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