From Zanzibar: Day Selous Game Reserve Safari with Flights

Traveling from Zanzibar to Tanzania’s Selous (Nyerere) National Park for a day of wildlife spotting is an adventure packed with excitement, stunning scenery, and expert-guided insights. This tour, rated 4.7 out of 5 from over 1,000 reviews, promises a seamless experience that combines quick flights, incredible game drives, and an authentic bush lunch.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the professional guides who seem to know every animal and plant; second, the well-organized logistics that allow for a smooth day from start to finish; and third, the opportunity to see a wide variety of wildlife in one of Africa’s largest protected reserves.

One consideration to keep in mind is the airplane condition—some reviews mention older aircraft or slightly uncomfortable jeeps—but these are minor in the grand scheme of this high-value safari.

This trip is best suited for travelers who want a full-day adventure in Tanzania’s wilderness without the hassle of a multi-day commitment. It’s ideal if you’re based in Zanzibar and craving an authentic, wildlife-rich experience that’s both quick and rewarding.

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Key Points

Convenient flights from Zanzibar make it a time-efficient way to explore Tanzania’s wildlife.
Expert guides like Eli, Herman, and Steven are praised for their knowledge and friendliness.
Bush lunch offers a unique opportunity to dine in the middle of the park with stunning scenery.
A wide variety of wildlife can be seen, including elephants, lions, giraffes, hippos, and more.
Flexibility options include a 2-day safari with activities like bush walks and boat cruises.
Good value for money given the included flights, park entry, guide, meals, and game drives.

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How the Itinerary Unfolds

This safari day begins early. Expect to be picked up from your Zanzibar hotel around 5:30-6:00 AM, ensuring you arrive at the airport in plenty of time for the early morning flight. The short 30-minute plane ride offers a scenic view of the landscape below, and while some reviews mention older aircraft, most find the experience charming and straightforward.

Landing at Selous’s gravel airstrip around 7:00-7:30 AM, you’ll meet your experienced guide, who is often praised for their knowledge and enthusiasm. The full-day game drive kicks off shortly after, typically starting around 8:00 AM. During this time, your guide will take you through the park’s diverse habitats, with plenty of chances to spot wildlife like elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, crocodiles, and more.

Around 10:00 AM, there’s a coffee or tea break—a perfect pause to soak in the scenery and discuss the animals you’ve seen so far. Then, at 1:00 PM, the highlight of the day: a bush lunch in the middle of the park. Set at a designated spot with tables in the wild, this meal is often described as delicious and an unforgettable part of the experience. Reviewers frequently mention that guides like Eli and Herman go above and beyond to make this moment special, sometimes even celebrating personal milestones like birthdays.

After lunch, the game drive continues until 3:30 PM, giving you a final chance to view wildlife before heading back to the airstrip. The return flight departs around 4:00-4:15 PM, arriving back in Zanzibar by approximately 4:30-4:45 PM. A transfer service then returns you to your hotel, often with plenty of stories and photos to share.

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What to Expect from the Guides and Vehicles

Many reviews highlight the expertise of guides such as Eli, Herman, Steven, and Dennis, describing them as friendly, knowledgeable, and eager to share facts about animals and their behaviors. For example, one guest noted, “Herman was the best and very informative,” while another praised Eli’s ability to locate elusive animals like leopards. The guides are also attentive to safety and comfort, providing plenty of bottled water and snacks throughout the day.

The vehicles, generally safari jeeps, are praised for their comfort and off-road capability, allowing guides to access less-visited parts of the park. However, some reviewers comment on the age of the jeeps, suggesting that requesting a newer model might improve comfort. The group sizes are often small, sometimes private, which is a big plus for those wanting a more intimate experience.

The Wildlife and Nature You’ll Encounter

Selous/Nyerere National Park is the largest protected reserve in Africa, covering vast plains, lakes, and riverine forests. As a result, the landscape is as impressive as the wildlife. Expect to see the Big Five—lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinos (although some reviewers note they didn’t spot every one)—but also a host of other fascinating creatures like crocodiles, hippos, giraffes, hyenas, wildebeests, impalas, and diverse bird species.

Guests often mention that guides, like Steven or Dennis, are particularly skilled at spotting animals and explaining their behaviors. One reviewer recounts, “We saw 4 out of 5 of the Big Five, including lions, elephants, buffalo, and a leopard briefly,” highlighting how luck and guide expertise come into play. Many also observe smaller but no less interesting animals such as warthogs, monkeys, and crocodiles, giving a well-rounded picture of the park’s biodiversity.

Lunch in the Bush: A Highlight

The bush lunch is a major draw for many, offering a chance to enjoy a warm meal in the middle of the wilderness. Reviewers describe it as a “delicious” experience, with some mentioning that their guides even added personal touches, like singing happy birthday or offering coffee and cakes. The setting, often under a shady tree or with views of a waterhole, makes it more than just a meal—it’s an immersive experience that adds to the authenticity of the safari.

Many guests appreciate that the lunch is served at set tables, with some suggesting that opting for a private jeep enhances this meal’s quality. The experience of dining in such a natural setting, surrounded by wildlife sounds, makes it a memorable part of the day.

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Return Journey and Additional Options

The afternoon flight back to Zanzibar is quick but offers a chance to reflect on the day’s adventures. Many guests mention the smoothness of the flight and the professionalism of the staff, despite some noting that the aircraft might be older.

Beyond the basic day trip, a popular upgrade is the 2-day safari option, which includes activities like bush walks and boat cruises on the Rufiji River. This longer experience allows for more in-depth wildlife encounters and a chance to see the park from different perspectives. Guests opting for this report sleeping at Africa Safari Selous with full board, adding a layer of comfort and convenience.

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Price and Value

At $470 per person, this tour offers a comprehensive package—flights, park entry, game drives, meals, and a guide. Such an all-inclusive price can seem high, but when you consider the cost of arranging flights, park fees, and guided drives separately, the value becomes clear.

Guests consistently praise the quality of the guides and the organised nature of the trip, which minimizes stress and maximizes wildlife sightings. Many reviewers describe the experience as “well worth the money,” especially given the chance to see multiple animals within a single day.

Practical Tips for Travelers

Bring your passport for park entry and flight check-in procedures.
Book with a return to Zanzibar at least two nights before your international departure to avoid tight scheduling.
Be ready early—timing is tight, and punctuality ensures a smooth day.
Request a newer jeep if possible, for added comfort.
Prepare for bumpy roads—the off-road driving is part of the adventure but can be challenging for some.
Pack essentials like sunscreen, camera, insect repellent, and comfortable clothing suitable for wildlife viewing.

The Sum Up: Who Will Love This Safari?

This full-day safari from Zanzibar to Selous (Nyerere) Park offers a fantastic chance to see Tanzania’s incredible wildlife without multiple days away from the island. It’s best suited for those who want a quick, well-organized adventure with knowledgeable guides and stunning scenery.

Travelers who appreciate authentic experiences, comfortable transportation, and the thrill of spotting big animals in their natural habitat will find this trip highly rewarding. It’s particularly appealing if you’re looking for a cost-effective way to add a wilderness experience to your Zanzibar holiday.

While some may find the aircraft or jeep age a minor drawback, these minor inconveniences are often overshadowed by the quality of wildlife encounters and the professionalism of the guides. For a memorable, wildlife-rich day in Tanzania, this safari checks most boxes — packed with value, expertise, and breathtaking views.

FAQs

Is this safari suitable for all travelers? While generally accessible, it’s not recommended for those with back or heart problems, or for wheelchair users, due to the rough roads and physical demands.

What language are guides available in? The tour is conducted in English, with options for guides speaking other languages at an extra fee.

How long is the flight from Zanzibar to Selous? The flight lasts approximately 30 minutes, providing quick access to the park’s wildlife.

What time does the tour start and end? Pickup from your hotel is early morning, with the flight departing around 6:30-7:00 AM and returning in the late afternoon, around 4:30-5:00 PM.

What should I bring on the safari? You’ll need your passport, some snacks, insect repellent, sunscreen, and comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor activity.

Can I upgrade to a private safari? Yes, some reviews mention the benefits of private jeeps, which enhance comfort and intimacy during game drives.

This safari offers a well-rounded, authentic experience that emphasizes wildlife viewing, expert guiding, and seamless logistics, making it a worthwhile addition to any Zanzibar travel itinerary.