4-Days Selous & Rufiji River Boat Safari 2026-2027

4 Days Selous & Rufiji River Boat Safari Highlights:

• Day 1: Drive from Dar es Salaam to Selous, afternoon boat safari on Rufiji River.
• Day 2: Full day game drive inside Selous Game Reserve.
• Day 3: Walking safari and another exciting game drive.
• Day 4: Morning game drive, breakfast, and return to Dar es Salaam.

Overview

This 4-day Selous and Rufiji River Boat Safari takes you to Nyerere National Park, formerly known as Selous Game Reserve one of the largest protected wildlife areas in Africa. You’ll leave Dar es Salaam and drive through rural Tanzania, passing small villages, farmlands, and scenic landscapes until you reach this vast and wild park. Once there, you’ll enjoy thrilling game drives to spot elephants, giraffes, lions, hippos, crocodiles, and many bird species. One of the highlights of this safari is the relaxing boat trip along the Rufiji River, where you’ll see animals up close as they come to drink or cool off by the water. You’ll also take part in a guided walking safari led by an armed ranger to experience nature at eye level. Each evening, you’ll stay in a comfortable budget or mid-range lodge or tented camp surrounded by the sounds of the African bush. This safari gives you a true taste of Tanzania’s wild beauty perfect for travelers who want both adventure and relaxation!

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Dar es Salaam to Selous Game Reserve (Nyerere National Park)

You’ll start early from Dar es Salaam and drive towards Selous Game Reserve, a journey of about 5 to 6 hours. Along the way, you’ll enjoy views of rural Tanzania and make a few short stops for photos or refreshments. You’ll arrive in time for lunch at your lodge or camp. In the afternoon, you’ll go on a relaxing boat safari along the Rufiji River, where you’ll see hippos, crocodiles, and colorful birds. Watching the sunset over the river is truly magical.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Budget or mid-range lodge/camp in Selous

Day 2: Full Day Game Drive in Selous Game Reserve

After an early breakfast, you’ll spend the whole day exploring the park on a game drive. Selous is home to large herds of elephants, buffalo, zebras, lions, wild dogs, and many antelopes. Your driver-guide will take you through different parts of the park, including open plains, woodlands, and along the riverbanks. You’ll enjoy a picnic lunch in a scenic spot and continue your adventure until late afternoon. After the game drive, return to your lodge for dinner and a relaxing evening by the campfire.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Budget or mid-range lodge/camp in Selous

Day 3: Walking Safari & Afternoon Game Drive

You’ll wake up early for a guided walking safari with an armed ranger. This is your chance to get close to nature you’ll learn about animal tracks, plants, and smaller wildlife that you don’t usually see from the vehicle. After the walk, return to your lodge for breakfast and rest. Later, you’ll head out for another afternoon game drive, exploring new areas of the park and watching animals in their natural routines.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Budget or mid-range lodge/camp in Selous

Day 4: Morning Game Drive and Return to Dar es Salaam

On your last day, enjoy an early morning game drive to catch a final glimpse of the park’s wildlife. After breakfast, you’ll check out and begin your drive back to Dar es Salaam, arriving in the late afternoon full of memories and great photos from your Selous adventure.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Included

• Transport in a 4x4 safari vehicle
• English-speaking driver/guide
• Park entrance fees
• Boat safari on Rufiji River
• Walking safari with an armed ranger
• All meals as mentioned in the itinerary
• 3 nights’ accommodation in Selous
• Bottled drinking water during safari

Excluded

• Soft and alcoholic drinks
• Tips for guide and lodge staff
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses and souvenirs
• Items of personal nature