Selous Game Reserve Tanzania | Nyerere National Park
Nyerere National Park - Tanzania (Selous Game Reserve)
Nyerere National Park, once part of Selous Game Reserve, became a national park in 2019. Named after Tanzania’s first president, Julius Nyerere, it’s known for wildlife conservation. It’s the largest park in Africa, covering 30,893 sq km, with diverse habitats like grasslands, woodlands, and riverine forests along the Rufiji River. Visitors can see elephants, lions, hippos, crocodiles, and rare wild dogs. The park is great for game drives, walking safaris, and boat safaris. It’s best visited from June to October, as some areas may be closed from March to May due to rain.
The reserve is large, with no permanent structures allowed. Visitor access is strictly controlled by the Wildlife Division of Tanzania’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism.
Highlights
- The park is home to the largest population of baboons on the planet.
- The varied vegetation ranges from lush forests to open grasslands.
- The best Tanzania National Park to see a full display of high-flying avians with more than 400 documented species of birds.
- The Rufiji River, which flows past Mafia Island
- A unique amount of animals (there are about 30,000 elephants, 200,000 giraffes and 420 different species of birds)
Nyerere National park in Detail
Interesting Facts about Selous Game Reserve Tanzania | Nyerere National Park
Nyerere National Park which was formerly known as Selous Game Reserve, is the largest Game Reserve in Tanzania and it is a protected area covering about 50,000km2. Selous was at first a series of National Parks that were made a protected area in the year 1896 but in 1905, it became a hunting reserve for all who wanted to enjoy the hunting game. It was named Nyerere after a British adventurer Fredrick Nyerere who died during the world war I. after his death, all the small game reserves around were combined by the British colonialists to form the current Nyerere National Park.
The Nyerere National Park is one of the least visited places in Tanzania and this makes it the perfect place for tourists who want to enjoy the big 5 without the large crowd. It has a diversity of vegetation especially the famous Miombo woodland, lots of wildlife and over 400 bird species that can all be viewed in their natural habitats.
The National Park is one of the few places in Tanzania which you can explore with both a game drive and a boat ride. The National Park is very safe for a safari but you must follow all the guidelines that are put in place by the tour guide, you can spend as many days as you want for as long as you can afford it and you can join your safari to Nyerere with other destinations in the country.
Birdlife in Nyerere national park
Selous game reserve is home to thousands of birds. Scientists have recorded over 445 different birds species that live in the various habitats within the Selous. The giant kingfishers, the pink backed pelican as well as the African skimmer live for instance near the lake areas. Along the sandbanks you will see the white-fronted bee-eater, fish eagle, carmine, ibises and palmnut vultures. The purple-crested turaco, yellow-billed stork, trumpeter hornbill, white-crowned spur-winged plovers, malachite kingfishers and various small waders are among the other water birds that you can see in Selous Game Reserve, as well migrant species.
Boat Safari in Selous
Selous is one of the few parks where you can do a boat safari and a walking safari. It’s a great place to enjoy the views of the Rufiji River, with lots of hippos, crocodiles, and birds. Watching the sunset from the boat is amazing, with the peaceful river as the sun goes down.
The park offers a unique chance to get close to nature, making it perfect for anyone who loves wildlife and beautiful landscapes. Whether you’re exploring on foot or by boat, you’ll experience the park’s beauty and the thrill of seeing animals in their natural habitat.
Best time to visit Selous Game Reserve
The best time to visit Selous is from June to October during the dry season. It’s easier to see wildlife then because the plants aren’t too thick, and animals gather around water sources. After heavy rains, many roads are hard to pass, and some camps are closed. June to August is a great time to spot rare wild dogs when they are in their dens.
During the dry season, the park is more accessible, making it perfect for game drives and safaris. Visitors can enjoy watching a variety of animals in their natural surroundings without the challenge of muddy roads.
Tour ideas to get you dreaming
12 Days Tanzania Bush to Beach Classic
11 Days Tanzania Photographic safari
9 Days Serengeti Wildebeest Safari
12 Days Tanzania Bush to Beach Classic
11 Days Tanzania Photographic safari
9 Days Serengeti Wildebeest Safari
Where to Stay in Selous Game Reserve
Where To Stay In Nyerere Park (Selous) In Tanzania
On a Seko Tours wildlife trip in southern Tanzania, Nyerere (Selous) offers a variety of accommodations, from luxurious lodges to simple, authentic camps. Some guests prefer a basic, nature-focused experience, while others seek luxury and top-notch service. Lodges usually offer more comfort, while camps bring you closer to nature. The value of your stay depends on comfort, exclusivity, eco-friendliness, activities, and the quality of guides and food.
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Popular questions about Tanzania Safari
You can see lions, which are big cats. You can also see elephants, which are very big animals with trunks. Giraffes, which have long necks, are common. Zebras, with black and white stripes, are easy to spot. There are many other animals too, like rhinos, hippos, and many kinds of birds.
The best time is from June to October. This is the dry season. It is easier to see animals because they gather around water holes. The weather is also nice, not too hot and not too rainy.
A safari can cost from $1,500 to $5,000. The price depends on how many days you go, where you stay, and what you do. Some safaris are cheaper and some are more expensive.
Pack comfortable clothes. It can be hot during the day and cool at night. Bring sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun. A hat is good for keeping the sun off your face. A camera is great for taking pictures. Binoculars help you see animals that are far away.
Yes, it is safe if you go with a good guide and a trusted safari company. They know the area and the animals. Always follow the guide's instructions.
A good safari lasts 5 to 10 days. This gives you enough time to see different animals and visit different places without feeling rushed.
The Serengeti National Park is very famous. It has many animals and the Great Migration happens there. The Ngorongoro Crater is also amazing. It is a big volcanic crater with lots of animals inside. Tarangire National Park and Lake Manyara National Park are also good places to visit.
Yes, you can see the Great Migration in the Serengeti. It is a huge movement of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles. They move to find fresh grass and water. The best time to see the migration is from June to July and from October to November.
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