The ultimate guide to Nyerere National Park in Tanzania
Location, History and Facts about Nyerere National Park
Nyerere national park is located in the southern parts of Tanzania in East Africa. Nyerere np is one of the most famous Tanzania national parks with a larger part of it being in the former Selous game reserve. Nyerere National park is bordered by the Rufiji River covering an area of about 30,000 square kilometers. Hence ranking it as the largest national park in Tanzania.
Nyerere national park was originally part of the Selous Game Reserve and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which was established in 1922. Later in 2019, a portion of this reserve was upgraded to national park and named Nyerere National Park. Additionally, this was to honor Tanzania’s first president, Julius Nyerere.
How to Get To Nyerere National Park in Tanzania
The road, the air, and the rail all provide access to Nyerere National Park, lying in the south of Tanzania:
- By Road: Drive takes 5-7 hours from Dar es Salaam, depending on the point of entry. Main road connects Kibiti and Mloka with the Mtemere Gate. Other parks, like Mikumi or Ruaha, have alternative routes via Morogoro in case you wish to go there.
- By Air: The possibility of charter flights from Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, and Arusha to airstrips in the area, including Mtemere Airstrip, exists. This is the most convenient and fastest means.
- Rail: The Tanzania-Zambia Railway (TAZARA) provides a picturesque ride from Dar es Salaam to Matabwe, from where you can travel by car to the last leg to the park.
Nyerere National Park Map
Birdlife and Wildlife in Nyerere National Park
Nyerere National Park is known to home to a wide range of wildlife and these act as major attractions within the national park. Some of these animals and birds found in Nyerere game park include;
- The Big Five in Tanzania: Elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, and rhinos
- Other animals; Wild dogs, cheetahs, and hyenas, Zebras, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, and various antelope species
- Birdlife in Nyerere: Over 440 bird species, including fish eagles, kingfishers, and herons, making it a paradise for birdwatchers.

Climate and Weather in Nyerere game Park in Tanzania
Nyerere National Park is one of the national parks in Tanzania that experiences a tropical climate with two main seasons. In addition, these include; the Dry Season running from June to October and the Wet Season running from November to May.
Worst/Best time to visit Nyerere game Park in Tanzania
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When it comes to visiting Nyerere np in Tanzania, the best time to visit Nyerere National park is during the dry seasons of the year. Also, these dry seasons run from the months of June to October and are best for wildlife viewing.
However to those that may wish to visit the national park during the wet season which is a low season. This is also the worst time to visit Nyerere National park and it is best for birdwatching tours in Tanzania. These months run from (November to May) hence the park can be visited all year through. You can get to Nyerere National Park using numerous means of transport. These include; air transport, road transport and lastly water means of transport.