Nyerere national park is Africa’s largest national park in the whole world located in the southeastern Tanzania approximately 230 kilometers from Dar-es-Salaam city which is Tanzania’s largest city to Mtemere gate. The park was cut from Selous game reserve a huge wildlife reserve in the south of Tanzania. Nyerere national park covers an area of about 30,893 kilometers squared with additional buffer zones making the area to be about 50,000 kilometers squared it is believed to be bigger than Denmark even. This largest standalone national park in the whole world boats of the high concentration of wildlife.
Nyerere national park was named after the president of Tanzania the Late Mwalimu Kambarage Nyerere who was the champion of the peace, protection and conservation of natural resources. This wilderness is a home to a collection of wildlife and since it was established in 2019, it is less frequented to other Tanzania national parks like Serengeti national park, Ngorongoro conservation crater, Tarangire national park among others. The park is a home to high concentration of big cats and you expect an exhibition of predator and prey relationship.
Some of the wildlife to encounter in Nyerere national park include; lions, leopards, buffaloes, and rhinos and these are Africa’s big 5 animals, other wildlife encounters in the park are; cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, African wild dogs among others. The park is a home to over 445 recorded number of bird species. The park is still virgin and less crowded and it is a home to River Rufiji which is the largest river in Tanzania and it flows in the northern part of Nyerere national park which pours its waters into Indian Ocean. River Rufiji accommodates hippopotami, crocodiles, water birds and designated picturesque zone. The park being a home to over 445 recorded bird species, some of the birds that roam in the skies of the park include; giant kingfishers, pink backed pelicans, white-fronted bee-eater, fish eagle, carmine, ibises, purple-crested turaco, yellow-billed storks, trumpeter hornbills, white-crowned spur-winged plover, malachite kingfishers among other species.
Activities in Nyerere National Park
The park being a vast area with vibrant wildlife and amazing sceneries, there are many activities that are done in the park and these are;
Game Drives: Game drives in Nyerere national park are so rewarding and they can be done in the morning starting from 6:30am to 9am or from 3:30pm to 6:30 pm. You can also opt for the whole day game drives in the park and you have to carry a packed lunch for this case. Game drives always last between 2 to 3hours. During game drives, you will have an encounter with wildlife in their natural habitat a feeling that is so strange but rewarding. You can also opt for a night game drive to spot nocturnal animals in Nyerere national park. Night game drive starts from 7pm to 9pm, you have to be with an experienced ranger guide, touch and a 4*4 safari vehicle.
Birding Experience: The Park is famous for hosting over 445 recorded bird species and this makes it birders’ choice. The park being the largest national park in Tanzania it has so many hideouts for bird breeding for example the lagoons, River Rufiji and the vegetation. They provide a safe place for the bird life to thrive. Some of the common bird species in the park include; mangrove kingfishers, green-caped Eremomela, red-winged warbler, white helmet shrikes, flycatchers, red throated twin spot, Boehm’s bee-eater, grey-hooded kingfisher, black cuckoo, African skimmers among others.
Boat Cruise on River Rufiji: Engage in amazing boat cruise on Rufiji River where you will be able to see aquatic life at the comfort of your boat. The river is surrounded by forests which harbor birds, you will have an encounter with hippopotami, crocodiles will be at the sandbanks and birds such as malachite kingfishers, goliath herons, fish eagles, monkeys, monitor lizards are also constant visitors on the river bank.
Fishing on River Rufiji: Nyerere national park is among the best places for spot fishing in Tanzania, this is because of its clear fresh waters that harbor different fish species. River Rufiji was formed by the influence of Kilombero and Luwegu rivers making the mighty Rufiji which is the longest river in Tanzania stretching up to 600 kilometers pouring its waters in Indian Ocean opposite Mafia Island. Some of the fish to expect in the river are cat fish and tiger fish. The best time to engage in spot fishing in Nyerere national park is between December and February this is the best time for fishing.
What is the best time to visit Nyerere National Park?
You can visit Nyerere national park throughout the year, however the best time is during dry season from June to October. During this period, the vegetation is short and you can clearly see far and all trails are dry and you can easily navigate the park. On the other hand, to have an encounter with African wild dogs is between June to August, this is the denning phase.
