Nyerere National Park (Selous)
About Nyerere National Park (Selous)
This is the Africa’s Largest National Park formerly (Selous Game Reserve) covering an area the size of Switzerland. The Park with staggering size of 30,893km2 host one of the world’s largest concentrations of wildlife. Its a UNESCO World Heritage site has only a handful of high-end safari camps. The collection of wildlife both in diversity and abundance is just remarkable visitors to this vast sanctuary will be able to see astounding volume of wildlife both rare and common species. The park host the famous ‘’Big Five’’ and some rare species of antelopes like Roan Antelope, Brindled Gnu, Lichtenstein hartebeest, roan, and sable antelopes, Kudu etc.
Opportunities for foot safaris and game walks, boat explorations and the classic 4WD safari in add a further unique element to the Selous safari and ensure its reputation for pure bush adventure remains untarnished by volume.
The park stands unique amongst the major safari destinations of Africa in offering a wider range of safaris than the traditional 4WD-based vehicle safari. Boating explorations along the Rufiji River are a wild and adventurous safari experience as can be had, cruising amongst hippos, crocodiles and a full checklist of water birds, and getting closer to the attendant wildlife that drinks from the bank, as any other method would allow. Elsewhere, the game walks with armed ranger and guide allow a privileged viewpoint of the game that teems along the riverine
There are large populations of elephant in the park. Approximately 70 % (60 000) of Tanzania’s elephants are found in this reserve. Other well known animals include the hippo (40 000 inhabit the river systems), depleted numbers of the black rhino, large herds of buffalo (over 160 000), the area’s famous wild dogs and 5 000 lion patrol the Reserve. Also found here are Nyasa land gnu, brindled gnu, hartebeest, Greater Kudu, sable antelope, eland, reedbuck, bushbuck, waterbuck, warthog, zebras, giraffe, wildebeest, leopard, and cheetah are rare. There are over 350 species of birds including African snipe, Battler eagle, crested lark, Green-headed oriole, Knob-billed duck, herons, kingfishers, geese and Southern Ground horn-bill. Reptiles such as crocodiles and various snakes and lizards are also found.
Pros and Cons
Top wildlife viewing in the dry season
Guided walks and boat safaris available
Lions are easily found at the lake shores
One of the best places in East Africa to encounter wild dogs
Excellent mid-range and luxury lodges and no large-scale accommodations
Hunting concessions make animals skittish and more difficult to watch
The wildlife viewing circuit is relatively small
Animals are scattered during the wet season and most lodges are closed from March to May
Wildlife
The Rufiji River is teeming with hippos and crocodiles and the bird life is fantastic. Lion sightings are very common as the opportunistic creatures tend to laze around the lakes waiting for animals coming to drink. One of the main attractions of the park is its large population of wild dogs.
Scenery
The part of Selous, north of the Rufiji River, open to the public, is particularly scenic. The main wildlife viewing circuit follows a string of 5 lakes connected to each other and the Rufiji River by small streams. The Rufiji is one of Africa’s great rivers with palm fringed channels and swampy islets.
Best Time to Visit:
- June –September
Elephant and buffalo abound in dry riverbeds to east of camp. Wild dog start to den this time of year. Best time for walking safaris. Warm comfortable days with cool nights. Dry
- October – November
Heavy concentrations of game around inland lakes and river, Elephant and buffalo often seen wallowing in the water. Lion and leopard moving close by waiting for game to drink. Hyena and wild dog lie in the shallow water. Migrant birds start to arrive and the trees start to sprout leaves. Crocodiles are at their most active and weather becoming dry and hot.
- December – March
Miombo is in leaf and pans have started to fill with water. Lots of elephant and general game in woodland, Prolific bird life, especially waders and water birds. Most animals calving, so lots of newborn and youngsters, Hot with possibility of rain, and increasingly humid.
Activities
- Safari game drives within the park with 4×4 vehicles.
- Boat safaris in Great Rufiji River
- Guided walking safari in selected areas.
- Cultural tourism exploring Mloka village life style
- Photographical activities
PROPERTIES:
NYERERE NATIONAL PARK (SELOUS)
Camping Accommodation
Selous Campground
Selous Jimbiza Camp
Basic Accommodation
The Nyerere Selous Ngalawa Tented Camp
Budget Accommodation
Standard Accommodation
Midrange Accommodation
Lake Manze Tented Camp
Luxury Accommodation
Most Luxury Accommodation
Siwandu Tented Camp
VIP Accommodation