Nyerere National Park is the most astounding page in any fairy tale. Those who don’t travel read only one page.
Travel now and experience the awe of the green covering that fills the topography of this park and the lions, leopards, rhinos, and buffaloes, to mention but a few.
This is possible by paying an entry fee of $50 for non-resident adults, while children pay $30, and residents pay $50, with children paying $30.
The Selous Game Reserve was formed in 1888 when the German East Africa legislation called for the formation of a recognized National Park.
It got its name from a hunter, explorer, conservationist, and officer named Frederick Courteney Selous, who lived in Africa for a long time, hunting and collecting specimens for private and public collections.
This great man later died near River Rufiji, shot by a sniper during World War, but because of the great contribution he made to the creation of the game reserve, the name Selous, meaning ‘the heart of Selous,’ was given to the National Park to always remember him.
The National Park was expanded to a greater extent. During these days, the northern part was cut off for photography exploration, though it doesn’t remove the fact that it’s the largest National Park in Tanzania, covering an area of 30,893 square kilometers, with districts such as Liwale District in the western Lindi Region, Southwest Pwani Region, Northeastern Ruvuma Region, and a significant part of the southeastern Morogoro Region.
Climate & Weather of Nyerere Park
There is minimal variation in the average temperatures of Nyerere National Park, resulting in consistent temperatures year-round due to its proximity to the equator.
The park experiences two climatic conditions: the dry season (June to October) and the wet season, which includes short rains (November to December) and long rains (March to May).
These wet seasons are separated by a short dry spell in January and February.
Dry Season – June to October:
- Clear skies and sunshine most days.
- Afternoon temperatures: 28°C
- Night temperatures: 16°C
- Peak season for game viewing
- High season rates apply
Wet Season:
November to December:
- Short rains with afternoon showers
- Afternoon temperatures: 29°C
- Night temperatures: 22°C
- Lush and vibrant vegetation
- Best time for birding safaris
January and February:
- Break between the two wet seasons
- Average day temperatures: 30°C
- Night and early morning temperatures: 22°C
- Best time to witness new life as most animals give birth in February
March, April, and May:
- Long rains, with April and May being the wettest
- Temperatures: 21°C to 28°C
- Considered the low peak season
- Most lodges are closed
- Very lush and vibrant vegetation
Park Entry Fees
Nyerere National Park entry fees: Nyerere National Park entry fees per person per day.
Peak season (16th May – 14th March)
| Category | East African Citizens (Tsh) | Non-EA Citizens (US $) | Expatriates / TZ Residents (US $) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adults (16 and above) | 10,000 | 70 | 35 |
| Children (5 to 15 years) | 2,000 | 20 | 10 |
| Children below 5 years | Free | Free | Free |
Low season (15th March – 15th May)
| Category | East African Citizens (Tsh) | Non-EA Citizens (US $) | Expatriates / TZ Residents (US $) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adults (16 and above) | 10,000 | 60 | 30 |
| Children (5 to 15 years) | 2,000 | 20 | 10 |
| Children below 5 years | Free | Free | Free |
EAC Countries: Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, and Burundi
Other fees in Nyerere National Park:
Activity Fees (July – June)
| Activity | Category | EAC (Tsh) | Non-EA Citizens (US $) | Expatriates / TZ Residents (US $) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided walking safaris – per person | Short walks for adults (1-4 hours) | 5,000 | 20 | 20 |
| Short walks for children (12 years and above) | 2,500 | 10 | 10 | |
| Long walks for adults (> 4 hours) | 10,000 | 25 | 25 | |
| Long walks for children (12 years and above) | 5,000 | 15 | 15 | |
| Ranger or Guide service fee per day-per group | 5,000 | 20 | 20 | |
| Canoeing (2 hours) per person | 16 years and above | 5,000 | 20 | 20 |
| 5-15 years old | 2,000 | 10 | 10 | |
| Guided Night Game Drives (per person) | 16 years and above | 10,000 | 50 | 50 |
| Boating safari per person | 16 years and above | 10,000 | 20 | 20 |
Facts about Nyerere Park
Interesting facts about Nyerere National Park include:
- Nyerere national park was curved out of the famous Selous Game Reserve in the year 2019. It was named after the 1st president of Tanzania, Late Mwalimu Julius Nyerere to honor him.
- The park is located in the South East of Tanzania. Approximately 230kms from Dar es Salaam to the nearest park gate, Mtemere gate. Dar es Salaam is the largest city nearest to Nyerere national park.
- Covering an area of 30,839 square kilometers. Nyerere national park is the largest national park in Tanzania and on the African continent.
- The park is under the management of the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA). A governing body that also manages all the other national parks in Tanzania.
- Nyerere national park has a diversity of landscapes. They include woodlands, open grassland savannahs dotted with acacias and other tree and plant species, lakes, River Rufiji and smaller water channels, swamps, riverine forests and marshes.
- The largest river in Tanzania, River Rufiji flows through Nyerere national park and it is the main lifeline of the park, a major player in the park’s ecosystem.
- A number of activities are available in Nyerere national park for the visitors. These are day game drives, boat safaris on River Rufiji, hot air balloon safaris, bird watching and sport fishing.
- With several airstrips present in different parts of Nyerere national park. Flying to Nyerere national park is the more convenient and faster way to get to the park.
- Best time to be in Nyerere national park for rewarding gam drives is during the dry season. That in the months of June, July, August, September to early October.
Animals & Wildlife to See
ANIMALS IN NYERERE NATIONAL PARK: The vast Nyerere national park has a diverse rich vegetation which hosts a rich animal life with a variety of different animal species in large numbers that visitors to the park can easily spot roaming the vast park during their safari visit to the park.
These habitats include open Savannah grasslands, woodlands, riverine forests, mashes, lakes and rivers, notably the mighty Rufiji River. On top of the animal life, Nyerere national park teems with over 400 bird species making it a good destination for birding safaris.
The Big (5) Five
This park is home to the most sought-after animals of Africa, that is the elephants, lions, buffalos, leopards and rhinos.
The black rhinos of Nyerere national park are a very rare sighting that requires patience.
But the other 4 members of the Big 5 are easily seen around the park during game drives especially the elephants, buffalos and the king of the jungle, the lion.
Other notable animals in Nyerere national park include:
Hippos, Giraffes, Zebras, Waterbucks, Wildebeests, Spotted Hyenas, African wild dogs, Coke’s Hartebeests, Bushbucks, Crocodiles, Elands, Vervet monkeys. Red-tailed monkeys, Topis, Sable antelopes, Puku antelopes, Impalas, Kudus, Colobus monkeys, Porcupines, Bushbabies. Banded and Dwarf mongoose, Bat-eared foxes, Olive baboons, Gazelles, Honey badgers, Warthogs, Dik-diks, Klipspringer, Oribis among many others.
To spot the animals of Nyerere national park, go for:
- Game drives
- Boating safaris
- Guided walking safaris
- Hot air balloon safaris
The best time for wildlife viewing in Nyerere national park is during the dry season that runs from June to October.
Activities done in the park include:
Cultural visit: Tourists enjoy seeing alien adventurous places and lifestyles. Many of them enjoy interacting with the Maasai people who perform their powerful jumping dance. Visitors, in most cases, wish to try it since it requires a lot of energy. The way these people build their houses makes visitors want to spend nights in their villages because the only houses they know are the beautiful architecture in their home countries, so seeing the cow dung-built huts amazes them a lot.
Boat trips: A boat trip is an excellent activity to explore the park along the Rufiji River. You can view hippos enjoying the cold water in the morning and swimming during the evening hours.
Walking trips: This activity enables you to get a close encounter with nature when walking through the trails in the park. It is led by a skilled tour guide who emphasizes the rules that tourists need to follow.
Fishing: Tanzania offers deep-sea fishing, so many tourists visit to experience the Nile perch, tilapia, silverfish, mudfish, to mention but a few.
Nyerere National Park can be visited at any time, but the most recommended months are between July and October when the land is wet, implying that there is always much green vegetation for animals to feed on.
Animals tend to gather near the Rufiji River. If you love bird-watching, you can do that as well.
You can stand near the river with the protection of a game ranger and spot different bird species.
Means of transport to the park include:
Air transport: This involves booking a plane from Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro, or Arusha to Nyerere National Park, which takes only one hour. The airstrips include Auric Air.
Road transport: The journey starts from Dar es Salaam and covers a distance ranging between 184 km to 230 km. The journey takes 6 hours if one passes through Matembwa and Mtemere gates. If the northern circuit is used, it takes a distance of 75 km to reach the park, and it’s via bumpy gravel roads (they are in bad shape).
Attractions at Nyerere National Park
River Rufiji: This river tells a story of the late Frederick Selous, so many tourists come for safaris in this park to see the shining river that feeds many animals in the park and habitat water species such as fish, crocodiles, and hippos, to mention but a few.
Historical Facts: Since the National Park was also named after the late Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere, it attracts many tourists from all over the world who take part in bird-watching, boat safaris, to mention but a few.
Where to Stay – Accommodation Options
Budget accommodations in Nyerere National Park offer close encounters with nature for budget travelers. Options include Selous Jimbiza Camp, Maji Moto, Ngalawa Tented Camp, Great Water Lodge, and Sunset Lodge. These facilities feature amenities like bars, restaurants, comfortable beds, and mosquito nets. Activities include guided nature walks, hiking, boat safaris, game drives, and community visits.
Luxury accommodations include Beho Beho, Sand Rivers Selous, Kiba Point Lodge, Siwandu Tented Camp, Selous Serena Camp, and more. They offer amenities like plunge pools, private verandas, free internet, and luxurious furnishings. Activities include game drives, boat trips, fishing, bird watching, and hot air balloon trips.
Mid-range options like Rufiji River Camp, Sable Mountain Lodge, Lake Manze Camp, Selous Kinga Lodge, and Butembo Lodge offer cozy tents, private verandas, and amenities like swimming pools, bars, and dining areas. Activities include game drives, walking safaris, boating trips, and bird watching.
Visit Nyerere National Park in Tanzania with recommended tour operators or book directly through the website.
