Nyerere National Park

Wildlife

Nyerere is one of Africa’s most important strongholds for the African wild dog, and the open woodlands around the lakes are among the best places in East Africa to see these endangered predators, especially when they are denning in the middle of the dry season. Lions are common, and leopard, spotted hyena and the occasional cheetah are also seen.

The Rufiji and its lakes support large numbers of hippo and Nile crocodile, which you can watch at close range on a boat safari. Elephant and buffalo herds move through the woodland and come down to the water to drink. The Selous elephant population was badly hit by poaching in the past, and protection has since been stepped up.

Herbivores include Masai giraffe, plains zebra, wildebeest, impala, greater kudu, waterbuck, eland and sable antelope, as well as Lichtenstein’s hartebeest, a species of the southern woodlands. A small number of black rhino survive in the wider ecosystem, but sightings are very rare, so Nyerere is not marketed as a Big Five park.

Birdlife is excellent, particularly along the water. African fish eagles, African skimmers, Goliath herons, open-billed storks, carmine and white-fronted bee-eaters and kingfishers are all common, and the forests and woodlands add plenty of species for keen birders.

Key wildlife

• Wild dog
• Lion
• Leopard
• Elephant
• Buffalo
• Hippo
• Nile crocodile
• Masai giraffe
• Plains zebra
• Wildebeest
• Sable antelope
• Lichtenstein’s hartebeest
• Greater kudu
• African skimmer

Best Time to Visit

Short answer: Jun–Oct. Also good: Jan–Feb.

Peak Good Quieter

The dry season from June to October is the best time for game viewing. The vegetation thins, animals concentrate around the river and lakes, and wild dogs are often denning, making them easier to find. Temperatures are warm, and walking safaris are at their best. This is the busiest period, although the park still feels uncrowded compared with the northern circuit.

January and February bring a short drier spell between the rains, with green landscapes, migrant birds and fewer visitors. The heavy rains usually fall from around March to May, when the black cotton soils make many roads difficult, and many camps close for part of this period. The short rains in November and December can bring humidity and occasional storms, but game viewing remains good. Southern Tanzania is hot and low-lying, and the risk of malaria is high throughout the year, so take medical advice on prevention before you travel.

Getting There

Most visitors fly into Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam (DAR) and connect on a scheduled light-aircraft flight to one of the park’s airstrips, such as Mtemere or Siwandu. Flights take around an hour, and there are also flights from Zanzibar, as well as links to Ruaha National Park. Light-aircraft luggage limits are strict, usually around 15 to 20 kg in soft bags, depending on the airline.

The park can be reached by road from Dar es Salaam in around five to six hours, entering through Mtemere Gate in the north-east, though roads can be rough, especially during and after the rains. Flying is the easiest option for most luxury safaris.

Within the park, the main tourist zone lies north of the Rufiji River, around Lake Tagalala, Lake Manze and Lake Nzerakera, where most camps and lodges are found.

Fees & Access

Entrance fees

Conservation fees are set by Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) and charged per person per 24 hours. In peak season (16 May 2026 to 14 March 2027) non-resident adults pay US$70 plus 18% VAT (US$82.60); TANAPA quotes this as TZS 178,850. In the low season (15 March to 15 May) the rate is US$60 plus VAT (US$70.80). Children aged 5–15 pay US$20 plus VAT (US$23.60), and under-5s enter free.

Fees are paid electronically and are normally included in your lodge or safari package.

Gate hours

Game driving 06:00–18:00.

Health

Malaria risk: High. Ask a travel clinic about antimalarials before you go.

Fees and gate times change. Check the latest rates with the park authority before you travel.

Things to Do

Boat safaris on the Rufiji River and its lakes are the signature activity. Gliding past pods of hippo, basking crocodiles and elephants at the water’s edge, with fish eagles calling overhead, is a highlight of any visit, especially at sunset.

Game drives explore the woodland, grassland and lake shores in search of wild dog, lion, elephant and plains game.

Walking safaris with an armed ranger and guide are permitted in Nyerere and are one of its great appeals. Walks range from a few hours to multi-day adventures with simple fly camps.

Fly camping, sleeping under a mosquito net in the bush after a day on foot, is offered by some camps and is an unforgettable experience.

Birding is outstanding, both from boats and on foot.

See our 9-day Nyerere and Ruaha fly-in safari and 8-day Selous and Ruaha safari, compare northern Tanzania’s Serengeti, browse all safaris, or plan your safari with us.