Birdwatching in Nyerere National Park : 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.
Being one of Tanzania’s least frequented locations, Nyerere National Park is the ideal Tanzania safari getaway for travellers hoping to see the Big 5 animals without the major crowds. It is also a birding safari destination in Tanzania with more than 400 different bird species can be seen in their native settings, along with a wide variety of fauna and vegetation, including the well-known Miombo woodland. One of the rare Tanzania tours locations in Tanzania where you may experience both a boat ride and a game drive safari is the National Park.The National Park is a very safe site to go on safari, but you have to go by all the rules set forth by your tour guide. You can stay as long as you like as long as you have the money, and you can combine your safari to Nyerere with trips to other parts of the nation.
Birds found in Nyerere National Park
Only a few kilometres from Dar es Salaam, in Tanzania’s southern region, is Nyerere National Park. Tanzania safari destination with approximately 440 bird species spread throughout the park’s various areas, it is the biggest national park in the nation. The lagoons, River Rufiji, islands, and channels are the most prevalent natural habitats for bird species that can be seen in Nyerere. As was previously mentioned, Nyerere 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 for bird watching in Nyerere National Park
When it comes to birdwatching, Nyerere is among the greatest locations. The ideal Tanzania safaris 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’1s 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.
Things needed for birdwatching
To ensure you have the best possible birding season after you make the decision to go birdwatching in Nyerere, you will need a few pieces of equipment. While birding is a fairly basic sport that requires very little equipment, there are a few things that you really must have while out bird watching:
Binoculars
The only way you can enjoy birdwatching without binoculars is if you are an exceptionally skilled observer who can distinguish between several bird species by sound or distance. The use of binoculars is necessary because many birds dislike being seen, and if they sense that they are being watched, they will often take off. You can observe birds that are hidden away on trees or that are far away with the use of a pair of binoculars. Although there are many various kinds of binoculars available, adjustable binoculars are the best option for a fun birdwatching trip. Particularly if you are new to birdwatching, a decent pair of binoculars can be purchased for $150 to $200.
Hiking boots
When birdwatching, sturdy hiking boots are essential. These are a big assistance on the slick and muddy trails.
Carry water and food
Water and food Given that birds prefer to avoid human contact, the majority of birdwatching activities take place in secluded and natural settings. Thus, in order to prevent starvation when birdwatching, make sure you have an adequate supply of water and food.
Insects repellent
These birds inhabit meadows and woods, which serve as hatching grounds for a variety of insects, particularly mosquitoes. Therefore, pack insect repellent to enjoy birdwatching uninterrupted and with less hassle from the insects.
The hides
The hides enable you to get close to the wary 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.
Voice recorders
Certain birds are easily recognised by their call signals and noises. A portable recording device makes it easier to distinguish between the many species.
A camera
When it comes to birdwatching, a camera is essential since it will help preserve your memories of the birds for you to share with your family back home.
Animals in Nyerere National Park
One of the national parks on the Southern Circuit is Nyerere National Park, formerly known as Selous Game Reserve, which is situated in the southern region of Tanzania. The Park is home to thousands of creatures, and since its opening, the number of wildlife species has increased. The species listed below are a good starting point for your Tanzania safari experience in Nyerere National Park.
The Puku, antelope ,Hyenas with spots, Hartebeest , sable Antelopes, Topi ,Water bucks ,Crocodiles ,Great kudu, Colobus monkey, Wildebeest (the Selous has roughly 1000 wildebeests) Impalas (2,500), Giraffes, 35 000 zebras, African wild dogs, Hippos, The black rhino is an endangered animal that can only be found in the Selous, although it will take patience and effort to spot one. Lions: During the dry season, you can witness the estimated 1000 lions in the Nyerere National Park chasing their prey along the banks of the Rufiji River. The National Park is home to a sizable herd of buffalos, which are best viewed in the dry season. Elephants Leopards.
