3-Day Nyerere Safari from Dar es Salaam 2026/2027

3 days

Duration

A 3-day Nyerere safari from Dar es Salaam (or Zanzibar) is the fastest way to escape the city and step into one of Africa’s last true wilderness frontiers.

While most people picture Tanzania safaris in the famous Northern Circuit – Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire – the real untamed Africa still exists in the south. Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve) is Africa’s largest national park and four times the size of the Serengeti, yet receives only a fraction of the visitors. Here you’ll find vast miombo woodlands, the mighty Rufiji River and some of the continent’s highest concentrations of elephants, wild dogs and buffalo.

This short 3-day Nyerere safari can be done by road from Dar es Salaam (5–6 hours each way) or by quick domestic flight from Zanzibar or Arusha. It’s the perfect add-on to any Northern Circuit itinerary or an incredible stand-alone adventure when time is short.

What Makes a Nyerere Safari Special

Boat safaris on the Rufiji River – glide past hippos, crocodiles and bathing elephants at eye level.
Guided walking safaris – explore the bush on foot with an armed ranger for an intimate, adrenaline-filled experience (very few parks in Tanzania allow this).
Classic 4×4 game drives – search for lions, leopards, wild dogs and huge herds in pristine wilderness.
Almost no crowds – even in peak season you’ll often have entire areas to yourself.

Where You’ll Stay during your 3 days Safari in Nyerere National Park

You’ll spend two nights at Nyerere Tented Camp a beautifully designed mid-range tented camp just minutes from the unfenced border of Nyerere National Park. Its elevated location near the Rufiji River allows wildlife to roam freely, creating an authentic, immersive bush experience.

Each spacious canvas tent features an en-suite bathroom with hot shower, comfortable beds with mosquito netting, private veranda, and solar-powered lighting. Wooden walkways connect to the main lodge, lounge, deck, and cozy fireplace – perfect for evening drinks and stories after your game drive.

You’ll enjoy freshly prepared meals using local ingredients and a well-stocked bar in a relaxed African ambience. All game drives are in our own private 4×4 safari vehicles with pop-up roof, fridge, and charging points.

Luxury upgrades to exclusive riverside lodges and camps like Rufiji River Camp.

Easily Combined with the Rest of Tanzania

Nyerere National Park fits perfectly into longer itineraries:

8-day Southern Tanzania safari (Mikumi + Ruaha + Nyerere)
Northern + Southern combo (Serengeti/Ngorongoro + Nyerere fly-in)
Zanzibar beach extension

Ready for an unforgettable 3-day Nyerere safari from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar in 2026/2027? Tell us your dates and budget – we’ll send your personalised itinerary within hours.

WhatsApp +255 767 999 101 – limited availability in peak season!

Additional information

Location	Nyerere National Park
Destination	Tanzania
Physicality	Strenuous Drive
Dates	Year-round

3-Day Nyerere Safari Itinerary

Day 1

Day 01: Dar es Salaam - Nyerere

On the first day of the safari you will leave Dar es Salaam early morning and drive to Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve). Nyerere National Park is quite a distance so you will arrive by midday and on arrival and after lunch; you will go for a boat ride in the Rufiji River. Crocodiles, hippos and hippos can be seen here as well as other animals as they converge to quench their thirst. Crocodiles take advantage to hunt their prey and you might be treated to sights of animal action if lucky. Overnight at Nyerere Tented Camp. All meals included

Day 2

Explore Nyerere National Park

Spend a full day in the vast Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve), Africa’s largest national park and roughly the size of Switzerland. Named after the legendary explorer Frederick Courtney Selous, this UNESCO World Heritage Site spans 30,893 km² of untouched wilderness, with rolling savannah plains, miombo woodlands, rocky outcrops and the life-giving Rufiji River carving through it all.

Your day includes game drives in search of elephants, zebras, gazelles, impalas and the park’s rarest treasure – packs of endangered African wild dogs. You’ll also spot buffalo, hippos, crocodiles and over 500 bird species.

Choose from unique activities: boat safaris on the Rufiji River (spotting drinking elephants at eye level), guided walking safaris with an armed ranger (for an intimate bush experience), or classic 4×4 game drives. Overnight at Nyerere Tented Camp. All meals included.

Day 3

Nyerere National Park - Drive back to Dar Es Salaam

Start your last morning with a gentle guided nature walk around the camp area, followed by a relaxed cultural walk in Mloka Village. Meet the local community, see daily village life, and learn about traditional fishing and farming along the Rufiji River – a peaceful and authentic way to end your safari.

After a leisurely breakfast at camp, depart Nyerere National Park and drive back to Dar es Salaam (approximately 4–5 hours, with scenic stops). You’ll arrive in the city in the early to mid-afternoon, in time for your onward flight or a relaxing evening.

Breakfast and lunch included. End of safari services.

If you are flying to Zanzibar then you will be transferred to the airstrip to take your flight to Zanzibar.

Ready to experience this incredible 3-day Nyerere safari?

We can also offer the exact same package as a fly-in from Zanzibar – perfect if you’re already enjoying the beach and want a quick wilderness escape.

See our 3-Day Nyerere Safari from Zanzibar here

Tell us your dates and budget – we’ll send your personalised itinerary within hours. WhatsApp +255 789 868 025 – limited availability in peak season!