Nyerere National Park
A brief introduction

With the first record of the Nyerere National Park dating back to 1896, the history of the park is one of rich detail. First proclaimed in this year as a protected wildlife reserve by the German government, in 1922, the park was named after Frederick Selous, a famous British hunter and conservationist.

A History of Nyerere National Park

As the largest of the national parks in Tanzania, thousands of visitors a year flock to Tanzania to marvel at the park’s luscious and diverse wildlife, as well as to marvel at the rich cultural and natural heritage that can be found in this truly remarkable and unique part of the world.

As a vital part of Tanzania’s heritage, it is no surprise that traditions first formed thousands of years ago are still very much alive today. Home to a number of Maasai communities who have lived in the park for several centuries, the Maasai people maintain these traditions for generations to come, whilst playing an equally important role in the running and maintenance of Nyerere National Park today.

In recent years, the park has faced many adversities including poaching, human-wildlife conflict and of course, like many other areas, climate change. Impacts from these challenges include ivory crimes and much more frequent droughts and floods.

In recent years, the park has faced many adversities including poaching, human-wildlife conflict and of course, like many other areas, climate change. Impacts from these challenges include ivory crimes and much more frequent droughts and floods.

Thankfully, recent laws and action from the Tanzanian government has mitigated the risk and frequency of these impacts, but with the tourist industry so integral for providing a stream of revenue to the park and these efforts, visits to this beautiful part of the world are much encouraged.

Visiting Nyerere National Park

When planning a visit to national parks in Tanzania, it’s important to note the wet and dry season: with visits to Nyerere National Park no different. The park is 10 months of the year with closure from end of March to 31 May due to the wet season.

We’d also highly recommend booking in advance for your trips, as due to the park’s popularity, accommodation and activities are high in demand. The opportunity for discovery, exploration and adventure in Tanzania’s iconic Nyerere National Park is unmatched, with activities including popular game drives, boat rides along the Rufiji River, bush walks, bird watching, flying camping and fishing. All of these activities offer visitors a range of excellent opportunities to get a great look at the wonders of the park, including its diverse and impressive collection of wildlife that calls the park home.

Wildlife at Nyerere National Park

For visitors looking for a rich range of wildlife, the Nyerere National Park is an excellent choice. Home to an estimated 400,000 elephants, this is voted by many as one of the best national parks in Africa due to housing one of the world’s largest elephant populations. Aside from this spectacle, the Nyerere National Park is home to lions, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, hippopotamuses, and even wild dogs.

Due to this vast diversity, Nyerere National Park has strict prohibition laws against hunting of any kind, protecting the wildlife that live here, with these efforts, and major tourist interest, keeping the park running and thriving in both tourism and conservationist efforts.

Safaris at Nyerere National Park with ARP Africa Travel

Our fantastic destination management company partnership with Tanzania’s Ranger Safari team ensures a guaranteed, exceptional safari experience for everyone. With over forty-five years’ experience in safaris within Tanzania and the Nyerere National Park, the team works tirelessly to maintain this high standard of adventure, whilst ensuring the wildlife and local people of the park are protected at all times. With highly trained staff and fantastic relationships with the local community, alongside unmatched knowledge of the stunning Nyerere National Park, Ranger Safaris is the ideal partner for all safaris, visits, and accommodation needs.

If you’re interested in learning more about the Nyerere National Park, other national parks in Tanzania, or exploring some of the other very best national parks in Africa, as well as safaris; game drives, and accommodation, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team for future information.