Selous Game Reserve Day Safari with Flight: From Zanzibar

Travelers looking for an authentic wildlife experience without sacrificing comfort may find the Selous Game Reserve Day Safari from Zanzibar to be just the ticket. This carefully crafted day trip offers a glimpse into Tanzania’s wilderness, combining a scenic flight with exhilarating game drives in a way that feels both luxurious and adventurous.

What makes this experience stand out? Firstly, the expert-guided game drives promise insightful spotting opportunities, thanks to guides who know the reserve inside out. Second, the scenic flight provides a stunning aerial perspective of the landscape, turning the journey into an adventure itself. Lastly, the ability to see a wide variety of animals and birds in a single day makes it incredibly good value for wildlife lovers.

A potential caveat? The early start and tight schedule might not suit everyone, especially those who prefer a more relaxed pace. The day is packed from dawn to late afternoon, so travelers who value leisure time may find it a bit rushed.

This tour is perfect for those who want a snapshot of Tanzania’s wilderness, especially if you’re short on time or prefer a guided experience with all logistics arranged. If you’re eager to combine aerial views, wildlife encounters, and expert insights in one day, this safari is a solid choice.

Key Points

• Convenient roundtrip flight: A quick aerial transfer from Zanzibar to Selous saves hours and offers stunning views.
• Expert guides: Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with insights into wildlife behaviors and landscapes.
• Wildlife variety: You’ll encounter elephants, lions, leopards, wild dogs, giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, and over 400 bird species.
• Scenic landscapes: Open savannahs, woodlands, lakes, and the Rufiji River create a dynamic backdrop.
• All-inclusive price: The $690 covers flights, park fees, lunch, and transfers, offering good value for a full day of adventure.
• Time-efficient: The tour is designed to maximize wildlife sighting opportunities within a single day.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary in Detail

Early Morning: Zanzibar to Selous

The day begins with an early hotel pickup in Zanzibar around 5:30 AM, an hour before the scheduled flight. This timing ensures you arrive at Zanzibar Airport ready for your scenic flight to Selous, which lasts approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.

The flight itself is a highlight—flying over the Indian Ocean, you’ll catch brief glimpses of Zanzibar’s coast, clay-red earth, and patches of green that transition into the sprawling wilderness of Selous. Reviews mention that this aerial journey “adds a layer of excitement” and “gives a unique perspective of the landscape that you can’t get from the ground.”

Arrival at Mtemere Airstrip & Morning Game Drive

Once you land at Mtemere Airstrip, a professional guide will be waiting to welcome you. From here, the adventure kicks into high gear with a morning game drive in a 4×4 open-roof safari vehicle. The open roof design is key, offering unobstructed views perfect for spotting wildlife and taking photos.

You’ll traverse the expansive reserve, home to large herds of elephants, lions, leopards, and African wild dogs. Our sources observed that guides are “very knowledgeable,” often sharing fascinating facts about animal behavior and the landscape. Expect to see giraffes grazing, zebras trotting across the plains, and perhaps hippos lounging in lakes or crocodiles sunbathing on riverbanks. Over 400 bird species also make this their home, so birdwatchers should keep their binoculars handy.

Bush Lunch & Afternoon Exploration

Around 12:30 PM, you’ll stop for a bush picnic lunch—a highlight for many, as the setting allows you to enjoy your meal surrounded by wild scenery. The reviews mention “delicious bush lunches” with a good variety of food, served in scenic spots that amplify the feeling of being truly in the wild.

Post-lunch, the game drive continues. This is your chance to possibly spot buffalo, impalas, wildebeest, and predators like lions or wild dogs on the hunt. The afternoon drive is often praised for its diversity—each new area explored offers fresh wildlife encounters. Guides seem adept at tracking animals, which is vital given the vastness of Selous.

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Return to Zanzibar

By 3:30 PM, it’s time to head back to Mtemere Airstrip for your flight back to Zanzibar. The return flight is another chance to enjoy aerial views, with many travelers noting it’s “a memorable way to end the day.” You’ll arrive in Zanzibar around 5:00 PM, with transfers back to your hotel.

What Travelers Can Expect

The Selous Day Safari offers a well-organized, all-inclusive experience. From the moment you are picked up, everything is handled—flights, park entry, transfers, and meals. This means you can relax and focus solely on enjoying the wildlife and landscape.

The group size tends to be small, with shared game drives providing a more intimate experience. The guides, like Elijah, are well-regarded for their knowledge and friendly demeanor, often making the animals and landscapes come alive with their stories.

The timing is ideal for wildlife activity, especially in the cooler morning hours when animals tend to be more active. The open-roof vehicles are perfect for photography, although the early start does require an energetic mindset.

Value for Money

At $690 per person, the price might seem high at first glance, but considering that it covers flights, park fees, lunch, guide services, and transfers, it offers a lot of value. It’s a premium experience, suited to those who want to maximize wildlife sightings and aerial views without the hassle of organizing logistics independently.

Practical Tips

• Bring your camera and binoculars; the views and wildlife are worth capturing.
• Wear comfortable, neutral-colored clothing suitable for safaris.
• Be prepared for an early start—setting an alarm is recommended.
• The weather can be hot, so pack sun protection and plenty of water.

Who Should Consider This Safari?

This tour is ideal for travelers who value guided wildlife experiences and want a comprehensive day of adventure with minimal hassle. It suits those with limited time who want to see wildlife, birdlife, and landscapes from both ground and air. Nature lovers eager for expert insights and authentic safari vibes will find it rewarding.

If you’re looking for a relaxed, leisurely safari that stretches over several days, this may not be the best fit. However, for a quick, immersive taste of Tanzania’s wilderness, it hits all the right notes.

FAQ

How long is the flight from Zanzibar to Selous?
The scenic flight takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, offering sweeping views of the landscape.

What wildlife can I expect to see?
You’ll have opportunities to spot elephants, lions, leopards, wild dogs, giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, and over 400 bird species.

Is the tour suitable for photographers?
Absolutely. The open-roof vehicles and early morning light provide excellent conditions for wildlife photography.

What is included in the price?
The $690 covers hotel pickup and drop-off, roundtrip flights, guided game drives, park entry and landing fees, bush lunch, and drinking water.

Are there any additional costs?
Yes, travel insurance and tips are not included and should be arranged separately.

How flexible is the booking?
You can reserve your spot and pay later, with the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly mentioned, the schedule and nature of game drives suggest it’s best suited for older children and adults comfortable with early starts and outdoor activities.

Final Thoughts

The Selous Game Reserve Day Safari from Zanzibar encapsulates the thrill of a safari in a single, well-organized day. It combines aerial views, expert guidance, and diverse wildlife encounters into a seamless experience that offers real value.

Travelers who appreciate knowledgeable guides and stunning landscapes will find that this tour delivers on both fronts. The early start and packed schedule might not suit everyone, but those seeking a comprehensive wildlife snapshot in Tanzania will leave with plenty of memorable moments.

For adventurers eager to tick off a safari experience without committing to multiple days or complicated arrangements, this tour strikes a practical, exciting balance. It’s especially suited for travelers with a passion for photography, wildlife, and scenic flights, looking to get the most out of a single day in Tanzania’s wilderness.

In short: The Selous Day Safari offers an accessible yet immersive way to explore Tanzania’s wild heart, perfect for short-stay visitors and wildlife enthusiasts alike.

You can check availability for your dates here: