Nyerere (Selous) National Park

Nyerere (Selous) National Park: Highlights

Nyerere National Park was established in year 2019 and cover an area of over 30,000 square kilometers. With its largest wilderness area in Africa, Nyerere National park has relatively undisturbed ecological and biological processes, including diverse range of wildlife with significant predator and prey relationship. The might Rufiji with its renown population of hippo and Rhino flows to Indian ocean. The river has been designated as a photographic zone and is a popular tourist destination. The sheer volume of game in the Nyerere is just outstanding!

Elephant, buffalo and lion are found in greater numbers and the park, together with the remaining part of Selous has the last true stronghold for African wild dog. Visitors to this vast Nyarere National Park will be able to enjoy the widest diversity of safari activities in the country, like boating safaris as well as standard game drives, walking safaris and legendary fly camping trips.

Nyerere (Selous) National Park: In Pictures

Elephant family

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Rhino

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Cheetah Hunt

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Giraffe

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Experience Nyerere (Selous) National Park

The defining feature of Nyerere National Park is the river systems that flow into it from the surrounding highlands. As these rivers lose altitude, they move towards each other and convene to become the Rufiji river. The Rufiji meanders its way towards the Indian ocean, and over time, this massive body of water has chiselled features into the land such as gorges, lakes, swamps and marshes, all of which make for a very dramatic landscape. The river systems attract and sustain a diverse range of wildlife and vegetation. Nyerere National Park is one of the few places in Tanzania where it is possible to go on a boat safari along the river and its tributaries, an incredible experience that gives a unique perspective on the wildlife.

There are several exciting activities one can enjoy in Nyerere National Park. The most exciting of these has to be the River Boat Safari which involves spotting wildlife from the comfort of a boat on parts of the Rufiji River, exploring channels, lagoons and swamps. This unique activity is quite popular and a fantastic way to explore the park. Another unique experience is visiting a traditional village. The village visit allows visitors a revealing cultural experience that allows insight into the special and unique way of life of the local people living around this park. Visitors to the park can also enjoy a selection of other excursions such as nature treks, sundowners and romantic bush meals.

Where to find Nyerere (Selous) National Park

Birdlife at the Nyerere (Selous) National Park

With over 440 species recorded, Nyerere National Park (Selous Game Reserve) is an excellent birding destination. The most conspicuous birdlife is attracted to the sandbanks, lagoons, islands and channels along the Rufiji River. A good way to enjoy the birdlife is on a boat safari. Common birds include yellow-billed storks, kingfishers, lapwings and colorful bee-eaters. Fish eagle and palm-nut vulture can be found perched high in the trees and skimmers can sometimes be seen flying across the water. Migratory birds are present from November to April.

Nyerere National Park is a good birding destination all year. From November to April, migratory birds from Europe and northern Africa are present, making this the best time for bird watching. This is also the time that resident birds nest, and you'll be likely to see them in their colorful breeding plumage. Most camps close towards the end of the Wet season, in April, and reopen in June. For wildlife viewing, the Dry season – from June to October – is best.

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