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

Top photo credit: Asilia Africa

John L. (USA)

August 4, 2014

“Exceptional service all around. I liked both how responsive the company was in preparation for the trip, and the quality of the overall experience during the trip. I liked the accommodations and the parks, and how Karen worked with us ahead of time to meet our individual needs. I thought the price paid for the safaris set up by Access2Tanzania was a good value considering the price of entrance to the parks. I liked how the itinerary which Access2Tanzania set up was full because that is what we wanted, but still we had the ability to alter it for some relaxing downtime in front of amazing African vistas if we desired. I also like how Access2Tanzania gives back to the poor in Tanzania. I liked how the price was all inclusive, except for drinks and tips.”