Explore Tanzania's waterways from the water — boat safaris offer a completely different perspective on wildlife, bringing you face-to-face with hippos, crocodiles, and waterbirds at eye level. The Rufiji River in Nyerere National Park is the most celebrated, but Saadani and Ruaha also offer superb water-based wildlife watching.
Duration
Half-day to 3 days
Estimated cost
$80–$400+ per person/excursion
Best season
June – October
Operators
17 available
Ruaha
Southern Circuit
Selous
Southern Circuit
Zanzibar
Zanzibar Archipelago
Pemba Island
Zanzibar Archipelago
Gombe
Western Tanzania
Iringa
Southern Highlands
Lushoto
Tanga Region
Mahale Mountains
Western Tanzania
Mikumi
Southern Circuit
Mkomazi National Park
Kilimanjaro & Tanga Region
Usambara Mountains
Tanga Region
Lake Nyasa
Mbeya & Ruvuma Region
Saadani National Park
Coast Region
Nyerere National Park
Southern Tanzania
Arusha National Park
Arusha Region
Burigi-Chato National Park
Kagera Region
Ibanda-Kyerwa National Park
Kagera Region
Rumanyika-Karagwe National Park
Kagera Region
Ukerewe Island
Mwanza Region
Kilwa Kisiwani
Lindi Region
Songo Mnara
Lindi Region
Bagamoyo
Coast Region
Katavi
Western Tanzania
Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro Region
Kitulo National Park
Mbeya Region
Kondoa Rock-Art Sites
Dodoma Region
Lake Manyara
Northern Circuit
Mafia Island
Mafia Archipelago
Ngorongoro
Northern Circuit
Serengeti
Northern Circuit
Tarangire
Northern Circuit
Udzungwa Mountains
Southern Highlands
Ugalla River National Park
Tabora Region
Mtwara
Mtwara Region
June – October
The dry season drops river levels, concentrating hippos and crocodiles in smaller pools and making the Rufiji River boat safari unforgettable. Water-based access in wet season can be restricted.
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