Nyerere National Park 101 — Tips, Facts, and Must-Do Adventures
Let’s talk about Nyerere National Park. Why, you ask? You’re probably thinking, “Didn’t she already cover it in her last article?” But really, what’s the point of visiting a place if I can’t dish out all the juicy details? Most people still refer to this ‘Land of the Mighty Rufiji’ as Selous. Why? That’s what it…
Let’s talk about Nyerere National Park. Why, you ask? You’re probably thinking, “Didn’t she already cover it in her last article?” But really, what’s the point of visiting a place if I can’t dish out all the juicy details?
Most people still refer to this ‘Land of the Mighty Rufiji’ as Selous. Why? That’s what it has been called for decades, since 1922, to be exact, when it was named after Frederick Selous, a British Army officer and explorer who tragically died in combat along the Rufiji River. However, in 2019, the government split Selous into two: Nyerere National Park (strictly for game drives and wildlife viewing) and Selous Game Reserve (which remains a popular spot for game hunting).
Right… now that we’ve had our history lesson, let’s get to the good stuff.
When they say a national park is untouched, Nyerere National Park (NNP) is the definition of a virgin. Before I go on, here are some facts you should know about:
- NNP is Africa’s largest national park.
- It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, designated in 1982.
- The Rufiji River is East Africa’s largest river.
Because the land is so undisturbed, game drives here require a little patience. The animals? They still bolt at the sound of a vehicle. But trust me, it’s worth it! NNP offers stunning scenic and pristine natural landscapes.
How to get there
I drove to NNP via Kisarawe, Coast region, about 230km from Dar es Salaam… with a mix of tarmac and unpaved roads, brace yourself for a slow, bumpy ride. Alternatively, you can go through Kibiti or Morogoro. For those who prefer a faster (and smoother) option, short flights are available, with an airstrip conveniently located near the national park gate.
Where to stay
There are plenty of options, from simple budget camps to luxurious high-end lodges. I stayed at Africa Safari Selous, located just outside the Nyerere National Park, and let me tell you, it’s gorgeous. The place feels like you’ve stepped into a small village community. My highlight? The waterhole is right by the restaurant, where, unexpectedly, animals stroll in for a drink. Talk about dining with a wild twist!
The food? Absolute perfection. Hats off to the chef!
Evenings were magical, with Maasai stories and traditional dancing under a sky full of shining stars. And the bonfire? It crackled and flared, blending with the distant sounds of wildlife.
What to do
Like any national park, the main activity here is game drive. But Nyerere National Park has some unique spin:
- Guided walking safaris — This is one of the few parks in Tanzania where you can stretch your legs and explore on foot.
- Birdwatching — With about 440 recorded species, this park is a birder’s paradise.
- Boat cruises — What better way to spot wildlife than from a cruise along the Rufiji River?
What to wear
Well, I’m not exactly a fashionista… I’m more of a “comfort over couture” type. However, specifically for Nyerere National Park, dressing right is a safari survival skill. Depending on the season, you’ll need outfits that scream, “I’m here for the adventure” and not “I’m about to faint from discomfort.” Oh, and if you throw in some colourful threads? Boom… instant Instagrammable moment!
I had a beautiful time at Nyerere National Park and learned so much during my visit. Would I go back? Absolutely! Next time, though, I’ll give myself a few extra days to soak it all in, maybe sip bubbles, and enjoy the sunset while sailing along the Rufiji River.
