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
33 available
Ngorongoro
Northern Circuit
Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro Region
Zanzibar
Zanzibar Archipelago
Arusha National Park
Arusha Region
Tarangire
Northern Circuit
Serengeti
Northern Circuit
Lake Manyara
Northern Circuit
Kitulo National Park
Mbeya Region
Mikumi
Southern Circuit
Selous
Southern Circuit
Usambara Mountains
Tanga Region
Nyerere National Park
Southern Tanzania
Ruaha
Southern Circuit
Lake Nyasa
Mbeya & Ruvuma Region
Gombe
Western Tanzania
Mahale Mountains
Western Tanzania
Bagamoyo
Coast Region
Lushoto
Tanga Region
Udzungwa Mountains
Southern Highlands
Burigi-Chato National Park
Kagera Region
Songo Mnara
Lindi Region
Ukerewe Island
Mwanza Region
Pemba Island
Zanzibar Archipelago
Kilwa Kisiwani
Lindi Region
Saadani National Park
Coast Region
Katavi
Western Tanzania
Rumanyika-Karagwe National Park
Kagera Region
Ibanda-Kyerwa National Park
Kagera Region
Mafia Island
Mafia Archipelago
Ugalla River National Park
Tabora Region
Mkomazi National Park
Kilimanjaro & Tanga Region
Kondoa Rock-Art Sites
Dodoma Region
Iringa
Southern Highlands
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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