Tanzania is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on your activities.
For wildlife safaris, the dry seasons from June to October offer excellent game viewing, including the Great Migration in the Serengeti.
January to February is ideal for witnessing the calving season. For Mount Kilimanjaro treks, the best conditions are from January to March and June to October.
Beach lovers visiting Zanzibar will enjoy the dry months of December to February and June to October.
Nyerere National Park, formerly known as Selous Game Reserve, is located in southern Tanzania and was officially designated as a national park in 2019 to honor the country’s first president, Julius Nyerere. Covering an expansive area of 30,893 square kilometers (11,900 square miles), it is one of the largest protected areas in Tanzania and a vital part of the Selous-Mikumi ecosystem.
The park features a stunning variety of landscapes, including vast savannahs, forests, wetlands, and the winding Rufiji River, making it a rich habitat for an abundance of wildlife. Nyerere is renowned for its large populations of elephants, lions, buffaloes, giraffes, and zebras. It also serves as a sanctuary for endangered species such as the African wild dog and the black rhino. The park’s diverse ecosystems attract over 400 species of birds, including both resident and migratory birds.
Visitors to Nyerere National Park can enjoy activities like game drives, boat safaris on the Rufiji River, walking safaris, and fly-camping, offering a unique and immersive safari experience. The park is relatively less crowded, providing an excellent opportunity for those looking to explore Tanzania’s natural beauty in a more tranquil setting.
The park is open year-round, with the dry season (June to October) being the best time for wildlife viewing, especially for large mammals. The wet season (November to May) is ideal for birdwatching, as migratory birds flock to the area during this period
The park is accessible by road from Dar es Salaam, which is about a 5-6 hour drive. You can also take a charter flight from Dar es Salaam or other nearby areas for quicker access.
Nyerere is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, and endangered species like the African wild dog and black rhino. The Rufiji River is also known for hippos and crocodiles.
Visitors can enjoy game drives, boat safaris on the Rufiji River, walking safaris, and fly-camping for a more adventurous experience in the wild.
Yes, the park is an excellent location for birdwatching, with over 400 species of birds, including both resident and migratory species.
Nyerere National Park covers an area of 30,893 square kilometers (11,900 square miles), making it one of the largest national parks in Tanzania.
Yes, Nyerere National Park is part of the larger Selous-Mikumi ecosystem, and it can easily be combined with other destinations like Mikumi, Ruaha, and Udzungwa for a more extensive safari itinerary.
Obtaining a Tanzania visa is simple and convenient. You can apply online via the Tanzania eVisa Portal, at a Tanzanian embassy, or on arrival at major entry points such as airports and border crossings.
Requirements typically include a valid passport with at least six months’ validity, a completed application form, and payment of the visa fee.
A single-entry tourist visa costs $50 for most nationalities, while US citizens pay $100 for a multiple-entry visa.
The eVisa process usually takes about 10 business days for approval.
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