Nyerere (Selous) NP Tanzania flag

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Starting from

$750PP

Overview

Nyerere National Park formerly known as Selous Game Reserve is Africa’s largest national park which covers 50,000 square kilometres of miombo forests, which incorporate shrublands, savannas, and tropical and subtropical meadows. These forests are home to herbivore species like Burchell's zebras, Roosevelt's sable pronghorn, impala, giraffe, Lichtenstein's hartebeest and waterbuck. Selous is likewise known for its huge number of wild canines, lions and panthers. Game drives are generally compensating for predator sightings, yet boat and walking safaris add an alternate measurement to your visit.

High Season
July to October
Best Time to Go
June to October

Pros & Cons

  • Big five are available here, easy to spot in Dry Season
  • Guided walks and boat safaris are available
  • Lots of Mid Range & Luxury accommodation options are available
  • Animals are dispersed during the Wet season
  • Comparatively less area for the wildlife experience

Map in Tanzania

Nyerere (Selous) NP map

Wildlife & Animals

Nyerere National Park offers an awesome wildlife viewing experience. Some of the diverse wildlife of the savannah incorporate the presence of the African bush elephant, black rhino, hippopotamus, Lion, East African wild dog, Cape buffaloes, Masai giraffe, Plains zebra, and Nile crocodile. The black rhino is uncommon however can here and there be found in some far-off regions.

Wildlife Highlights

Selous Game Reserve has a huge and healthy population of African wild dogs. These hunters are pack animals who are gifted and efficient trackers, who run their prey down and at last start eating their exhausted prey while they are still alive. The dreaded Nile crocodiles are additionally found in the waters waiting that an accidental prey will stroll into their jaws. Buffalo, giraffes, impala, waterbuck and zebras are seen close to the lakes or close to the water holes, which are regularly visited by hungry hunters ready to pounce.

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing

For wildlife viewing, the best time to visit the Selous Game Reserve is during the dry season, from June to October. With the dwindling vegetation around the water sources, it becomes easier to spot the wildlife gathering around them. 

Birds

A famous bird-watching destination, Selous Game Reserve has around 440 bird species. They inhabit the islands, tidal ponds, stream channels and sandbanks. Probably the most uncommon and unique birds, for example, the African wattled lapwing, African spoonbill, normal white-headed vulture, Pel's fishing owl and the white-fronted honey bee-eater, have been seen in the district. Other bird species were regularly seen incorporating the African skimmer, brown-necked parrot, dark-winged brace, Dickinson's kestrel, yellow-charged stork, racket-followed roller and white-supported night heron.

Best Time for Birding

The wet season is an ideal time to visit Selous for bird watching. From November to April, several migratory species make their way towards Selous Game Reserve and several other regions in southern Tanzania.

Best Time to Visit – Nyerere (Selous) NP

For wildlife viewing, the best time to visit the Selous Game Reserve is during the dry season, from June to October. With the dwindling vegetation around the water sources, it becomes easier to spot the wildlife gathering around them. 

High Season
July to October
Low Season
Seasonal rains can affect access in some areas
Best Weather
Typically during dry months; check local patterns
Worst Weather
Peak of Wet season; very hot months vary by region

May to October (Dry Season)

  • Less vegetation and animals concentrate around water, making them easier to spot
  • The skies are clear, rain is rare, and there are fewer mosquitoes
  • Even though most tourists visit during the Dry season, the parks still feel uncrowded, except for the bustling Chobe riverfront area
  • Early morning and evening drives are cold in June, July and August

November to April (Wet Season)

  • The scenery is greener, and there are lower rates during this season
  • Although wildlife is easier to spot in the Dry season, you'll still see plenty
  • There are many newborn animals and migratory birds
  • Except for January and February, rains seldom interfere with your trip
  • During January and February, the rains can be continuous for days
  • It gets very hot in October and November
  • Some lodges and camps close down during part of the Wet season

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