WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT VISITING NYERERE NATIONAL PARK

Nyerere National Park / Image: @aronmarinelli

The vast Nyerere National Park (originally known as the Selous Game Reserve) is one of the newest and best safari parks in Tanzania. Not only is it among the largest in the country, but it's also one of the most expansive on the planet, spanning across a whopping 30,000 square kilometers.

Somewhat of an up-and-coming safari hotspot, Nyerere National Park receives a fraction of the visitors of the Serengeti or Ngorongoro Crater. The park's solitary location affords safari-goers an incredibly authentic animal-spotting experience with an abundance of wildlife including lions, hippos, rhinos and an array of other wild species.

Throughout this informative article, we'll tell you exactly what you need to know about Nyerere National Park, including how to get there, the best times to visit and what animals you can expect to find. Lets get started….

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Nyerere National Park / Image: @nichiyoshi

Where Is Nyerere National Park?

Nyerere National Park lies in the south of Tanzania and covers 30,000 square kilometers, meaning it's twice the size of the Serengeti. It's around 230 kilometers south of Dar es Salaam, the country's largest city, which is a great place to fly into to start your safari in Tanzania.

Due to its location, Nyerere National Park makes up part of the Southern Tanzania safari circuit, along with nearby parks like Mikumi and Ruaha.

How to Get to Nyerere National Park

Despite its status as one of the more off-the-beaten-path safari destinations, Nyerere National Park is much more accessible than you might expect.

The best way to start your journey is by flying into Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam, and from there, you can choose to travel to Nyerere National Park by air or by land.

Unsurprisingly, taking a flight is the quickest and most convenient option. There are a number of different airstrips scattered throughout the park, each is around a one-hour flight from Julius Nyerere International Airport. Some airlines that operate these routes include Auric Air, Safari Air Link, Coastal Aviation, and Regional Air. For more information on the parks airstrips, click here.

Those of you craving a more adventurous experience can make the road trip from Dar es Salaam to Nyerere National Park, which typically takes five to seven hours depending on which gate you use to access the park. The most popular of these is Mtemere Gate, which follows a direct but rather bumpy road.

Remember that road conditions are particularly poor during the rainy season, including April and May, so be mindful that you may not be able to travel by road during this time.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Nyerere National Park?

The best time to visit Nyerere National Park is between June and October. These are the year's drier months and you’ll find many animals gathering around the lakes and rivers during this time for fresh water. Temperatures are pleasant, sunshine is plentiful and rainfall is rare, meaning this is the most popular time for visitors. More tourists lead to higher prices so these months tend to be the most expensive.

January through March brings periods of rain and slightly warmer temperatures but the scenery is at its most stunning thanks to the vibrant green landscapes. As February begins, the calving season commences and visitors will have ample opportunities to catch a glimpse of newborn animals during their first few weeks of life. Prices around then are noticeably cheaper compared to the dry season.

November and December are transitionary months and safaris are more affordable during this time. You'll likely encounter some rain but it shouldn't impact your trip too much.

Although April and May are the wettest months and are often considered the worst times to visit Nyerere National Park, this is when prices are lowest so it may be an option for budget-conscious travelers.

What Animals Are in Nyerere National Park?

The wildlife in Nyerere National Park is bountiful and you'll be in with a wonderful opportunity to witness the park's awe-inspiring residents in their natural habitat.

Most visitors flock to Tanzania in hopes of spotting the famous Big 5 animals and your chances of seeing lions, elephants, leopards, African buffalos and rhinos are high at Nyerere National Park. Of course, these are just a few of the majestic creatures that inhabit the park. Hippos, cheetahs and zebras also call Nyerere home.

The list doesn't stop there - you'll spot giraffes, spotted hyenas, crocodiles, wildebeest, African wild dogs and so many more animals throughout your safari in Nyerere National Park.

Birdwatchers will also be impressed by the park's diverse avian population. This is by no means an exhaustive list but a few of the fascinating species to keep an eye out for include the black-chested snake eagles, African grey hornbills, Egyptian geese and African harrier hawks.

Entry fees for Nyerere National Park

Entry fees for Nyerere National Park are based on a three-tier system with prices falling into one of the following categories:

East African citizens (Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan)

Tanzanian residents (non-nationals residing in Tanzania with relevant documentation)

Foreign visitors (people from all other countries)

The main cost you'll come across at Nyerere National Park is the general entrance fee.

East African citizens - 5,000 Tanzanian Shillings for adults, 3,000 Tanzanian Shillings for children

Tanzanian residents - 50 USD for adults, 30 USD for children

Foreign visitors - 50 USD for adults, 30 USD for children

If you plan to stay overnight in the park, you'll also need to pay a concession fee every 24 hours which usually corresponds to the number of nights you spend inside the park boundaries.

East African citizens - 5,000 Tanzanian Shillings for adults, free for children

Tanzanian residents - 25 USD for adults, free for children

Foreign visitors - 25 USD for adults, free for children

It's worth noting that fees for children apply to those aged between 5 and 15, while visitors below the age of 5 can enter for free.

Best Things to Do in Nyerere National Park

Nyerere National Park has a wealth of thrilling, cultural and remarkable things to do - from the quintessential safari game drives to one-in-a-lifetime hot air balloon rides.

Here's a rundown of all the best things to do in Nyerere National Park.

Game Drive

This is what safaris are all about. For many, game drives will be the focus of their entire visit to Nyerere National Park. These excursions usually require 4X4 safari vehicles which will take you to various spots throughout the park where you'll observe wildlife and learn about their behaviors from an experienced guide.

Hot Air Balloon Rides

Encounter the animals and admire the landscapes from above the tree tops on a magical hot air balloon ride over Nyerere National Park. Each flight runs for about an hour and most take place in the early hours to align with the sunrise. What makes this experience more special is the champagne breakfast served in the middle of the wilderness that follows as an addition to the hot air balloon ride flight.

Boat Safari

At Nyerere National Park - safaris are not only on land. You’ll have the option of taking to the water in search of wildlife on a boat safari. These safaris take place along the Rufiji River and usually run as full-day, sunrise or sunset tours. You'll spend your time seeking out hippos, crocodiles, goliath herons as well as African skimmers in their natural habitat.

Village Visit

Dive into the local culture and visit a local village inhabited by the Masaai people - a tribe native to the area who have retained many of their traditions and customs. When you arrive in the village, an English-speaking tribe member will teach you the Masaai way of life, show you around a typical home and invite you to join their distinctive jumping dance.

Nature Walks

Venture further into the park for a scenic walk where you'll soak up the breathtaking surroundings while searching for nearby wildlife. Some routes start from outside of the campsites and lodgings while the longer trails visit spots outside the main reserve. Most nature walks are scheduled in the mornings or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat.

Nyerere National Park / Image: @hgudka97

Fly-in Safaris at Nyerere National Park

Fly-in safaris are a popular way to visit Nyerere National Park as numerous airstrips are located around the park and close to many lodges.

These fly-in experiences are usually flying to and from Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam and transferring to a safari vehicle when landed.

A fly-in safari is an excellent alternative if you'd rather not endure the half-day drive from Dar es Salaam, and it's also ideal for those on a stricter time schedule.

Can You Stay in Nyerere National Park?

Yes, you can stay in Nyerere National Park and spend your evenings in a beautiful hotel, lodge or campsite in the wilderness is among one the most enjoyable aspects of staying within this park.

There's a wealth of accommodation options situated in designated areas of the park ranging from rustic camps to luxurious boutique-style lodges. Due to the abundance of dwellings available, you'll have plenty of wonderful choices to pick from.

The best thing about the lodges in Nyerere National Park is how each one feels remarkably remote with little barriers between you and the wildlife. Many lodgings are even built with sustainable materials and eco-friendly practices, which we include in many of our customizable African safaris.

A Final Note on Nyerere National Park

Now that you've read our comprehensive guide to Nyerere National Park, it's time to start planning!

From observing captivating animals along untouched savannahs and swamps to engaging interactions with the locals - embarking on a safari through Nyerere National Park is an adventure like no other.

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What You Need to Know about Visiting Nyerere National Park