Nyerere National Park

Attractions in Nyerere national park

Large Populations of African Wild dogs

In Nyerere national park, African hunting Dogs are thriving, unlike most of those elsewhere on the continent. In fact, the park has the last true stronghold for African hunting dog in Africa. 

The Rufiji River

The Rufiji is East Africa’s largest river and it flows through the northern part of the Park. This river is slow moving, wide and has created a number of oxbow lakes in its northern flood plains, and they create a beautiful landscape of plains and woodlands interspersed with expanses of water. The might Rufiji with its renowned population of hippo and crocodile flows to Indian Ocean and it  river been designated as a photographic zone and is a popular for tourists.

Rare Species of Antelopes

Apart from being very famous for elephants, rhinos and hippopotamus, Nyerere has also a vast range of game including: brindled gnu, Nyasaland gnu, sable antelope, eland, greater kudu, waterbuck, hartebeest, zebras, giraffe, reedbuck, warthog, spotted hyena, lion, leopard, and hunting dog, in addition to the largest populations of buffalo in Africa.

Continent Largest Population of Elephants

The largest concentration of elephants on the continent has been known for taking home in this park.

Highest Concentration of Hippos and Crocodile

Rufiji River in Nyerere National Park is home to plenty of hippos and Nile crocodiles.

Diverse birdlife

In Nyerere National Park, bird life is diverse and abundant with more than 440 species of birds that have been recorded. These species are found in sandbanks, oxbow lakes and channels are home to these species. The park has different bird species like the African Darter, Grey kestrel, Black chested snake eagle, African fish eagle, Addim’s stork, African Harrier Hawk, Coqui Francolin and much more.

Activities in Nyerere national park

Nyerere National Park offers a wide range of activities that give visitors opportunities to enjoy its beauty and some of these activities include;

Game Drives

Game driving along the numerous small tracks is a popular way of enjoying the wildlife and the park has an amazing collection of wild animals, flora & fauna. During your game drive, you will enjoy the chance to spot a multitude of animals and these may include seeing the big five that is; the elephants, lions, rhino, leopard and buffalos and other animals like cheetah, giraffe, zebra and hippo. The drives last 2 to 3 hours per drive in the morning and afternoon hours, with morning timings usually scheduled from 6.30am to 9am and afternoon timings being 3.30pm to 6.30pm, though travelers may sometimes opt for a full day game drive generally from 10am to 4pm, in which case the excursion will include a packed picnic lunch to be enjoyed inside the National Park at a designated picnic spot, during lunch hours anytime from 12.30pm to 2.30pm.

Community tour

The Maasai, who populate vast areas of Northern areas of Tanzania is the dominant ethnic group surrounding most of the National Parks and Reserves in Tanzania. This nomadic, warrior tribe still retain many of their traditions as they live largely untouched by modern day civilization, in areas surrounding Selous Game Reserve. This one hour visit to a village visit is a chance to interact with the local people and get a glimpse into their culture, unique way of life and some of their customs and practices. The Maasai are known for their many unique cultural practices and traditions and some of these originate from their nomadic way of life.

Walking Safaris & Bush Walks

There are two types of nature walks offered while at Nyerere National Park. Nature walks within the camp and one outside the main reserve. These nature walks are preferably done early mornings or late in the afternoon when the sun is not too hot. The duration for these walks within the camp is approximately 45min-1hr and the rate ranges from USD 50 to USD 75 per person. The duration for walks outside the main reserve is approximately 2 1/2 to 3 hours covering a distance of 9-15 km and includes a packed breakfast/lunch depending on the timings and game drives en route to and from the walking safari location and the rate ranges from USD 90 to USD 150 per person.

Boating

Watching wildlife from the water is a beautiful and different way of game viewing. Crocodiles and hippos abound and elephants, waterbuck and buffalo spend a lot of time near the water, but a mass of other game including birds will be seen.

Boat cruise

The Rufiji River is Nyerere’s National Park striking feature, which provides an excellent natural setting for boat safaris and making it one of the few places in Africa where its possible to view wildlife and birdlife from water. During a boat safari, there is a great chance of spotting the hippos, crocodiles and plentiful of different bird species such as the African Fish Eagle, Malachite Kingfisher, Goliath Heron, African Skimmer and Boehm’s Bee-Eater. Monkeys (Blue Monkey, Savannah Baboon and Black and White Colobus Monkey) are often spotted in the trees along the banks of the river as well as Nile Monitor Lizards. The cost ranges from US$ 25 to US$ 30 per person for an hour ride based on a group size of 5 to 6 persons.

Nature walks

Depending on where the nature walks will be conducted, it is possible to see plenty of wildlife not to mention a rich diversity of Birds, flora and fauna. Walks are done by experienced and trained guides, and these guides often happen to be local people who have the advantage of being born and bred in the very region that you are exploring.

Hot Air balloon safaris

The balloons take off at the break of dawn, around 6am, gliding silently over the savannah grasslands below where you can spot a variety of wildlife. The flight lasts an hour and concludes with a ”Champagne Bush Breakfast” at the balloon landing site in the wilderness. The balloon is flown by a fully qualified and experienced Pilot and the balloons themselves are most often made by Cameron, a specialist hot air balloon manufacturer in Great Britain. The basket sizes vary and it is best to book in advance as space if typically limited to a maximum of 16 passengers per balloon, often less if flying with a smaller basket. The Hot Air Balloon price ranges from US$ 399 to US$ 490 per person depending on which camp or lodge you will fly from in Selous Reserve

Park fees for Nyerere national park

There are various park fees that are paid in the Nyerere National park and below is a list of some of the fees you will be expected to pay while on your safari. Note that the fees stated below are tentative to change anytime due to various reasons and it is best if you first contact your tour operator to find out the current park fees.

Entrance fees

Children below 5 years do not pay any Park fees while on a safari to the Park.

Non residents

Adults                                       $50

Students                                   $30

Children (5 to 15 years)        $30

Residents

Adults                                        $50

Students                                    $30

Children (5 to 15)                     $30

East African Citizens

Adults                                      Tsh5, 000

Students                                  Tsh3, 000

Children (5 to 15 years)        Tsh3, 000

Concession fees

These are paid if the visitor is staying within the National Park.

Non residents

Adults                                       $25

Students                                   $15

Children (5 to 15 years)         $15

Residents

Adults                                       $25

Students                                   $15

Children (5 to 15 years)         $15

East African citizens

Adults                                       Tsh5. 000

Students                                   Tsh3. 000

Children (5 to 15 years)         Tsh3. 000

Other park fees that need to be paid include the following:

Vehicle fees, these highly depend on the type of vehicle you are driving and the heaviness of the weight being carried.