Travel stories

Ultimate feeling of Africa

Three nights safari Nyerere park

From our vacation on Zanzibar we wanted to go on safari to discover nature and the mainland for a few days. We soon came across Explore Tanzania where a tailor-made trip can be planned. Our eye fell on the Nyerere National Park, the largest park in Tanzania, less known and touristy than the Serengeti, but just as beautiful. From Zanzibar we flew with a domestic flight to the Nyerere park. From the plane we could already see the beautiful vast landscapes and spot the first hippos. We left Zanzibar early in the morning, so we immediately planned a game drive upon arrival at the park. We had expected to have to drive for a few hours before we would spot the first animals, but it turned out to be true…. immediately after the gate, about 10 giraffes were waiting to greet us.

We drove all day through the beautiful nature and saw all kinds of animals, from elephants, impalas and giraffes, to crocodiles, hippos and all kinds of birds and birds of prey. Our guide Kenneth from the Selous Wilderness Camp where we stayed for 3 nights turned out to be a walking encyclopedia and could tell us all about the flora and fauna of Tanzania. After a fantastic first day we went by boat to our camp on the other side of the river. Here we stayed in a beautiful spacious tent with a characteristic African makuti roof. The staff were very friendly and passionate, spoke good English and the chef is an excellent cook. The camp was in the middle of nature and really gave us the feeling of being in the middle of Africa.

The second day was a walking safari at sunrise and a boat safari at sunset. With the walking safari we went out with a real local to discover nature. This man could tell us everything about, among other things, the medicinal effect of plants and trees (including demonstration) and about the animals and insects. A very special experience that we will not soon forget. In the afternoon we could relax at the pool where we were accompanied by a group of monkeys. At the end of the afternoon we prepared for the boat safari. We went by boat on the beautiful river and were able to spot the hippos and crocodiles up close. We also picked up a piece of the culture of the Maasai people (one of the local peoples in Tanzania). We end our boat safari on a sandbank where we watched the sunset while enjoying a good glass of wine. A breathtaking image that no camera can capture.

The third day our second game drive was planned. We drove to another area in the Nyerere park that is also called the mini Serengeti. This park is so big that there are all kinds of vegetation and every piece seems like a new park. On the mini Serengeti we could also spot other animal species. Our guide said he was happy that we wanted to see certain animals, so that it became a real ‘game’ drive. And this game was not without success, because on the last day of our safari we saw many new animals, such as wildebeest, buffalo and zebras. There are actually no words to describe how impressive and special it is to come face to face with these wild animals. From the raised jeep you can see far and at the same time the animals come very close. Wonderful to be able to admire these mighty wild animals up close.

After the third day we spent our last night in the camp, after which we flew back to Zanzibar by plane the next morning. Everything was very well organized and everyone we met has a real passion for their work, the country, nature and animals.

As far as we are concerned, a safari to remember! And as the locals say: Hakuna matata!