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Location
Introducing one of Africa’s largest stand-alone National Parks, Nyerere, located in Tanzania’s South East, around 145 miles from Dar es Salaam. As a new national park, Nyere is not visited by a lot of tourists at this time, making it a truly exclusive safari destination. A photographer’s delight, the Nyerere National Park has part of the magnificent Rufiji River running through it, making for a spectacular backdrop for that perfect picture.
Size
The size of Nyere Park is around 12 000 square miles
History
The Nyerere National Park was established in 2019 when a section of the Great Selous Game Reserve was sectioned off by TANAPA (Tanzania National Parks Authority). A remote park was created where animals are free to roam and with fewer tourists than other parts of southern and northern Tanzania, wildlife viewing and preservation is spectacular.
Entrance Fees & Permits
The entrance fee to Nyerere National Park is USD 50 per adult and USD 30 per child under 15 years old, over a 24-hour period.
Hours of Operation
The entrance gates of Nyerere National Park are open between 6am and 6pm daily.
By Road
The drive from Dar es Salaam to Nyerere National Park’s Mtemere Gate is a journey of 145 miles and will take between five and six hours.
By Air
Guests can also fly into Nyerere National Park and the Selous Game Reserve, a 45-minute flight from Dar es Salaam, with aircraft landing in one of the airstrips in the Park. Guests staying in Nyerere National Park can connect to Zanzibar although most options will include a brief stop in Dar es Salaam.
Weather & Climate
The dry season which falls between the months of June and October is the best time to visit the Nyerere National Park. The vegetation is not as dense and animal spotting is excellent. Waterholes are busy and the climate is lovely and mild.
Avoiding Crowds
Visitors who consider staying in Nyerere National Park between the months of October and December will have mild days and clear skies, and game viewing is still quite good. While the weather is wetter and more humid in January and February, game viewing is still good with prolific birdlife a treat. During these months, the lodges and camps are not that booked up so avoiding crowds is possible.
Value for Money
As the Nyere National Park is quite remotely located in Tanzania’s southern regions, it sees fewer visitors than the country’s Northern circuit and therefore pricing of lodges and camps can be more affordable than those up north. Visitors have the option to choose from a handful of beautiful accommodation options at competitive prices.
Popular Wildlife Sightings in the Nyerere National Park
With the Rufiji River running through the Nyerere National Park, sightings of hippos are frequent and often enjoyed on a boat safari. Wildlife is abundant in this large park, including the famous “Big Five” comprising lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo. Waterbuck, hyenas and the sneaky crocodile are often spotted too. Wild dogs and the African Puku, a rare find, reside in the Park as well. There are over 400 bird species that can be found in this southern region of Tanzania.
The Terrain
An unspoiled terrain can be found at the Nyerere National Park, the landscape comprises large, open grassy plains, and acacia trees dotting the landscape with picturesque mountain ranges highlighting the background. The Miombo woodlands, riverine forests and swamps complete the dramatic picture of this region.
Game Drives
Game drives are conducted in 4×4 vehicles, usually early in the morning and late in the afternoon. A chance to spot incredible wildlife under the guidance and expertise of a qualified guide.
Guided Walking Safaris
Your experienced safari guide will take you on a walk of approximately one hour through the Nyerere National Park, where you can gain a better understanding of the conservation of the region and the chance to get quite close on foot to incredible wildlife, big and small.
Boat Safaris
Spend time on lakes looking out for hippos and crocodiles, a chance to spot antelope and predators on shore from a different perspective
Hot Air Balloon Experiences
Take the opportunity to witness magnificent wildlife and wilderness from above as you gaze down on the expansive and dramatic Nyerere National Park from your hot air balloon ride.
Nyerere National Park Lodging – Distance from park entrance
Lodge or Hotel | Distance to park entrance (in miles) |
Siwandu Lodge | 13 miles from Mtemere Gate |
Serena Mivumo Lodge | 21 miles from Mtemere Gate |
Boho Boho Camp | 8.5 miles from Matambwe Gate |
Rufiji River Camp | 1.5 miles from Mtemere Gate |
Sable Mountain Lodge | 7.5 miles from Matambwe Gate |
Nyerere National Park Cultural Village
Guests have the option to visit the Maasai cultural village in Nyerere National Park. An option to interact and learn about daily life within the tribe, their traditions and cultural wonders.
The best time to visit Nyerere National Park is during the dry season between the months of June and the end of August. To avoid crowds, visitors should consider enjoying their safari during the quieter months between November and February.
Pricing ranges from around USD 400 per person sharing per night, right up to the ultra-luxury safari options of around USD 1100 per person sharing per night.
Driving from Dar es Salaam will take between five and six hours.
The remote location of this vast National Park makes it a wildlife wonder and a somewhat secluded safari experience. There is a great complement of wildlife in the park and animals roam quite freely as tourism is still quite small.
Elephants are a popular sight in the Nyerere National Park and there is an excellent number of big cats in the park. Hippos, antelope, the “Big Five” and wild dogs can be seen on safari, as well as favorites such as giraffes and zebra.
The Park gates open from 6am to 6pm daily.
It is important to pre-book your safari experience to Nyerere National Park. The region is less frequented and slightly less accessible than other major reserves and parks in Tanzania, so planning ahead is key.
Game drives and game walks are the best way to experience the wilderness and wildlife of the Nyerere National Park. A Hot Air Balloon ride is an exceptional way to view animals and vast terrain from a bird’s eye view.
Accommodation options in Nyerere National Park range from moderate options such as Sable Mountain Lodge to beautiful Boho Boho Camp and tranquil Siwandu Lodge to marvelous Serena Mivumo River Lodge, on the banks of the Rufiji River.
There are no stand-alone restaurants near Nyerere National Park, guests will enjoy their meals at the restaurants and dining halls at their respective lodges.
A cultural Masaai village visit is possible for all guests staying in Nyerere National Park.
Fly from Zanzibar to Nyerere Park for a Day of Safari Thrills! Experience Wildlife Magic in a Day Tour Adventure.
Being a fairly new reserve, Nyerere is still not that well-known amongst the safari touring community so you’ll have more of this big park and its rivers of wildlife to yourself.
Unleash the Ultimate Safari Adventure! 2-Day Tour: Fly Zanzibar to Nyerere Park. Double the Thrills, Double the Wildlife Magic. Book Your Safari Escape Now!
Everything about Nyerere National Park is big, even its main waterway, the Rufiji River, is the largest in Tanzania. This great artery is the centre of a network of channels, swamps, and lakes that form a massive ecological system. It’s also home to vast numbers of hippos and crocodiles.
2 DAYS, 1 NIGHT: FLY ZANZIBAR TO NYERERE PARK
With its vast system of lakes and waterways, acacia-adorned hills, riverine forests, and green rolling grasslands, Nyerere is a stunning and bountiful park to behold.
The final colourful flourish – the reserve’s hundreds of bird species dressing up the lakes, trees, and sometimes the wildlife – it is not uncommon to see a bright songbird resting upon the back of a rhino or antelope. Look for the purple-crested turaco, trumpeter hornbill, and fish eagle.
You’ve heard about Tanzania’s biggest reserve, Nyerere National Park, and want to see for yourself these immense fields and forests teeming with wildlife.
So just how large is this new park, carved out from the vast Selous Game Reserve? Well, it’s bigger than the Masai Mara and even bigger than the Serengeti, stretching out to 30,983 sq km (11,928 sq mi). That’s more land area than dozens of countries!
Embark on a 4-Day Zanzibar Fly-In Safari to Nyerere Park! Immerse Yourself in Wildlife Wonders and Serene Beauty. Your Dream Safari Journey Starts Here!
Experience the Ultimate Safari Adventure! Join Our 5-Day Zanzibar Fly-In Safari to Nyerere Park. Discover Wildlife Magic and Serenity. Book Your Escape Now!
The best time to go gorilla trekking in Uganda is during the dry season (December– February and June - August) when conditions are especially good for trekking to view mountain gorillas. Game drives in the national parks are also fruitful during this time.
Wear neutral colored, lightweight clothing on your Uganda safari. Dress in layers and bring a warm sweater for morning and nighttime game drives. For gorilla trekking, bring a waterproof rain jacket, hiking boots, long socks, hiking pants, bug repellant, and a daypack. A sunhat and gardening gloves are also a good idea; the jungle is dense and thick.
Natural World Kenya Safaris offers Gorilla Trekking Safaris in Uganda with basic accommodations starting at $96 per person, per day, plus the Uganda gorilla trekking permit which costs $700 per person per day (the permits are required, and those fees are non-negotiable.) Costs increase from there.
Natural World Safaris can provide basic, mid-range, and luxury trekking safaris and is eager to work with almost any budget.
Suggested tips range from $10 to $20 per person per day for a private guide and the same amount for your driver if that is a different person than your guide.
If you are on a guided safari or gorilla trek in Uganda, your chances of encountering problems are minimal. However, it is always a good idea to take precautions on your safari, particularly when traveling through urban areas or in regions close to the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The trek to spot gorillas can be strenuous. It could take anywhere from two to eight hours to find and observe the gorillas, depending on the time of year. Be prepared to hike for multiple hours through uneven terrain at high altitude. It is advisable to train before any gorilla trekking trip by walking uphill, or better yet, by taking day hikes.
When it comes to wildlife viewing, there are never any guarantees. There are no fences in the parks in Uganda and the gorillas are free to roam. However, our expert guides and gorilla trackers have years of experience taking guests to see these magnificent creatures. They know their favorite spots to congregate and work closely with park officials each day to provide the best possible chance of seeing gorillas in the wild.
Most mountain gorillas in Uganda live at between 4,900 to 7,500 feet. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to the country’s mountain gorillas, has a high point of 8,550ft.
The best time to go on a gorilla trek in Rwanda is during the dry season (June - September) when conditions are best for trekking to view the country’s highlight: the fascinating mountain gorillas.
Wear neutral colored, lightweight clothing on your Rwanda gorilla trek. Dress in layers and don’t forget a sweater for chilly morning and nighttime game drives. For gorilla trekking, bring a waterproof rain jacket, broken-in hiking boots, long socks, hiking pants, bug repellant, and a daypack. A sun visor and protective gloves – such as gardening gloves - are also useful.
Natural World Kenya Safaris offers Gorilla Trekking Safaris in Rwanda with basic accommodations starting at $720 per person, per day, plus the Rwanda gorilla trekking permit which costs $1,500 per person per day (the permits are required, and those fees are non-negotiable.) Costs increase from there.
Natural World Safaris can provide basic, mid-range, and luxury trekking safaris and is eager to work with almost any budget.
Suggested tips for your guide are $25 per person, per day for a private guide and the same amount for your driver if that is a different person than your guide.
Rwanda is one of the safest countries in Africa, particularly if you are on a guided safari or gorilla trek. Your chances of encountering problems are minimal. However, it is always a good idea to take precautions on your safari, particularly when traveling through urban areas. Cross-border travel into the Democratic Republic of the Congo or Burundi is not safe, however, so steer clear of this.
The trek to spot gorillas can be strenuous. It could take anywhere from two to eight hours to find and observe the gorillas, depending on the time of year. Be prepared to hike for multiple hours through uneven terrain at high altitude. It is advisable to train before any gorilla trekking trip by walking uphill, or better yet, by taking day hikes.
When it comes to wildlife viewing, there are never any guarantees. There are no fences in the parks in Rwanda and the gorillas are free to roam. However, our expert guides and gorilla trackers have years of experience taking guests to see these magnificent creatures. They know their favorite spots to congregate and work closely with park officials each day to provide the best possible chance of seeing gorillas in the wild.
Most mountain gorillas in Rwanda live at between 8,000 to 13,000 feet. Volcanoes National Park has a high point of 15,000ft.
Contact us for more information
For more information about our safari excursions, or to book your dream safari trip with Natural World Kenya Safaris, simply get in touch with our friendly travel advisors. Give us a call on +254 704 001 122 or leave your details on our contact us page, and we'll reply as quickly as possible.
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