boat Safaris nyerere national park

Now the largest National Park in Africa, Nyerere National Park, is one of the most beautiful and game-rich areas in the ecosystem of Selous Game Reserve, spanning the Rufiji River basin in southeastern Tanzania. The Rufiji River is Nyerere National Park striking feature, which provides an excellent natural setting for boat safaris, making it one of the few places in Africa where its possible to view wildlife and birdlife from water. During a boat safari, there is a great chance of spotting the hippos, crocodiles and plentiful of different bird species such as the African Fish Eagle, Malachite Kingfisher, Goliath Heron, African Skimmer and Boehm's Bee-Eater. Monkeys (Blue Monkey, Savannah Baboon and Black and White Colobus Monkey) are often spotted in the trees along the banks of the river as well as Nile Monitor Lizards.

There are two types of boat safaris offered while at Nyerere National Park. The short 2-3 hour sunset or dawn boat safari trips along the Rufiji River outside the reserve (so no entry permit needed), or full day boat safaris which explore the Rufiji river as well as the lakes of the Selous. The short boat safari can be done in the morning or in the afternoon. In the morning you have beautiful light (unless it is cloudy), but in the afternoon there is a greater chance of seeing crocodiles because temperatures are higher. An afternoon boat safari has the advantage you sail during sunset.

Whereas, the full day boat safari is a more in-depth exploration up the vast Rufiji River and into the Selous Game Reserve's lakes. On this boat safari, you can see everything you would normally see on a short boat safari, plus any other wildlife which is along the water's edge at the time. It's common to see giraffe, impala, waterbuck, kudu, warthog and - a highlight for those with good luck - elephants bathing or crossing the river. Your guide will stop the boat at the edge of one of the lakes so that you can enjoy a picnic lunch.

Price / Fee for Private Boat Safari: The cost ranges from US$ 25 to US$ 30 per person for an hour ride based on a group size of 5 to 6 persons. The boat ride takes place at a variety of locations depending on the boat company's location. Some of the camps have their own boats and these are stationed at small wooden jettys at the sandbank from where the boat ride starts and ends.

You may contact us from the link below to book a boat safari either as part of your Safari or as a stand alone activity. There are other things to do while in Nyerere National Park such as walking safaris and game drives.