Explore Africa by boat
Nyerere National Park Extension
Overview
Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous) is a refreshing change of pace from other parks. Defined by the broad waterways of the Rufiji River, this extension introduces a slower, more immersive style of safari, where game viewing unfolds by boat, on foot and by vehicle in one of Africa’s largest protected landscapes.
Glide along the Rufiji past elephants, hippos and crocodiles gathered at scale, and discover why Africa’s largest wildlife sanctuary rewards travelers who take their time.
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Trip Highlights
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Safari by boat on the Rufiji
The Rufiji River's channels and lakes anchor this park, and boat safaris offer a unique perspective on wildlife along the water that you can't experience from a vehicle.
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Three ways to see the park
Boat safaris, walking safaris and wildlife drives are all included, and you choose between them each day depending on conditions and guide availability.
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Africa's largest wildlife sanctuary
Formerly the Selous Game Reserve, Nyerere is the largest wildlife sanctuary on the continent, and your guides walk you through its conservation history as you explore it.
Itinerary
Itinerary 1 itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Africa’s largest wildlife sanctuary, formerly the Selous
Fly from Arusha to Nyerere National Park and settle into Sand Rivers, overlooking the wildlife-rich Rufiji River.
Explore the waterways on a boat safari, watching for hippos, crocodiles and other wildlife along the riverbanks.
Choose from guided walking safaris or wildlife drives to discover the region’s diverse habitats and abundant wildlife, depending on conditions and guide availability.
Fly from Arusha to Nyerere National Park, formerly part of the vast Selous Game Reserve, one of Africa’s largest protected wilderness areas. Settle into Sand Rivers, your secluded safari retreat overlooking the Rufiji River, where abundant wildlife gathers along the water’s edge. Surrounded by sweeping landscapes, winding waterways and diverse habitats, this remote region offers an exceptional opportunity to experience Tanzania’s wild beauty away from the crowds.
Spend the afternoon exploring the wilderness on your choice of safari activities, depending on conditions and guide availability. Cruise along the Rufiji River on a boat safari, watching for hippos, crocodiles and wildlife gathering along the banks. Venture into the bush on a guided walking safari for a closer look at the landscape, or set out on a wildlife drive in search of elephants, giraffes, buffalo, lions and other iconic African animals.
Day 2: An uncrowded safari among the river’s hippos and crocodiles
Spend a full day exploring Nyerere National Park’s winding river channels, tranquil lakes and surrounding woodlands.
Search for elephants, Cape buffalo and plains wildlife, along with hippos and crocodiles in the waterways.
Experience the tranquility of one of Tanzania’s most remote and uncrowded safari destinations, with exceptional opportunities for wildlife viewing.
Spend a full day exploring the remarkable wilderness of Nyerere National Park, where the winding channels of the Rufiji River, tranquil lakes and surrounding woodlands create a rich mosaic of wildlife habitats. Venture through this vast, uncrowded landscape in search of elephants, Cape buffalo and other plains wildlife, while hippos and crocodiles gather in the waterways. The park’s diverse ecosystems offer exceptional opportunities to observe wildlife in a variety of settings, from lush riverbanks to open grasslands and shaded forests.
With fewer visitors than Tanzania’s more famous northern safari destinations, Nyerere offers an intimate and immersive wilderness experience. Enjoy the freedom to explore this remote region, taking time to appreciate its abundant wildlife, varied landscapes and the peaceful rhythms of the African bush.
Day 3: The reserve’s conservation legacy, seen by water and by land
Explore more of Nyerere National Park’s diverse landscapes, from winding waterways and wetlands to open grasslands and wooded savannas.
Learn about the region’s rich history, conservation legacy and ongoing efforts to protect its remarkable biodiversity.
Enjoy wildlife viewing on land and water, searching for elephants, giraffes, buffalo, hippos, crocodiles and abundant birdlife.
Continue your exploration of Nyerere National Park, delving deeper into one of Africa’s most expansive and biodiverse wilderness areas. Discover the region’s fascinating history and conservation legacy as your expert guide shares insights into the efforts to protect its remarkable wildlife and habitats. From winding river channels and lush wetlands to open grasslands and wooded savannas, the park’s diverse landscapes provide a sanctuary for an extraordinary variety of species.
Experience the wilderness from different perspectives as you explore by water and land, watching for elephants, giraffes, buffalo and other wildlife roaming the plains, while hippos, crocodiles and abundant birdlife thrive along the waterways. Each outing offers new opportunities for discovery and a deeper appreciation of this vast, untamed ecosystem.
Day 4: A final morning of wildlife before Dar es Salaam
Enjoy a final morning of wildlife viewing before flying to Dar es Salaam. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and make use of a day room to rest and prepare for your onward journey.
Accommodations
Dates, Prices & Info
We recommend a 4-day stay, with prices starting at $5500 per person. Contact a Thomson Safari Specialist for details and to customize your extension.
Group Size
Extensions are custom additions to your safari itinerary. You may or may not be with other Thomson guests, but you’ll still enjoy small group travel.
What's Included
Your extension package includes all accommodations, meals, park fees, services of guides and drivers, and internal air as noted in your itinerary.
Not Included
International airfare is not included.
Additional costs may include tips for your guides, drivers and staff, bar beverages, laundry service, phone calls, passport and visa fees, souvenirs, and travel insurance.
Your pre-departure packet includes visa application instructions and information on travel insurance and tipping.
Important Information
A 20% deposit is required to reserve your space. This deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable. Full payment is due 90 days prior to the first land day of the trip.
Notification of cancellation must be made in writing to Thomson Safaris. At the time we receive the cancellation, all moneys will be refunded less the following cancellation charges:
91 days or more before departure: cancellation fees equal the amount of your deposit
90 to 61 days before departure: 50% of the package price is non-refundable
60 to 46 days before departure: 65% of the package price is non-refundable
45 days or less before departure: 100% of the package price is non-refundable
No partial refunds will be given for unused meals, hotel rooms, airport transfers, etc., for any reason whatsoever. Thomson Safaris reserves the right to increase the tour price in the event of cost increases due to changes in airfares, currency fluctuations, park fee increases, fuel surcharges, taxes, etc. Accommodations are subject to change.
Travel Insurance
Thomson strongly encourages you to purchase travel insurance within two weeks of making your deposit to protect your investment, as we are not able to make changes to our cancellation policy for any reason. Travel Guard comes highly recommended by our guests.
Getting There & Getting Home
Nyerere extensions may be scheduled before or after your safari, and may align best with international flights from Kilimanjaro International Airport or Julius Nyerere International Airport. Please check with your safari consultants or trip managers before making any flight arrangements.