​Best Time To Visit – Nyerere NP (Selous)

Philip Briggs
Expert
By Philip Briggs

Philip is a renowned Africa expert and author of many Bradt guidebooks to African destinations, including the guide to Tanzania.

Philip is a renowned Africa expert and author of the Bradt guidebook to Tanzania.

Philip is the author of the Bradt guidebook to Tanzania.

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Wildlife viewing in Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous GR) is best from late June to October. It is Dry season and wildlife is easier to spot since animals gather at water sources and vegetation is thinner. The scenery is lush and green in the Wet season, from October to May, but afternoons can be unbearably hot. Many lodges close from March through May.

Best Time June to October
High Season June to October (The tourist area around the Rufiji River gets crowded)
Low Season March, April and May (Many lodges are closed)
Best Weather June to October (Little to no rainfall)
Worst Weather March and April (Peak of Wet season)

June to October Dry Season

  • Spotting animals is easier since they congregate around waterholes and rivers and there is less vegetation
  • It rains very little and most days are sunny
  • There is less risky of contracting malaria since there are not as many mosquitoes
  • Humidity is lower, and the heat isn't overpowering
  • Dust and drought are common
  • Some areas can get quite crowded

October to May Wet Season

  • Scenery is beautiful and green
  • Crowds are less during March, April and May – prices might be lowered to attract tourists
  • It is peak bird watching time since migratory birds are present
  • Roads become muddy and hard to travel
  • Wildlife viewing is not as good as during the middle and end of the Dry season
  • Many lodges close from April to May
  • Heat and humidity can be a burden

Wildlife Photos

Best Time To Go by Major Park

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