Five unhurried days along the Rufiji River let you experience Nyerere National Park at a relaxed pace, blending water, land and on-foot adventures deep in southern Tanzania’s wilderness.
With boat safaris, game drives, a guided walking safari and an excursion to Lake Tagalala and its hot springs, this trip suits couples, keen photographers and returning safari-goers who want variety and time to truly absorb one of Africa’s wildest parks.
Fly from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar to a Nyerere airstrip, a journey of around 45 minutes over the coast and Rufiji delta. Your guide transfers you to a tented camp overlooking the river, where lunch is served. An orientation game drive in the late afternoon eases you into the park before dinner at camp.
Spend the morning on a game drive through open woodland and grassland, watching for lion prides, giraffe and herds of buffalo. In the afternoon set out on a classic Rufiji boat safari among hippos, crocodiles and waterbirds, with elephants often seen along the banks at golden hour. Enjoy sundowners on the water before returning to camp.
Rise early for a guided walking safari accompanied by an armed ranger, learning to read tracks, plants and the smaller details of the bush on foot. After returning for brunch and a midday rest during the heat, an afternoon game drive continues the search for wild dogs and elusive greater kudu. Dinner is served around the campfire.
Take a full-day excursion toward Lake Tagalala, one of the park's beautiful lakes fringed with birdlife and basking crocodiles. Visit the natural hot springs nestled in the surrounding hills, a chance to soak and unwind in a remarkable setting. A boat cruise or game drive rounds out the day before a final evening at camp.
Enjoy one last early-morning activity, either a short game drive or a gentle boat cruise, to make the most of your final hours in the park. After breakfast you are transferred to the airstrip for your light-aircraft flight back to Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar for onward connections.
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