A boat ride in Nyerere National Park is majorly carried out along the River Rufiji which is found in the Northern part of the National Park. River Rufiji is both 100 meters wide and deep and it flows into the Indian Ocean. It has quite a number of tributaries that act as water holes for the animals during the dry season. Other water bodies that can be used for boat rides include Lake Nzelekela, Lake Tagalala, Lake Mzizimia and Lake Siwandu.
A boat safari in Selous will take you about two hours and during this time you will be able to see numerous animals like hippos, buffaloes, crocodiles, zebras, antelopes, lions hunting down their prey, elephants, wildebeests, kudus and others. You will also be able to see quite a large number of bird species while enjoying your boat ride along the River Rufiji.
There are two types of boat safaris that are offered in Selous and these are:
A full day boat safari
The full day safari will give you a chance to explore the National Park on a boat to the fullest with a lunch break in between. Unlike the short boat safari, you get to see a variety of animals throughout the day like those at the River banks and the aqua animals, especially the hippos bobbing their heads in the water. Your safari guide will make a quick stop at the River bank for lunch before continuing with the ride. Get your cameras ready as this is considered to be the best way for one to explore Nyerere National Park.
Half day boat safari
The half day boat safaris are divided into two that is one in the morning and another one in the afternoon. The afternoon ride is perfect for game viewing and enjoying the sunset while the morning ride is best for birding and catching a few animals and the sunrise. The morning boat ride will give you a chance to see the various bird species like the Goliath Heron, Boehm’s Bee-eater, African Fish Eagle, Malachite Kingfisher and the African skimmer among others and the afternoon ride will be the best time to get a close of the crocodiles in the water due to the rise in temperature. Boat rides are usually carried twice in a day that is in the morning and in the afternoon depending on the itinerary. Note that the morning ride can only be cancelled if the weather is a bit cloudy or if there is rain.
Cost of a boat ride in Nyerere
The cost depends on the number of people who will be sharing the boat but a rough estimation of what will be spent is from $25 to $30. The boats will be found lined up along the sandbank although some camps have their own boats that you can use.
Best time for boat safaris in Nyerere
The best time for a boat safari in Nyerere is during the dry season which is experienced from June to October. During the dry season many animals can be seen along the banks of the River Rufiji in search of food and water making it easy for tourists to spot the animals.
The Nyerere National Park formerly known as Nyerere National Park is found in the southern part of Tanzania near Dar es Salaam. It is the largest Game Reserve in the country and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site due to the fact that it is the largest and oldest Game Reserve in the country. The Park is a home to a wide range of animals and bird species which make the Park one of the best safari destinations in the country. The Nyerere Park covers about 54, 600 km2 and these are only habited by wildlife. It is divided into two parts . the Northern part which is the best place for one to enjoy game viewing whereas the southern part was set apart for hunting. There are several ways in which the Nyerere National Park can be explored that is by driving through the Park, taking guided walks and boat rides along the Rufiji.
