Day Selous Game reserve: game Drive with Lunch From Zanzibar

Travelers seeking a taste of Tanzania’s incredible wildlife without committing to a multi-day safari will find the Day Selous Game Reserve: Game Drive with Lunch From Zanzibar offers an engaging, well-rounded adventure. This tour, priced at around $700 per person, combines a quick flight, an exciting game drive, and a scenic water safari—all wrapped into one day. It’s a fantastic option if you’re short on time but craving the thrill of spotting elephants, lions, giraffes, and more in their natural habitat.

What sets this experience apart is its combination of land and water activities, delivering varied wildlife encounters. The professional guides help maximize sightings, and the included picnic lunch means you won’t miss out on the essentials. Still, the tour’s fast pace and limited time might feel a bit rushed for those wanting a slower, more immersive experience. Overall, it’s ideal for adventure-loving travelers eager for a concise wildlife fix—and with a sense of comfort and convenience.

Key Points:

• All-inclusive day trip with flights, park fees, and lunch
• Diverse wildlife sightings on both land and water safaris
• Professional guides enhance chances of spotting elusive animals
• Perfect for travelers with limited time but big wildlife dreams
• Quick and efficient—flying out of Zanzibar for a safari adventure
• Flexible booking options with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect on the Tour

This tour offers an efficient, immersive day in Tanzania’s Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous), a UNESCO World Heritage site famed for its outstanding diversity of wildlife. You start your day with hotel pickup, then transfer to Zanzibar’s airport, where you’ll meet your guide. From there, it’s a short flight to Mtemere airstrip, conveniently located near the park’s main entrance. The journey combines comfort with excitement, and the flight itself offers sweeping views over the Tanzanian landscape.

The Safari Experience

Once at the airstrip, you’ll dive into your game drive, which typically lasts several hours. Your guides, often experienced locals, are well-versed at tracking and spotting animals like elephants, lions, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, and even rarer sightings like black rhinos and wild dogs. As one reviewer puts it, “We loved the way our guide, who was incredibly knowledgeable, tracked animals and made sure we got great views”—a reminder that having a skilled guide makes a real difference.

The diversity of wildlife is a highlight. Unlike some parks that focus on big cats, Selous offers a wide array of species, including large herds of elephants and giraffes wandering the open plains. The landscape, characterized by rivers, lush vegetation, and open woodlands, provides a stunning backdrop for photos and wildlife observation.

Water Safari and Lunch Break

Midday, it’s time for a break. You’ll stop for a picnic lunch—a simple yet satisfying meal that fuels your continued safari adventure. Reviewers mention the “delicious packed lunch” and the comfort of having a proper sit-down meal amidst the wild surroundings, which adds a special touch to the experience.

Post-lunch, the tour often includes a water safari, where you’ll see hippos and crocodiles in their natural habitat. This dual approach—land and water—offers a more comprehensive view of the park’s inhabitants, especially since some animals are more visible near water sources.

Return Journey and Flight

After a few more hours of wildlife viewing, it’s back to the airstrip for your return flight to Zanzibar. Your driver will then transfer you back to your hotel, completing a full, action-packed day. The entire experience, from pickup to drop-off, is designed to be seamless, with minimal waiting times and a focus on maximizing your safari hours.

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The Practical Side of Things

Transportation: The journey begins with hotel pickup, followed by a brief drive to Zanzibar’s airport. The flight to Mtemere is typically quick, around 30-45 minutes, giving you ample time on the ground for your safari. The return flight caps off the day, making it a very efficient use of limited vacation days.

Guides and Group Size: The guides are described as knowledgeable and helpful, often with a background in tracking wildlife. The small group sizes help with personalized attention, crucial when trying to capture elusive animals or get the best photo angles.

Cost and Value: At $700 per person, the tour includes almost everything—flights, park entry fees, game drive, picnic lunch, and water. While this might seem steep, when you consider the cost of arranging separate flights, park fees, and meals, it’s a good value for a stress-free, all-in-one adventure. Plus, the chance to see rare animals like black rhinos and wild dogs adds extra value.

Timing & Flexibility: Booking includes the option to reserve and pay later, with cancellations allowed up to 24 hours in advance. This flexibility is helpful if your plans are still uncertain, or if weather conditions might affect your travel.

What We Love About This Tour

One of the standout features is the combination of activities, giving you both land and water encounters within a single day. This variety means more chances for sightings and keeps the experience dynamic.

The professional guides make a noticeable difference. Their expertise and ability to track animals increase your chances of seeing wildlife, even in the early morning or late afternoon when animals are most active.

The flight transfer is both practical and scenic, offering a quick way to get into the park without hours of driving. Plus, it adds a sense of adventure, making the day feel special rather than just a typical game drive.

Finally, the picnic lunch—carefully prepared and served in the park—adds a touch of authenticity and comfort. Eating amidst the wilderness is an experience many travelers cherish, and it’s a break that feels well-earned after hours of searching for wildlife.

Considerations and Drawbacks

While the itinerary is packed, some travelers might find the pace a bit rushed. The full-day schedule, from early pickup to evening return, leaves little room for extended exploration or relaxation. If you prefer a leisurely pace, this might not be the best fit.

Plus, since the tour is primarily designed for a quick wildlife fix, it doesn’t offer the deep immersion or overnight options that longer safaris provide. If you’re after a more in-depth experience, you may want to consider extending your stay or booking a longer safari.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience suits adventurous travelers with limited time who want a curated, hassle-free way to see some of Tanzania’s best wildlife. It’s ideal for those based in Zanzibar who don’t want the complexity of planning multiple arrangements or long drives.

Nature lovers eager to spot elusive animals like black rhinos and wild dogs will appreciate the guides’ expertise. Lastly, if you’re after a convenient, all-inclusive day trip that combines flight, game drive, and water safari, this tour hits all the right notes.

The Day Selous Game Reserve trip from Zanzibar offers a well-rounded, efficient way to experience some of Tanzania’s most impressive wildlife. With professional guides, diverse habitats, and the convenience of flights and meals included, it provides excellent value for travelers short on time but big on wildlife dreams. It’s perfect for those looking to tick off a safari destination without the expense or commitment of an overnight stay, or for travelers craving a day packed with adventure and awe-inspiring sights.

While the fast pace might not suit those seeking a slow, immersive experience, this tour guarantees a memorable and rewarding introduction to Selous/Nyerere National Park. It’s a smart choice for wildlife enthusiasts, busy schedules, or first-time safari visitors eager to see elephants, lions, and rare species in their natural environment.

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a return flight from Zanzibar to Mtemere airstrip, park entry fees, a game drive, a picnic lunch, and drinking water.

How long is the flight?
The flight from Zanzibar to the park’s airstrip is approximately 30-45 minutes, making it a quick and scenic transfer.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While the information doesn’t specify age restrictions, the full-day schedule and wildlife focus suggest it’s best suited for older children and teenagers comfortable with long days and wildlife encounters.

What animals might we see?
Expect to see elephants, lions, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, giraffes, and possibly rare animals like black rhinos and wild dogs, depending on wildlife activity that day.

Do I need to bring my own food?
No, the tour provides a picnic lunch, which reviewers find to be simple yet satisfying, served amidst the wilderness.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you have the option to reserve now and pay later.

What should I bring?
A valid passport and comfortable clothing suitable for wildlife viewing and potentially warm weather.

Is the water safari included?
Yes, after the land game drive, the tour often includes a water safari, giving you a chance to see hippos and crocodiles in their natural environment.

What size are the groups?
The tour tends to operate in small groups, allowing for more personalized attention and better wildlife viewing opportunities.

Is this tour available in multiple languages?
Yes, guides provide commentary in many languages including English, French, German, Spanish, Russian, and more, making it accessible for international travelers.

If you’re craving a packed, well-organized day of safari adventure with wildlife sightings and a scenic flight, this trip to Selous/Nyerere National Park from Zanzibar could be just what you need.

You can check availability for your dates here: