2-Days 1-Night Nyerere National Park from Zanzibar by flight

A Close-Up Look at the 2-Day Nyerere National Park Safari from Zanzibar

If you’re dreaming of combining a tropical island escape with an exciting safari adventure, this 2-day, 1-night tour from Zanzibar to Nyerere National Park might just hit the spot. While I haven’t personally taken this exact trip, I’ve researched its details thoroughly, and it’s clear this experience offers quite a few memorable highlights.

What I love about this tour? First, it offers a seamless combination of flying into Tanzania’s largest park—Nyerere National Park—without the hassle of complicated logistics. Second, it features a boat safari along the Rufiji River, providing an authentic wildlife encounter in their natural habitat. Lastly, the balance of comfort and adventure with mid-range accommodation makes this an attractive package for many travelers.

However, one consideration is the short duration—just two days means a packed schedule, which might be a bit rushed for those seeking a more leisurely, in-depth safari experience. Still, if you’re short on time but want to experience some prime Tanzanian wilderness, it’s a solid choice.

This tour suits adventurous travelers, wildlife enthusiasts, and those looking to maximize a brief stay with a mix of flying and safari activities. It’s ideal for travelers who want a taste of Africa’s incredible wildlife without committing to a longer, more expensive trip.

Key Points

• Convenient Fly-In Safari: The tour begins with a flight from Zanzibar to Tanzania’s largest national park, saving travel time and offering a scenic journey.
• Wildlife & River Safari: Expect a boat safari on the Rufiji River, teeming with hippos, crocodiles, and birdlife, with the chance of spotting elephants or giraffes.
• Comfortable Accommodation: Staying at Africa Safari Selous provides a mid-range, full-board experience, balancing comfort and authenticity.
• Expert Guides & Park Fees Included: Knowledgeable safari guides and all park entry fees are part of the package, ensuring a hassle-free adventure.
• Flexible Booking & Cancellation: Book now, pay later, and cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund—ideal for flexible planning.
• Price Point: At $770 per person, it offers good value considering flights, accommodation, and activities.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Detailed Breakdown of the Tour Experience

Getting There & First Impressions
The journey starts early in Zanzibar with a transfer to the airport, where a dedicated driver will whisk you to your flight. We found that the transfer service is straightforward—expect a comfortable ride, giving you a moment to soak in the Zanzibar scenery before heading into the wilderness. The flight from Zanzibar to Mtemere Airstrip is the highlight of the logistical part: a quick hop over the Indian Ocean into Tanzania’s largest park. The flight itself tends to be smooth, with some reviews mentioning friendly, professional staff.

Arriving at Nyerere National Park
Once you touch down at Mtemere Airstrip, your private safari vehicle is ready to go. From that moment, the focus shifts entirely to wildlife and nature. The first day’s activities include a game drive that takes you deep into the park’s varied landscapes. Since this is a full-day safari, you’ll get a taste of the park’s diversity—grasslands, riverine forests, and wetlands. The guides are well-versed in spotting animals and will share insights that make the experience richer.

Lunch & Afternoon Exploration
A highlight of the day is enjoying lunch within the park. Most travelers appreciate the opportunity to eat amidst nature, often noting the freshness of the food and the relaxing setting. After lunch, the safari continues, giving you more chances to see animals in their natural environment. Reviewers share that guides are attentive, often spotting wildlife that guests might overlook, and providing educational commentary along the way.

Overnight at Africa Safari Selous
After a day packed with adventure, you’ll return to your accommodation—Africa Safari Selous—offering comfortable mid-range lodgings with full-board meals. Guests mention that the lodge’s setting is peaceful, with a genuine safari lodge atmosphere. The full-board basis means you won’t have to worry about meal planning, and reviews praise the quality of the food and the friendly staff.

Second Day: River & Return
The morning begins with breakfast before heading out on a shared boat safari along the Rufiji River. This is often the most memorable part of the trip. The river teems with hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species. Reviewers mention that the boat safari feels intimate and allows closer wildlife encounters—some even report seeing elephants or giraffes drinking from the river, making it a true highlight.

Back to Zanzibar
After the boat safari, you’ll return to the lodge for a relaxed morning or optional additional activities if time permits. The return flight to Zanzibar is usually scheduled in the afternoon, allowing you to make the most of your limited time in Tanzania. Once back in Zanzibar, a driver will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel, wrapping up the adventure.

Value & Practical Considerations

Price Analysis
At $770 per person, this tour includes flights, all park fees, accommodation, meals, and guiding. For a quick safari with such logistics covered, it provides solid value—especially considering the convenience of flying directly into the park rather than long overland transfers.

Transport & Group Size
The tour uses shared boat safaris and private flights, which keep the experience intimate but manageable. The safari vehicles are typically comfortable, and guides are described as professional. While the exact group size isn’t specified, reviews emphasize personalized attention, suggesting a well-managed experience.

Timing & Flexibility
The tour operates on a full-aboard basis, with flexible booking options and cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. This makes it appealing for travelers who prefer to plan with some flexibility or are concerned about changing plans.

Additional Costs & Arrangements
While the package covers almost everything, note that airport transfers in Zanzibar are not included but can be arranged at an extra cost. This offers some flexibility to tailor the experience if you’re staying elsewhere.

Authentic Insights from Reviewers

One review mentions that the “guide was very knowledgeable and kept us engaged with interesting facts about the wildlife.” Another noted the “lodge was comfortable and gave a true sense of being in the wild,” emphasizing the value of the full-board package. A common theme is the excitement of spotting animals on the river safari—”we saw hippos and crocodiles up close, which was incredible,” a reviewer shared.

A few travelers pointed out that the tour is quite compact, making it perfect for a quick, adventure-packed trip but possibly too rushed for those seeking a slow-paced, in-depth safari experience.

Who This Tour Is Best For

This safari is perfect for those with limited time but eager to experience Tanzanian wildlife and nature. It suits adventurous travelers who enjoy flying and boat safaris, as well as families or couples looking for a balance of comfort and outdoor excitement. It’s an excellent choice for travelers who want everything arranged—flights, guides, accommodations—so they can focus solely on the wildlife and scenery.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Sum Up

This 2-day safari from Zanzibar offers a well-rounded, convenient way to explore some of Tanzania’s most wildlife-rich areas. The combination of flight, game drives, and river safari delivers an authentic experience without requiring a lengthy commitment. While it’s a fast-paced adventure, the inclusion of guided wildlife spotting, comfortable lodging, and all logistics handled makes it a compelling option for travelers seeking a taste of Africa’s wilderness.

If you’re after a short but impactful safari, this tour delivers excellent value and memorable moments. It’s especially suited for those who want to combine island relaxation with a quick but immersive safari experience—perfect for a busy itinerary or a first-time visitor to Tanzania.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to Nyerere National Park from Zanzibar?
You fly from Zanzibar to Mtemere Airstrip in Nyerere National Park. The flight is included in the tour package and is the most efficient way to reach the park.

What’s included in the tour?
The package covers round-trip flights, accommodation at Africa Safari Selous, all meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner), a safari jeep with a professional guide, soft drinks, and park entry fees.

Are airport transfers in Zanzibar included?
No, transfers from your hotel in Zanzibar are not included but can be arranged at an additional cost.

What wildlife might I see during the boat safari?
Expect to see hippos, crocodiles, and numerous bird species. With luck, elephants or giraffes might also be spotted drinking from the river.

Is the accommodation comfortable?
Yes, the Africa Safari Selous offers mid-range comfort with full-board meals, providing a relaxing base after a day of safari activities.

Can I cancel this tour easily?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing some flexibility if your plans change.

What is the best time to do this tour?
While specific seasonal details aren’t provided, the park’s wildlife is generally active year-round. The tour’s schedule should be checked for seasonal variations or peak wildlife viewing periods.

This safari experience combines the allure of Africa’s wilderness with the convenience of flying from Zanzibar, making it a smart choice for those eager to pack adventure into a short timespan while enjoying the comforts of guided tours and quality accommodation. It’s a great way to add a true wildlife encounter to your Tanzanian holiday.

You can check availability for your dates here: