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
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Jimbiza Selous Lodge
Lake Manze
Rufiji River Camp
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Beho Beho
Serena Mivumo River Lodge
The Retreat Selous
Sand Rivers Camp
Selous Impala Camp
Selous Safari Camp
Selous Wildlife Lodge
Selous Wilderness Camp
“Karen was always ready to listen and address our questions. She has a warm friendly way of connecting with us. I am a bit sad that I didn’t get to meet her in person.
Maningo was most pleasant. I never felt I couldn’t ask a question. He was keen at spotting game and giving details about most any wildlife situation. He provided a reference guide that was fascinating. He drove carefully and respectfully not only of his passengers but also of the environment. He found a school for us to visit in spite of the examinations that made a visit to the public school unavailable.
Nasibu was great. He was patient, attentive to our pace of hiking, and informative. Felt very comfortable with him.
Raymond was with us a short time on the return and again, I commend your organization for having outstanding staff members
The itinerary was perfect. We had hikes at just the right time. Visits to 2 different homes were interspersed to give variety and insight anticipation for the next move.”