Tanzania · Safari

3-Day Tanzania Safari to Saadani and Nyerere with Rufiji boat safari

3 Days Round trip from Dar es Salaam Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Experience safari landscapes where Saadani National Park meets the Indian Ocean
  • 02 Spot elephants, lions, buffaloes, zebras, and over 300 bird species across varied habitats
  • 03 Cruise the Rufiji River in Nyerere National Park to look for hippos, crocodiles, and waterbirds
  • 04 Explore Nyerere's expansive wilderness of savannahs, wetlands, and riverine forests
  • 05 Enjoy game drives in two of Tanzania's most distinctive wildlife areas

Embark on a 3-day safari adventure through Tanzania's diverse and breathtaking landscapes. Explore Saadani National Park, the unique reserve where the wilderness meets the ocean, with sightings of elephants, lions, buffaloes, zebras, and over 300 bird species. Continue to Nyerere National Park, renowned for its expansive wilderness, riverine forests, wetlands, savannahs, and boat safaris on the Rufiji River, where hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife thrive. This journey combines game drives, birdwatching, and scenic safari experiences across two of Tanzania's most distinctive protected areas.

Explore Saadani National Park, the unique reserve where the wilderness meets the ocean, with sightings of elephants, lions, buffaloes, zebras, and over 300 bird species.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Yes
Cities Dar es Salaam, Selous Game Reserve, Saadani National Park
Languages English, French, German, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Dar es Salaam to Coastal Wildlife in Saadani

Morning:

  • Depart early from Dar es Salaam for the approximately 3-4-hour road journey to Saadani National Park. The drive takes you through beautiful landscapes as you head toward Tanzania's only wildlife reserve that borders the ocean.
  • Upon arrival in Saadani, check in to your accommodation, which may be a lodge or a tented camp located within or near the park.

Lunch:

  • Enjoy a delicious lunch at your lodge or campsite.

Afternoon:

  • Set out on a game drive through Saadani National Park to explore its varied landscapes of savannah, riverine forests, and coastal ecosystems. Saadani is unique for combining marine and wildlife safari experiences, and you may spot elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, lions, and various antelopes.
  • The park is also a haven for bird lovers, with over 300 species, including the endangered African fish eagle and pelicans.

Evening:

  • After your afternoon safari, return to your accommodation to relax and enjoy a sundowner by the Indian Ocean, with the sound of the waves in the background.

Overnight:

  • Spend the night at one of the lodges or tented camps within or near Saadani National Park.
2
Day 02

Saadani to Nyerere National Park Safari

Morning:

  • Begin the day with an early morning game drive in Saadani National Park, when animals are at their most active, especially predators such as lions and wild dogs. This is also an excellent time for birdwatching, as many species are feeding.
  • After the game drive, continue to Nyerere National Park, previously part of Selous Game Reserve, one of Africa's largest and most biodiverse protected areas. The drive takes about 3 to 4 hours, depending on road conditions.

Lunch:

  • Stop for lunch en route or upon arrival at your accommodation in Nyerere National Park.

Afternoon:

  • Enjoy an afternoon game drive in Nyerere National Park, known for its expansive wilderness and remarkable wildlife diversity, including lions, elephants, wild dogs, leopards, and a wide range of herbivores. Explore stunning landscapes such as riverine forests, wetlands, and savannahs.

If time permits, take a boat safari on the Rufiji River. This is one of the highlights of visiting Nyerere National Park and offers the chance to see hippos, crocodiles, and numerous bird species along the riverbanks.

Evening:

  • After your game drive or boat safari, return to your lodge or camp to relax, enjoy dinner, and rest for the next day's adventure.

Overnight:

  • Stay overnight at a lodge or tented camp inside or near Nyerere National Park.
3
Day 03

Full Day Wildlife Exploration in Nyerere

Morning:

  • Start your day with an early morning game drive to spot wildlife when it is most active. The park is famous for its rich biodiversity and large populations of predators and herbivores, and you may also see elephant herds and waterbucks.

Lunch:

  • Return to your lodge for a well-deserved lunch and a short rest.

Afternoon:

  • Choose between an afternoon game drive through the park's dense forests and savannah or another boat safari on the Rufiji River to view hippos, crocodiles, and various bird species.
  • If time allows, consider a visit to Lake Tagalala, where elephants and other wildlife often come to drink.

Evening:

  • After your afternoon activity, begin the drive back to Dar es Salaam, arriving by late evening.
Saadani National Park coastline, Indian Ocean shores, Rufiji River boat safari, Nyerere National Park wetlands

Where this trip takes you

Saadani National Park coastline, Indian Ocean shores, Rufiji River boat safari, Nyerere National Park wetlands

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Dar es Salaam 3 cities · 3 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Transportation:
    • Pick-up and drop-off from your hotel in Dar es Salaam
    • All transfers between parks by a 4x4 vehicle suitable for safari roads
  • Accommodation:
    • Full-board lodging at comfortable camps or lodges inside or near Saadani and Nyerere National Parks
  • Meals:
    • Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including packed lunches on safari days
  • Safari activities:
    • Game drives in both Saadani and Nyerere National Park
    • Boat safari on the Rufiji River in Nyerere National Park
    • Birdwatching opportunities in both parks
  • Park fees:
    • Entrance fees for Saadani and Nyerere National Park
  • Guide/driver:
    • Professional safari guide/driver throughout the trip, focused on providing an enriching wildlife experience

What's Not Included

  • International flights:
    • Flights to and from Dar es Salaam are not included.
  • Visas:
    • Any visa requirements for Tanzania.
  • Alcoholic beverages:
    • Drinks, alcoholic or non-alcoholic, outside the package.
  • Personal expenses:
    • Souvenirs, personal items, tips, and other additional expenses.
  • Travel insurance:
    • Travel and medical insurance are recommended but not included.
  • Optional activities:
    • Additional activities, such as cultural visits or special game drives, may incur extra costs.

What to bring

  • All safari items

Know before you go

  • Saadani National Park:
    • Marine and wildlife safari: The unique combination of wildlife and coastal ecosystem in Saadani makes it one of the few parks where you can enjoy both safari and beach activities.
    • Wildlife: Expect sightings of elephants, lions, giraffes, and buffaloes, and observe a variety of bird species.
    • Indian Ocean views: Enjoy the tranquility of being near the ocean, with the sound of the waves while on game drives or relaxing at your lodge.
  • Nyerere National Park (Selous Game Reserve):
    • Large biodiversity: One of the largest and most diverse parks in Africa, home to elephants, lions, wild dogs, and leopards.
    • Rufiji River safari: A boat safari on the Rufiji River offers the chance to see hippos, crocodiles, and various waterfowl in a stunning setting.
    • Pristine wilderness: Explore vast and untouched landscapes, from savannah to riverine forests, with incredible opportunities for game viewing.
  • Scenic drives: Enjoy beautiful drives through coastal forests, river valleys, and bush landscapes, with great opportunities for wildlife sightings.
  • Unique wildlife viewing: Both parks are excellent for spotting wildlife in varied ecosystems, including rivers, lakes, forests, and savannahs.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Tour start
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 3 days finish where they began, in Dar es Salaam.

Watch the tourHQ film Watch the film

Create your own adventure

Can't find the perfect tour? Tailor your dream trip.

  • Tell us your destination, dates and group size.
  • Our travel experts and local guides design a tailored itinerary, just for you.
  • Enjoy your trip with peace of mind, knowing everything is taken care of.
Plan my holiday

Say goodbye to travel stress.

Starting from

USD 1,380 /person
Book This Tour

When

Travellers

Total