Nyerere National Park
"The Land of the Mighty Rufiji"
Welcome to Nyerere National Park
Map showing the location of Nyerere National Park
This is the Africa’s Largest National Park! The Park with staggering size of 30,893km2 host one of the world’s largest concentration of wildlife. The collection of wildlife both in diversity and abundance is just remarquable! Visitors to this vast sanctuary will be able to see astounding volume of wildlife both rare and common species.
The park host the famous ‘’Big Five’’ and some rare species of antelopes like Roan Antelope, Brindled Gnu, Lichtenstein hartebeest, roan, and sable antelopes, Kudu etc.!
Climate
The Park experiences bimodal rainfall season and the short rains fall in November and December and are followed by a partial drying out in January and February. Thereafter, the long rains follow ending in early May. It is located at an altitude between 100 and 400 meters with annual average rainfall ranging from …...to …... mm.
Getting there
The Park can be accessed by road or air
Road: From Dar es salaam to Nyerere National Park is about 250km via Kibiti
Air: There are regular flights from Dar es salaam,Kilimanjaro and Arusha to a number of small airstrips in the Park.
Attractions
Nyerere National Park has numerous attractions that visitors to the place can enjoy. Some of the best attractions in the Park include the ability to see the big Five, Large concentrations of elephants and Hippos. The Rufiji River full of abundant wildlife, Largest population of African wild dogs to mention but a few. The Park is also endowed with beautiful and scenic landscapes that add to the beauty of this majestic place.
The Rufiji River,Myriad oxbows, delta and Lakes
The Rufiji is East Africa's largest river. It flows through the northern part of the Park, and this river which is slow moving and wide, has created a number of oxbow lakes in its northern flood plains, and they create a beautiful landscape of plains and woodlands interspersed with expanses of water.
The might Rufiji with its renown population of hippo and crocodile flows to Indian ocean. The river has been designated as a photographic zone and is a popular for tourists.
East Africa's Largest River, Rufiji flows to Indian Ocean (photo courtesy Nomad safaris)
Rufiji aerial landscapes (Photo Rufiji River Camp)
Large Populations of African Wild dogs
In Nyerere African Hunting Dogs are thriving, unlike most of those elsewhere on the continent .In fact, the park has the last true stronghold for African hunting dog in Africa. While this species is highly endangered and seen in few areas,Nyerere gives visitors chance to see them.
Endangered African Hunting Dog can be seen in Nyerere.
Tourists enjoying the sighting of African wild dogs in Nyerere National Park (Photo Lake Manze Camp)
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Highest Concentration of Hippos and Crocodile
Rufiji River in Nyerere National Park is home t plenty of hippos and Nile crocodiles.
Hippos are numerous in the Rufiji, Nyerere National Park
Nile crocodile are as well abundant in the Rufiji and other small rivers in the Park. (Photo Rufiji River Camp)
Diverse birdlife
In Nyerere National Park, bird life is diverse and abundant. More than 440 species of birds has been recorded! These species are found in sandbanks, oxbow lakes and channels are home to these species. The rare species of pel's fishing owls and white backed heron which live in the wooded section of the riverbank.
Bee eaters in the walls of Rufiji river banks (Photo by Rufiji River camp)
Kingfisher waiting to fish in Nyerere National Park River and streams.(Rufiji River Camp)
Continent Largest Population of Elephants
The largest concentration of elephants on the continent has been known for taking home in this park.
Largest populations of elephants is found in this Park. (Rufiji River Camp photo)
Rare Species of Antelopes
Apart from being very famous for elephants, rhinos and hippopotamus, Nyerere has also a vast range of game including: brindled gnu, Nyasaland gnu, sable antelope, eland, greater kudu, waterbuck, hartebeest, zebras, giraffe, reedbuck, warthog, spotted hyena ,lion, leopard, hunting dog, in addition to the largest populations of buffalo in Africa.
Blue wildebeest are commonly found in the Nyerere (Photo Todd Fellenbaum)
Lichtenstein hartebeest are seen in this Park
Tourism Activities
Nyerere National Park has some of the activities that give visitors opportunities to enjoy its beauty. The Park will give opportunities to do walking safaris, Game Viewing by vehicles as well as Unforgettable boat trips along the mighty Rufiji.
Boating.
Watching wildlife from the water is a beautiful and different way of game viewing. Crocodiles and hippos abound and elephant, waterbuck and buffalo spend a lot of time near the water, but a mass of other game including birds will be seen.
Enjoying the Rufiji River by boat in the Park (Photo courtesy Nomad Tanzania)
Game Drives
Game driving along the numerous small tracks is a popular way of enjoying the wildlife.
Game viewing by vehicle is a popular activity in Nyerere.
Walking safaris and fly camping. Guided walking safaris with overnight stays in light weight fly camps are popular.
Guided walks in Nyerere is an opportunity to enjoy the Park
Bush meals
Nyerere National Park facilities and the beautiful wilderness give an excellent opportunities to enjoy meals in the bush.
An opportunity to have meals in the wilderness is offered in this Park.
Accommodations
Every type and quality of accommodation is available from light weight fly camps to high end lodges.
Lodges
Visitor in the Lodge enjoying the facility with Rufiji River View.
Seasonal Campsites
The park has several seasonal campsites for guests to book and stay and enjoy the unspoiled beauty of the park.
Seasonal campsites in the
Permanent Tented Camp
There a number of luxury tented camps in Nyerere where visitors can choose depending on their preferences
A luxury permanent tented camp in the Park
Visit Nyerere National Park Today
Support work of Nyerere National Park by visiting the park and see the wildlife that calls this place home. Visiting Parks help support local livelihoods and help protect wildlife for generations to come
Learn more about the work of Tanzania National Parks which protect and manage wildlife situated in areas designated as a National Parks.
