3 Days Selous Game Reserve Fly From Zanzibar

Exploring the Selous Game Reserve in Tanzania is an adventure many safari lovers dream of. While we haven’t personally taken this exact 3-day fly-in tour from Zanzibar, it offers an appealing mix of wildlife encounters, authentic tented camp stays, and the convenience of included flights. For those craving a quick, immersive safari with personal guide attention, this tour ticks several boxes.

We love that it features flights from Zanzibar, making the journey seamless — no long drives, just a quick hop to start your adventure. The fact that all meals and accommodation are included simplifies planning and ensures a focus on wildlife without financial surprises. Plus, the private tour setup promises flexibility and a more personalized experience.

One consideration, however, is the price point of around $1,250 per person — while it covers much of the essentials, some travelers might find it slightly on the higher side if they’re budget-conscious or prefer self-guided options. Also, reviews highlight mixed experiences, with some noting issues with guides or transportation contacts, so checking the details and communicating expectations is key.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a luxury-inclined, all-in-one safari experience with a focus on wildlife sightings, comfortable tented camps, and the convenience of flight logistics. If you value guided wildlife encounters in a relatively remote setting, this could be an excellent choice.

Key Points

• Convenient flight from Zanzibar saves time and skews the experience toward wildlife rather than long drives.
• Inclusive meals and accommodation make budgeting easier and enhance the relaxed safari atmosphere.
• Private guided tour offers personalized attention, tailored game drives, and flexibility.
• Authentic tented camp stays provide a more immersive, ‘close to nature’ experience.
• Varied vegetation zones in Selous make for diverse animal sightings and scenery.
• Potential variability in guide quality noted in reviews emphasizes the importance of clear communication.

What to Expect from the 3-Day Selous Safari Tour

Day 1: Arrival and Initial Game Drive

Your adventure kicks off early, with pickup from your Zanzibar resort around 6:30 am — a smart move to maximize your time in the reserve. The flight at 8:00 am is swift, taking approximately 45 minutes to reach the Selous Game Reserve’s airstrip, either Mtemere, Siwandu, or Matambwe, depending on your accommodation.

Once you land, it’s straight into a game drive en route to your camp or lodge. This is your first chance to see the reserve’s expansive landscape and start spotting animals like elephants or giraffes. Many reviews mention arriving for lunch and then relaxing at the camp, which typically offers a cozy setting amidst the wilderness.

Traveling light, you’ll get a taste of the reserve’s diversity — from dense thickets to open grasslands. A short evening game drive after dinner is a good opportunity to see animals active at dusk.

Day 2: Full Day of Wildlife Encounters

The second day is dedicated to more extensive game drives. After breakfast, you’ll head into the reserve with an expert guide, like Michael, who reviews praise for his effort to locate animals and give a memorable experience. Expect sightings of elephants, rhinos, cheetahs, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, and possibly more elusive predators.

Selous’s 50,000 sq km size and varied vegetation zones mean you’ll encounter a different scene each drive, enhancing the thrill of spotting wildlife in their natural habitat. Many travelers mention the off-road driving, which allows a closer look at animals without the usual barriers.

A picnic lunch in the wilderness offers a break amid the scenery, while dinner and overnight stay provide time to reflect on the day’s highlights. It’s worth noting that some reviews highlight guides’ efforts to locate the animals, with success adding to the sense of achievement.

Day 3: Final Adventures and Return Flight

On your last day, options include a boat safari along the Rufiji River or a walking safari with an armed ranger, offering a different perspective of the reserve. These activities are highly valued, giving a more intimate connection with nature.

After an early lunch, you’ll transfer back to the airstrip for the flight at around 1:15 pm, returning to Zanzibar. The timing means you can squeeze in a full morning game drive or a quick boat ride before heading out.

The Authentic Safari Experience

The inclusion of tented camps ensures you sleep close to nature, often in well-designed, comfortable setups that combine rustic charm with safety. Many reviews express enjoyment of the “magical” elephants visiting camps and the opportunity to experience wildlife without the barriers of lodges.

Transportation & Logistics: What Travelers Should Know

The tour’s biggest convenience is the included flight from Zanzibar, saving hours of overland travel. The quick 45-minute flight means you start your safari without the exhaustion of long drives, giving more time for game viewing. The pickup from your resort is generally scheduled around 6:30 am, with the flight departing at 8 am — a tight but manageable morning.

Once in Selous, game drives are conducted with a private, guided vehicle, and the focus is on maximizing animal sightings and photography opportunities. The overnight stays in tented camps are typically in remote, scenic locations, often with the chance to hear wildlife sounds at night.

The return process involves a boat or walking safari on day 3 before heading back to the airstrip for the flight home. The entire trip is designed to be smooth, but some reviews suggest that the guide’s contact arrangements or transport communication can be inconsistent — a factor to consider.

Wildlife & Experience Highlights

Selous Game Reserve is one of Tanzania’s largest protected areas, and you’ll notice the diversity as you explore. The reserve’s vegetation zones mean you’re likely to encounter a different array of animals each day. Many reviewers highlight the elephants visiting camps, which creates a sense of magic and closeness.

The chance to see black rhinos, cheetahs, hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of birdlife makes it a comprehensive safari for wildlife lovers. The boat safari along Rufiji River offers a different view, with hippos and crocodiles often visible from the water.

Reviewers like Joelle mention the effort of guides like Michael in locating animals, which significantly enhances the experience. The off-roading opportunities, combined with knowledgeable guiding, mean you’re more likely to witness extraordinary wildlife moments.

Comfort & Authenticity

The tented camps are praised for their blend of comfort and immersion. Many travelers report the camps as being cozy, with attentive staff always looking out for guests. The sounds of animals at night add to the authentic feel, making it a memorable part of the trip.

Value for Money & Overall Impression

At around $1,250 per person, the tour offers a package that covers flights, guided game drives, all meals, and accommodation — a fair deal considering the logistics and exclusivity of a fly-in safari. The inclusion of private guiding ensures personalized attention, which many travelers find worth the extra cost.

However, reviews do remind us that guide quality can vary, and some logistical hiccups regarding transport contacts might occur. Still, the vast array of wildlife sightings, the convenience of the itinerary, and the chance to stay in authentic tents make this a compelling choice for those seeking a relatively quick but immersive safari.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This safari suits travelers eager for a guided, all-inclusive experience with a focus on wildlife in a large, undisturbed reserve. It’s perfect if you want to skip long overland drives, enjoy scenic flights, and stay close to nature in tented camps.

It’s also well-suited for those who enjoy a personalized, flexible tour rather than large group safaris, thanks to the private setup. While it is on the pricier side, the convenience and depth of experience justify the cost for many adventure seekers.

FAQs

Is transportation provided from my resort?
Yes, the tour includes pickup from your Zanzibar resort around 6:30 am.

Are flights from Zanzibar included?
Yes, the flight departing at 8 am from Zanzibar directly to the Selous airstrip is part of the package.

What should I expect during game drives?
Vehicle game drives are guided, and you may see elephants, rhinos, cheetahs, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, and more. Off-road access is often permitted to get closer to animals.

Are all meals included?
Yes, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included, allowing you to focus on enjoying the wildlife without worrying about extra costs.

What type of accommodation is provided?
The tour features tented camps, offering an authentic safari experience with a rustic yet comfortable atmosphere.

Can I participate in activities like boat safaris or walking safaris?
Yes, on day 3, options include a boat drive along Rufiji River or a walking safari with an armed ranger.

Is this tour suitable for children or older travelers?
Most travelers can participate, but it’s best suited for those comfortable with outdoor activities and basic camping conditions.

What’s the best time of year to go?
While not specified, safaris in Tanzania are generally ideal during dry seasons, when animals congregate around water sources.

How flexible is the tour?
It’s a private tour, offering some flexibility, but most activities follow the standard itinerary.

What should I pack for the trip?
Light, breathable clothing, binoculars, camera, sun protection, and a sense of adventure are recommended.

This 3-day fly-in safari to Selous offers a unique blend of convenience, wildlife discovery, and authentic camping. While there are some variables in guide quality, the opportunity to see the vast array of animals in one of Africa’s largest reserves makes it a worthwhile choice for wildlife enthusiasts. Perfect for those who want a guided, all-in-one adventure without the hassle of overland travel, this tour promises memorable moments in the heart of Tanzanian wilderness.