Nyerere National Park. (Selous Game Reserve) Complete Travel Guide

Nyerere National Park, previously known as Selous Game Reserve is Tanzania’s biggest game reserve, spanning about 50,000 km2. After being designated as a protected area in 1896 as part of a national park network, Selous transitioned in 1905 into a hunting reserve open to everybody interested in the sport. Named for the late British explorer Frederick Selous, who tragically lost his life in World War I, the present-day Nyerere National Park was formed when the various minor wildlife reserves in the area were amalgamated by the British colonialists following his death.

The seldom-visited Nyerere National Park is an excellent choice for those seeking a less crowded safari experience among Tanzania’s Big Five. More than 400 bird species are there, and visitors to Tanzania can observe them in their native environments. The area is home to a various plants, including the world-renowned Miombo woodland.

This  National Park stands out among Tanzania’s parks and reserves because it offers a unique combination of game drives and boat rides. You can spend as much time as you want as long as your budget allows, and the National Park is a great spot to go on a Tanzania safari as long as you obey the rules set forth by your guide. You can also combine a safari to Nyerere with a safari to the famous Northern Circuit.

Nyerere (Selous) Safari from Zanzibar

This 2-day Nyerere safari itinerary calls for a thorough tour of Mloka Village, an amazing boat safari down the magnificent Rufiji River, and a full day of safari activities in the park.

Tanzania safari and Zanzibar Beach Holiday

This 12-days  luxury Tanzania safari takes you to the lesser known Selous Game Reserve, Zanzibar and Ruaha National Park that are all in the southern Tanzania.

The activities you can partake in while visiting Nyerere are dictated by the park’s abundant flora and fauna, which includes numerous plants and animals. When you’re here, you may expect to accomplish stuff like:

Game drives  around Nyerere National Park

Game drives can be done all year round. However, it is recommended to go on game drives in Nyerere during the dry season, which lasts from June to October. That’s when you will observe the majority of the animals at the waterholes, cooling off and looking for food. Visitors to Nyerere should keep an eye out for a wide variety of species, including the renowned wild dogs, buffalo, hippos, lions, giraffes, baboons, zebras, rhinos, elands, impalas, elephants, and baboons.  Due to the low volume of visitors, the animals in the park are wary of humans, but if you are patient, you can see them all in their native sanctuary. In Nyerere, a game drive is most enjoyable around 11:00 in the morning or about 3:00 in the afternoon, when animals are less likely to hide from the heat.

Bird watching

An ideal time to visit Nyerere, Tanzania, for bird watching is during the wet season (November–April), when migratory birds land in the country. One should keep an eye out for a variety of bird species, including the following: mangrove kingfisher, black cuckoo-shrike, palm-nu vulture, red-winged warbler, African skimmer, spotted bordered barbet, grey hooded kingfisher, and yellow bellied bulbul.

Adventure on foot.( Walking safaris).

Though it may not be possible to see every part of Nyerere on foot, a walking safari will take you to many of the most spectacular spots. During a walking safari in Nyerere, a ranger with a weapon will accompany you to protect you from any roaming wild animals. However, you won’t encounter any predators on this stroll; instead, you’ll get to observe zebras and elephants among other creatures. As you go along, be careful to adhere to the guide’s every instruction.

Excursions to cultural sites (Cultural tours)

Cultural tours to the Mwaseni are only one of the many activities that can be enjoyed on a safari to Selous. A tour guide can make it possible for you to spend an entire day observing and participating in the daily lives of the people.

Photographic  safari.

To get a memorable  time in Selous, this is a must-do activity. Take photos  of the park’s flora and fauna, as well as the seasons, at any time of year.

Exciting boat ride on River Rufigi.(Boat safari)

An excellent way to visit the Game Reserve is on a boat safari. Cruise down the Rufiji River and witness crocodiles, hippos, and a plethora of birds and aquatic creatures up close. There is no way you can visit Selous without taking a boat ride.

When is the best time to visit Nyerere National Park.

If you were to visit Nyerere National Park, when would you recommend it to  be Visited? Well, during the dry season which begins in July and lasts well into October, the park experiences its highest densities of game as animals gather near River Rufigi. The park is best experienced during the wet months of April and May, but don’t let that put you off; there are plenty of great spots to see wildlife all year round. The Green Season, which begins in December and lasts well into February, is another beautiful time to visit due to the verdant foliage that is prevalent during this time. In addition to being a world-class birding season, February is a wonderful time to witness the birth of baby birds. The concentration and movement of animals in the park and the surrounding Selous Game Reserve are influenced by the weather, specifically the amount of rain that falls. This is because vegetation and water supplies are affected by the amount of rain. The wildebeest migration in Serengeti National Park is a popular tourist attraction, but the months of June through mid-October are ideal for seeing this natural wonder. The timing does change from year to year, though, because of different rainfall patterns.

As a result, you should consider the weather, the wildebeest migration, and the pricing changes throughout the year while planning your vacation to Nyerere National Park.

Wildlife

The largest national reserve in Africa is Nyerere! It is quite remarkable to see the variety and amount of species here. In addition to crocodiles, hyenas, leopards, and the renowned “Big Five,” the park is home to a plethora of Lichtenstein’s hartebeests, waterbucks, elands, and bushbucks. Not only that, but you won’t locate the sable antelope, puku antelope, and African wild dogs anywhere else on the African continent except in this sanctuary in Southern Tanzania. Birds abound in the park, too, with over 440 different species found here.

However, the months of June through October are ideal for visitors to Serengeti National Park who wish to witness the big wildebeest migration in action. Still, depending on the weather, the exact times could change from one year to the next.

The total cost of your safari package to Nyerere National Park depends on a lot of variables. Among these factors are:

 The total number of clients: 

Because everyone gets to split the bill, traveling in a group almost always results in a lower overall cost than traveling solo or with a small group.

The price will also change according  to the ages of the children going on the vacation. Prices for children under 12 are lower than those for adults.

When you are scheduled to travel: 

During the wildebeest migration in the Serengeti, when the reserve is most popular since Tanzania has lots of visitors during those months and they tend to fly to the south to visit the Nyerere since it holds Africa’s Hidden Gems, prices tend to skyrocket since more people want to stay there. The months of July through October are the busiest. It is recommended that you avoid the high season if you are on a limited budget.

The cost will be affected by your preferred mode of transportation, whether it’s flying or traveling by car. Getting to Nyerere by plane is more expensive than taking a road trip. Safaris often make use of two kinds of vehicles for road transport: seven-seat safari tour vans and Toyota Land cruisers. Keep in mind that the land cruisers are more luxurious and costly than the tour vans. The bumps on the road are barely noticeable.

Type of Accommodation:

Lodges and tented camps are available for booking, so you may choose the one that best suits your preferences. You can choose from a wide choice of accommodations, from the most basic to the most extravagant, based on your preferences.

The amount you will  spend on your safari is directly correlated to the amount of days you intend to spend on the trip. Extending your stay will result in a higher bill.

There is a wide variety of lodging options both within and outside of Nyerere National Park in Tanzania that are available to tourists on safari. These establishments provide all the amenities and services that visitors may need during their stay in the park including WiFi to keep you Connected to your Loved Ones.

Nyerere National Park offers a variety of lodging options, including tented lodges, campgrounds, and hotels, ranging from inexpensive to luxury.

The prices of these accommodations vary depending on a number of factors, one of which is the season. During the peak season (June to October), when the park is filled up  with tourists, most of the accommodations raise their prices to compensate. On the other hand, during the wet season (November to April), inundation forces some of the accommodations to close, while the ones that stay open lower their prices.

The Sable Mountain Lodge.

Constructed on two hills with views of the mountainous landscape, the stable Mountain Lodge named after the famous sable antelope in Selous is located in the northwestern area of Nyerere national park.

The Sable Mountain Lodge features 5 tented accommodations and 6 stone cottages, providing guests with optimal solitude and excellent vistas of the park from their lodgings. The lodge features a bar, swimming pool, and en-suite bathrooms.

Lake Manze Tented Camp.

The Lake Manze Tented Camp is one of the top camps in Nyerere National Park. Its location along the elephant route allows visitors to easily observe the elephants as they walk through the camp.

You can observe a variety of species, including lions, wild dogs, and leopards, from the camp’s prime location. Visitors are asked to remain in their tents during the night for safety reasons, as the camp is located near the park’s wildlife hotspot.

The Sands Rivers Selous

The Sand Rivers Selous is a magnificent camp with spacious, open rooms that look out over the River Rufiji and the animals that gather there. It is one of the oldest lodges in Nyerere National Park and is widely regarded as one of the top places to stay on a safari.

Impala Tented Camp

The Impala Tented Camp is an exquisite establishment situated along the banks of the River Rufiji, including six elegantly appointed tents that provide a serene and comfortable experience for guests. The camp’s location ensures an unobstructed view of the wildlife surrounding the River Rufiji, particularly the lions.

Kiba Point Safari Lodge

Kiba Point Safari Lodge is a romantic retreat in the southeastern corner of Nyerere National Park, situated on the banks of the Rufiji River. The lodge’s seclusion makes it an ideal spot for families and couples seeking a romantic getaway. Because of its intimate size, the friendly staff at Kiba Point Safari Lodge is able to provide excellent service to each of the eight guests staying in one of the four plush tented camps.

After a day of wildlife viewing, guests can unwind in the lodge’s private plunge pool. In addition to private camping and other amenities, guests can relax in cabins with en-suite bathrooms, outside showers, and ceiling fans.

Selous Serena Camp.

One of the five-star camps in Nyerere National Park, Selous Serena Camp offers opulent cabins decorated in a Victorian style. Guests may enjoy a variety of services, including a restaurant, private rooms with toilets, and a bar to unwind in after a day of exploring the park.

Mivumo River Camp

Situated on the banks of the Rufiji River, the picturesque Mivumo River Camp is often considered one of the park’s finest camping options. Good guest rooms with high-end amenities are available at this mid-range camp.

Maji Moto Camp

The Maji Moto is a movable camp providing an exceptional wildlife experience in Nyerere National Park, relocating to various areas of the park throughout your safari.

Azura Selous/Nyerere

Formerly known as the Amara Nyerere, the Azura Nyerere is a five star camp in the parks’s western section; it is the ideal spot for photographers to stsy while they explore the park on foot.

Finally, if you are  planning a safari to Nyerere National Park, know that there are a number of different places to stay.

Beho Beho Lodge

One of the top lodges in the reserve, the Beho Beho is located in the Rufiji River’s northern section. This luxurious lodge was the first of its kind to open in Nyerere National Park, and it offers first-rate amenities such as spacious, individually-controlled rooms, delicious meals, seclusion, views of the park, and round-the-clock room service. Its location far from the river ensures complete seclusion, perfect for unwinding after a day of traveling through the park. Not only are breakfast, lunch, and dinner supplied, but there are also a few more activities.