing safari
Going on a sport fishing safari in Nyerere National Park is a fantastic way to unwind while enjoying the beauty of Tanzania. Most of the fishing safaris in the park take place along the Rufiji River, but it can also be done on the smaller channels and swamps found within the park.
During your fishing safari, you will have the opportunity to catch fish species such as tiger fish and catfish. While embarking on a fishing safari in this river, you will be provided with fishing equipment, including your fishing rod, bait, and life jacket, to start your fishing expedition in the park.
Boat ride
Taking a boat ride in Nyerere National Park is one of the most enjoyable ways to see the wildlife in this beautiful area. Boat rides in this park are done along the river Rufiji and other smaller channels. During your boat ride, you’ll have the astonishing view of the animals and birds, including elephants, buffalo, and antelopes, among others, as they drink water.
Where to stay during your safari in Nyerere National Park
Nyerere National Park has affordable accommodations that cater for a large group of individuals. The accommodation facilities range from budget to mid-range to luxury levels. Some of these include Selous Serena Camp, Serena Mivumo River Lodge, Rufiji River Camp, Selous River Camp, Beho Beho Camp, Kiba Point Selous, Siwandu Camp, Lake Manze Camp, Selous Impala Camp, Sable Mountain Lodge, Selous Kulinda Camp and Ol Moran Camp, among others.
Conclusion
Nyerere National Park is one such place which can charm every type of traveller with its large landscapes, varied animals, and different cultural experiences. Apart from exciting game drives, which enable you to witness elephants, lions, and hippos closely, you can also go for a quiet boat safari on the winding rivers. The park is full of nature safaris, and one can also take the walking safari and the birdwatching safaris. Local community interactions are also there to give you an additional cultural layer. Nyerere National Park, with its mixture of adventure, rest, and study to have a deepened understanding of this great natural earth, allows every visitor to go away with a brand-new experience and appreciation of the great Tanzanian nature.
