Nyerere National Park Safaris

Nyerere National Park, Africa's largest standalone park, covers 30,893 sq km in southern Tanzania. It's a relatively unexplored safari destination with diverse wildlife and low tourist numbers, providing a unique opportunity to witness animals like big cats, elephants, rhinos, buffalos, giraffes, elands, zebras, and wildebeests in their natural habitat. Nyerere Park is a must-visit for an authentic and immersive safari experience.

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More About Safaris in Nyerere

A Nyerere National Park safari is a truly exhilarating East African wilderness experience. The park features arid flats, dense woodland, and five hippo-filled lakes connected by the palm-fringed Rufiji river, offering the opportunity for game viewing by boat. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has seen almost no human disruption, making tailor-made Nyerere safaris a rewarding experience. It is also an important conservation area due to its broad biodiversity.

The nearby Ruaha National Park and Nyerere National Park make up Tanzania's southern safari circuit, and a luxury Nyerere safari offers abundant wildlife and superb camps and lodges. Despite this, the area remains less visited compared to many of the safari parks in the north of Tanzania, with less than 1% of tourists visiting this region. As Nyerere National Park is so vast, it provides a real sense of a true safari adventure.

Daily flights from Dar es Salaam and Ruaha National Park operate, at 40 minutes and 1.5 hours respectively, with the possibility of flying from Arusha. While travel by road is possible, it is not recommended.

For those looking to explore Tanzania beyond the typical safari destinations, a Nyerere National Park safari is a unique and unforgettable experience.

Wildlife in Nyerere

This vast reserve is home to an incredible diversity of flora and fauna, offering visitors a chance to experience the ultimate safari adventure.

Nyerere National Park is home to some of the most iconic African wildlife species, such as lions, leopards, elephants, and giraffes. The park also boasts an incredible bird population, with over 500 species recorded. Lucky visitors might even spot the rare and elusive African wild dog, one of the park's most endangered predators.

One of the most unique features of Nyerere National Park is the incredible Rufiji River, which runs through the reserve and provides a vital source of water for the park's inhabitants. Boat safaris along the river are a must-do experience, offering visitors a chance to observe crocodiles, hippos, and a variety of water birds up close. 

Best Time to Visit

The best time to go on safari to Nyerere National Park is during the dry season from June to October. During this time, animals gather around the few available water sources, making them easy to spot for visitors. The months of July to September are particularly good for game viewing, as the grass is shorter and animals are easier to spot.

The dry season also means that the roads are easier to navigate, making it easier for visitors to move around the park. However, it is important to note that the temperatures can be quite high during the day, so visitors should come prepared with appropriate clothing and gear.

It is generally advised to avoid the rainy season, which lasts from November to May. The park can become quite muddy and difficult to navigate, and many animals disperse in search of water, making them harder to spot. In addition, some lodges and camps may close during the rainy season due to the difficult conditions.

Visitors looking to avoid busy tourism seasons may want to consider visiting Nyerere National Park during the shoulder seasons of June and November. During these times, there may be fewer visitors, making it easier to enjoy a more intimate and secluded safari experience.

Month-by-Month Guide to Weather

January:

The weather is hot and humid with an average temperature of 28°C (82°F) during the day and lows of 20°C (68°F) at night. The average rainfall is around 145mm with 14 rainy days in the month.

February:

The weather is similar to January, with high temperatures of around 28°C (82°F) during the day and lows of 20°C (68°F) at night. The average rainfall is around 125mm with 13 rainy days in the month.

March:

The weather starts to become a little drier, with an average temperature of 27°C (81°F) during the day and lows of 19°C (66°F) at night. The average rainfall is around 100mm with 11 rainy days in the month.

April:

This is one of the wettest months in Selous, with an average rainfall of around 230mm and 18 rainy days in the month. Temperatures remain similar to March, with highs of 27°C (81°F) and lows of 19°C (66°F).

May:

The rains begin to subside in May, with an average rainfall of around 65mm and 7 rainy days in the month. The temperature remains hot, with highs of 27°C (81°F) and lows of 17°C (63°F).

June:

The weather becomes cooler and drier, with an average temperature of 25°C (77°F) during the day and lows of 14°C (57°F) at night. The average rainfall is around 15mm with only 2 rainy days in the month.

July:

The weather remains cool and dry, with an average temperature of 25°C (77°F) during the day and lows of 14°C (57°F) at night. The average rainfall is around 10mm with only 1 rainy day in the month.

August:

The weather remains dry and cool, with an average temperature of 27°C (81°F) during the day and lows of 14°C (57°F) at night. The average rainfall is around 8mm with only 1 rainy day in the month.

September:

Temperatures start to rise again, with highs of 30°C (86°F) and lows of 18°C (64°F). The average rainfall is around 20mm with only 2 rainy days in the month.

October:

The hot and dry season begins with high temperatures averaging around 31°C (87°F) during the day and lows around 20°C (68°F) at night. There is very little rainfall during this month, with an average of about 20mm (0.8 inches) and 3 rainy days.

November:

Temperatures continue to rise with averages of around 32°C (90°F) during the day and lows around 21°C (70°F) at night. There is very little rainfall during this month, with an average of about 40mm (1.6 inches) and 6 rainy days.

December:

The short rainy season begins with high temperatures averaging around 32°C (90°F) during the day and lows around 21°C (70°F) at night. The average rainfall is about 120mm (5 inches) with around 11 rainy days in the month.

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