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Nyerere National Park
Nyerere National Park
Nyerere National Park
Nyerere National Park
Nyerere National Park
Nyerere National Park
Nyerere National Park
Nyerere National Park
Nyerere National Park
Nyerere National Park

The meandering Rufiji River lies at the heart of Nyerere National Park

It forms a complex network of channels, lakes and swamps.

It is a great place for game viewing...

...as well as admiring the beautiful scenery.

Wild dogs can be spotted...

...and also herds of elephant.

Nyerere National Park also has an extraordinary birdlife...

...with over 440 species.

...and elephants as they come down to the river.

Nyerere National Park is worth a visit.

Nyerere National Park

Nyerere National Park

Wonderfully wild and atmospheric, Nyerere National Park is a game-rich riverine wilderness of palms, forest, lakes and savannah.

Granted UNESCO World Heritage status for its exceptional biodiversity and undisturbed habitats, Nyerere National Park is one of Tanzania's largest protected wilderness area. Yet despite this it remains blissfully quiet and undiscovered. This region was previously known as the Selous Game Reserve, however in 2019 the northern section of the Reserve, through which the broad Rufiji River flows, was designated Nyerere National Park. In this scenic park you'll find a clutch of wonderfully intimate safari camps, from classic ‘thatch-and-canvas’ bushcamps to star-lit treehouse retreats and one of Africa’s finest safari lodge. This enchanting wildlife sanctuary caters beautifully for both indulgence and rustic simplicity.

It’s a place of languid waterways and forests dancing with blue and colobus monkeys and rainbow coloured birds; a place of hot springs, deeply incised gorges, pretty palm-fringed lakes and wide savannah plains; a sanctuary where mammals – large and small – thrive in diverse environments.

At its heart, the lazy Rufiji River meanders through huge bends, its banks lined with baobabs and tall Borassus palms sporting fan-like fronds and patrolled by palm-nut vultures. Low, sandy islands harbour sunbathing crocodiles; colonies of carmine bee-eaters pepper the mud cliffs; and pairs of fish eagles cruise overhead. Herons deftly ply the shallows while giant, ginger-barred Pel’s fishing owls snap frogs from the water. Sun-kissed days spent in the park are simply idyllic, boating along the verdant channels, gliding past giraffes and elephants drinking at the water's edge, or watching kingfishers fishing and storks stalking through the shallows.

On land, your game drives will track thriving lion prides, follow the packs of Africa’s largest wild dog population or come upon immense herds of grazing antelope – Africa’s largest populations of sable and puku migrate through the park. If you're feeling active, you can take to your feet on superbly guided walking safaris and enjoy the delightful, more subtle spectacles of bird, insect and plant life.

Nyerere National Park

Nyerere National Park: in detail

Safaris visiting Nyerere

Just ideas, we'll always tailor-make a trip for you


Map

Jackal Fly-in Safari

8 days • 2 locations • 1 country
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT

Enjoy a range of activities on this luxury fly-in safari. Explore the remoter regions of Ruaha National Park and Nyerere National Park with phenomenal guides during stays at two impressively comfortable camps that remain perfectly in keeping with their surroundings.

Visiting Nyerere, Ruaha

US$7,740 - US$9,960 per person

Read more about the Jackal Fly-in Safari

Map

Spotted Hyena Fly-in Safari

7 days • 2 locations • 1 country
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT

Stay in one of Nyerere National Park's best safari camps before experiencing a truly authentic tented camp in Ruaha. Remote locations, superb guiding and a range of activities await guests during this comfortable fly-in safari.

Visiting Nyerere, Ruaha

US$7,350 - US$9,360 per person

Read more about the Spotted Hyena Fly-in Safari

Map

Bat-eared Fox Fly-in Safari

3 days • 1 location • 1 country
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT

This is an ideal first-time safari and is the perfect add-on to a holiday in Zanzibar. Nyerere National Park is one of Africa’s biggest wildlife areas and is home to an abundance of animals.

Visiting Nyerere

US$2,430 - US$3,030 per person

Read more about the Bat-eared Fox Fly-in Safari

Map

Dwarf Mongoose Fly-in Safari

6 days • 2 locations • 1 country
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT

Stay in two eco-friendly, rustic bush camps in Nyerere National Park and Ruaha National Park. Remote wilderness, a diversity of habitats and a good range of activities are available in these two wildlife havens.

Visiting Ruaha, Nyerere

US$4,110 - US$5,060 per person

Read more about the Dwarf Mongoose Fly-in Safari

Map

Turaco Safari

12 days • 4 locations • 2 country
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT

This top-value holiday idea combines two safari areas with a week on the Indian Ocean island of Zanzibar. Photograph lions and elephants, then relax under the palms on a powder-sand beach.

Visiting Nyerere, Ruaha and 2 other areas

US$5,460 - US$6,330 per person

Read more about the Turaco Safari

Map

Topi Fly-in Safari

7 days • 2 locations • 1 country
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT

Explore Nyerere National Park and Ruaha National Park from two luxurious, colonially styled camps. Chosen for their access to good game viewing and thrilling remoteness, these camps also offer a range of varied safari activities.

Visiting Nyerere, Ruaha

US$6,540 - US$6,870 per person

Read more about the Topi Fly-in Safari

Map

Marabou Stork Fly-in Safari

13 days • 5 locations • 1 country
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT

Four luxurious camps enable exploration of Tanzania’s north and southern regions. With a range of land- and water-based activities available throughout, decidedly comfortable accommodation and applicable long-stay discounts, this adventurous safari is excellent value.

Visiting Tarangire, Serengeti and 3 other areas

US$16,050 - US$23,210 per person

Read more about the Marabou Stork Fly-in Safari

Map

Superb Starling Fly-In Safari

7 days • 2 locations • 1 country
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT

Explore Nyerere and Ruaha national parks from two luxurious sister camps within wildlife-rich locations. Both offer a range of land- and water-based activities, a superb standard of guiding and access to beautifully contrasting landscapes.

Visiting Ruaha, Nyerere

US$8,300 - US$11,720 per person

Read more about the Superb Starling Fly-In Safari

Inspire me

Need inspiration?

Let our trip chooser narrow down the options for you

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Our travellers’ wildlife sightings in Nyerere

This is their success for sightings in Nyerere National Park.
Click on a species for more detail. How we work this out.


Giraffe

100% success

Hippo

100% success

Zebra

99% success

Buffalo

98% success

Elephant

97% success

Wildebeest

97% success

Lion

92% success

Spotted Hyena

89% success

Eland

76% success

Wild dog

48% success

Leopard

26% success

Striped Hyena

14% success

Black Rhino

1% success

Aardvark

1% success

Pangolin

0% success

Map of Nyerere National Park

Choices for where to stay in Nyerere National Park


Reference map

Most recent reviews of our safaris to Nyerere

Click below to browse all 719 reviews from Nyerere National Park. All from our travellers; all are in full & unedited.


99%
719 reviews since August 2007
Excellent
702
Good
27
Average
3
Poor
0
Terrible
0
LJ and DJ from GJ

Arrived 6 Feb 2024, 20 nights

"My Feb 2024 trip"

"Tanzania is a beautiful country with a lot of culture, wildlife, and birds …" Read LJ and DJ’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

The VD family from London

Arrived 14 Nov 2023, 12 nights

"My Nov 2023 trip"

"Once again extremely happy with Expert Africa - Everything went to perfection …" Read The VD family’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr N from Horsmonden

Arrived 11 Nov 2023, 12 nights

"My Nov 2023 trip"

"It was exactly what I was looking for. …" Read Mr N’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Dr & Mrs P from York

Arrived 2 Nov 2023, 9 nights

"My Nov 2023 Tanzanian trip"

"A very enjoyable short trip to Ruaha …" Read Dr & Mrs P’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

K and B from Oregon

Arrived 2 Nov 2023, 15 nights

"My Nov 2023 trip"

"absolutely wonderful...we can't wait to get in touch about our next safari …" Read K and B’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs I from UK

Arrived 6 Oct 2023, 12 nights

"My Oct 2023 trip"

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr P & Ms W from Herts

Arrived 19 Oct 2023, 12 nights

"My Oct 2023 trip"

"Fantastic overall first time safari experience for the children. …" Read Mr P & Ms W’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs N from London

Arrived 23 Sep 2023, 8 nights

"My Sep 2023 trip"

"Met our expectations of a safari trip - plenty of animal sightings …" Read Mr & Mrs N’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

JMKPBJ from USA

Arrived 22 Sep 2023, 15 nights

"My Sep 2023 trip"

"The itinerary was very well established from start to finish! …" Read JMKPBJ’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & from Mrs S, Oxford

Arrived 14 Sep 2023, 12 nights

"My Sep 2023 trip"

"This was truly amazing and a holiday of a lifetime. …" Read Mr &’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

See all Nyerere National Park reviews

When to go to Nyerere National Park

Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Nyerere in Tanzania


Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Tanzania in January

January usually marks the start of the short dry season, although the exact timings of this are a little unpredictable. You can expect clear blue skies and sunshine, if the short rains have stopped, and the temperatures will be building. The short dry season is a little less pronounced in Southern Tanzania, and so it can still be wet in these areas. It is an interesting time for avians as resident birds go into breeding plumage and migrant species can be present.

Once the New Year busy period has quietened down, January can offer great value and quieter parks, although the weather can be variable, and in the Selous and Ruaha the wildlife is more dispersed.

  • Variable weather: clear & dry or cloudy with some rain.
  • Occasional thunderstorms may occur.
  • A good time of year for birding as and many migrant species are around
  • The wildebeest migration is gathering in the southern Serengeti.
  • Busy in early January, quietening down through the month.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in January

Tanzania in February

February is during the short dry season and is one of the hottest months in Tanzania, with temperatures reaching around 33°Celsius. This can be a good time to visit, as some areas of the Northern Circuit are comparatively quieter than during the European summer months, and lodge rates are also a little lower.

The wildebeest will typically be on the southern plains of the Serengeti for their calving season, which tends to occur in a 2-3 week window in early-mid February – although this does vary year on year. This is also a particularly rewarding time for birdlife, as northern hemisphere migrants join the resident species.

  • Hot and dry weather.
  • Wildebeest migration calving on Serengeti’s southern plains.
  • Ngorongoro Crater and southern Serengeti busy for the migration.
  • Selous and Ruaha are typically quiet at this time.
  • The parks are likely to be lush and green, leading to pretty landscape

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in February

Tanzania in March

The heavier ‘long rains’ start in earnest in March although exactly when varies year on year. With no need to stay close to permanent water sources, migratory wildlife disperses, and so game viewing starts to become more challenging. This is most prominently seen in Tarangire National Park. The wildebeest migration may still be calving, or have moved on into the central regions of the Serengeti.

Many of the camps in the southern parks close mid March and mobile tented camps in the Serengeti will wind down towards the end of the month in order to move location or carry out refurbishments, ready for the new tourist season.

  • Hot with building humidity, before the rains begin at some point.
  • Wildlife viewing is variable depending on the start of the rains.
  • Parks are quiet and rates are low.
  • Not great for southern or western Tanzania.
  • March can be a good time for birding, with many migrant species.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in March

Tanzania in April

April is in the middle of the long rainy season and is the wettest month, with on average 250mm of rain. Temperatures are fairly high and humid in comparison to the rest of the year. Expect the bush to be lush and flowering, and alive with insects, birds and smaller animals. It is however also dense, allowing wildlife to hide, which in turn makes game viewing harder. This is a very quiet time in terms of visitor numbers.

Many of the tented camps are closed in April, however the larger lodges remain open. The rates are significantly cheaper, and so if you are willing to work harder to spot the bigger game, some accommodation bargains can be had.

  • Heavy rain expected, with impressive thunderstorms and lightning.
  • Many camps closed and roads impassable due to ground conditions.
  • Rates are at their lowest all year round, with very few other tourists
  • Places that are open are green and vibrant, wildlife more dispersed.

Our view

This is not a great time to visit

Weather in April

Tanzania in May

As Tanzania is close to the equator there is no dramatic difference in climate throughout the year, but temperatures do start to drop a little in May. The rains are likely to still be present, although potentially clearing towards the end of the month. Visitor numbers and lodge rates are still low. The wildebeest migration is making its way through the western regions of the Serengeti, crossing the Grumeti River.

Virtually all camps in southern Tanzania remain closed, and many of the roads and tracks in the Selous become impassable.

  • Heavy rains and storms are likely, this can create some dramatic skies
  • Blissfully quiet in northern Tanzania, and a good time to avoid crowds
  • The parks are likely to look lush and green, with long grass.
  • Wildlife is likely to be more dispersed, with fewer sightings.
  • The low prices make safaris much more affordable at this time.

Our view

This is not a great time to visit

Weather in May

Tanzania in June

The rains come to an end at some point during the month and migratory wildlife begins to be drawn back to perennial water sources as the land starts to dry up. It’s likely that the parks will still be quite green and the grass high though, so walking and fly-camping may be unlikely. This marks the start of the season with camps reopening, but prices are still more affordable than the subsequent months.

The migration may still be in the Western Corridor, or on the move northwards towards the Mara River. Western Tanzania presents more challenging conditions for chimpanzee trekking in Mahale National Park, as the chimps are higher in the mountains.

  • Variable weather: clear & dry or cloudy with some rain.
  • A transitory time for the migration – moving from west to north.
  • The parks may still be quite green, and grasses high.
  • Wildlife may be dispersed still.
  • Relatively low visitor numbers and good value, shoulder season prices.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in June

Tanzania in July

July is considered to be the start of the peak season, with no rainfall expected and pleasant daytime temperatures. As the parks dry, the wildlife congregates in fewer areas, grass is eaten and trampled by the migration, and game viewing gets better and better. The wildebeest are typically arriving in the northern Serengeti, ready to begin their period of crossings of the Mara River.

In the Selous and Ruaha wildlife sightings can be fantastic, with animals gathering around the lakes and rivers. Great conditions and school holidays mean the parks are at their busiest, with Ngorongoro and the Serengeti particularly crowded.

  • Dry and warm daytimes, chilly and windy in the mornings and evenings.
  • Great wildlife viewing, as water sources diminish.
  • The most popular time of year with very high visitor numbers.
  • Prices are at their highest due to the great conditions on the ground.
  • To avoid the crowds consider Tanzania’s southern parks.

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in July

Tanzania in August

August is the middle of the long dry season, with clear skies and sunny weather. You can expect some cooler weather at night and first thing in the morning. Remember to pack layered clothing, so you can wrap up warm on your early morning game drives, but remain comfortable as it heats up throughout the day.

August is a very popular time to visit, so accommodation prices are at their highest and advanced booking is necessary. It can get noticeably busier in some of the northern parks – in particular the Ngorongoro Crater and northern Serengeti, as visitors flock to the area in hope of witnessing an exciting migration river crossing.

  • Dry and warm daytimes, chilly in the early mornings and evenings.
  • General wildlife viewing should be excellent.
  • An exciting time of year for the wildebeest migration.
  • Certain areas will be very busy and camps fill up fast.
  • Great wildlife sightings in the Selous and Ruaha, and fewer people.

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in August

Tanzania in September

September can be an excellent time of year to visit Tanzania. As the parks continue to dry up the wildlife becomes increasingly reliant on the remaining water sources, leading to high densities of animals. Whilst early September can be busy, with fewer families traveling at this time the parks typically become quieter as the month goes on.

You are still likely to see the wildebeest migration in the northern Serengeti, with river crossings occurring on a regular basis. Tanzania’s southern parks are also fantastic at this time of year, generally receiving far fewer visitors than the north, and wildlife sightings can be great. Prices remain high and the weather generally remains good.

  • Wildlife viewing in September can be fantastic.
  • Whilst still fairly busy, often the parks are typically a little quiet
  • The parks will start to become very dry, with little new vegetation
  • Cooler mornings and evenings, warming up during the day.
  • Prices remain high.

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in September

Tanzania in October

At the tail end of the dry season, the wildlife should be the easiest to spot, although photographers should be aware that it can be a bit dusty at this time of year, as there has been no rain for several months. Great general wildlife viewing throughout as animals are attracted to remaining sources of water. Elephant numbers are particularly high at this time in Tarangire, and Mahale and Katavi are especially rewarding with frequent wildlife sightings close to camp.

There is a chance of rainfall towards the end of the month, if the short rains commence. While prices remain high, visitors numbers are significantly lower than in July-August.

  • Mostly dry and temperatures comfortably warm, with the chance of storm
  • Great game viewing although the landscape can be a bit barren.
  • Much lower visitor numbers than the earlier months.

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in October

Tanzania in November

In November you can expect the start of the short rains, although the start date varies every year. The rains are highly localised, and are much lighter and more unpredictable than the long rains that occur earlier in the year. These should not really interfere with your safari – as the game viewing at this time is still good - but you should pack a waterproof jacket and be prepared for some short rain showers!

The majority of tented camps remain open, but some of the mobile camps in Northern Tanzania will close for the latter half on the month. Given the seasonality, camps are charging shoulder season rates so there are often some bargains to be had. Early November can offer great value for money and the weather conditions are likely to be comparable to late October.

  • Variable weather: clear & dry or cloudy with some rain.
  • Parks are comparatively quiet and prices at the lower end.
  • Some camps will close towards the end of the month for maintenance.
  • Good wildlife sightings, but animals will disperse when rain starts
  • The wildebeest migration is on the move and the location unpredictable

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in November

Tanzania in December

December is also during the short rainy period, but this does not stop Tanzania being a popular destination to spend the festive period. Be aware that many of the lodges book up early, and charge peak rates over this time. Advanced booking is essential over this period, especially if travelling in larger family groups.

Travelling in December outside of the festive period allows travellers to make use of excellent shoulder season rates. Temperatures are pleasant with the averages of 27Celsius, although there is the chance of intermittent thunderstorms.

  • Variable weather:clear & dry or cloudy with some rain and thunderstorm
  • Good general game viewing in parks with low seasonality - Serengeti.
  • Very quiet early in the month, becoming exceptionally busy.
  • Prices reflect this – great value rising to the highest they are.
  • The wildlife in southern Tanzania is more dispersed.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in December

Tanzania fact file

Useful information and advice to help you prepare for a trip including Nyerere National Park.


ABU CAMP in OKAVANGO DELTA

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