Tanzania's Nyerere National Park: Exploring the Largest Wildlife Sanctuary
Introduction
Nyerere National Park, formerly known as Selous Game Reserve, is one of the hidden gems of Tanzania that is waiting to be discovered. Covering an area of over 30,000 square kilometers, it is the largest wildlife sanctuary in Tanzania and one of the largest in Africa. The park is located in the southern part of Tanzania and is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including the famous Big Five. If you’re looking for an authentic African safari experience, Nyerere National Park is the place to be.
At African Safaris Hub, we offer a variety of Tanzania safaris that include tours to Nyerere National Park. Our experienced guides will take you on an unforgettable journey through the park, where you can witness the beauty of nature up close. Our safaris are designed to cater to your specific needs and preferences, ensuring that you have a personalized and memorable experience.
History
Originally declared a protected area in 1896, Selous Game Reserve was transformed into a hunting reserve in 1905. It was named after the British explorer Fredrick Selous, who perished in World War I. After his passing, the British colonists consolidated all the nearby minor wildlife reserves to create the present-day Nyerere National Park.
Getting to Nyerere National Park
There are several ways to get to Nyerere National Park, depending on your location. If you’re coming from Dar es Salaam, the easiest way to get to the park is by air. There are several flights available from Dar es Salaam to Nyerere, making it a convenient option for tourists. Alternatively, you can also drive from Dar es Salaam to the park, which takes approximately 5-6 hours.
Accommodation Options
Nyerere National Park has several accommodation options, ranging from luxury lodges to budget campsites. At African Safaris Hub, we offer a variety of accommodation options that cater to different budgets and preferences. Some of the lodges we recommend include Beho Beho Camp, Siwandu Camp, and Lake Maze Tented Camp. All of these lodges offer comfortable accommodation and excellent service, making your stay in the park a memorable one.
Wildlife Viewing
Nyerere National Park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, making it an excellent destination for wildlife viewing. The park is home to the famous Big Five – lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, and buffalos. In addition to the Big Five, you can also spot giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, hyenas, cheetahs, and more. The best time to go on a game drive in Nyerere is during the dry season, which lasts from June to October. During this time, the animals can be seen around the various waterholes in the park. (More about it in Best Time to Visit)
Walking Safaris
One of the unique experiences that Nyerere National Park offers is walking safaris. This is an excellent way to get up close with nature and experience the park in a different way. During a walking safari, you can witness the smaller creatures that you might miss during a game drive. You’ll be accompanied by an armed ranger who will ensure your safety while exploring the park on foot.
Boat Safaris
Nyerere National Park is also home to the Rufiji River, which is one of the largest rivers in Tanzania. A boat safari along the river is an excellent way to witness the aquatic wildlife, including hippos and crocodiles. You can also spot a wide variety of bird species along the riverbanks. Boat safaris are usually done in the morning and afternoon and take approximately 2 hours.
Cultural Tours
For those interested in learning about the local culture, Nyerere National Park offers cultural tours to the nearby villages. During these tours, you’ll get to interact with the locals and witness their daily way of life. It’s an excellent opportunity to learn about the local customs, traditions, and history.
Bird Watching
Nyerere National Park is home to over 400 bird species, making it an excellent destination for bird watching. Some of the bird species you can spot include the yellow-bellied bulbul, mangrove kingfisher, black cuckoo-shrike, and African skimmer. The best time for bird watching is during the wet season, which lasts from November to April.
Photographic Safaris
Photographic safaris are the best way to preserve your safari memories. You may do this during the entire year and acquire pictures of the birds, animals, and landscape that are found in the park.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Nyerere National Park is during the dry season from July to October. This time of the year offers the best game viewing experience as the animals are concentrated around water sources. Wildlife viewing is particularly good from late June to October. December to February is also a great time to visit the park for lush green scenery, and February is the best time for birding and seeing newborn animals in the park.
The weather in the park is generally hot with bimodal rainfall seasons, and the temperature hardly changes throughout the year. Prices are high during the peak season from July to October, due to more visitors, making it difficult to find affordable rooms. The most expensive months are July and August, and the cheapest are April to mid-June, excluding the Easter period.
In conclusion, the best time to visit Nyerere National Park is during the dry season from July to October for the best game viewing experience. However, December to February is also a great time to visit for lush green scenery and bird watching.
Park Entrance Fees
Park entrance fees are charged to tourists on safaris at the destination. The fees vary depending on the visitor’s age and nationality. Non-east African citizens on safari in Nyerere National Park are charged park entrance fees of 70 USD in the peak season and 60 USD in the low season for those visitors above the age of 16 years. Children aged between 5 and 15 years are charged park entrance fees of 20 USD. During tours to Nyerere National Park, residents pay park entrance fees of 35 USD in the high season and 30 USD in the low season for those above the age of 16 years. Children aged between 5 and 15 years are charged park entrance fees of 10 USD. East Africans and Tanzanians pay park entrance fees of 10,000 Tanzania shillings (TSH) for those above the age of 16 years, while children aged between 5 and 15 years are charged park entrance fees of 2,000 Tanzania shillings. Note: 18% VAT applies on all types of Park entry fee.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Tanzania’s Nyerere National Park is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for an authentic and unforgettable safari experience. With its diverse wildlife, incredible bird species, and stunning natural beauty, the park offers something for everyone. Whether you prefer game drives, birdwatching, walking safaris, or boat safaris, Nyerere National Park has it all.
Designing your Nyerere National Park trip with African Safaris Hub is a great way to ensure that you make the most of your visit to this incredible destination. Our experienced team can help you plan a customized itinerary that suits your interests, budget, and travel style. We can arrange everything from accommodation and transportation to guided tours and activities, making your trip stress-free and enjoyable.
So why wait? Book your Nyerere National Park safari with African Safaris Hub and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in the heart of Africa’s largest wildlife sanctuary.