Day Trip to Selous National Park from Zanzibar or Dar es salaam

Discovering Tanzania’s Largest Protected Reserve: A Complete Guide to the Selous Day Trip

Travelers looking for a taste of African wilderness without the commitment of a multi-day safari often find this Day Trip to Selous National Park a tempting option. Offered by Silver Sky Travel, this tour promises a full day of adventure, wildlife sightings, and stunning scenery—all packed into around 11 hours. Whether you’re staying in Dar es Salaam or relaxing on Zanzibar, this flying safari provides an efficient way to experience the expansive beauty of Tanzania’s largest wildlife reserve.

What makes this tour particularly attractive? First, the flight aspect means you spend less time traveling by road and more time in the reserve itself. Second, the guided game drives are designed for maximum wildlife sightings, including the possibility to spot the Big 5—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros. Lastly, the tour is tailored for smaller groups, which often translates into more personalized attention and fewer crowds. A potential drawback? The price of around $670 per person might seem steep for some, but the value is in the convenience and the quality of the experience. This tour works best for those who want a quick but thorough taste of the African bush, especially if you’re limited on time but craving an authentic, wildlife-rich adventure.

Key Points

• Efficient Flight Experience: Save time with round-trip flights from Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam.
• Wildlife Focus: Multiple guided game drives maximize chances of seeing lions, elephants, giraffes, hippos, wild dogs, and more.
• All-Inclusive Convenience: Pickup, lunch, park fees, and transport are included, removing logistical stress.
• Small Group: Limited to 15 travelers, ensuring a more intimate adventure.
• Timing & Flexibility: 7:30 am departure, about 11 hours total—perfect for a day trip.
• Authentic Encounters: As reviews mention, the experience is well-organized and memorable, often described as “top-organized” and “filled with happiness.”

A Closer Look at the Itinerary: What to Expect

Early Morning Departure from Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam

The day begins with an early pickup—at 7:30 am for Zanzibar guests and 8:00 am for those departing from Dar es Salaam. Expect a comfortable transfer to the airstrip, where you’ll board a small aircraft for the scenic flight into Selous Game Reserve. The flight duration allows you to enjoy aerial views of Tanzania’s varied landscapes, spotting lakes, rivers, and the vast grasslands below.

Arrival at Mtemere Airstrip

Upon landing at Mtemere runway around 9:15 am, the adventure kicks into gear. According to reviews, this is where the magic begins, with the chance to see giraffes, impalas, and other animals around the runway. A guide will meet you here, and from this point, your 7-8 hours of game drives commence.

Full-Day Game Drives

This is the core of the experience. The 4×4 safari jeeps are well-suited for navigating the diverse terrain, from grasslands to lakes and rivers. The guides are knowledgeable and passionate about wildlife, often sharing insights about animal behavior and park ecology.

Travelers can expect to see a wide variety of antelopes—impalas, waterbucks, elands, kudus, and dikdiks—alongside giraffes, zebras, elephants, crocodiles, and hippos. The landscape is dotted with hundreds of bird species, making it a delight for birdwatchers as well. Notably, reviews highlight the impressive scenery and the abundance of wildlife, with one traveler describing Selous as “the wildest and most beautiful reserve in Tanzania.”

Lunch Break

A bush lunch is included, conveniently packed in a lunch box. It allows you to refuel without interrupting your game viewing. Many reviews mention that the organization is smooth, with the guide ensuring you’re comfortable enjoying your meal amidst the wilderness.

Return and Flight Back to Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam

In the late afternoon, after the game drives, you’ll be transferred back to the airstrip for your flight home. The entire day is planned to maximize your time in the park, with the return flight typically arriving around 6 pm, giving you plenty of time to reflect on your wildlife encounters.

Why This Tour Offers Good Value

At $670 per person, this tour packs in a lot—flight, multiple game drives, lunch, park fees, and transfers—all arranged for you. When comparing it to multi-day safaris, this day trip offers a condensed but intense safari experience, ideal if you’re short on time but eager for a wildlife fix.

Travelers like those in reviews mention how well-organized the experience is, with “pünktliche Abholung” (punctual pickup) and attentive care throughout. The small group size (max 15 people) helps ensure everyone gets a good view and personalized attention.

Transport and Logistics

The aircraft transfer is a highlight, providing quick access to the reserve’s heart. The small 4×4 jeeps enable close-up wildlife viewing, and the hotel pickup and drop-off make the process seamless. The timing is structured to give you up to 8 hours in the reserve, which is quite generous for a day trip.

Wildlife and Scenery: What to Look Out For

Expect to see large herds of elephants, majestic giraffes, and lions lounging in the grass. Hippos and crocodiles are often seen near lakes and rivers, adding to the vivid wildlife spectacle. Reviewers frequently mention the stunning views and how the landscape changes from open plains to lush water bodies, giving a sense of the park’s diverse habitats.

The guides’ local knowledge shines here—many guests appreciate their ability to spot animals and share interesting facts, making each encounter more meaningful.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Arrive early: The early departure means you’ll start your day with the best wildlife activity, which is typically in the cooler morning hours.
• Dress comfortably: Neutral colors, hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are recommended.
• Bring binoculars: To enhance wildlife viewing, especially for birds and distant animals.
• Camera ready: The scenery and animals are photo-worthy, so pack your camera or smartphone with extra batteries or storage.
• Wear comfortable shoes: For walking around the airstrip and vehicle transfers.

Authentic Experiences and Testimonials

One reviewer from Tripadvisor called it “Ein einzigartiges Erlebnis” (a unique experience), praising the organization from start to finish. They appreciated the pünktliche Abholung and the attentive support during the day. Another traveler described their experience as “Journée émouvante” (an emotional day), emphasizing how the tour filled their stay with happiness.

The consistent praise for the itinerary’s smooth execution and the quality of wildlife sightings suggests that this tour delivers on its promises. The fact that it’s often booked 12 days in advance indicates high demand and value among travelers.

The Sum Up: Who Is This Tour Best For?

This day trip is perfect for travelers who want a quick but authentic safari experience. It offers a convenient way to see Tanzania’s wildlife and landscapes without the need for a multi-day commitment. It’s especially suitable for those staying in Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar, who are eager to explore the wilderness but have limited time.

The small group size and all-inclusive setup make it a comfortable and worry-free option. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a photographer, or simply looking for a memorable outdoor adventure, this trip balances value, comfort, and the chance to see Africa’s iconic animals up close.

While it’s priced higher than some other activities, the premium experience—with flights, expert guides, and a full day in the park—justifies the cost for many. Just be prepared for an early start and a full day of exploration, but rest assured, the memories will last a lifetime.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time does the tour start?
The tour begins with hotel pickup at 7:30 am if departing from Zanzibar or 8:00 am from Dar es Salaam.

How long is the flight into Selous?
The flight from Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam to Mtemere Airstrip takes approximately 1 hour, offering aerial views of the landscape.

What wildlife can I expect to see?
You might see lions, elephants, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, wild dogs, and many species of antelopes and birds.

Is lunch included?
Yes, a bush lunch in a lunch box is part of the package, allowing you to enjoy a meal amidst the wilderness.

How many people are in each group?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 15 travelers, providing a more intimate experience.

Are hotel pickups included?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar.

What is the main benefit of flying instead of driving?
Flying significantly reduces travel time, giving you more hours in the park to see wildlife and enjoy the scenery.

Can I see the Big 5 on this trip?
While wildlife sightings depend on luck, the tour is designed to maximize your chances of seeing the Big 5, along with many other animals.

What should I bring?
Comfortable clothing, sunglasses, sunscreen, a camera, and binoculars are recommended.

What is the cancellation policy?
Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour, with a full refund.

In essence, this Selous day trip offers a well-organized, wildlife-packed adventure suited for those wanting a taste of Tanzania’s wild side with minimal fuss. It’s an excellent choice for busy travelers, wildlife lovers, and anyone eager to capture some incredible moments in Africa.