Rufiji River Boat Safari
Mto Rufiji
Take a small boat on Tanzania's largest river for close-up views of hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants coming to drink and flocks of waterbirds. It is a signature experience in Nyerere National Park.
The Rufiji is the largest river in Tanzania by flow. In the park's northern photographic safari area it splits into many channels, sandbars and oxbow lakes. Gliding downstream in a flat-bottomed boat, you can see herds of hippos and sunbathing Nile crocodiles within a few meters. Elephants, giraffes and waterbucks often come to the banks to drink, and there are many birds, including African fish eagles, kingfishers and bee-eaters. Boat trips are usually scheduled in early morning or before sunset and last about 2–3 hours. Sundowners on a sandbar at sunset are a classic highlight. Boat trips are generally organized by each camp (some camp packages already include them), and a park conservation fee applies, starting at around 70 US dollars per person per day for foreign visitors, plus VAT. Check the current rate with Tanzania National Parks. Follow your guide's instructions on board, and never put your hands outside the boat.
Opening hours
Daytime (game drives 6:00 AM–6:30 PM)