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NYERERE NATIONAL PARK
At 30,893 square kilometers, the vast Nyerere National Park is Africa's largest stand alone National Park and one of the largest in the world. The park is located in south Eastern Tanzania, roughly 230 kilometers by road from Dar es Salaam city to Mtemere Gate, and was carved out from the Selous Game reserve, a huge wilderness area and safari destination in Southern Tanzania.
Nyerere Park boasts of the largest concentration of wild animals and a rich collection of wildlife that is abundant and diverse. The fact that this park is new and largely less frequented by tourists means that the animals here tend to be less exposed to humans. Good numbers of Big Cats such as Lion, Leopard, Cheetah are to be found here along with other large Game animals such as Elephant, Rhino, Buffalo, Giraffe, Eland, Zebra, Wildebeest and other wildlife.
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WHY NYERERE NATIONAL PARK?
Climate
The Park experiences bimodal rainfall season and the short rains fall in November and December and are followed by a partial drying out in January and February. Thereafter, the long rains follow ending in early May. It is located at an altitude between 100 and 400 meters with annual average rainfall.
Attractions
Nyerere National Park has numerous attractions that visitors to the place can enjoy. Some of the best attractions in the Park include the ability to see the big Five, Large concentrations of elephants, and Hippos. The Rufiji River is full of abundant wildlife, the largest population of African wild dogs to mention but a few. The Park also has beautiful and scenic landscapes that add to the beauty of this majestic place.
The Rufiji is East Africa’s largest river. It flows through the northern part of the Park, and this river which is slow-moving and wide, has created a number of oxbow lakes in its northern flood plains, and they create a beautiful landscape of plains and woodlands interspersed with expanses of water.
The might Rufiji with its renowned population of hippos and crocodiles flows to the Indian Ocean. The river has been designated as a photographic zone and is popular for tourists.
Large Populations of African Wild dogs
In Nyerere African Hunting Dogs are thriving, unlike most of those elsewhere on the continent. In fact, the park has the last true stronghold for African hunting dogs in Africa. While this species is highly dangerous, it is in few areas. Nyerere gives visitors a chance to see them.
Diverse birdlife
In Nyerere National Park, bird life is diverse and abundant. More than 440 species of birds are available. These species are in sandbanks, oxbow lakes and channels are home to these species. The rare species of Pel’s fishing owls and white backed heron which live in the wooded section of the riverbank.
Rare Species of Antelopes
Apart from being very famous for elephants, rhinos and hippopotamus, Nyerere has also a vast range of game including: brindled gnu, Nyasaland gnu, sable antelope, eland, greater kudu, waterbuck, hartebeest, zebras, giraffe, reedbuck, warthog, spotted hyena, lion, leopard, and hunting dogs, in addition to the largest populations of buffalo in Africa.
Tourism Activities
Nyerere National Park has some of the activities that give visitors opportunities to enjoy its beauty. The Park will give opportunities to do walking safaris, Game Viewing by vehicles as well as Unforgettable boat trips along the mighty Rufiji.
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WHEN TO GO?
Wildlife viewing in Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous GR) is best from late June to October. It is Dry season and wildlife is easier to spot since animals gather at water sources and vegetation is thinner. The scenery is lush and green in the Wet season, from October to May, but afternoons can be unbearably hot. Many lodges close from March through May.
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June to October –Dry Season
Spotting animals is easier since they congregate around waterholes and rivers and there is less vegetation
It rains very little and most days are sunny
There is less risky of contracting malaria since there are not as many mosquitoes
Humidity is lower, and the heat isn't overpowering
Dust and drought are common
Some areas can get quite crowded.
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October to May –Wet Season
Scenery is beautiful and green
Crowds are less during March, April and May – prices might be lowered to attract tourists
It is peak bird watching time since migratory birds are present
Roads become muddy and hard to travel
Wildlife viewing is not as good as during the middle and end of the Dry season
Many lodges close from April to May
Heat and humidity can be a burden