3-Day Nyerere (Selous) Safari from Dar es Salaam
A private 3-day road safari from Dar es Salaam to Nyerere National Park, the former northern Selous: a long drive in, a full day of game drives, a boat safari on the Rufiji River and two nights in a mid-range camp.
Dar es Salaam to the Rufiji in a Day
Nyerere is Tanzania's largest national park and the closest big wilderness to Dar es Salaam. Going by road costs much less than flying, and your own vehicle and driver-guide stay with you the whole time. The drive takes most of the first and last days, through farmland and villages to the park's eastern side.
In the park you have an afternoon and a full day of game drives among giraffes, elephants, buffalo and impalas, and a boat trip on the Rufiji River or its lakes among hippos, crocodiles and water birds. It suits people living in or visiting Dar es Salaam who want a real safari over a long weekend.
Staying on Zanzibar? See the 3-Day Nyerere Fly-in Safari →
Highlights
- Private 4x4 vehicle and driver-guide from Dar es Salaam
- An afternoon and a full day of game drives
- A boat safari on the Rufiji River or its lakes
- Two nights in a mid-range camp, full board
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Dar es Salaam
What to bring
- Neutral-coloured clothes and a light warm layer
- Sun hat, sun cream and insect repellent
- Binoculars and a camera with a zoom
- Your passport
Read our park guides: Nyerere National Park
Route Map
- By road
- Day of the trip
Lines show the order of travel, not the exact roads.
We collect you from your hotel in Dar es Salaam early in the morning. The drive to the park, about 300 kilometres, takes about 6 to 7 hours with stops, the last part on gravel roads. After lunch you have a game drive on the way to camp.
Overnight: Mid-range camp in or near Nyerere National Park
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
A morning game drive, then lunch and a rest at camp. In the afternoon you go out by boat on the Rufiji River or one of its lakes until sunset, among hippos, crocodiles and water birds. Nyerere is also one of the places where African wild dogs live, although they are seen only now and then.
Overnight: Mid-range camp in or near Nyerere National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
An early game drive on the way out of the park, then the drive back to Dar es Salaam, arriving in the late afternoon or early evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Price Per Person — Private Safari
| Group Size | Price Per Person |
|---|---|
| 1 Person | $1,530 |
| 2 People | $1,170 |
| 3 People | $1,050 |
| 4 People | $990 |
| 5 People | $955 |
| 6 People | $930 |
Price per person in US dollars, by the number of people sharing the vehicle and rooms. Groups of more than 6: price on request.
Trip Notes
- Start & end: your hotel in Dar es Salaam
- Private safari: your group only, on the dates you choose
- Long drives on days 1 and 3
- Camp named when we confirm availability
- Prices may change if park fees change
Includes
- Private 4x4 vehicle with a professional driver-guide
- Nyerere National Park entry fees
- Game drives and a boat safari
- 2 nights in a mid-range camp, full board
- Drinking water
- Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel in Dar es Salaam
Excludes
- International flights and visa fees
- Accommodation in Dar es Salaam
- Travel insurance
- Tanzania's compulsory inbound travel insurance for foreign visitors (44 US dollars per person, from 1 October 2026)
- Tips for your guides
- Drinks other than drinking water
- Walking safari (optional, ask us)
- Any government increase in park fees or taxes after booking
Questions Travellers Ask
How long is the drive from Dar es Salaam?
About 300 kilometres, usually 6 to 7 hours with stops; it can be longer after rain or in heavy city traffic. That is why the first and last days are mostly travel.
Road or fly-in: which is better?
By road costs much less and suits groups. Flying takes about an hour from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar and gives you more time in the park. Ask us for both prices.
Can we add a walking safari?
Yes, with an armed park ranger, usually on the morning of day 2 or 3, at extra cost.
When is the best time to go?
June to October, the dry season, is best for game viewing. Many camps close in about April and May.
Can you collect us from the airport?
Yes. We can collect you at Julius Nyerere International Airport instead of your hotel if your flight arrives early in the morning.
