Selous day trip from Zanzibar

Safari summary

Day Trip Safari to Selous/nyerere national park from Zanzibar
A day trip safari to Selous Game Reserve from Zanzibar is a thrilling and unforgettable experience, offering a chance to witness some of Tanzania’s most spectacular wildlife in their natural habitat. Despite being a long day, the adventure is well worth it, as it combines a scenic journey, incredible game viewing, and the opportunity to immerse yourself in one of Africa's largest and most pristine wildlife reserves. Here's everything you need to know about planning and enjoying a day trip to Selous from Zanzibar.

The Selous Game Reserve: An Overview
Selous Game Reserve, now known as Nyerere National Park, is one of the largest protected areas in Africa, covering over 50,000 square kilometers. Located in the southern part of Tanzania, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for its remarkable biodiversity. Unlike the more crowded northern parks like Serengeti and Ngorongoro, Selous offers a more intimate safari experience. It is home to vast populations of elephants, buffaloes, lions, leopards, giraffes, and a rich array of birdlife. The reserve also stands out for its diverse landscapes, including savannahs, wetlands, and the mighty Rufiji River, which supports an abundance of wildlife.

Getting There: The Journey from Zanzibar
Day trip to Selous from Zanzibar starts early in the morning. Given the distance (approximately 240 kilometers or 150 miles), you’ll need to take a flight from Zanzibar to the Selous airstrip, which is roughly an hour-long flight. Upon arrival at the airstrip, you will be met by a safari guide who will accompany you on your adventure for the day.While the flight is the most efficient way to reach Selous, the experience itself is part of the charm. The aerial views of the island's coastline and the vast wilderness below are breathtaking and give you a taste of the beauty you’ll explore on the ground.

Day Trip Safari Activities in Selous
Once you arrive in Selous, you will go on a game drive in an open-top 4x4 safari vehicle, driven by an experienced guide. These game drives are the highlight of the trip, offering you the opportunity to spot a wide range of wildlife. You can expect to see large herds of elephants, buffaloes, zebras, and wildebeests, along with predators like lions, leopards, and cheetahs. The reserve is also home to the endangered African wild dog, a rare and thrilling sight for wildlife enthusiasts.

Selous offers a unique safari experience, as it’s less crowded than other parks in Tanzania, which means you’ll have a more private and peaceful experience with nature. Your guide will be knowledgeable about the park’s flora and fauna, ensuring you gain a deeper understanding of the ecosystem and wildlife behavior.

In addition to game drives, there are other activities available within the reserve. For example, boat safaris along the Rufiji River are a fantastic way to see wildlife from a different perspective. You can spot crocodiles, hippos, and an abundance of birdlife as you glide along the riverbanks. These boat safaris are especially popular for photography enthusiasts.

Lunch and Relaxation
During the day trip , you will enjoy a delicious picnic lunch in the wilderness. Your guide will arrange a lunch stop in a scenic and safe area of the reserve. Here, you can savor a freshly prepared meal while taking in the sights and sounds of the African bush. For those seeking a more luxurious experience, we will provide lunch at a lodge or camp within Selous, where you can enjoy fine dining with a view of the surrounding landscapes.

The Return Journey to Zanzibar
After an day of wildlife encounters, you will return to the airstrip for your flight back to Zanzibar in the late afternoon. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some time to relax and reflect on the day's experiences. The flight back to Zanzibar offers another opportunity to enjoy aerial views of the landscape you’ve just explored, a fitting end to your adventure.

Why a Day Trip to Selous is Worth It
Although a day trip to Selous from Zanzibar island is a long day, it is well worth the effort for several reasons. First, Selous is one of the few places in Tanzania where you can experience a less commercialized safari, surrounded by vast wilderness with fewer tourists. The wildlife sightings are impressive, with large herds and the chance to see rare species. Second, the combination of a scenic flight, thrilling game drives, and boat safaris ensures that you experience multiple facets of Selous, from its river systems to its open plains.

Moreover, this day trip offers a great option for those who are short on time but still want to experience the raw beauty of Tanzania’s wildlife. You don’t need to commit to a multi-day safari to visit one of Africa’s most remarkable game reserves. A well-organized day trip to Selous from Zanzibar ensures that you can enjoy all the time

About this tour

	Tour type	Custom, tailor-made, private
	Main focus	Game drives
	Activity level	Easy activity
	Best months	All months
	Countries	Tanzania
	Parks	Nyerere (Selous)

Fine details

Safari highlights

• Wildlife sanctuaries

What’s included?

• Airport transfers
• All drinks
• Internal flights
• Meals
• Park fees
• Private vehicle and driver

What’s not included?

• Accommodation
• Alcoholic beverages
• Hot air balloons
• International flights
• Laundry
• Premium alcoholic beverages
• Spa treatments
• Tips and gratuities
• Visas