3 Days Fly-In Safari Nyerere National Park (former Selous G. R.)

Detailed Overview

Overview

Nyerere National Park (before Selous G.R.) is one of the spectacular southern circuit game reserves of Tanzania which is still relatively undisturbed by human impact.

Almost all of Africa's famous animals can be found in Nyerere National Park, including varieties of birds and reptiles. The population of African wild dogs is the largest on the entire continent with 1300 animals and there are approximately 3,700 lions – one of the largest populations in Africa and furthermore the park is home to more than half of Tanzania’s elephant population. Nyerere National Park has a great variety of habitats such as swamps, open grassland, riverine forests and the Miombo woodlands with impressive baobabs and acacia trees as well doum- and borassus palms up to 30 meters high and mango trees can also be found in well-watered places. The Rufiji River with his numerous side arms and large lakes forms a labyrinth with islands, sandbars and lagoons. Crocodiles sunbathe on their banks and hippos wallow in the muddy water. That’s why Nyerere National Park was already declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1982 and the UN ranks Nyerere National Park among the 25 most biodiverse regions in the world.

Tour Highlights

• Still relatively unspoiled and an insider tip
• Undisturbed safaris due to fewer tourists
• Enjoy the variety of game viewing safari activities by boat, 4×4 or on foot
• Large lakes and rivers
• Experience magnificent safari animals and landscapes
• Perfect spot for ornithologists

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Dar es Salaam – Nyerere National Park (before Selous G. R.)

After breakfast in the early morning, you take the morning flight from Dar es Salaam to the Mtemere airstrip. Pick up from the airstrip near the lodge. In the afternoon, after a short orientation briefing, you will embark on a boat safari along the mighty Rufiji River, which brings you into close contact with hippos, crocodiles, fantastic birdlife and other animals like elephants, lions, buffalos and other game that comes to the river. You will see plenty of hippos, crocodiles and bird life is prolific.

Meals:  lunch, Dinner

Possible Accommodation: Selous Ngalawa Campsite and Lodge (budget), Selous River Camp (mid-range), Serena Mivumo River Lodge (luxury)

Day 2: Nyerere National Park full game drive

In the morning after breakfast, together with our expert driver guide, we are exploring the breathtaking nature during full day game drives with picnic lunch by our 4 × 4 safari vehicle with pop up roof. Mind you that Nyerere National Park is larger than Switzerland and half of Denmark. You will have the opportunity to enjoy a large number of elephants and lions, as well as buffalos, wild dogs, eland antelopes, bushbucks, giraffes, impalas, baboons, zebras, greater kudu and you have the chance to see the rare sable antelope.

Meals:  breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner

Possible Accommodation: Selous Ngalawa Campsite and Lodge (budget), Selous River Camp (mid-range), Serena Mivumo River Lodge (luxury)

Day 3: Nyerere National Park – Dar es Salaam

After breakfast we start for a morning wilderness walking safari accompanied by an armed ranger. This is one of the most exciting experiences in Tanzania, because here you can experience the bush landscape with all your senses and animal observations become a very intimate experience. Back to the camp for lunch and for your flight to Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam.

Meals:  breakfast, Lunch

Possible Accommodation:  no accommodation on this day.

Best Travel Time

• The best time to visit the Southern Circuit National Parks is during the dry season from June to October. It is the best time for wildlife viewing because the vegetation is less dense. the temperature is hot and dry during the day, cooler at night.
• From November to February It becomes more sultry and greener.
• Rainy season is from March to May routes are almost impassable and lodges and camps very often closed.

Inclusions

• All activities as per the itinerary
• All accommodations and meals as per itinerary or as agreed – N.B. accommodation mentioned in the itinerary is dependent on availability at the time of booking; alternatives of a similar class may be booked instead
• All transfers to and from the agreed pick up and drop off points (e.g. airport, bus station or hotel in town etc.)
• All camping gear (if you are camping)
• Service of a professional English-speaking driver/guide
• Park entry and nature trail fees
• Safari 4×4 vehicle with pop-up roof for game viewing
• TANAPA armed ranger (where needed, e.g. on walking safaris, some boat safaris etc.)
• Driver’s salary and allowances and park fees for vehicle and driver
• Drinking water during the game drives/walking safari
• All Government taxes
• Inland flight fares (if that is part of your itinerary)
• Boat fares (if your itinerary includes a boat journey in Tanzanian Waters)

Exclusions

• International/national flights and visa fees
• Extras, personal expenses i.e. soft- and alcoholic drinks, telephone, laundry souvenirs etc.)
• Travel, medical, injury and luggage insurance
• Flying doctor rescue services
• Government-imposed increases in taxes and/or park entrance fees.
• Tips to the driver & guide
• Anything else not mentioned in the inclusions
• Optional activities not outlined on the itinerary

Optional Add-ons

• Visit a local dance show/village
• On request other tour languages possible
• Additional accommodation before and after the tour can be arranged for an extra cost
• Extension of the stay or additional program possible / or have a look at our others off

Important Notes

• Kids under the age of 12 are not allowed on a walking safari.
• We offer discounted prices for children.
• Usually our tours require a minimum of 2 persons to run. Single travelers can join a tour or ask us for a tailor-made safari.

What to Bring

• Lightweight clothing
• Swimwear
• Sun hat and sunglasses
• Reef-safe sunscreen
• Sandals and walking shoes
• Insect repellent
• Personal medication
• Travel documents