Formerly part of the Selous Game Reserve, Nyerere National Park was established in 2019 to honor Tanzania’s first president, Julius Nyerere. He was a strong advocate for conservation and wildlife protection. Spanning 30,893 square kilometers, Nyerere is Tanzania’s largest protected area and Africa’s second-largest national park, following Namibia’s Namib-Naukluft National Park. Unlike its desert counterpart, Nyerere is a lush and biodiverse sanctuary, offering a truly wild safari experience.
A Haven for Wildlife
With diverse landscapes including woodlands, savannahs, wetlands, and the mighty Rufiji River, the park is teeming with wildlife. Visitors can witness the Big Five, along with hippos, crocodiles, diverse bird species, and the rare African wild dogs.
Exciting Activities in Nyerere National Park
Game Drives
Explore vast plains and forests, spotting elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, and more. Nyerere is one of the best places in Tanzania to see the endangered African wild dogs.
Boat Safaris on the Rufiji River
The Rufiji River is one of the park’s highlights. A boat safari offers close encounters with hippos, crocodiles, and vibrant birdlife. During the dry season, wildlife gathers along the riverbanks, creating excellent photography opportunities.
Walking Safaris
A guided walking safari offers an up-close look at the park’s flora and fauna. Expert guides provide insights into animal tracks, bird species, and the local ecosystem.
Birdwatching
With over 440 bird species, Nyerere is a paradise for bird lovers. The wetlands and riverbanks attract pelicans, storks, herons, and fish eagles, especially during the migratory season.
How to Get to Nyerere National Park
Nyerere National Park is accessible by both air and road.
- By Road: The park is about 230 km from Dar es Salaam. The drive takes approximately 6-7 hours, offering scenic views along the way.
- By Air: The fastest way to reach the park is by plane. Regular scheduled flights from Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar take 45 minutes to 1 hour. Chartered flights are also available for flexibility.
Best Time to Visit Nyerere National Park
Dry Season (June to October)
The best time for wildlife viewing. Animals gather around the Rufiji River and other water sources, making sightings easier. This season is ideal for both game drives and boat safaris.
Wet Season (November to May)
The landscape transforms into a lush, green paradise. While some areas may become inaccessible due to flooding, this is the best time for birdwatching. Migratory species arrive, and the scenery is breathtaking.
Why Visit Nyerere National Park?
The Park offers one of Tanzania’s most remote and exclusive safari experiences. With its vast size, diverse landscapes, and rich wildlife, visitors enjoy a crowd-free adventure. Whether boating on the Rufiji River, tracking wildlife on foot, or watching the sunset over the savannah, Nyerere promises unforgettable moments.
At Soke Safari, we offer tailored tours to Nyerere National Park, including guided game drives, boat safaris, and walking adventures. Let us help you experience the magic of one of Tanzania’s most iconic parks!