Nyerere National Park is one of the largest conservation areas in the southern part of Tanzania it was derived from the northern part of Selous National Park and re-named in 2019, covering an area space of approximately 30,800square kilometres, the park is named in honour of Tanzanian President Julius Nyerere who led the country into independence and is also referred to as the father of the nation. Nyerere National Park is one of the largest wildlife sanctuaries in the world, it boasts several animal species including the so-called big five of the wildernesses (Lions, Leopards, African elephants, African Buffaloes, and Rhinos). There are over 400 species of birds that have been recorded in the park to date.
Nyerere National Park just like other conservation areas in Tanzania can be visited any time of the year. Tanzania experiences 2 seasons the dry season which has a longer season in the months of June, July, August, and September and the shorter period in December-February, the wet season begins in March, May, April, and November. Each of these seasons presents something different from the other and a whole beauty of the trueness of the African wilderness.
The best time to visit is during the dry season, it is during this time that the park receives less rainfall and most days are sunny, the grasses are always thinner and shorter which makes it ideal to view wildlife, most animals are spotted along the banks of river Rufiji, the main tourist area gets busy with guests on game drives. On the other hand, during the wet season, the scenery is lush green vegetation, and an excellent time to go birding migratory species are present in the park during the wet season. Accommodation facilities offer discounted prices during the wet season more so to agents who would like to experience what they sell to guests.
The time you choose to travel to the national park greatly determines the price of your stay the peak season goes for a higher rate compared to other seasons. Things to do in Nyerere National Park include game drives, which are conducted in sessions, at 6:30 am in search of early morning risers, expect to see animals like elephants, zebras, giraffes, antelopes of several species to mention a few. At 2:30 pm game drives are done in search of animal species one might have missed it is a relaxed time of the afternoon as animals are out in the shelter. Early morning is the most recommendable time to on game drives.
Other activities of the national park include birding there are over 400 species of birds that have been recorded in the national park to date, and there are rewarding views of birds during the wet season, it is a time to consider as there are migratory species present as well.
Nyerere National Park can be accessed anytime, it can be reached by road taking approximately 6 hours’ drive or by air, and domestic flight handlers arrange charter or scheduled flights to the destination for 45 minutes.