Nyerere National Park, Tanzania’s largest protected area, has cemented its position as a premier safari destination by ranking 27th in the 2024 Top-50 Best Safari Parks in Africa.
This recognition comes just five years after its establishment in 2019, showcasing its remarkable rise in the global safari scene.
Nyerere National Park’s Exceptional Growth
Covering an impressive 30,893 square kilometers, Nyerere National Park holds the title of the largest national park in East Africa. It surpassed expectations in the SafariBookings survey, which assessed 196 parks across 15 African nations, based on 2,384 reviews from 1,239 safari travelers and 1,145 experts.
Despite its young age, the park now ranks alongside Tanzania’s renowned Serengeti National Park, which claimed the top spot for the fifth consecutive time. Other Tanzanian parks, including Ruaha, Katavi, and Tarangire, also made the prestigious list, further solidifying Tanzania’s reputation as a safari haven.
Visitor Numbers and Revenue Growth
From welcoming only 151 visitors at its inception, Nyerere National Park now attracts an average of 60,000 tourists annually. This influx generates approximately 11 billion Tanzanian shillings in revenue each year.
Many tourists visit as day-trippers from Zanzibar, enjoying game drives before flying back in the evening.
To encourage longer stays, park authorities are working closely with prominent hotel brands such as Serena, Asilia, and Nomads. These accommodations are consistently booked, reflecting the park’s growing popularity.
Exploring Nyerere National Park
Located just three hours from Dar es Salaam via the Kisarawe route, the national park offers multiple access options, including road, air, and rail. Once inside, visitors can explore its diverse landscapes by road or air and even navigate its rivers and lakes by boat.
The park, carved out of the historic Selous Game Reserve in November 2019, spans a size greater than Belgium and Lesotho combined. This vast area ensures visitors encounter breathtaking wildlife and pristine natural beauty.
A Bright Future for Nyerere National Park
The inclusion of Nyerere National Park in the Top-50 Best Safari Parks highlights its growing prominence on the global stage. Moreover, Ms. Anita Kovalevska of SafariBookings praised the team behind the park for their efforts in making it a world-class destination.
Indeed, their dedication and hard work have truly paid off.
As the National Park continues to evolve, it promises to attract even more nature lovers and adventure seekers, cementing its legacy as one of Africa’s premier safari destinations.
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