A Day Trip To Selous Fly From Zanzibar

Travelers dreaming of Africa’s vast landscapes and incredible wildlife often face the dilemma of how to experience it all without sacrificing precious vacation time. This day trip to Selous from Zanzibar offers a practical and memorable way to see one of Africa’s largest and least disturbed reserves—without the hassle of planning multiple days of travel. Whether you’re short on time or simply want to add a wildlife adventure to your Zanzibar stay, this tour promises a full, rewarding experience packed into roughly 10.5 hours.

What we love about this trip is how it combines convenience, exclusivity, and authentic safari magic. First, the scenic flight over Zanzibar and into Selous makes for an exciting start—you’re not just jumping into a vehicle, but soaring over the landscape with a bird’s eye view. Second, the private game drive allows for a tailored experience, giving you a chance to spot wildlife up close in a vast, undisturbed reserve. Lastly, the streamlined logistics—pickups, direct flights, and all-inclusive pricing—remove the typical planning stress. That said, one consideration is the cost, which might seem steep but is reflective of the convenience and exclusivity offered.

This tour is perfect for wildlife lovers who want to maximize their safari experience in a single day, travelers with limited time in Zanzibar, or those who prefer a more comfortable, hassle-free approach to seeing Africa’s wildlife. It’s also ideal for anyone eager to combine scenic air travel with a safari adventure while avoiding long road journeys.

Key Points

• Convenient Flight: Short scenic flight from Zanzibar or Dar Es Salaam into Selous saves hours compared to overland trips.
• Private Experience: Only your group participates, offering a personalized safari with fewer crowds.
• Wildlife Variety: Expect to see lions, elephants, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, and more—good for wildlife enthusiasts.
• All-Inclusive: The price includes flights, park entrance, and a full-day game drive, making it easy and transparent.
• Expert Guides: Reviews highlight knowledgeable guides and good service, enhancing the overall experience.
• Limited Time, Big Rewards: Perfect for those with a packed schedule seeking a taste of Africa’s wildlife in one day.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Easy and Hassle-Free Booking

One of the standout features of this tour is its straightforward booking process. You can reserve your spot approximately 39 days in advance, with most travelers choosing to book ahead to secure their preferred date. The tour is offered as a private activity, meaning your group won’t be mixed with strangers—perfect for a more intimate safari. The cost is around $630.90 per person, which on paper may seem high, but when you consider the cost of flights, park fees, and guided services, it’s a comprehensive package.

Seamless Transfers and Flight

The day begins with a pickup at your hotel or designated location in Zanzibar City or Dar Es Salaam. The shared charter flight departs at 8:00 am from Zanzibar, or 8:20 am from Dar Es Salaam, arriving roughly an hour later at the Selous Airstrip. The flight itself offers a rare bird’s eye view of the landscape—think vast plains, meandering rivers, and scattered wildlife—transforming the journey into a memorable part of the adventure.

The Safari Itself: Game Drive in Selous

Once on the ground, the focus shifts to the game drive in Tanzania’s largest protected reserve. Covering an impressive 50,000 sq. km, Selous is known for its diverse habitats and minimal human interference. Expect to see elephants, lions, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, wild dogs, cheetahs, leopards, and antelopes, all thriving in a landscape that ranges from dense thickets to open grasslands.

Reviews mention guides with extensive knowledge and good explanations, which significantly enhances the safari. One reviewer highlighted how close they got to the animals, noting, “La proximité des animaux et leur diversité”—the proximity and diversity of wildlife really stand out here. The guides’ expertise ensures you’re in good hands, whether it’s spotting elusive predators or understanding the intricate ecosystem.

Lunch and Relaxation

After several hours of game viewing, you’ll enjoy a picnic lunch in the bush—a true safari highlight. The opportunity to relax amid nature, with the sounds of wildlife around, makes this break a memorable part of the experience. Reviewers mention appreciating the time to rest and take in the scenery before returning to the game drive.

Return and Reflection

Post-lunch, the drive continues, giving you a last chance to spot wildlife in the sprawling setting. The return flight departs in the late afternoon, around 4-5 pm, providing a scenic overview of the landscape once more before landing back in Zanzibar or Dar Es Salaam.

What’s Included and What to Expect

The entire experience is designed to be straightforward. Your admission tickets are included, along with transportation, flights, and park fees. The tour is suitable for most travelers, with confirmation received at booking and cancellation options available up to 24 hours prior for a full refund.

Authentic Insights from Reviews

Guests consistently praise the professional service and the quality of guides. Jessica from the UK called it “an experience of a lifetime,” emphasizing the memories made on this safari. She appreciated the smooth organization and the personalized service, which made her feel special during her trip.

Gilles from France highlighted the closeness to animals and their diversity, though he did mention a lack of organization at departure as a minor drawback. This suggests that while the overall experience is highly valued, travelers should be prepared for some logistical hiccups and be flexible.

Practical Details That Matter

• Duration: About 10.5 hours, making it a full day outing.
• Price: $630.90 per person, which is a significant investment but includes flights, park fees, and guided drives.
• Timing: Early morning departure aligns with the best wildlife activity in the cool part of the day.
• Group Size: Private tours, so your experience is exclusive.
• Weather Dependency: The tour requires good weather; cancellations due to poor weather are fully refunded or rescheduled.
• Minimum Travelers: The tour will only operate if the minimum number is met, but this is rare with enough advance booking.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This trip works best for travelers who value comfort and convenience but still want an authentic safari experience. It’s ideal if you’re short on time but eager to see a broad range of wildlife in one day. The flight component adds a sense of adventure, making it perfect for those who prefer scenic travel over long road journeys.

It’s also suitable for groups who want a private, tailored experience, possibly celebrating a special occasion or seeking a more intimate wildlife encounter. Budget-wise, those who see value in the included flights, park access, and guided service will find this trip worthwhile.

The Sum Up: Who Should Consider This Experience?

If you’re after a convenient, well-organized safari that packs a punch in wildlife sightings, this day trip to Selous should be on your list. The flight experience, combined with a personalized game drive, offers a unique perspective that’s hard to match with overland safaris. You’ll love the expert guides and the opportunity to photograph lions, elephants, giraffes, and hippos in their natural habitat.

However, be prepared for the investment—this is not the cheapest option, but many consider it excellent value given the all-inclusive nature and logistics handled for you. It’s most suitable for travelers with limited time, wildlife enthusiasts, or those who prefer a smooth, hassle-free adventure without sacrificing the thrill of seeing wild Africa.

In essence, this tour provides a bright window into Tanzania’s wilderness and a memorable highlight for your Zanzibar holiday—offering a perfect blend of comfort, adventure, and authentic African wildlife encounters.

FAQs

How early do I need to book this tour?
Most travelers book about 39 days in advance, ensuring calendar availability and securing their preferred date.

What is included in the price?
The cost covers flights from Zanzibar or Dar Es Salaam, park entry fees, and a full-day guided game drive.

Is this tour suitable for children or families?
While most travelers can participate, it’s best suited for those comfortable with early mornings, outdoor activity, and the full-day schedule.

What should I bring for the safari?
Bring comfortable clothing, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, camera, and binoculars. Pack a water bottle and insect repellent too.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll get a full refund or be offered a different date.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellations are allowed up to 24 hours in advance. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before are non-refundable.

Who is the tour provider?
Experience Zanzibar Tours & Safaris handles this experience, known for professional service and knowledgeable guides.

This detailed review captures not just what the tour offers but what you can genuinely expect from a day in the wilds of Selous, making it easier for you to decide if this adventure fits your travel style.