3 Day Nyerere (Selous) Safari
Fly from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar into Nyerere National Park for game drives, a Rufiji River boat safari and a guided walk.
- Duration
- 3 days
- Route
- Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar – Nyerere National Park – Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar
- Start / end
- Starts and ends in Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar (transfer from your hotel to the airport included)
- Best time
- June to October is the dry season and usually the best for game viewing; many camps close during the long rains, typically around April and May.
- Trip style
- Activities led by the camp's guides in open 4x4 safari vehicles and boats, usually shared with other camp guests, with seats on scheduled light aircraft and a mid-range lakeside or riverside tented camp.
Tour overview
Nyerere National Park, formerly part of the Selous Game Reserve, is one of Africa's largest protected areas and feels wonderfully wild. A short light-aircraft flight from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar takes you to a landscape of lakes, palm-fringed channels and the mighty Rufiji River.
What makes Nyerere special is the variety of ways to explore. Alongside classic game drives, you glide past hippos, crocodiles and elephants on a boat safari and set out on foot with an armed ranger on a guided walk. It is a perfect add-on to a Zanzibar beach stay or a first safari for travelers who want something different from the northern circuit.
Highlights
- Quick light-aircraft flight from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar
- Boat safari on the Rufiji River and its lakes
- Guided walking safari with an armed ranger
- Elephants, giraffes, lions and hippos in a remote setting
- Good chances of African wild dogs
- Few vehicles and a true wilderness atmosphere
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1Fly to Nyerere, Afternoon Boat Safari
Transfer to the airport in Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar for your scheduled light-aircraft flight to Nyerere National Park, about 45 minutes from Dar or a little over an hour from Zanzibar. A camp guide meets you at the airstrip and drives you to camp, often spotting wildlife on the way. After lunch and a rest, set off on a boat safari on the Rufiji River or one of its lakes, passing pods of hippos, basking crocodiles and elephants coming down to drink, with the sunset reflected on the water.
Day 2Game Drives and Walking Safari
Begin with an early guided walk in the company of an armed ranger and your guide. On foot you notice the small details of the bush, from animal tracks and dung to medicinal plants and insects, and you may encounter giraffes or buffalo at a respectful distance. After brunch and a midday rest, head out on an afternoon game drive around the lakes, where lions, elephants, impalas and the endangered African wild dog are regularly seen. Return to camp for dinner around the fire.
Day 3Morning Game Drive, Fly Back
Enjoy a final morning game drive in the cool hours after sunrise, looking for predators and the abundant birdlife, including fish eagles, kingfishers and carmine bee-eaters. Return to camp for breakfast before packing up. Your guide then transfers you to the airstrip for the flight back to Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar. On arrival, you are transferred to your hotel or can connect to an onward flight, or begin your stay on Zanzibar's beaches.
What is included
- Return scheduled flights from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar to Nyerere National Park
- Game drives in 4x4 safari vehicles with professional guides
- Boat safari on the Rufiji River or lakes
- Guided walking safari with an armed ranger
- Nyerere National Park entrance and conservation fees
- 2 nights in a tented camp
- Meals as listed in the itinerary
- Drinking water and airport transfers in Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar
Not included
- International flights
- Tanzania visa
- Travel insurance (mandatory for this trip)
- Tips for guides, pilots and camp staff
- Alcoholic and premium drinks unless stated
- Optional activities such as hot air balloon safaris
- Personal items, laundry and souvenirs
Good to know
- Light aircraft typically allow around 15 kg of luggage per person in soft-sided bags.
- Walking safaris usually have a minimum age, often around 16, and depend on park rules on the day.
- Nyerere is hot and low-lying, and tsetse flies can be present; neutral-colored clothing and repellent help, and malaria prevention is recommended.
Frequently asked questions
Is Nyerere the same as the Selous?
Nyerere National Park was created in 2019 from the northern part of the Selous Game Reserve, which is where most safari camps are located. Many people still refer to it as the Selous.
Can we drive instead of flying?
Yes, the drive from Dar es Salaam takes roughly 6 to 8 hours depending on the route and road conditions. Flying is quicker and gives you more time in the park.
Can we have a private vehicle?
Most camps can arrange a private vehicle and guide on request, which is ideal for families or keen photographers. Let us know when booking.
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