Birding in Nyerere National Park Tanzania : The largest game reserve in Tanzania, Nyerere National Park (previously known as Selous Game Reserve) is a protected area spanning over 50,000 km². Selous was once a collection of National Parks that were designated as protected areas in 1896. However, in 1905, it was transformed into a hunting reserve open to anybody who want to partake in the sport of hunting. Following the death of British explorer Fredrick Nyerere during World War I, the British colonialists merged all the local small game reserves to create the present-day Nyerere National Park.
Tanzania safari tour travellers who wish to see the Big 5 without the big crowds should head to Tanzania’s least frequented national park, Nyerere National Park. It boasts an abundance of wildlife and over 400 different bird species that can be seen in their native settings, and a diverse range of plants, including the well-known Miombo woodland. The National Park is one of the few locations in Tanzania where you may go on a boat trip and a game drive. The National Park is extremely safe for safaris, but you still need to abide by all the rules your tour guide sets forth. You can stay for as long as you wish, as long as you have the money, and you can combine your Birding safari to Nyerere with travels to other parts of the nation.
Birds in Nyerere National Park
The lagoons, River Rufiji, islands, and channels are the most prevalent natural habitats for bird species that can be seen in Nyerere. Nyerere National Park is home to a diverse array of avian species, including but not limited to mangrove kingfishers, Boehm’s bee-eater, Livingstone’s flycatcher, green-caped eremomela, yellow-bellied bulbul, white helmet shrikes, wattle-eyed flycatcher, red-throated twin spot, grey-hooded kingfisher, black cuckoo-shrike, African skimmer, red-winged warbler, spotted flanked barbet, red-billed helmetshrike, pearl-spotted owl, palm-nut vulture, broad-billed roller, von Decken’s hornbill, Layard’s black-headed weavers, grey Penduline, purple banded sunbird, African spoonbill, brown-necked parrot, Racket-tailed roller, Thick billed cuckoo, white-backed vulture, white headed lapwing, Pel’s fishing owl, brown headed parrot, and the Rock pranticole.
The Best time to Visit Nyerere
When it comes to birdwatching, Nyerere is among the greatest locations. The ideal time to watch the Nyerere birds is during the rainy season, which runs from November to April, though they can be seen all year round. Once the rainy season begins, a few migratory birds begin to fly into Nyerere; by April, there are so many that it is difficult to see them all. When the migratory and resident bird species begin to nest in April, it’s the optimum time to see both of them. Keep in mind that April sees heavy rains that flood practically everything. This implies that the majority of lodging options will be unavailable due to flooding, but this is also the best time to watch birds with their young.
What you need for Birdwatching
You will require certain gear to get you through the ideal birding season whenever you make the decision to go birdwatching in Nyerere. While going birdwatching is a pretty basic and low-tech hobby, there are a few essentials that you really must have when doing so:
Binoculars
Birding without binoculars is only possible if you are an exceptionally skilled observer who can distinguish between several bird species by their noises or from a distance. Although there are many various kinds of binoculars available, adjustable binoculars are the best option.
Hiking Boots
When birdwatching, good hiking boots are essential. These are a big assistance on the slick and muddy trails.
Camera
When it comes to birding, a camera is essential since it will enable you to preserve your birding memories for your family to see when you return home.
Insect repellent
These birds inhabit forests and grasslands that serve as many insects’ breeding grounds, particularly mosquitoes. Use insect repellent to ensure that you may enjoy birdwatching uninterrupted and with less hassle from insects.
Hides
The hides enable you to get close to the shy birds without drawing attention to yourself. When a bird senses that they are being watched or is getting close, many of them take off. This is when a hide becomes useful.
Portable voice recorder
Some birds have call signs and noises that make them easy to identify. A portable recording device facilitates quick identification of the various birds.
The best time to visit Nyerere National Park
The most anticipated activity for most tourists, when a safari is discussed, is going on a game drive, and the optimum time to do so is during the dry season, which is also known as the peak season. The ideal time to go on a safari in Nyerere can be determined by the weather, as the park has two distinct seasons, respectively, similar to other parts of Tanzania: the dry and the rainy. Here’s a comprehensive guide explaining when to visit and what to expect from the weather at Nyerere National Park.
The weather
The dry season and the wet season are the two main seasons in the Nyerere Game. From June through October is the dry season, while from November through April is the wet season. The months of January and February are when the shoulder season occurs.
Dry season
June through October is considered the dry season in the Nyerere National Park, with little to no precipitation falling on the area. The animals are forced to leave their normal habitats in search of food and water when there isn’t any rain, and they may be found at the many waterholes, particularly the Rufiji River. It is the ideal time for visitors to embark on a game drive in Selous because of the extremely sparse and limited vegetation, as well as the animals’ migration from one area of the National Park to another in search of pasture. You have two options for getting to Nyerere from Dar es Salaam: you may drive there, which will take six to seven hours, or you can take a 45-minute fly. Even while the park does not receive as many visitors as the southern circuit of Tanzania does, during the dry season it does attract a sizable number of visitors, many of whom congregate along the Rufiji river in order to get a better look at the animals.
Shoulder season
The months of January through February are the wet season, when the shoulder season occurs. Due to the abundance of grass and water, it is not the best season to go game viewing because the animals are quite difficult to see. Still, it is a great time to go birdwatching.
Wet season
The greatest time to see birds in Nyerere is thought to be during the wet season, which runs from November to April. In comparison to the dry season, there are less people during this time of year because of the flooding that closes many lodging establishments. Since most facilities are closed in March, April, and May, it can be challenging to find accommodations during this time of year. However, safari prices are lowered during this period, making it the ideal time for tourists on a tight budget to visit Nyerere.
