Nyerere National Park is a protected area in Tanzania that covers an area of approximately 30,893 square kilometers. The park was established in 2019 by merging Selous Game Reserve, which was previously the largest protected wildlife reserve in Africa, and some surrounding game reserves. Nyerere National Park is named after Julius Nyerere, Tanzania’s first president, who was instrumental in the country’s independence movement.
The park is located in the southern part of Tanzania and is home to a diverse range of wildlife species, including elephants, lions, leopards, hyenas, wild dogs, and various antelope species. Additionally, Nyerere National Park is home to over 400 bird species, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise. The park is also known for its varied landscapes, which include savannah grasslands, wetlands, and riverine forests.
One of the most unique features of Nyerere National Park is the Rufiji River, which runs through the park and is the largest river in Tanzania. The river is home to a variety of aquatic species, including hippos and crocodiles, and offers visitors the opportunity to take a boat safari to explore its channels and tributaries. Nyerere National Park is an important conservation area, and efforts are being made to protect its wildlife and ecosystems from threats such as poaching and habitat destruction.