Nyerere National Park

Description: This untouched uninhabited area is home to the biggest herds of elephant and other wildlife to be found anywhere in the world. The large meandering Rufiji River with its network of channels, connecting lakes and lagoons offers visitors the unique opportunity to go on safari by boat and experience the spectacular concentration of wildlife from an unusual perspective, especially during the dry season when animals congregate.

Game drives and walking excursions are also very rewarding. There are elephant, hippos and rhino (although few now remain). This reserve contains about one third of all the wild dogs (often called painted dogs), in the world.

Location: Southern Tanzania, between Ruaha and Dar es Salaam, usually reached by flight from Arusha or Dar es Salaam. Works nicely with a visit to Ruaha National Park. Can be reached by vehicle from Dar es Salaam and Arusha with long drives. It is also possible to arrive by train from Dar es Salaam.

Things 2 Do: Game Drives, Boat Safaris, Walking Safaris, Fly Camping

Time: Given the distance, spend at least 3 nights. Best during the dry season.

Animals: All the usual: Elephant, Nyassa Wildebeest, Crawshays Zebra, Masai Giraffe, several different antelopes, African Buffalo, Lion, Leopard and primates (Reddish-green Vervet Monkey, Yellow Baboon, Tanzanian Sykes Monkey and Peters’s Angolan Colobus). Tanzania as a whole contains approximately 20% of the overall wild dog population, with Selous having the largest single population in Africa.

Accommodations

$$$$
Jimbiza Selous Lodge
Lake Manze
Rufiji River Camp

$$$$$
Beho Beho
Serena Mivumo River Lodge
The Retreat Selous
Sand Rivers Camp
Selous Impala Camp
Selous Safari Camp
Selous Wildlife Lodge
Selous Wilderness Camp

Top photo credit: Asilia Africa

Brian L. (USA)

February 6, 2015

“A2T was great across the board! We had a very positive trip-planning experience and felt about as ready as possible for our trip. Karen was a pleasure to work with in this regard, and often anticipated questions before they were even asked. She was very available and helpful throughout the pre-trip process, and even during the trip itself (though there were no issues that arose).”