Unique Activities to do in Nyerere National Park : Nyerere National Park formerly known as Selous game reserve located in the northern part of Tanzania, this national park is the largest national parks in Tanzania and also one also of the world’s largest wildlife protected area and national parks. The park overs an area of approximately 30,893 square kilomates (11,928 sq mi) and covers a big part of Liwale District in western Lindi Region, south west Pwani Region, north eastern Ruvuma Region and a big part of eastern Morogoro Region. The part of Selous game reserve is now running a hydroelectric power. The park has numerous attractions that visitors can enjoy. Some of the best attractions is ability to see the big five, large concentrations of elephants and hippos, the Rufiji River full of abundant wildlife and largest population of African wild dogs. The park is also endowed with beautiful and scenic landscapes that add to the beauty of this majestic place. However, this article details some of the Unique activities to do at Nyerere National Park. They include;
Day Game Drive
Embark on an exhilarating day game drive in Nyerere National Park. This activity allows you to experience the park’s stunning landscapes and spot a variety of wildlife, including elephants, giraffe, zebra, topi, impala, hartebeest and defassa waterbuck is simply a magnificent sight to remember. The spotted hyena with the elusive leopard emerging on the woodland fringes are frequently seen here. Wild dogs do as well prowl her but prefer to stick to the escarpment. Travel in a comfortable 4×4 vehicle with a knowledgeable guide who shares insights about the animals and their habitats.
Boat Safaris
Discover Nyerere National Park from a unique perspective with boat safaris on the tranquil Rufiji River. Glide along the water and observe hippos lounging in the sun and crocodiles basking on the riverbanks. The boat safaris offer opportunities see animals like crocodiles, hippos, elephant, waterbuck and buffalo spend a lot of time near the water, but a mass of other game including birds will be seen. Enjoy the peaceful surroundings while your guide shares fascinating information about the ecosystem. This relaxing experience is ideal for those looking to unwind while still soaking in the beauty of the park.
Night Game Drive
Experience the thrill of a night game drive in Nyerere National Park, where the landscapes transform under the cover of darkness. while on your night game drive safaris, you’ll have an opportunity to witness nocturnal animals as well as unique night sky. Visitors can spot shy nocturnal creatures, such as leopards, aardvark, genet and smaller cats, feeding and fighting through the bush at night. Listening to the sounds of the night adds an extra layer of excitement, making this an unforgettable adventure. The night drive is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts eager to witness the park’s active nightlife.
Walking Safari
The park offers some of the most breathtaking walking in the African savannah. Famed trail include trail close to Rufiji Rivers which cross spectacular shores when spotting zebras, hippopotamus, crocodiles and magnificent views. Guided walking safaris with overnight stays in light weight flying camps are popular. This intimate experience allows for a deeper understanding of the wildlife and ecosystem, often leading to incredible moments such as spotting animal tracks or listening to birdsong. Walking safaris are ideal for adventurous travelers wanting to connect with the wilderness and appreciate the park’s hidden gems.
Bird Watching
Nyerere National Park offers best bird watching experience, a popular and adventurous activity involving observing and studying bird species in their natural habitat. The park is home to over 400 bird species including common, endemic, rare, migratory, and non-migratory birds, hence making it the best birdwatching destination in Tanzania. During a bird watching tour, tourists have the chance to spot different colorful bird species such as mangrove kingfishers, Boehm’s bee-eater, Livingstone’s flycatcher, green-caped eremomela, yellow-bellied bulbul, white helmet shrikes, wattle eyed flycatcher, red throated twin spot, grey-hooded kingfisher, black cuckoo-shrike, African skimmer, red-winged warbler, spotted flanked barbet, red-billed helmetshrike, pearl-spotted owl, palm-nut vulture, broad-billed roller, von Decken’s hornbill, red throated twinspot, Layard’s black-headed weavers, grey Penduline, purple banded sunbird and African spoonbill among others.
Sport Fishing
Try your hand at sport fishing in the Rufiji River while visiting Nyerere National Park. This activity offers excitement and relaxation as you cast your line in search of species like tigerfish and catfish. With experienced guides knowledgeable about the best fishing spots, you’ll enjoy a rewarding day on the water. The serene river setting surrounded by wildlife adds an extra layer of enjoyment to your fishing adventure, making it a memorable way to experience the park’s natural beauty and diverse ecosystem.
Photographic and Filming
Capture the stunning beauty of Nyerere National Park through photographic and filming opportunities. This activity can be done all year-round, showcasing a rich wildlife environment. The park offers exiting photographic safaris, due to a variety of wild animals, birdlife and landscapes.
When to visit Nyerere National Park
You can visit Nyerere National Park any time of the year, but the ideal time for spotting animals is during the dry season from July to October. This is when the pans are less dense, making it easier to see animals and birds along the shores of River Rufiji since it acts as a freshwater source for wild
Where to stay while on a safari in Nyerere National Park
Nyerere National Park offers diverse accommodation options to cater to very visitor’s budget, this accommodation ranges from campsites to luxury lodges, ensuring a comfortable stay amidst stunning natural landscape. You will choose what to stay in depending on your interests and budget. Lodge options in Nyerere National Park include Roho ya Selous, Selous wilderness camp, Mivumo River Lodge, Beho Beho, Kiba Point Selous Lodge, Selous Serena Camp, Siwandu Camp and Selous Impala Camp.
Getting there
The park is accessible by both road, Air or train. If you choose to travel by road, there is a route from Dar es Salaam, the road to Selous. The road is usually well-kept, but its a good idea too check its condition after the main rainy season in April and May. One using air transport can use the scheduled flights from Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar with a flight time that can take less than an hour.
Taking the train to the park can be quite an adventure. You can ride the TAZARA train from Dar es Salaam, which runs to Zambia. Trains leave Dar twice a week on Tuesdays and Fridays, and the journey takes around 4.5 hours.
