Safaris and nature walks in Nyerere National Park: Previously known as Selous Game Reserve, Nyerere National Park is Tanzania’s largest game reserve and a protected area of around 30,893 square kilometers. Originally a group of national parks, Selous was designated as a protected area in 1896. However, in 1905, it was turned into a hunting reserve open to anybody who wanted to enjoy the game. In honour of British explorer Fredrick Nyerere, who perished in World War I, it was given the name Nyerere. Following his passing, British colonialists merged all nearby minor game reserves to create the present-day Nyerere National Park.
As one of Tanzania’s least visited destinations, Nyerere National Park is ideal for travellers who wish to see the big five and other wildlife species—including buffaloes, Masai giraffes, lions, leopards, wild dogs, black rhinos, Thomson’s gazelle, spotted hyenas, wildebeest, plain zebras, impalas, and numerous reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates—without the crowds. It boasts a wide variety of vegetation, particularly the well-known Miombo woodland, as well as a wealth of fauna and more than 400 bird species that are all able to be seen in their native environments.
One of the rare locations in Tanzania where you may experience both a boat ride and a game drive is the National Park. You can spend as many days as you like for as long as you can afford it, and you can combine your safari to Nyerere with other places in the nation. The National Park is very safe for a safari, but you must abide by all the rules set forth by the tour guide.
A nature walk is one of the greatest ways to explore the park and get a close-up look at its splendor. Visitors can stroll through the park’s verdant forests, meander along its meandering rivers, and cross its vast savannahs under the guidance of informed rangers. An expedition when participants take a guided walk through the park with the primary goal of seeing the animals and birds in a more relaxed manner without utilising automobiles is known as a nature walk safari, sometimes referred to as a bush walk.
Nyerere National Park offers two different kinds of nature walk safaris. In other words, walking safaris within the National Park often begin in the mornings and end in the late afternoons at the many camps located within the park. During the 45- to 1-hour hikes in the park, you will have the opportunity to see the park’s vegetation and wildlife.
Nature walk safaris are considerably longer than those conducted inside the park and can also be conducted outside the national park. These will take roughly two to three hours, and each individual will travel nine or fifteen kilometers. This walk offers a variety of routes, and with a tour guide’s assistance, you will cross the distance while learning a great deal about the National Park.
The Rufiji River Walk is one of Nyerere National Park’s most popular walking routes. The Rufiji River runs beside this charming trail, which offers hikers the chance to witness a variety of animals, such as crocodiles, hippos, elephants, and many bird species. Visitors are given a genuinely immersive experience by the serene river waters, verdant flora, and striking cliffs.
The Mikumi Plateau Walk is another popular destination for tourists. Hikers can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding area as they traverse the park’s grasslands and rolling hills on this trail. Numerous animals, including lions, leopards, buffalo, elephants, rhinos, giraffes, impalas, wildebeest, plain zebras, wild dogs, bush pigs, and others, may be seen along the route. Because of the ecosystem’s diversity, this walk is very fulfilling because every step leads to a fascinating new discovery.
Depending on the location of the nature walks, there may be a lot of wildlife to witness in addition to a wide variety of birds, plants, and animals. The knowledgeable and proficient guides who lead walks are frequently locals who have the advantage of having been born and raised in the area you are visiting. Although walking safaris are generally very safe, there is a risk to the participants because the areas you are exploring are actually the territory of the local wildlife, and being on foot puts you on an equal footing with these animals, which can include lions, leopards, cheetahs, buffalo, and elephants.
Nyerere National Park also offers overnight nature hikes for those looking for a more immersive experience. Amidst the sights and sounds of the African environment, guests can spend the night at a secluded campsite. The sounds of nocturnal animals or the rustle of leaves in the wind may lull them to sleep beneath a blanket of stars.
Additional things to do in Nyerere Regional Park
Cruise by boat
Enjoy the tranquillity of Nyerere National Park by taking a fascinating boat ride along the Rufiji River, where you can take in the breathtaking scenery, go birdwatching, and be amazed by the variety of species that can be seen along the banks. This unhurried journey provides stunning sunsets over the waterways as well as unique viewpoints of the park’s rich biodiversity.
Drives of game
Experience thrilling game drives through the expansive savannas of Nyerere National Park, where you may see the Big Five and a variety of other animals. Your visit will be improved by knowledgeable guides who will share their knowledge of park conservation and wildlife behavior. Beautiful scenery and exhilarating moments in the middle of nature are revealed on every drive.
Cultural excursions
A cultural visit to neighbouring settlements might enhance the Nyerere National Park trip experience. Talk to locals to find out about their everyday lives, traditions, and customs. You will have the opportunity to engage in a variety of cultural activities, including traditional dances, crafts, and storytelling, during your cultural tours, which will promote understanding and relationships. Your safaris are enhanced by these cultural encounters, which give you a greater understanding of Tanzania’s rich history.
Fishing excursions
Fishing enthusiasts frequent Nyerere National Park because it is home to a wide diversity of freshwater fish species. Along the park’s lakes and rivers, visitors can go on guided fishing excursions where they can try their luck at catching fish like catfish and tigerfish. Fishing excursions offer a fun and fulfilling opportunity to take in the park’s fauna and natural settings.
observing birds
With more than 450 bird species identified, Nyerere National Park is a birdwatcher’s heaven. Mangrove kingfishers, Boehm’s bee-eater, Livingstone’s flycatcher, green-caped eremomela, yellow-bellied bulbul, white helmet shrikes, wattle-eyed flycatcher, red throated twin spot, grey-hooded kingfisher, black cuckoo-shrike, African skimmer, red-winged warbler, spotted flanked barbet, and red-billed helmetshrike are just a few of the birds you may see on your birdwatching excursions.
When to take a walk in the outdoors National Park Nyerere
During the dry season, which normally lasts from December to February and June to October, Nyerere National Park offers the best opportunities for nature walks. The park is simpler to explore on foot during this time of year because of the more pleasant weather and fewer rains. Additionally, you have a better chance of seeing animals on your trip during the dry season because wildlife is more active during this time. It is also crucial to remember that during the dry seasons, temperatures can rise significantly; thus, it is advised to pack lots of water and sunscreen.
Safari lodging for guests during nature hikes in Nyerere National Park
While hiking and doing nature walks in Nyerere National Park, visitors should not be concerned about lodging. To accommodate guests of various skill levels on their nature walk and trek safari, the park offers a range of lodging options. Among these magnificent establishments are Maji Moto, Kiba Point Safari Lodge, the Impala Tented Camp, Mbuyu Safari Camp, Siwandu Camp, Sand Rivers Selous, Lake Manze Tented Camp, Sable Mountain Lodge, Beho Beho Lodge, Maji Moto, Mivumo River Camp, and Selous Serena Camp.
