Tanzania · Safari

3-Day Nyerere National Park Safari from Zanzibar with Boat Safari

3 Days Round trip from Tanzania Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Experience a magical sunset boat safari on the Rufiji River, spotting hippos, crocodiles, and vibrant birdlife
  • 02 Explore Africa's largest game reserve with a full-day guided safari game drive
  • 03 Encounter diverse wildlife including lions, elephants, leopards, buffalos, rhinos, wild dogs, giraffes, and zebras
  • 04 Take part in an early morning walking safari led by an armed ranger for an up-close encounter with nature
  • 05 Discover unique flora, smaller fauna, and learn about the park's ecosystem from ground level

Embark on a 3-day wildlife safari from Zanzibar to Nyerere National Park, combining coastal charm with untamed wilderness. Travel by scenic ferry to Dar es Salaam before continuing to your lodge near one of Africa's largest game reserves. Experience a sunset boat safari on the Rufiji River, a full-day game drive in search of the Big Five and other wildlife, and a guided walking safari with an armed ranger. This short adventure blends river, road, and bush experiences into an immersive escape from Zanzibar.

Embark on an evening boat safari along the Rufiji River.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Zanzibar to Nyerere and Sunset on the Rufiji River

  • Begin with an early morning transfer from your hotel in Zanzibar to the ferry terminal.
  • Board a high-speed ferry to Dar es Salaam, enjoying scenic views along the coast.
  • Meet your private driver in Dar es Salaam for a comfortable transfer to Nyerere National Park.
  • Arrive at your luxury lodge and settle in.
  • Embark on an evening boat safari along the Rufiji River.
  • Encounter hippos, crocodiles, and a rich variety of birdlife in the warm glow of sunset.
  • Return to the lodge for a peaceful overnight stay.

Accommodation: Selous Safari Lodge or similar.

Meals: Full board.

2
Day 02

Full-Day Game Drive Through Nyerere National Park

  • Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the lodge.
  • Depart for a full-day game drive with an experienced safari guide.
  • Explore vast and diverse habitats, including savannas, woodlands, and wetlands.
  • Search for the 'Big Five' and other notable species such as wild dogs, giraffes, zebras, and antelopes.
  • Pause for a picnic lunch in the wilderness.
  • Continue wildlife viewing into the afternoon, covering new areas of the park.
  • Return to your lodge in the evening and share stories over dinner.

Accommodation: Selous Safari Lodge or similar.

Meals: Full board.

3
Day 03

Walking Safari and Return Journey to Zanzibar

  • Begin the day with an early breakfast.
  • Join an armed ranger for a guided walking safari along the park's borders.
  • Observe smaller wildlife and learn about the region's plants and ecosystems from ground level.
  • Depart by road back to Dar es Salaam, enjoying the rural scenery along the way.
  • Board a high-speed ferry for the return journey to Zanzibar.
  • Arrive in Zanzibar and transfer back to your hotel, concluding your adventure.

Meals: Breakfast and lunch.

Rufiji River boat safari, Nyerere National Park game drives, Zanzibar ferry crossing

Where this trip takes you

Rufiji River boat safari, Nyerere National Park game drives, Zanzibar ferry crossing

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Tanzania 2 cities · 3 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Pick up from the hotel in Zanzibar
  • Fast ferry to Dar es Salaam
  • Transport to Nyerere National Park
  • Sunset boat safari on the Rufiji River
  • Safari game drive in Nyerere National Park
  • Walking safari
  • Overnight stay at Selous Safari Lodge

What's Not Included

  • Meals not included
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance

What to bring

  • Passport
  • Personal items
  • Light, neutral-colored clothing (long sleeves and trousers for evenings)
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Binoculars and camera with extra batteries
  • Personal medications and a basic first-aid kit
  • Passport, visa if required, and travel insurance
  • Cash in USD or TZS for tips and small purchases

Know before you go

  • Ferry from Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam.
  • Road transfers from Dar es Salaam to Nyerere National Park.
  • Open safari vehicles for game drives.
  • Guided walking safari with an armed ranger.
  • Luxury lodge stay, such as Selous Safari Lodge.
  • Possible sightings of hippos, crocodiles, and diverse bird species.
  • Opportunity to spot members of the 'Big Five'.
  • Early morning starts and full days of activity.

Logistics

Meeting & route

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

Your 3 days finish where they began, in Tanzania.

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