5 Days Safari to Nyerere NP (Selous GR) and Mikumi NP

Planning a safari in Tanzania is no small feat, especially with so many parks and tours to choose from. This 5-day safari, offered by African Pangolin Safaris, promises a well-balanced mix of wildlife viewing, cultural experience, and authentic adventure. While I haven’t been on this exact trip, the detailed reviews and itinerary paint a compelling picture of what you can expect.

What sets this tour apart? First, the chance to explore Nyerere National Park, Tanzania’s largest, with its vast landscapes and diverse species. Second, the opportunity for guided walking safaris, giving you an up-close connection with nature. Third, the inclusion of boat safaris along the Rufiji River, where you’ll witness hippos, crocodiles, and birdlife from a very close vantage point.

One potential consideration? The journey involves quite a few travel hours each day, which might be tiring for some. However, the itinerary is designed to maximize wildlife encounters and authentic experiences. This tour is perfect for travelers seeking a mix of game drives, walking safaris, and river adventures, especially those who value knowledgeable guides and a genuine sense of the wild.

Key Points

• Vast and diverse landscapes in Nyerere (Selous) and Mikumi parks.
• Multiple forms of safari, including game drives, walking safaris, and boat trips.
• Expert guides like Mansour and Yunus Mohamed, praised for their patience and knowledge.
• Authentic experiences with wildlife close-up in both land and water settings.
• Comfortable 4×4 jeeps with open roofs for optimal viewing.
• Affordable value for such an extensive safari experience, with park fees included.

The Experience in Detail

This 5-day adventure offers a well-structured journey through some of Tanzania’s most impressive wildlife areas, beginning from Dar es Salaam and ending back in the city. Each segment emphasizes both the scenery and the animals, with reviews highlighting how guides make all the difference.

Day 1: Arrival at Nyerere (Selous) and Riverside Safari

The trip starts with a roughly four to five-hour drive from Dar es Salaam to Nyerere National Park, formerly known as Selous Game Reserve. The scenery along the way is impressive, with travelers noting the “most amazing and truly wild” areas as you ascend into the park’s outskirts.

Once arrived, the highlight is the afternoon boat safari along the Great Rufiji River. This is where the magic truly begins. Expect to see hippos and crocodiles just meters from your boat, with birdlife including kingfishers, storks, and eagles soaring overhead. Reviewers mention how close animals come to the riverbanks — it’s an exhilarating experience. One guest recalls that crocodiles glide into the water as the boat approaches, and hippos grunt nearby, making the scene feel very alive.

Day 2: Full Day Game Drive in Nyerere

The next morning kicks off with an early breakfast before heading out for a full day game drive. With a knowledgeable guide, like Mansour or Yunus, you’re likely to visit the park’s most productive areas. Reviewers highlight how guides are attentive, pointing out animal tracks and behaviors few travelers would notice alone.

Expect to see elephants, lions, wild dogs, buffalo, impala, zebra, and kudu, among others. Some reviews mention spotting rare species like elands or waterbuck, and the guides’ patience in tracking big cats or elusive animals. Given the size of Nyerere (over 30,200 km²), the diversity keeps the experience fresh and exciting.

Day 3: Walking Safari and Transfer to Mikumi

The morning begins with a guided walking safari—a rare treat that allows you to see the bush from a very different perspective. As one reviewer notes, it’s a chance to “touch the nature” by seeing footprints, droppings, and small creatures you’d never spot from a vehicle. The armed ranger ensures safety while allowing for an intimate encounter with the wild.

Post-breakfast, the group departs for Mikumi National Park, traveling through unspoiled terrain. The drive itself is a highlight, offering glimpses of rural Tanzania and untouched landscapes. This part of the journey is praised for its scenery and the chance to see how local communities coexist with wildlife.

Day 4: Full Day Game Drive in Mikumi

Mikumi is known for its big herd sightings and accessible location, making it easier to spot lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and buffalo. Over 300 bird species have been recorded here, so birdwatchers will find plenty to enjoy as well.

The day includes a full game drive with packed lunch, giving you plenty of time to explore different parts of the park. Reviewers consistently mention guides’ extensive knowledge, with one saying the guide was “exceptionally knowledgeable,” adding a layer of richness to the experience. Expect to see predators like leopards and lions, especially if you’re lucky with timing.

Day 5: Sunrise Game Drive and Return

On the final morning, you’ll enjoy a sunrise game drive, a magical way to start your last day. The cooler early hours often produce the best animal sightings, and the landscape looks stunning at dawn. After a quick breakfast, you’ll finish with a final game drive before heading back to Dar es Salaam, stopping for a hot lunch en route.

Why This Safari Offers Value

For around $1,446 per person, this tour packs in a variety of activities—game drives, boat safaris, walking safaris—plus the chance to see Africa’s iconic wildlife up close. The inclusion of park fees, bottled water, and professional guides makes it a seamless experience.

What makes this experience stand out? Reviewers praise the guides’ dedication and patience, often noting how they go beyond expectations, pointing out animal footprints or making sure everyone gets a good view. The open-roof 4×4 jeeps provide excellent photo opportunities and unobstructed views.

The accommodation, although not detailed here, receives kudos for being well-organized, with good meals and a genuine safari atmosphere. The fact that the tour includes walking safaris is especially rare at this price point and adds a personal touch to wildlife encounters.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Travel hours are considerable each day, so bring snacks, water, and patience.
• The best time to go depends on your preferences; reviews suggest the experience is good throughout the year, with Mikumi being particularly accessible.
• Dress code is smart casual; bring neutral-colored clothing, hats, and sunscreen.
• Children are welcome if accompanied by adults, and the tour offers a child discount when sharing with two paying adults.
• Guides like Mansour and Yunus are praised for their friendliness and expertise, so engage with them to get the most out of your safari.
• Booking early and confirming dietary requirements ensure smoother logistics.

The Sum Up

This 5-day safari to Nyerere and Mikumi parks combines wildlife viewing, river adventures, and walking safaris into a well-rounded experience. It’s ideal for travelers who want a genuine, immersive safari without the luxury price tag, especially if you’re keen on expert guiding and authentic encounters.

If you’re seeking an adventure that offers both the thrill of spotting big game and personal moments with nature, this trip provides that in spades. The knowledgeable guides, stunning scenery, and variety of safari types make it a journey worth considering, especially for those wanting to get off the beaten path.

While the journey involves some long travel times, the payoff is a deeply rewarding look at Tanzania’s wilderness. And with excellent reviews praising the guides’ patience and depth of knowledge, you’ll be in good hands throughout your adventure.

FAQ

What’s included in the tour?
Park fees, bottled water, a driver/guide, hotel/port pickup and drop-off, walking safari, boat safari, 4×4 jeeps with open roofs, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.

Are there any optional activities?
Walking safaris and boat safaris are built into the itinerary, providing unique close-up wildlife experiences.

Can children join this safari?
Yes. Children are allowed if accompanied by an adult, and there’s a child rate for sharing with two paying adults.

What kind of vehicle is used?
A 4×4 tourist jeep with an open roof ensures easy viewing and photography.

Who are the guides?
Guides like Mansour and Yunus Mohamed are praised for their patience, knowledge, and attentiveness to guests.

How many days does the tour last?
The trip spans 5 days, with activities each day including game drives, boat safaris, and walking safaris.

What are the main wildlife highlights?
Expect elephants, lions, wild dogs, buffalo, impalas, zebras, kudu, and over 300 bird species.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the 4×4 jeeps are designed for safari comfort and good visibility.

What is the best time to go?
While the tour runs year-round, the reviews suggest the experience is rewarding in most seasons with reliable animal sightings.

How do I book this tour?
Booking is straightforward through platforms like Viator or directly via African Pangolin Safaris, with options to customize and confirm dietary needs.

This safari is a fantastic way to experience Tanzania’s wilderness authentically, guided by friendly experts and with plenty of chances to see iconic wildlife. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned safari-goer, the blend of land, water, and foot experiences makes this journey memorable.