Nyerere National Park - SELOUS
Located in southern Tanzania and far from the madding crowds, the Nyerere National Park (northeastern part of the huge Selous Game Reserve set aside for photographic safaris) is Africa’s largest national park, covering a staggering 30,000 square kilometers. It is the size of Switzerland and twice as large as Serengeti National Park. Due to its dramatic landscapes and great diversity of wildlife, the Nyerere National Park (Selous Game Reserve) was declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1982. It is a key landscape for endangered wild dog, which share the reserve with plenty of crocodile, lion, leopard, hippo, elephant, black rhino, buffalo and more than 400 bird species. With such a rich array of wildlife, it’s the perfect addition to any Tanzania Safari Holiday.
The rivers and lakes of Nyerere National Park are the lifeblood of the park. Located at the heart of Nyerere National Park , the Rufiji, Tanzania’s largest river, creates a complex network of channels, lakes and swamps that result in one of the most compelling ecological systems in East Africa.
More than just a great place for a seasoned safari enthusiast, Nyerere National Park also offers an amazing introduction to unspoiled Africa. Nyerere National Park is one of the few big game reserves to offer some of Africa’s best walking and boat safaris as well as fly camping trips. In particular, the boating safaris set this reserve apart from other Tanzanian parks. The fact that Nyerere National Park is so much quieter (in visitor terms) than most of the rest of the country just adds to its attraction. And if quiet lands, devoid of human presence interest you, you should also read more about Ruaha National Park.
​Best Time to Visit – Nyerere National Park
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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Activities in Nyerere National Park
Game drives are rewarding, particularly towards the end of dry season, when large mammals concentrate around the five lakes. However, standard daytime game drives are just the beginning. One of the main attractions here is the variety of game viewing activities available. Boat safaris drift on the lakes and channels, approaching birds and animals closely, including hippos and crocodiles. A walking safari is a must if you’re looking for something very special and unique in Nyerere National Park. The beauty and peacefulness that you’ll feel and see while on a Tanzania walking safari cannot be compared to any other.
Better still are the overnight fly-camping excursions offered by some of the camps, which entail sleeping out in a mosquito net in the middle of the bush – which makes it a very adventurous…and very romantic…idea for a Tanzania Honeymoon but not for the faint-hearted! A fly-camp is a small, temporary camp set up in the bush with limited comfort because the tents are just basic camping tents. Dinner is cooked on a fire and served nearby – after which you can gather around the campfire, sit in canvas chairs to relax with a drink and a chat. If you haven’t done it before, sleeping out in the bush in Africa can seem a little scary, but there’s always an armed game scout nearby to reassure you. We highly recommend it for adventurous adults but please note these trips aren’t for children and should not be a consideration for one of our Tanzania family holidays.
On game drives, follow wild dog as they dash through the bush hunting for warthog and antelope. Cruise along the river, passing pods of hippo cooling off under water. Or head out on foot to study the landscape up close, learning about everything from termites to trees.
Safari Holidays To Match Your Interests
TANZANIA FAMILY SAFARI
TANZANIA ROMANTIC SAFARI
HOT AIR BALLOON SAFARI
SERENGETI MIGRATION SAFARI
TANZANIA WALKING SAFARI
PHOTOGRAPHIC SAFARI
CULTURAL SAFARI
BUSH & BEACH SAFARI
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