WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT VISITING NYERERE NATIONAL PARK

Nyerere National Park / Image: @aronmarinelli

The vast Nyerere National Park (originally known as the Selous Game Reserve) is one of the newest and best safari parks in Tanzania. Not only is it among the largest in the country, but it's also one of the most expansive on the planet, spanning across a whopping 30,000 square kilometers.

Somewhat of an up-and-coming safari hotspot, Nyerere National Park receives a fraction of the visitors of the Serengeti or Ngorongoro Crater. The park's solitary location affords safari-goers an incredibly authentic animal-spotting experience with an abundance of wildlife including lions, hippos, rhinos and an array of other wild species.

If you are thinking of visiting this rusticly charming national park, you’ve made a wonderful choice and we are here to provide you with a guide that will cover everything you need to know about visiting Nyerere National Park so you are completely prepared before you enter. Throughout this informative article, we'll tell you exactly what you need to know about Nyerere National Park, including all about this magnificent park itself, from the animals who reside in it, how to get to the park, the entry fees, best time to visit, why the Rufiji River is worth visiting, the fascinating history of the park, why nature and bush walks are highly recommended and so much more. Let's get started….

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Nyerere National Park / Image: @nichiyoshi

WITHIN THIS GUIDE

Where Is Nyerere National Park?

Nyerere National Park lies in south eastern Tanzania, located in the Liwale District. The park covers 30,000 square kilometers in size, which is twice the size of the Serengeti as well as around the same size of Belgium in Europe. It's Africa's biggest national park as well as one of the largest in the entire world.

Nyerere National Park was cut away from the historical Selous Game Reserve. It is known for its vast and untamed landscapes. The great thing about Nyerere National Park is that it isn't located on the popularly trodden ‘Northern Circuit’ so it's much less visited by tourists which makes the park a little more naturally free in appearance. Many regions of the park haven't been touched by humans whatsoever, allowing for a beautifully untouched environment. The biodiversity as well as the pure natural beauty throughout these untouched spaces offers visitors a truly unique experience.

Nyerere is also popularly known for its healthy concentration of wildlife that roam the park. You can find all of the Big Five here as well as a wonderful array of other varied wildlife too.

The closest airport to Nyerere National Park is Dar es Salaam. The park lies around 230 kilometers south of the city, which is a great place to fly into to start your safari in Tanzania. Due to its location, Nyerere National Park makes up part of the lesser known ‘Southern Tanzania safari circuit’, along with nearby parks like Mikumi and Ruaha.

History of Selous / Nyerere National Park

The history of Selous / Nyerere National Park is rather a lengthy tale but one that’s earnt a poignant marker in Tanzania’s rich history. Selous Game Reserve, now called Nyerere National Park is located in the wilderness of southern Tanzania distantly flung from the famous northern circuit that tourists flock to explore. Selous is a lesser known game reserve compared to its fellow parks situated in Tanzania’s north. It is far less traveled making it an explorer's delight. Its wild, rough and ready untouched landscapes make it a unique park in its own right.

In the 1880’s Selous Game Reserve was proudly named after British explorer - Frederick Courtney Selous. Frederick, who was also a keen hunter, conservationist and military officer, gained this honor through many achievements he accomplished throughout his life. Aside from having a keen interest and passion for conservation, Selous loved hunting large mammals. He traveled to many different parts of Africa to hunt big game. The extensive number of animals he had hunted, led him to donate many species to museums, including notable contributions to The Natural History Museum in London.

Hunting was also a keen sport loved by many Europeans, however Selous witnessed wild animal numbers decline rapidly because of this and took action against European hunters who were traveling to Africa in order to hunt big game. This campaign drove Selous to fight for established game reserves to preserve wildlife numbers as well as conserving natural environments.

Selous was tragically shot in 1917 on the banks of the Rufiji River by a German sniper throughout World War One. Succeeding the war, Tanzania was placed under British administration in 1919 and the Game Reserve was named after Selous in tribute of his extensive contributions to wildlife as well as natural environments.

Fast forward to 2019, the Tanzanian Government decided to create a new national park, which involved taking land away from Selous Game Reserve for photographic tourism. The new park was named after the first president of Tanzania - Julius Nyerere, which is why the park is now called Nyerere National Park. Nyerere, fondly known as ‘the father of the nation’ is well loved by the Tanzanian people and the national park stands proudly as a beacon of anti-poaching as well as providing a more sustainable and rich experience for traveling visitors worldwide.

Nyerere National Park is known for its rough and ready landscapes and this image sums it up pretty well. Dare to safari off the beaten track? Then Nyerere could be for you! / Image: @aronmarinelli

How to Get to Nyerere National Park

Despite its status as one of the more off-the-beaten-path safari destinations, Nyerere National Park is much more accessible than you might expect.

The best way to start your journey is by flying into Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam, and from there, you can choose to travel to Nyerere National Park by air or by land.

Unsurprisingly, taking a flight is the quickest and most convenient option. There are a number of different airstrips scattered throughout the park, each is around a one-hour flight from Julius Nyerere International Airport. Some airlines that operate these routes include Auric Air, Safari Air Link, Coastal Aviation, and Regional Air. Here is more information on the parks airstrips.

Those of you craving a more adventurous experience can make the road trip from Dar es Salaam to Nyerere National Park, which typically takes five to seven hours depending on which gate you use to access the park. The most popular of these is Mtemere Gate, which follows a direct but rather bumpy road.

Remember that road conditions are particularly poor during the rainy season, including April and May, so be mindful that you may not be able to travel by road during this time.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Nyerere National Park?

The best time to visit Nyerere National Park is between June and October. These are the year's drier months and you’ll find many animals gathering around the lakes and rivers during this time for fresh water. Temperatures are pleasant, sunshine is plentiful and rainfall is rare, meaning this is the most popular time for visitors. More tourists lead to higher prices so these months tend to be the most expensive.

January through March brings periods of rain and slightly warmer temperatures but the scenery is at its most stunning thanks to the vibrant green landscapes. As February begins, the calving season commences and visitors will have ample opportunities to catch a glimpse of newborn animals during their first few weeks of life. Prices around then are noticeably cheaper compared to the dry season.

November and December are transitionary months and safaris are more affordable during this time. You'll likely encounter some rain but it shouldn't impact your trip too much.

Although April and May are the wettest months and are often considered the worst times to visit Nyerere National Park, this is when prices are lowest so it may be an option for budget-conscious travelers.

What Animals Are in Nyerere National Park?

The wildlife in Nyerere National Park is bountiful and you'll be in with a wonderful opportunity to witness the park's awe-inspiring residents in their natural habitat.

Most visitors flock to Tanzania in hopes of spotting the famous Big 5 animals and your chances of seeing lions, elephants, leopards, African buffalos and rhinos are high at Nyerere National Park. Of course, these are just a few of the majestic creatures that inhabit the park. Hippos, cheetahs and zebras also call Nyerere home.

The list doesn't stop there - you'll spot giraffes, spotted hyenas, crocodiles, wildebeest, African wild dogs and so many more animals throughout your safari in Nyerere National Park.

Birdwatchers will also be impressed by the park's diverse avian population. This is by no means an exhaustive list but a few of the fascinating species to keep an eye out for include the black-chested snake eagles, African grey hornbills, Egyptian geese and African harrier hawks. Mid January to mid March is the perfect time to visit to get to see all these particular bird species.

What is the likelihood that you will encounter these fascinating animals during your travels?

Below we have compiled a short list of the most popular animals in Nyerere National Park. Within this incredible park, you will find the probability of how likely it is to encounter these animals whilst you enjoy your safari through the park:

Elephant - Frequently

Giraffe - Bountiful

Hippo - Bountiful

Buffalo - Frequently

Zebra - Frequently

Wildebeest - Frequently

White Rhino - None

Black Rhino - None

Lion - Sometimes

Leopard - Scarce

Cheetah - None

Hyena - Frequently

Wild Dog - Sometimes

The best time to observe the wildlife:

Typically, the best time for observing wildlife and the Big Five is during the dry season from June to October as this is when the weather is at its warmest and sightings are at their highest. This is due to the grasses being shorter, the vegetation is thinner and it's much easier to spot species during this time. The Rufiji River is also an ideal place to watch wildlife throughout these months, as animals tend to frequent the area for fresh drinking water.

However, that being said, other months also have their appeal too. If you enjoy quieter months to safari, then why not consider traveling throughout the wet season which is from November to May. Even though you can expect rainfall throughout this period, there are patches of weeks that are drier in forecast, which can make for an equally great experience. The wet season also brings much vibrancy to Nyerere National Park with the grasses and trees being in full bloom adding to the beautiful scenery.

What animals serve as a stronghold for Nyerere National Park:

You will find a healthy number of Wild Dogs are sighted within the park and patrol large home ranges. The best chance of seeing them is when they are denning in the region, this occurs between June to August. They use old dens that were dug by other species, like warthogs and aardvarks and make these their own.

You will also find a considerable number of antelope within the park too. Waterbuck, Kudu and Eland are also there to see in big numbers. You may also spot the wonderful Sable Antelope if you are lucky. However sightings of them tend to be rare as they like to stay in thick bushes.

The Sable Antelope stands proudly in Nyerere National Park. Majestic sightings of them are rare but it is possible / Image: @chrisstenger

Nature and Bush Walks in Nyerere National Park

Even though there are no famous hiking trails or mountains to climb in Nyerere National Park, you can experience the wilderness on foot in two unique and wonderful ways. What Nyerere National Park excels at is offering nature and bush walks, which are available in many pockets of the park.

A nature walk is a little different to bush walking, so we’ll explain what the differences are so you can decipher which one is best suited to you:

A nature walk is a quiet and calm walk in the natural environment of your camp site or lodge surroundings. Your guide will lead you on a relaxed walk where wild animal sightings are at their lowest to enjoy an undisturbed gander to learn about the flora and fauna, search for animal spoors, inspect insects and everything you might miss being in a safari vehicle. A nature walk lasts anywhere from 45 minutes to 2 hours.

A bush walk is more of a thrilling off the beaten track experience. During this walk you will head into the bush whilst being accompanied by a ranger and guide to keep you safe at all times. Whilst you walk into wild animal territory you will observe species on foot and in the wilderness of the expansive bush of Nyerere. You will have the incredible opportunity to encounter spoor tracking, experience wildlife observations from afar, and enjoy an immersive natural activity that is breathtaking as well as exhilarating. A bush walk can last from 2 hours to a full day.

Costings for a nature or bush walk, can vary from $50 USD per person up to $500 per person depending on how long you walk for.

Nature and bush walking come with well advised precautions, however both activities are very rewarding and the thrill of being out in nature offers so many highlights. Observing wildlife and birdlife on foot is a highly sensory experience and one that will allow you to connect with the environment on a more meaningful level.

Bush walking is a wonderfully thrilling experience where you can connect with your environment on a deeper level as well as observe animals without the confines of your safari vehicle/ Image: @nsyukaphotographer

Entry fees for Nyerere National Park

Entry fees for Nyerere National Park are based on a three-tier system with prices falling into one of the following categories:

East African citizens (Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan)

Tanzanian residents (non-nationals residing in Tanzania with relevant documentation)

Foreign visitors (people from all other countries)

The main cost you'll come across at Nyerere National Park is the general entrance fee.

East African citizens - 5,000 Tanzanian Shillings for adults, 3,000 Tanzanian Shillings for children

Tanzanian residents - 50 USD for adults, 30 USD for children

Foreign visitors - 50 USD for adults, 30 USD for children

If you plan to stay overnight in the park, you'll also need to pay a concession fee every 24 hours which usually corresponds to the number of nights you spend inside the park boundaries.

East African citizens - 5,000 Tanzanian Shillings for adults, free for children

Tanzanian residents - 25 USD for adults, free for children

Foreign visitors - 25 USD for adults, free for children

It's worth noting that fees for children apply to those aged between 5 and 15, while visitors below the age of 5 can enter for free.

Best Things to Do in Nyerere National Park

Nyerere National Park has a wealth of thrilling, cultural and remarkable things to do - from the quintessential safari game drives to one-in-a-lifetime hot air balloon rides.

Here's a rundown of all the best things to do in Nyerere National Park.

Game Drive

This is what safaris are all about. For many, game drives will be the focus of their entire visit to Nyerere National Park. These excursions usually require 4X4 safari vehicles which will take you to various spots throughout the park where you'll observe wildlife and learn about their behaviors from an experienced guide.

Hot Air Balloon Rides

Encounter the animals and admire the landscapes from above the tree tops on a magical hot air balloon ride over Nyerere National Park. Each flight runs for about an hour and most take place in the early hours to align with the sunrise. What makes this experience more special is the champagne breakfast served in the middle of the wilderness that follows as an addition to the hot air balloon ride flight.

Boat Safari

At Nyerere National Park - safaris are not only on land. You’ll have the option of taking to the water in search of wildlife on a boat safari. These safaris take place along the Rufiji River and usually run as full-day, sunrise or sunset tours. You'll spend your time seeking out hippos, crocodiles, goliath herons as well as African skimmers in their natural habitat.

Village Visit

Dive into the local culture and visit a local village inhabited by the Masaai people - a tribe native to the area who have retained many of their traditions and customs. When you arrive in the village, an English-speaking tribe member will teach you the Masaai way of life, show you around a typical home and invite you to join their distinctive jumping dance.

Nature Walks

Venture further into the park for a scenic walk where you'll soak up the breathtaking surroundings while searching for nearby wildlife. Some routes start from outside of the campsites and lodgings while the longer trails visit spots outside the main reserve. Most nature walks are scheduled in the mornings or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat.

Nyerere National Park / Image: @hgudka97

Fly-in Safaris at Nyerere National Park

Fly-in safaris are a popular way to visit Nyerere National Park as numerous airstrips are located around the park and close to many lodges.

These fly-in experiences are usually flying to and from Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam and transferring to a safari vehicle when landed.

A fly-in safari is an excellent alternative if you'd rather not endure the half-day drive from Dar es Salaam, and it's also ideal for those on a stricter time schedule.

Can You Stay in Nyerere National Park?

Yes, you can stay in Nyerere National Park and spend your evenings in a beautiful hotel, lodge or campsite in the wilderness is among one the most enjoyable aspects of staying within this park.

There's a wealth of accommodation options situated in designated areas of the park ranging from rustic camps to luxurious boutique-style lodges. Due to the abundance of dwellings available, you'll have plenty of wonderful choices to pick from.

The best thing about the lodges in Nyerere National Park is how each one feels remarkably remote with little barriers between you and the wildlife. Many lodgings are even built with sustainable materials and eco-friendly practices, which we include in many of our customizable Tanzania safaris.

Why is the Rufiji River in Nyerere National Park so significant?

One of the main reasons why the Rufiji River is so famous as well as significant, is because it is the largest river in Tanzania spanning over 370 miles long. Rufiji begins at Shuguli Falls and is formed through two rivers - the Kilombero and Luwegu Rivers, which flow into the Indian Ocean. If you venture into Nyerere National Park, the Rufiji River is an absolute must to visit and explore, which is why it attracts many travelers worldwide. This picturesque river is proudly home to an active number of hippos and crocodiles, as well as beckoning a huge amount of wild animal species to its banks for fresh water.

Aside from it being a beautifully scenic river to visit and experience, the Rufiji River basin holds a high level of importance, mainly due to its remarkable biodiversity. The combination of fertile soil, a rich and diverse climate, and an abundance of minerals in the water creates an extremely healthy and thriving ecosystem. It also serves as an important human resource too. Because of its flourishing agriculture production, the Rufiji River basin is regarded as the ‘bread basket’ of Tanzania.

Furthermore, the Rufiji River has even more impressive benefits. The sheer length of the river allows it to be a popular water source for a variety of species of wildlife, like elephants, wild dogs, lions, buffalo, giraffe, zebra and more. It is a magnet for tourists, because of the prime photographic opportunities you can encounter here. Journeying to the Rufiji River Delta will award you with the sights of the biggest mangrove forests in the world, which adds to Rufiji’s many charms.

There is so much to experience on the Rufiji River that you will be spoilt for choice on what to see and do. Here are some of the activities you can enjoy along the river:

Boating Safaris. Many tourists opt to take a boat safari down the Rufiji River to observe the wildlife on water. You will see an array of hippos, crocodiles, a variety of exotic birds, lizards, lions, leopards, elephants, baboons, giraffes, buffalo, zebra - if fact there aren't many species you won’t see. It attracts so many.
Bird Watching. The river attracts over 440 species of birdlife which is a bird watchers dream. From kingfishers, African spoonbills, black-winged stilts, hammerkop to herons are just some of the birds you can expect to see whilst on the Rufiji River.
Game Drives. Game driving along and around the river is a wonderful opportunity to spot wildlife and offers ample possibilities to see wild animals gather at the popular watering spot. It's also extremely picturesque too which makes for a unique safari experience. If you are venturing to Nyerere for a few days, make sure to include at least one day exploring the Rufiji River.
Walking Safaris. Walking safaris around the Rufiji River is a popular choice because you get to see things you wouldn't normally see in the confines of a safari vehicle. Animal spoors, insects and plants combined with the thrill of being out in the wild on foot is an exhilarating experience.

The rainforests in Tanzania are some of the most vibrant in the world. Journey the Southern Circuit and experience a real Tanzanian rainforest in Udzungwa Mountains National Park / Image: @evans_dimsphoto

Why the Southern Circuit is a remarkable journey

The Southern Circuit is Tanzania’s lesser known route, overshadowed by the famous Northern Circuit. These two remarkable circuits encapsulate a cluster of neighboring National Parks that find themselves located in the legendary Northern and Southern regions of Tanzania.

Within the Northern circuit you will find the Serengeti, Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara National Parks. This route is well traveled by a vast amount of tourists. However, the Southern Circuit proudly boasts its beautifully wild natural beauty, which is accentuated further by the fact that it is far less-traveled by tourists. Its vast landscapes and off the beaten path exposure is extremely attractive to the avid explorer much more than your average tourist.

The modest Southern Circuit includes four major National Parks that together make up the prime ingredients essential to experience the Tanzania Southern Circuit:

Nyerere National Park (Previously Selous Game Reserve)

Nyerere National Park is known for its fascinating historical story as well as being the biggest National Park in Africa. You will witness amazing landscapes, the Big Five, unique wildlife species and the wondrous Rufiji River. You can enjoy a wonderful mixture of activities here too from boat safaris to walking safaris.

Ruaha National Park

Ruaha is one of the most centralized National Parks included in the Southern Circuit. You will discover diverse landscapes, the Big Five and low tourist numbers making it a wonderfully remote safari destination. It's also home to a large population of elephants.

Mikumi National Park

Mikumi is one of the smaller national parks on the Southern Circuit but is just as rewarding to visit. It consists of wetlands, mountainous backdrops, open savannas and thick woodlands. Mikumi is great for a shorter safari experience and is more compact to spot the Big Five. Rhinos are rare to find but every other Big Five animal lives here.

Udzungwa Mountains National Park

The Udzungwa Mountains National Park is a true spectacle for nature lovers as it offers a different presence and experience in comparison to other parks in Tanzania. It is famous for its waterfalls, hiking trails and rainforests. Udzungwa is also known for its biodiversity, incredible landscapes and intriguing wildlife species.

If you are intrigued by the rough and ready wilderness that beckons many adventurers to the south side of Tanzania - the Southern Circuit is just for you.

This infamous route brags an array of wonderful attributes from its less crowded parks offering quieter and more exclusive safaris, to its off the beaten track experiences set in the stunning backdrop of its untamed wilderness.

There is also no shortage of wild animals either, these parks have a large number of wildlife to observe and encounter. If you love birding, the Tanzania Southern Circuit is perfect as there is a wide range of birdlife to view.

All in all, the Southern Circuit is ideal for those who love to wander off the beaten path and enjoy a safari in regions that boast unspoilt bio-diverse wildernesses. Don’t underestimate the spectacular scenery, exciting activities and unique experiences you will encounter here compared to the famous Northern Circuit. It's an adventure seekers paradise!

A Final Note on Nyerere National Park

Now that you've read our comprehensive guide to Nyerere National Park, it's time to start planning!

From observing captivating animals along untouched savannahs and swamps to engaging interactions with the locals - embarking on a safari through Nyerere National Park is an adventure like no other.

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What You Need to Know about Visiting Nyerere National Park