Nyerere National Park: Tanzania’s Spectacular Wildlife Sanctuary

Nyerere National Park, previously known as the northern part of Selous Game Reserve, is the crown jewel of Tanzania’s wildlife sanctuaries. Covering an area of 30,893 km2, it is not only Tanzania’s largest national park but also one of the world’s largest wildlife sanctuaries. The park stretches across several regions in Tanzania, including western Lindi, south west Pwani, north eastern Ruvuma, and south eastern Morogoro. Its vastness is a sight to behold, as it is larger than 70 countries in the world and twice the size of Costa Rica in Central America and Belgium in Europe. What’s more, the park remains largely untouched by human activities, making it a truly wild and awe-inspiring place to visit.The park is named after Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere, the first President of Tanzania, to commemorate his contributions to the country’s development. The Rufiji River, Tanzania’s largest river, is one of the park’s highlights. It meanders through the park, providing a home for countless crocodiles and hippopotamuses. The Rufiji River Delta, with one of the largest mangrove forests in the world, is a breathtaking sight to behold.The history of Nyerere National Park can be traced back to 1896 when the then German Governor of Tanganyika proclaimed the vast area as a protected wildlife hunting reserve. In 1922, the reserve was named after Frederick Selous, a big-game hunter turned conservationist. However, in 2019, the Tanzanian government decided to develop and enhance tourism in Selous, resulting in the northern part of the reserve being excised to form the new Nyerere National Park.Nyerere National Park is home to a wide range of wildlife species, including lions, wildebeests, giraffes, zebras, hippopotamuses, rhinos, antelopes, hyenas, and African wolves. The park is also known for its prolific population of African Wild Dogs, making it a perfect destination for wildlife enthusiasts. Poaching has, unfortunately, led to a decline in the elephant population, but with the park’s transition to a national park, there is hope that poaching can be controlled and minimized.Accessing Nyerere National Park is relatively easy, with options for both road and air travel. The park can be accessed by road from either Dar es Salaam or Arusha. The distance varies depending on which gate or entry point you choose, with journey times ranging from 6 to 6.5 hours. Alternatively, there are daily scheduled flights from Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar to different airstrips in Nyerere National Park, such as Mtemere, Matambwe, Sumbazi, Kiba, Beho Beho, and Siwandu. All airlines operating these flights have a credible safety record, and the flight time is under an hour.In conclusion, Nyerere National Park is an exceptional destination for wildlife enthusiasts and travelers looking for a unique experience. With its vastness, diverse wildlife, and rich history, Nyerere National Park is a true reflection of Tanzania’s beauty and a must-visit for any nature lover.