Nyerere National Park
One of the most revered strongholds of animals on earth and the largest game reserve in Africa.
Wildlife connoisseurs adore Nyerere, and for us, for that reason, it’s familiar territory. It’s a huge area way down in southern Tanzania. The Rufiji River is its life-force: swirling, tawny waters – full of hippopotamus and crocodile - cleave the eleven million acres of bush, woodland, hills and grasslands. In this huge, fascinatingly diverse ecosystem, we revel in the anticipation of discovery as it unfolds before us.
It’s hard to explain, but it's as if we've squeezed through a creaking, old gate to gain the freedom of Nature’s secret garden. To be in Nyerere is to suddenly walk onto a hidden riverbank, and see the flash of a leopard leaping the rocks on the opposite bank, is to watch from a treetop hide as a herd of elephant silently crosses a waterhole, is to come upon a pack of African hunting dogs alone on their kill as you round a curve in the river.
Our Camps in Nyerere National Park
Kiba Point
Southern Tanzania | Visit camp
Open fronted rooms
Room with adjoining children's annex
With private plunge pools
Sand Rivers Selous
Southern Tanzania | Visit camp
Riverside rooms overlooking the river
Hillside Suites with private pools
Views over the Rufiji River
Sand Rivers Fly Camp
Southern Tanzania | Visit camp
Wild camping under the stars
Meals by the camp-fire
Walk into camp across wild Nyerere
When to go
January
Green, lush and full of life
LOW season rates, save over 30%
Depending on the rain, wildlife may be dispersed so you might have to work a bit harder, but the rewards are always great. The bush is also beautiful and green, trees in flower and full of life. Birds starting to get breeding plumage.
Normally quite a hot month and there is the chance of the odd shower. Walking best done early or in the cool of the late afternoon.
February
Beautiful month, weather erratic
LOW season rates, save over 30%
Wildlife is unpredictable because a lot depends on the rain. If the rains have been drawn out, the bush may still be thick and wildlife dispersed, so you've got to know where to look. Wildlife is found most often in woodlands.
Often one of the most beautiful months here, but a lot depends on the rains which are erratic at this time of the year - it can either be quite green or reasonably dry. The odd shower still possible and the bush can still be thick.
March
Great walking, birding & boating
LOW season rates, save over 30%
Wildlife viewing depends on how good the rains have been, but generally we expect to look a little harder and for the animals to be away from the river. This is a lovely month for getting out on foot.
Nyerere still likely to be green and beautiful and this is one of the best months for birding, boating and walking. The river normally rises and there's still the odd chance of a shower and dramatic cloud formations.
April
May
June
Dry season approaching
LOW season rates, save over 30%
The water recedes, grasses dry out, leaves begin to fall. Wildlife is in top condition. Fishing is usually superb once the water levels fall. Many birds still have their breeding plumage, June is an exciting month for new lion cubs and pride dynamics.
June is a common month for many plants to flower. June is typically cool, with some rainfall early in the month. Days are often overcast, which makes for great afternoon and late morning safaris. Good time for fly camping.
July
Cool, dry, great wildlife
Combine with Kigelia Ruaha and get 2 nights free on a week's safari
Wildlife is concentrated along the river and lakes. Walking is superb as the vegetation opens up. The sand river and jungle game drive route comes into season. Fishing and river sightings are excellent as sand banks are exposed for hippos and crocodiles.
July is typically the coolest month with overcast skies but 0mm of rainfall. Cool, overcast mornings allow for fantastic long walks. Excellent for fly camps.
August
Cool, dry, great wildlife
Combine with Kigelia Ruaha and get 2 nights free on a week's safari
Marshes such as the Garden are still well watered and become popular spots for herbivores, and therefore predators. Elephant sightings in camp occur regularly, even daily. Predator sightings are typically excellent. Fishing good.
The weather remains cool with typically overcast skies in the morning, but begins to warm up by the end of the month. Excellent month for fly camping.
September
Wildlife gathering at Rivers & Lakes
Combine with Kigelia Ruaha and get 2 nights free on a week's safari
River and lakes team with wildlife. An excellent month for predators; game loses condition and becomes vulnerable around drinking spots. Elephants continue to gather at the river to feed and begin to dig drinking holes in the dry riverbeds.
The Nyerere becomes ever drier, water sources become more critical. Weather completely dry and temperate. Excellent time for fishing, boating and flycamping.
October
Dry, excellent wildlife, warming up
Combine with Kigelia Ruaha and get 2 nights free on a week's safari
By the end of the month, even some of the smaller lakes and the garden become dry. Elephants resort to stripping bark off trees for sustenance. The first migratory birds begin to arrive. Fishing and fly camping are good.
October often brings isolated storms and rain showers. Temperature and humidity increase considerably. Best month for sunsets.
November
First rains, good wildlife
LOW season rates, save over 30%
November is typically still fairly dry, but we may see the first rains. The grasses sprout 5-7 days after the first sustained rainfall. Migratory birds begin to arrive. In dry years, herbivores become desperate and do not venture far from their water sourc
Temperatures are consistently warm and rainfall is erratic, with some years bringing isolated showers and other years bringing more sustained rainfall.
December
Great birding, wildlife begins to disperse
LOW season rates, save over 30% in early December
Wildlife movements depend heavily on rainfall patterns but by the end of the month, herbivores begin to utilize fresh grass in the woodland habitats. Wildlife sightings along the river decline and fishing starts to get trickier due to sediment.
December is typically a month of change. Migratory birds become ubiquitous, trees begin to grow new leaves, and by the end of the month, the green season has set in. December is a very hot and humid month. Fly camp may be disrupted by rainfall.
