Visit Nyerere National Park
Visit Nyerere National Park
Nyerere National Park is located in northeast Tanzania, bordered by Mikumi National Park to the northwest, Udzungwa Mountains National Park to the west and approximately 230km 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 WILDLIFE OF NYERERE NATIONAL PARK
The wildlife species that can be spotted in the park are some of the largest populations of mammals and reptiles in Africa, including buffaloes, elephants, hippos, crocodiles and in fact the National Park is considered to be home of the last stronghold of endangered African wild dogs. Other common wildlife includes the wildebeest, zebra, giraffe, eland, the greater kudu, sable antelopes, black rhino, waterbuck, impala, lion, leopard, spotted hyena, cheetah, baboon, vervet, as well as the blue monkey, black and white colobus monkeys which can be viewed in riverine forests.
TOURIST ACTIVITIES IN NYERERE NATIONAL PARK
Boating Activity
Nyerere is one of the few National Parks within the country that can be explored by boat. Although there are some smaller channels, the river Rufiji is the main path that you will take while boat riding. A boat ride along the river Rufiji will take you around the park with a clear view of the animals and birds.
Birding Activity
Birding safari to Nyerere National Park is one of the most interesting activities in the park. The park has over 400 bird species that can be found in their different natural habitats which are lagoons, rivers, swamps, and the vegetation that are found in the park. An experienced tour guide who can identify the bird species will be assigned to you throughout the birding safari. Some of the bird species that you can spot are; palm-nut vultures, African fish skimmers, pink-backed pelicans, yellow-billed storks, African fish eagles, white-crowned spur-winged plovers, hornbills, and the white-fronted bee-eater among others. The best time for a birding safari in Nyerere is during the wet season which is between November to May.
Game driving activity
The park is the largest reserve in Africa and even though it is not as popular compared to other parks in the northern circuit, it has a large number of animals that can be seen during the game drive. You will be provided with 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. Some of the animals that are found in the park include; wild dogs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, black rhinos, hippos, buffalos, kudus, hyenas, impalas, waterbucks, and among others.
Walking safari activity
A walking safari through Nyerere is organized on offbeat tracks where most of the animals that are considered to be dangerous are not found. It is normally organized during the morning hours and late afternoon to avoid the strongest heat of the day. 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 security during the activity.
Fishing activities
Fishing in the park is a perfect way to relax while on a safari. Fishing is mostly carried out at the Rufiji River although you can also go to the smaller channels and swamps within the National Park. You will be provided with fishing equipment with your fishing rod, bait, and life jacket, to start your fishing expedition in the park.
Hot air balloon ride activities
You can also engage in a hot air balloon ride while in Nyerere and get to see animals from a different point of view. The hot air balloon ride is carried out very early in the morning and you get to see the animals, birds, landscape, and the sunrise from above.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Nyerere National Park is good to visit throughout the year. However, the dry season (June to October) offers the best view of wildlife since the wild animals don’t hide in the thick bushes. In fact, animals gathering around waterholes to drink water in the dry season is one of the most awesome views visitors can enjoy. During the wet season (November to May) the view of nature is covered with green and lush and best for viewing the migratory birds in abundance.
Nyerere National Park is one of the best parks to visit when planning your trip to Tanzania. It can be combined with other national parks in the northern circuit like Serengeti National Park, and Ngorongoro Conservation area or even in combination with Zanzibar. Contact us to get assistance from the experienced travel experts at Enclose Africa Safaris.
