
Boat Excursions in Nyerere National Park
Boat Excursions in Nyerere National Park : Tanzania is the finest safari destination in Africa. If you’ve never been to this country, we suggest you don’t miss being there on your next adventure. Forget the abundant wildlife in the Serengeti and the sheer landscape of Kilimanjaro; Tanzania usually goes beyond visitors’ expectations.
In Serengeti, which is a favorite destination, visitors can watch wildlife from a safari vehicle or a hot air balloon. Some destinations involve some kind of hiking trip, either short or long.
What if I told you about a wildlife destination where it’s possible to view wildlife, birdlife, and breathtaking scenery from the water? And this is not other than the Nyerere National Park. Though there are other options, in this article, we’ll describe a boat excursion in Nyerere National Park.
Nyerere National Park
This is another pristine wildlife sanctuary in southeastern Tanzania. It was formerly called the Selous Game Reserve. It was upgraded to national park status in 2019. It’s the continent’s largest national park.
There are plenty of attractions worth seeing in this park, including wildlife, birdlife, stunning vegetation, the Rufiji River basin, lakes, etc. And the good news is that the Nyerere National Park is remote. Thus, you’ll explore the beauty exclusively, even during the peak season.
Boat trips in Nyerere
A boat safari in Nyerere is a unique thing you’ll never miss during your safari. It’s relaxing and adventurous, something that will leave you with unforgettable memories. The Rufiji River is among the few navigable rivers in the country. It divides the park into two sections: the Southern and Northern sections. The Rufiji River basin is big and home to plenty of wildlife. Therefore, floating around its swamps is not only a way to relax but also an expedition to view wildlife from another perspective.
There are two ways to experience the vibrant wildlife around the Rufiji River basin: sunset and sunrise boat excursions and full-day boat trips. You can choose any of these two experiences or both.
Sunrise and sunset boat safaris
You can do the expedition in the morning. Usually done after breakfast, a morning boat trip usually rewards with extraordinary views of wildlife and vegetation. The lighting is perfect, except for a rare cloudy day. You feel the calmness of water and riverine forest surrounding the river.
The best part of a sunrise or sunset boat safari is that you can do it along the Rufiji River just outside the park. And you won’t be charged a conservation fee. The sunset boat cruise is also exceptional. Watch the clear waters turn brown as they reflect the sun sinking. You can see a lot of birds, animals, and aquatic species.
Full-day boat cruises
Another option to explore the Selous is by booking a full-day cruise. This can start in the morning or during the afternoon. In the morning, animals are active. Birds are also very active. In addition, you’ll enjoy the sunrise and the surrounding beauty. Crocodiles and hippos usually come out during the afternoon when it’s hot enough.
What to expect from a boat safari?
Authenticity: Exploring the Rufiji River basin is a one-of-a-kind experience for your memory. It is quite different from the common game drives. You see the wildlife and setting from another angle. Traveling by boat is an eco-friendly way to discover the magic of Nyerere National Park. It’s a carbon-free method to explore the forests and wildlife.
Wildlife views: There is plenty of wildlife to see while on a boat safari. You may view hippos and crocodiles basking in the sun. Monitor lizards are also common in the banks. Various primate species are also available in the riverine forests. These include blue monkeys, savannah baboons, and black and white colobus monkeys.

Stunning birdlife: Many birds prefer riverine trees. They enrich the river with the natural sounds of the songs. Their attractive colors are appealing to any boat cruiser. Common birds along the Rufiji River include the malachite kingfisher, African fish eagle, Boehm’s bee-eater, goliath heron, African skimmer, etc.
Breathtaking scenery: Nyerere National Park’s majestic landscape appears great from a boat. You’ll appreciate the grassy savannahs and thick, untouched forests. From these forests, you may see wildlife or birdlife.
The cost of a boat excursion
A boat trip in Nyerere doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. It’s affordable. You can book a trip from as low as $25 to $30 per person for an hour. This price is for a group of 5 to 6 people. And you can book from your tour operator and from the camp (some camps have their boats). The starting point of your boat safari depends on the location of the boat company.
More often people go to Nyerere National Park to watch wildlife. And game drives, birding, walking safaris, and balloon safaris are prominent activities. However, a boat trip is something you should not miss on your next adventure. You can reach out to our Focus East Africa Tours team for any further questions regarding this safari experience.
