Overview–tanzania

Nyerere National Park

Nyerere National Park, established in 2019, is the largest national park in Africa and one of the largest wildlife sanctuaries in the world, covering an area of 30,893 square kilometers (11,928 square miles). It is located in southeastern Tanzania and was formed from the northern part of the Selous Game Reserve. The park is named after Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, Tanzania’s founding father.

Activities Available for Visitors

Visitors to Nyerere National Park can engage in various activities that enhance their safari experience:

Game Drives: These are best conducted during the dry season (June to October) when animals congregate around waterholes.
Boat Safaris: Exploring the Rufiji River by boat allows visitors to observe aquatic wildlife such as hippos and crocodiles while enjoying scenic views.
Walking Safaris: Guided walking safaris provide an opportunity to explore the park on foot under the supervision of armed rangers.
Cultural Tours: Visitors can engage with local communities through village visits that offer insights into traditional lifestyles.

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Rates

From: $152 to $651 pp/day

Best Time to Go

From: June to October (Easiest wildlife viewing)

High Season

From: June to October (The main tourist area gets crowded)

Size

From: 30,893km² / 11,928mi²

Wildlife & Animals

Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve) offers great wildlife viewing. The string of lakes along the main circuit is a good place to see unusually large groups of giraffes alongside buffalo, waterbuck, impala, and plains zebra. Opportunistic, hungry lions sometimes wait nearby for animals to drink, and you might be lucky to see a daytime kill.

Wildlife Highlights

Nyerere is a stronghold for wild dogs. These highly endangered canines patrol huge home ranges, and the best chance of seeing them is when they are denning in the area. The park also supports a wide variety of antelope. Look out for common waterbuck, greater kudu, and eland. The majestic sable antelope is one of the flagship animals, but as they tend to stick to the thick bush, sightings are hit-and-miss.

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing

The Dry season, from June to October, is the best time for wildlife viewing in the park. Wildlife is easier to spot at this time because vegetation is thinner and animals gather around the Rufiji River and the lakes. Roads become impassable after heavy rain, and most camps close toward the end of the Wet season, in April, and reopen at the beginning of June. The best chance to see wild dogs is during their denning season, from June to August.

General Wheather

The climate of Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve) can be described as warm to hot and humid. Being so close to the equator, temperatures are relatively consistent throughout the year. It is very hot from October to April, while it is a bit cooler from June to August. The Wet season occurs from November to May. Many lodges close from April to May.

Dry Season –June to October

Most days are full of sunshine in the Dry season. Afternoon temperatures are usually around 29°C/84°F. Nighttime temperatures drop to about 18°C/64°F.

June, July, August & September – It hardly ever rains and the sky tends to be clear but dusty. It can be chilly on early morning game drives.
October – The end of October might see the first rains of the Wet season. As the dust settles, the rains will come as a relief after a long period of dry weather.

Wet Season –November to May

The Wet season is hot and humid. Afternoon temperatures are usually around 31°C/88°F and it cools down at night to about 21°C/70°F.

November & December – November is the beginning of the Wet season, although the exact start is hard to predict. Rainfall tends to be occasional and short (mostly in the afternoon) and probably won't hinder your safari.
January & February – It is further along in the rainy season, and there will be several days with short intervals of rain, usually in the afternoons. Daytime temperatures average close to 31°C/88°F, while nights and early mornings average 21°C/70°F.
March, April & May – March and April are the wettest months. It rains most days, but usually not for the entire day. The average maximum temperature is usually 30°C/86°F and the minimum 20°C/68°F.

Prons

Top wildlife viewing in the Dry season
Walking safaris and boat safaris are available
Excellent selection of mid-range and luxury lodges

Cons

Small wildlife-viewing circuit
Animals are scattered during the Wet season
The northern section of the park gets busy with day visitors

How To Get There

Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam is the main international airport and entry to the country. In most cases, your tour operator will pick you up and handle all further arrangements.

Many people fly to Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve), but a road safari is also a good option. The 230km/143 mi drive from Dar es Salaam to Mtemere Gate takes about 5 hours*.

*Driving times are only a rough indication. You should always consider the possibility of significant delays.

Airlines & Ticket Prices

Please check Skyscanner to see which airlines can take you to Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR), and what tickets would cost.

www.skyscanner.com

Domestic Flights

There are daily scheduled flights from Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar to Nyerere National Park. Flights from Arusha town, the base for the Northern safari circuit, are also available.