4 Days Selous Safari & Rufiji Sunset Cruise 2026-2027

4 Days Selous Safari & Rufiji Sunset CruiseHighlights:

• Day 1: Drive from Dar es Salaam to Selous, afternoon boat safari on Rufiji River.
• Day 2: Full-day game drive in Selous Game Reserve.
• Day 3: Walking safari and sunset boat cruise on the Rufiji River.
• Day 4: Morning game drive, breakfast, and drive back to Dar es Salaam.

Overview

This 4-day Selous Safari and Rufiji Sunset Cruise takes you deep into Nyerere National Park, formerly known as the Selous Game Reserve Africa’s largest protected wildlife area. You’ll leave the busy city of Dar es Salaam and journey through beautiful countryside before arriving in the wild heart of southern Tanzania. Once inside the park, you’ll explore vast plains, forests, and riverbanks full of wildlife. You’ll see elephants, giraffes, lions, zebras, and hippos as you enjoy game drives in open 4x4 vehicles. The highlight of your trip is the sunset cruise on the Rufiji River, where you’ll watch hippos and crocodiles as the sky turns golden. You’ll also enjoy a guided walking safari with an armed ranger for a close-up look at nature. Evenings will be spent at a comfortable lodge or tented camp, enjoying dinner under the stars. This safari offers a perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and breathtaking scenery.

Detailed Itinerary

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

You’ll leave Dar es Salaam early in the morning and drive to Selous Game Reserve, a journey of about 5–6 hours through scenic landscapes and local villages. Upon arrival, you’ll check in at your lodge or camp and have lunch. In the afternoon, you’ll go on a boat safari along the Rufiji River, one of the most memorable experiences in Tanzania. You’ll see hippos, crocodiles, and birds as you float along the calm waters, ending your day with a stunning sunset view.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Lodge or tented camp in Selous

Day 2: Full Day Game Drive in Selous

After breakfast, you’ll spend the full day exploring Selous on a game drive. The park is home to a wide variety of animals, including elephants, wild dogs, antelopes, and giraffes. Your experienced driver-guide will take you through different habitats and help you spot wildlife. You’ll enjoy a picnic lunch in a shaded spot inside the park and continue your game drive until late afternoon. Return to your lodge for dinner and a relaxing evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Lodge or tented camp in Selous

Day 3: Walking Safari & Rufiji Sunset Cruise

Wake up early for a guided walking safari with an armed ranger. You’ll experience the African bush up close, learning about animal tracks, plants, and smaller creatures that you usually miss from a vehicle. After breakfast and some rest, you’ll enjoy another highlight of the trip a sunset boat cruise on the Rufiji River. This peaceful experience lets you watch wildlife come to the river for water as the sun paints the sky orange and pink.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Lodge or tented camp in Selous

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

You’ll start the day with a morning game drive to catch the last glimpses of the park’s amazing wildlife. After breakfast, you’ll check out and begin your drive back to Dar es Salaam, arriving in the afternoon ending your wonderful 4-day Selous adventure.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Included

• Transport in 4x4 safari vehicle
• English-speaking driver/guide
• Park entrance fees
• Boat safaris on Rufiji River
• Walking safari with an armed ranger
• All meals as mentioned in the itinerary
• 3 nights lodge or tented camp accommodation
• 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