Huge, unspoilt and wild, Nyere National Park is Africa’s largest National Park. The area was previously part of the Selous Game Reserve until 2019 when the northern sector of the Reserve, including the Rufiji River, was designated Nyere National Park. Nyere offers exceptionally rich biodiversity and varied terrain; from rivers and lakes to open savannah, deep gorges and forested areas, all home to an abundant and exciting mix of wildlife. Wildlife highlights include large numbers of lion, and enormous numbers of hippo and buffalo; the park is also one of Africa’s strongholds for wild dog. Leopard (though trickier to spot), elephant, giraffe, wildebeest, zebra, kudu, impala, warthog, hartebeest and eland are also present in good numbers. Wildlife is undoubtedly more prolific in the dry season, concentrating in larger densities along the ever decreasing water supplies; however the green season is fabulously rewarding for birdlife, with over 400 species having been recorded. With just a handful of accommodation options and a vast area to explore, it is perfectly possibly to not see another safari vehicle for hours at a time.
The variety of activities is one of the unique highlights of a safari in Nyere, with excellent walking and boat safaris as well as 4×4 drives, making every day completely different and exciting. Boat safaris are a relaxing way of getting close to water-dwellers, such as hippo and crocodile and other wildlife that comes to the river edges to drink; whilst giant kingfishers and fish eagles are never far away. Fishing on the mighty Rufiji river can be arranged at most accommodation options (subject to water levels), with catfish and tiger fish being the main catches.
Naturally at a slower pace, the focus of the walking safari is on the fascinating flora, animal tracking, dung and geography of the Park. That being said, Nyere is home to the Big 5 and so walks are always led by an armed guide and ranger, as you never know what’s just around the corner! Typically walking safaris last for around 2 hours and cover a couple of miles, so suitable for most capabilities and fitness levels.
Fly camping is widely offered in Nyere, encouraging you to embrace the wilderness and take a night in the bush for a back-to-nature experience spent sleeping under the exquisite stars. While you do leave the comfort of your camp or lodge for this activity, you’re always extraordinarily well looked after and this is undoubtedly a favourite experience here in the Holiday Architects team.
Nyere National Park combines perfectly with Ruaha National Park for a spectacular southern Tanzania safari; or equally as a stand alone destination, perhaps combined with some beach time. However you choose to experience Nyere, with the unique range of activities on offer and its fascinating diversity, time in this vestige of wilderness is always special.
