Nyerere National Park: In the Top 30 of the Best African Safari Destinations

Do you want to venture far from the well-trodden paths for your next safari in Africa? Set your sights on Nyerere National Park in Tanzania, an often overlooked safari destination. This national park stands out for a number of reasons and was highlighted in SafariBookings.com’s Top 50 safari parks in Africa list, where it came in at number 27. A significant achievement for Nyerere, as it was only established in 2019!

Let’s explore Nyerere’s unique blend of untouched wilderness, diverse wildlife encounters, and unforgettable experiences.

What’s Unique About Nyerere National Park?

Nyerere National Park, formerly known as the Selous Game Reserve, is Africa’s largest national park spanning a vast 30,893 square kilometres (3,089,300 hectares), and it’s Tanzania’s newest addition to its safari circuit.

Tanzania safari tours in Nyerere offer true escapes into Africa’s pristine wilderness. Unlike the more popular destinations in Tanzania, like the Serengeti, Nyerere is less crowded, allowing for a more intimate safari experience that lets you truly connect with nature.

Nyerere: One of the Top Safari Parks in Africa

This Tanzania safari destination is quickly gaining traction; it made the list of the Top 50 Best Safari Parks in Africa for 2024. These results were compiled by SafariBookings.com, based on more than 2,000 park reviews on the platform, with input from over 1,000 travellers and over 1,000 experts. The parks featured are from prime safari destinations, including Kenya, South Africa, Botswana, and Tanzania.

Coming in at 27, Nyerere has joined the ranks of Africa’s most famous safari destinations, like the Masai Mara, Okavango Delta, and Kruger.

Can You See the Big Five in Nyerere National Park?

Yes, Nyerere is a Big Five safari destination, so you have the opportunity to see lions, elephants, leopards, buffaloes, and rhinos.

Nyerere is a fantastic place to see lions while on safari. It’s estimated that there could be up to 6,000 of these big cats in this national park and its surrounding Selous region.

Black rhinos and leopards are the more elusive members of the Big Five here, so they might be more challenging to spot. To give yourself the best chance of seeing these animals, maximise your game drives!

What Animals Live in Nyerere National Park?

Nyerere Park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Besides the Big Five, keep your eyes open for these species during your safari in Tanzania:

Wild Dogs

Nyerere is a stronghold for the endangered wild dog, so you have a high chance of encountering these rare animals while on safari here.

440+ Bird Species

With its thriving avian population, Nyerere is a great choice for a birdwatching safari. Birders have the opportunity to spot the Pel’s fishing-owl, African skimmer, Böhm’s bee-eater, and much more.

Hippos and Crocodiles

The park’s waterways – most notably the Rufiji River – are home to these powerful reptiles and semi-aquatic mammals, offering thrilling encounters on boat safaris. A boat safari in Nyerere also gives you the chance to see a wealth of wildlife species on the banks as they drink and frolic in the shallows.

Things to Do in Nyerere National Park

While game drives are an exciting activity, Nyerere also offers more safari activities to take your experience to the next level.

Water Safaris

The Rufiji River and Lake Tagalala offer incredible opportunities for boat safaris as they attract elephants, wildebeests, and zebras from across Nyerere National Park during the dry season to drink. Following close behind them are predators, like lions and hyenas, looking for hunting opportunities.

Walking Safaris

Get up close and personal with nature on a guided walking safari, learning about the Nyerere-Selous ecosystem. Beho Beho Hills in Nyerere is known for its scenic views and excellent bush walks that allow you to see the smaller inhabitants that are often missed during game drives.

If you’re looking for a remote, more secluded safari destination for your next African vacation, travel to Nyerere National Park. This region will provide you with an unforgettable encounter with the raw beauty of Africa. With its fantastic wildlife and stunning landscapes, Nyerere is sure to keep climbing up the list of the best safari destinations in Africa.