BEST TIME TO VISIT NYERERE (SELOUS) FOR A SOUTHERN TANZANIA SAFARI

Nyerere (Selous) has much to offer visitors on safari vacation in Africa at most time of year depending on their interests. The best game viewing is to be had in the dry season, from late June to October, when vegetation is sparse and when thirsty ungulate herds move towards water, trailed by predatory lions, hyenas, leopards and wild dogs.

This movement is not as pronounced as in the Serengeti since Selous is almost four times larger than the former, although the weather is dry and sunny during this time; Selous has a tropical, humid climate with varied water sources.

The game are not massed in single species with exceptions of elephants and buffaloes but also variedly spread out along and around the shores and waterways, so you are also advised to travel by boat in addition to a land-cruiser to see a wide variety of mammals, birds and reptiles.



Although Nyerere (Selous) is a lesser known tourist safari destination, it can still be busy (not as the Serengeti and Ngorongoro) at this time around the Rufiji River -- this is due to the fact that only less than 10% of the land in Selous is dedicated to photography safaris. In November, when the short rains begin, many trees and plants flower profusely and the air is rich with the smell of burgeoning new life.

Because there is less seasonal variation in rainfall and temperature in southern Tanzania where is Selous is located than in the north of Tanzania, it is a popular AfricanMecca tour destination from November through Christmas and New Year as Selous is normally combined with a beach vacation to the islands of Zanzibar, Mafia and Pemba.



By February, the reserve is rejuvenated with fresh green growth and the arrival of cubs, foals and youngsters of varied species. This is the preferred time for seasoned AfricanMecca guests who prefer quality to quantity, benefit from the reduction of accommodation prices and are more relaxed about their Selous personalized trip.

The rains continue, usually with thunderstorms in the afternoon. But this still leaves time for muddy walking safaris in fresh, dense foliage and boat trips in high river waters. From March to May, some accommodation close because of the difficulty of traveling in this expanse of East Africa on challenging trails in the rains and the risk of venturing where impenetrable bush is crossed by sandy river beds subject to flash floods.



Others offer discounts where accessible. Most flights into Selous are suspended from Dar Es Salaam around end of March and April at the height of the rainy season and driving may take seven or eight hours at a bare minimum.

Birds are the main attraction in the wet, despite the logistical challenges. In total, over 440 bird species have been noted here. Giant and miniature kingfishers of all hues perch on branches over the water, on the lookout for dinner. Herons, pelicans, stints and other waders cluster in the shallows. Egrets perch on the heads of submerged hippopotami.

Rainbow-feathered love birds paddle in puddles while dazzling flocks of migratory carmine bee-eaters flash by. A Humboldt's Malagasy heron was spotted here, the first recorded sighting in all Africa. The Nyerere National Park (Selous) keeps many secrets. There is no fully comprehensive record of its flora and fauna and many smaller species still wait to be discovered.