The lesser-known but oh-so-wild and beautiful Nyerere National Park offers a phenomenal slice of wilderness heaven, with dramatic landscapes teeming with wildlife. Go deeper into nature than ever before with incredible trekking adventures through the bush, expertly guided game drives and water safaris along the Rufiji River. Oh, and did we mention it's Africa's largest game reserve? So, there are so many little nooks to explore. Follow in our footsteps as we show you where to go and what to do…
Tanzania is a hot commodity, so it's definitely advisable to book well in advance
Welcome to Tanzania's Largest National Park
The Nyerere National Park is massive. This conservation area is almost too large to fathom and over twice the size of the Serengeti, which makes for an incredible safari experience.
Plus, as an up-and-coming tourist destination, Nyerere National Park is more affordable and less frequented than its northern Tanzania counterparts. As a bonus, you're unlikely to have others interrupt your photo ops. No need for Photoshop later!
A defining feature of the national park is the Rufiji River, which flows through the northern part of the reserve. Smaller interconnected oxbow lakes, swamps, and channels branch out of the main river, making it the largest river in Tanzania. One of our personal favourite ways to explore this magnificent river is on a boat safari, where you can watch large floats of crocodiles and pods of hippos in the water while enjoying a refreshing sundowner.
You'll see animals everywhere, on the land and underwater
From Selous Game Reserve to Nyerere National Park
In 2019, the Government of Tanzania set new boundary lines within the existing Selous Game Reserve to create the Nyerere National Park. However, the wildlife are free to roam between the wilderness regions and while you're on a safari here, you are too.
Under the protection and management of the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA), this area is dedicated to photographic tourism and improved on-the-ground anti-poaching protection.
Professional and amateur photographers are welcome
What Wildlife Can I See While on Safari in Nyerere National Park?
Relatively undisturbed by humans, the national park's diverse vegetation accommodates a great amount of flora and fauna. While on a Nyerere National Park safari, you can see the Big 5, namely elephant, lion, leopard, rhino (although sightings of black rhino are rare), and African buffalo. You can also see impressive concentrations of other predators like cheetah, spotted hyena and endangered African wild dog in action as they stalk their prey.
Because of Nyerere National Park's size, there are plenty of opportunities to witness phenomenal wildlife moments – and not just those on land… The national park is home to over 450 species of birds, including species like the giant kingfisher, pink-backed pelicans, yellow-billed stork, Malagasy squacco heron, white-fronted bee-eaters, African skimmers, ibises, purple-crested turaco, and so many more.
Furthermore, a Rufiji River boat safari offers the vantage point of spotting crocodiles, hippos, and Nile monitors bathing on the banks.
The African wild dog is one of the world's most endangered mammals
What Activities Can I Do in Nyerere National Park?
Game viewing is definitely your main priority on a Nyerere National Park safari. After a day of traversing the various landscapes by vehicle, you could spend the next morning getting even more immersed in nature on foot by going on a walking safari.
You can also book a hot-air balloon safari to spot the wildlife from above while enjoying panoramic views of the national park, or a boat safari to capture the wildlife and plants closer to the waterway.
With hills, plains, dry riverbeds, marshes and even a hot spring to explore, every day on your safari will be new and exciting. And, if you're after a longer overnight trekking experience, Nyerere National Park has that, too.
Go on a hot air balloon safari in Tanzania to admire the landscapes and wildlife from above
Where Should I Stay in Nyerere National Park?
We recommend the glamping tents at Siwandu Camp for an unforgettable stay. Embedded in a grove of palm trees along Lake Nzerakera (just off the Rufiji River), this camp is the prime home base for your safari adventures. The strategic location and thoughtful layout ensure that you can observe wildlife from the privacy of your verandah, a truly exclusive experience.
Here, you can look forward to delicious meals blending international flavours with African traditions. And for a truly al fresco dining experience, you can opt to eat out in the Tanzanian bush.
Siwandu Camp specialises in creating intimate experiences for visitors. So, you're in for a treat with access to your own entertainment, bar, and dining areas, plus a swimming pool and jetty boat. And our favourite, the pièce de résistance – an open-air shower! With no city lights around, Siwandu Camp is also the perfect place for stargazing.
Sit back and enjoy the ever-evolving view, Image Credit: Selous Safari Company
When is the Best Time to Visit Nyerere National Park?
If you want to get the best game viewing experience, the best time to visit Nyerere National Park is from mid June to October. As this is the dry season, vegetation has thinned out and it's much easier to spot the wildlife, and you'll find them gathering at the few remaining waterholes and river shores.
However, don't dismiss the other seasons entirely! Each one has its own charm, and our Travel Experts will advise you on the best places to go at a time you can travel.
Golden hour on safari is often paired with sundowner drinks
Come Along to Nyerere National Park
For wildlife connoisseurs and safari enthusiasts, Nyerere National Park awaits! Our Travel Experts love this quieter, lesser-known national park, and we're sure you will, too. Plus, we know all the best spots around, so we can recommend more destinations that will perfectly complement your trip.
Reach out today, and let's start planning your Nyerere National Park safari.
