​Birds – Nyerere (Selous) NP

Philip Briggs
Expert
By Philip Briggs

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

With more than 440 species recorded, Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve) is an excellent birding destination. The most conspicuous birds are attracted to the sandbanks, lagoons, islands and channels along the Rufiji River. A good way to enjoy the birdlife is on a boat safari, where you’ll see yellow-billed storks, kingfishers, lapwings and colorful bee-eaters. At dawn and dusk, flocks of African skimmers fly across the water while skimming the surface for fish. Also look out for African fish eagles and palm-nut vultures perched high in the trees. Migratory birds are present from November to April.

Notable Birds in Nyerere NP
› ‹
African fish eagle
Common
Black-winged stilt
Common
Collared palm-thrush
Common
Spur-winged lapwing
Common
White-fronted bee-eater
Common

Birding Rating

Birding Specials –Treats for Avid Birders

Facts & Figures

Birds in Nyerere NP
Bird Species
440+
Migratory Birds
Nov to Apr

Best Time for Bird Watching

Nyerere is a good birding destination all year. From November to April, Palearctic and intra-African migrants are present, making this the best time for bird watching. This is also the time that resident birds nest and display their colorful breeding plumage. Most camps close towards the end of the Wet season, in April, and reopen in June. For wildlife viewing, the Dry season (from June to October) is best.

Want To Visit Nyerere NP?

240 Nyerere Safaris

Birding Rating

Facts & Figures

Birds in Nyerere NP
Bird Species
440+
Migratory Birds
Nov to Apr