What is Nyerere National Park Famous For?
Nyerere National Park (Selous) is undoubtedly the biggest of the African parks, spanning about 30,393 km². Animals in this park live undisturbed, and the wilderness remains serene. Our guides usually ask this question. That’s why we are here to address it. In this article, we will reveal what makes Nyerere National Park famous. Sit tight and explore.
The Nyerere is Africa’s largest park.
Nyerere National Park is huge, with land stretching as far as the eye can see. So, this park is bigger than some small countries. And because of its size, animals have plenty of space to live and move around freely to different corners of the park. Its size also allows visitors to explore different areas without the crowds, making the safari experience more exciting and peaceful.
The Nyerere boasts diverse habitats.
Nyerere has a natural landscape and wilderness. The habitats range from open grasslands and rivers to acacia woodlands, wetlands, and seasonal swamps. The Rufiji River runs through the park, serving as a water source for many animals and birds. It’s also navigable by boat and canoe. People come here to experience sunset boat cruises and canoe safaris.
The Nyerere is home to diverse animals.
Many animals—small and big—call Nyerere National Park home. So, if you want to spot elephant herds, lion prides, buffalo herds, and large pods of hippos, you’ve come to the right place. In addition to that, giraffes, wildebeest, leopards, and zebras also add something to safari-goers.
Apart from the usual animals, you can see rare species. Here, you have better chances to see the African hunting dog and the black rhino. Back in the day, the Selous (now Nyerere) had an incredible number of rhinos. Poachers brought the number down to just a few individuals. Therefore, it might be a challenge to see one, but it’s possible.
The wild dogs also exist in large numbers here. The painted dogs thrived in the past years before their population dwindled in the 1990s due to disease. Luckily, they bounced again, and you can spot them in the Nyerere.
Nyerere has an incredible bird population.
Love to see birds? You’re in the right place. Over 450 bird species call Nyerere National Park home. You will see river birds if you embark on a boat cruise in the Rufiji River. Notable species include kingfishers, African skimmers, secretary birds, ashy starlings, etc.
Sometimes, a sighting of a kingfisher diving into the Rufiji River to catch fish is more inspiring than you think. The African skimmer is also the best hunter. It stays near the fish, waiting for water bubbles and waves to dive. With its good eyesight, this stunning bird rarely misses the target.
The Rufiji River
Running through Nyerere National Park, the Rufiji River is the largest in Tanzania. Many animals come here to water to quench their thirst. Visit it. In July and August, you can meet large herds of herbivores gathering on the banks. Along this river is a green riverine forest playing home to baboons and monkeys.
The hippos and crocodiles thrive in the pool and deeper parts of the river. You can spot them from the boat. During the ride, you can see birds, elephants, bushbucks, and baboons.
When to visit Nyerere National Park?
The best months are June through October and January through early March. We highly recommend these months for several reasons. First, the wildlife gather around a few remaining water sources. Second, the vegetation is thin, hence clear visibility. It is so easy to spot even small creatures like a hare. Third, Nyerere never gets crowded. Which means no need to worry about crowds and inflated prices.
How to get to Nyerere National Park
First, fly to Dar es Salaam Airport. Then catch a scheduled or charter flight to Nyerere. Notable airstrips include Mtemere and Matembwe. Alternatively, you can fly into Ruaha’s Jongomero Airstrip, then connect with a drive to the camp.
Driving from Dar es Salaam is possible. But it’s a long journey—about 10 hours. We recommend it if you have enough time to explore the park.
The bottom line.
Serengeti may take all the credit amongst beginners because of its fame. But if you’re looking for a peaceful place to watch undisturbed wildlife, head to Nyerere National Park. Call our experts to start planning.
