3 Days 2 night Nyerere NP, Game Drive, Boat & Walking Safari

Planning a safari in Tanzania often feels like stepping into a wilderness postcard—vast, teeming with wildlife, and full of surprises. This 3-day, 2-night adventure offered by Mmary Wild Expedition promises a blend of game drives, boat safaris, and walking safaris in the impressive Nyerere National Park, formerly known as Selous. If you’re after an authentic experience that combines comfort, adventure, and incredible wildlife sightings, this tour definitely deserves a closer look.

What really caught our eye? The chance to explore on full-day game drives, the unique boat safaris in Rufiji River, and the guided walking safari—all packed into a manageable schedule. Plus, the price of $630 per person is quite reasonable considering the full board accommodation, park fees, and multiple activities included. One thing to consider is the long drive from Dar es Salaam, which may be a tiring start for some travelers. This trip suits active explorers who love diverse wildlife encounters and don’t mind a bit of travel fatigue for the reward of authentic safari experiences.

Key Points

• Diverse Safaris: Combines game drives, boat trips, and walking safaris for a well-rounded wildlife experience.
• Excellent Value: Full package with accommodation, activities, and park fees included at a reasonable price.
• Wildlife & Birdlife: Home to elephants, lions, buffaloes, wild dogs, crocodiles, hippos, and many bird species.
• Authentic Encounters: Small group, guided tours that maximize wildlife sightings and safety.
• Long Travel Day: From Dar es Salaam, the drive takes approximately five and a half hours—perfect for those who enjoy scenic journeys.
• Flexibility & Convenience: Round-trip airport transfers, flexible booking, and no payment until confirming your plans.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Introduction: An Authentic Tanzanian Safari Experience

This 3-day safari through Nyerere National Park is designed for travelers keen to see Tanzania’s wildlife without the fuss of longer, more expensive trips. Without claiming to have personally experienced it, we’ve gathered insights from multiple reviews and the detailed itinerary to give you a clear picture of what to expect.

We love the inclusion of full-board accommodation and the variety of safari activities—these add significant value and ensure your trip is both comfortable and adventurous. The boat safari on Rufiji River offers a different perspective on the ecosystem, while the walking safari provides a rare, up-close encounter with nature that’s hard to match on a vehicle. Finally, the full-day game drives promise exciting wildlife sightings, especially since Nyerere NP is renowned for its large populations of elephants, lions, and buffaloes.

One potential drawback? The long drive from Dar es Salaam might be a concern for some, especially if you prefer starting your safari with a relaxed morning rather than a road trip. However, if you’re eager to explore one of Tanzania’s most animal-rich parks efficiently, this tour hits all the right notes—especially for those looking for an immersive, varied experience in just a few days.

This experience suits active travelers, wildlife enthusiasts, and anyone eager for a true safari adventure with diverse settings—water, land, and foot—packed into a manageable itinerary.

Why This Safari Stands Out

The Itinerary Breakdown: What You’ll Experience

Day 1: Journey and Boat Safari in Rufiji River
The adventure begins with a pickup from your hotel, airport, or ferry terminal in Dar es Salaam. Expect a scenic five-and-a-half-hour drive south to the park, with a friendly guide providing a briefing along the way. Once you arrive at the park, you’ll enjoy a hearty lunch before embarking on your afternoon boat safari.

Rufiji River is a highlight here—gliding through the water, you’re likely to see crocodiles sunbathing and hippos lounging just below the surface. Bird watchers will love the variety of species that thrive around the riverbanks. The boat safari provides a peaceful yet exciting introduction to Nyerere’s ecosystem, giving you a different perspective from land-based game drives.

Day 2: Full-Day Game Drive & Picnic Lunch
Waking up early, you’ll head out for a full-day game drive with a packed lunch. The drive takes you across the expansive terrain, where elephants, lions, buffaloes, and wild dogs are common sights—some reviewers noted the “amazing opportunity to see animals in their natural habitat” and described the experience as “a wildlife lover’s dream.”

The guide carefully selects the best picnic spot to enjoy your lunch while soaking in the scenery. After some time to relax and digest, the game drive continues into the late afternoon, increasing your chances of catching sightings during the golden hours. This full-day approach maximizes your chances to observe different behaviors and habitats.

Day 3: Walking Safari & Return to Dar es Salaam
The day begins with a guided walking safari lasting around two and a half hours. This part of the trip is especially valued by reviewers, who say it “offered a rare, intimate connection with the bush,” allowing for close-up animal and bird viewing—important for those wanting an authentic wilderness experience.

Post-walk, you’ll relax at the lodge with breakfast, then start your drive back to Dar es Salaam, arriving with a packed lunch. The return trip, while lengthy, offers more scenery and a chance to reflect on your adventure. You’ll be dropped at your hotel, airport, or ferry terminal, ready to share stories of your wildlife encounters.

Accommodation & Facilities

Staying at Mloka Safaris Lodge, you’ll enjoy comfortable, full-board accommodations that allow you to unwind after busy days in the wild. Although the specifics of the lodge aren’t described in detail, reviews mention a friendly atmosphere and a good base for safari activities, ensuring your comforts aren’t sacrificed for adventure.

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Wildlife & Birdlife

Nyerere NP is a top destination for wildlife enthusiasts. Its large populations of elephants and buffaloes are a major draw, and lions are often spotted in the early mornings or late evenings. The mention of wild dogs adds a thrill, as they are more elusive but incredibly rewarding to see. The Rufiji River is teeming with crocodiles and hippos, while bird watchers will be pleased with the diversity—many species thrive along the river and open plains.

Practical Aspects: Transport, Guides, and Group Size

Transportation during the tour is comfortable and well-organized, with round-trip transfers included. The guide, who is described as professional, provides insightful commentary, making sure you see the best wildlife spots. The group size isn’t explicitly stated, but reviews suggest a small, manageable number of travelers, enhancing the personal experience.

Value for Money

At $630 per person, including park fees, all activities, meals, and accommodations, this tour offers excellent value. The diversity of experiences—game drives, boat safaris, walking safaris—means you’re getting multiple ways to encounter wildlife, rather than a single-dimension trip.

Compared to longer safaris that can cost significantly more, this package strikes a good balance between affordability and a comprehensive safari experience. The core appeal is the chance to see big game, birdlife, and enjoy a variety of safari modes in a relatively short timeframe.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

This safari is ideal for adventurous travelers who want a multi-faceted experience in Tanzania’s wilderness. It suits those comfortable with long drives, eager to explore on foot, and interested in water-based wildlife viewing. If you prefer a relaxed pace or have mobility issues, the walking safari may not be suitable.

It’s perfect for wildlife lovers, photography enthusiasts, and anyone wanting a cost-effective option that delivers a rich variety of landscapes and animals in just three days.

The Sum Up: Is This Safari Right for You?

This 3-day safari in Nyerere National Park offers a balanced mix of land, water, and foot safaris, making it an attractive choice for those with limited time but a big desire to see Africa’s wildlife. The inclusion of full-board accommodation, park fees, and multiple safari activities means you’ll get a comprehensive experience without unexpected costs.

Travelers who value authentic encounters, diverse habitats, and professional guides will find this trip rewarding. It’s best suited for active explorers eager to see elephants, lions, and wild dogs in their natural settings, combined with the unique perspective of boat and walking safaris.

While the long transfer from Dar es Salaam might be a consideration, the variety and richness of the experience make it a worthwhile adventure for wildlife enthusiasts wanting an efficient yet immersive safari in Tanzania.

FAQ

How long does the drive from Dar es Salaam to Nyerere NP take?
The drive is approximately five and a half hours, providing scenic views along the way. It’s a good opportunity to relax and enjoy Tanzania’s countryside before your safari begins.

What activities are included in the tour?
All activities listed—including boat safaris, full-day game drives, and walking safaris—are included unless marked as optional. Meals, park fees, and transfers are also covered.

What wildlife can I expect to see?
The park is home to elephants, lions, buffaloes, wild dogs, crocodiles, and hippos. Birdlife is abundant around the Rufiji River, making it a great spot for birdwatchers.

Is accommodation comfortable?
Yes, you’ll stay at Mloka Safaris Lodge, which offers full-board accommodations. While details are limited, reviews mention a friendly atmosphere and a good base for safari activities.

Can I book the tour and pay later?
Yes, the booking system allows you to reserve your spot without paying upfront, giving you flexibility to confirm your plans later.

Is this tour suitable for children or those with mobility issues?
It’s mainly designed for active travelers. The walking safari lasts around two and a half hours, so it might not be suitable for people with back problems or wheelchair users.

This safari offers a remarkable way to explore Tanzania’s wilderness in just a few days—covering water, land, and foot experiences—making it an excellent choice for wildlife enthusiasts looking to maximize their adventure on limited time.

You can check availability for your dates here: