Selous Luxury Day Safari with Photographer

An In-Depth Look at the Selous Luxury Day Safari with Photographer

If you’re dreaming of exploring Africa’s wilderness without sacrificing comfort, the Selous Luxury Day Safari with Photographer promises an unforgettable journey. This full-day adventure takes you from Zanzibar’s bustling airport to the vast, untouched wilderness of Tanzania’s Selous Game Reserve. The tour combines expert-guided game drives, scenic flights, and professional photography, making it a great choice for travelers who want both adventure and memories to cherish.

Three things we love about this experience are the personalized photography service that captures every wildlife moment, the stunning views during the scenic flight, and the well-organized itinerary that balances exciting game drives with delicious meals. On the flip side, a possible consideration is the price point of $800 per person, which is on the higher side, but many feel the value justifies the cost.

This tour suits those who are wildlife enthusiasts, photography lovers, or travelers wanting a seamless, all-in-one day trip. If you’re after a hassle-free way to experience some of Africa’s best game reserves with expert guidance and stunning visuals, this safari is worth considering.

Key Points

• Includes scenic flight from Zanzibar to Selous, adding a unique perspective of the landscape.
• Expert photography ensures your wildlife moments are professionally captured.
• Big five and other wildlife sightings, including elephants, lions, and Africa’s largest wild dog population.
• Well-organized schedule with plenty of breaks, a scenic lunch, and efficient transfers.
• All fees and taxes included in the upfront price, no hidden costs.
• Small group size (up to 30 travelers) keeps the experience intimate yet lively.

The Itinerary: What to Expect and Why It Matters

Early Morning Departure & Scenic Flight

Starting at 6:00 am from Zanzibar’s Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, your adventure kicks off early but is well worth it. Flying in a light aircraft gives you a bird’s-eye view of Zanzibar’s coastline and the expansive Tanzanian landscape. It’s a real plus, as it sets the tone for a journey that’s both luxurious and immersive. The flight not only shortens travel time but also provides stunning aerial vistas, which many reviewers say add a special touch, making the trip feel exclusive.

Arrival at Selous & Welcome Briefing

Once at Mtemere airstrip, you’ll be greeted by your driver guide, often accompanied by a professional photographer, as some reviews highlight. The briefing is brief but informative, laying out the day’s plan and setting expectations for wildlife sightings. Knowing you’re in capable hands makes a difference, especially when guides like Tomas, Fanta, and Mike are praised for their knowledge and friendliness.

Game Drive: The Heart of the Safari

The bulk of your day involves exploring Tanzania’s largest game reserve. The game drives traverse the savannah, along lakes, and beside the flowing Rufiji River, offering plenty of opportunities for spotting iconic animals like elephants, buffaloes, lions, and leopards. What makes this experience stand out is the chance to see big game in their natural environment, with some reviewers mentioning sightings of Africa’s largest elephant populations and packs of wild dogs, which are rare to spot elsewhere.

One guest shared that the guided game drives were led by “great people,” who actively searched for the best animal sightings, and the presence of a professional photographer ensured that every special moment was expertly documented. Expect plenty of opportunities to take photos, especially with the guide’s support and expertise.

Lunch with a View

At around midday, you’ll stop for a lunch buffet in a spectacular location with clear views of the park’s scenery. Many reviews describe the lunch stop as stunning, with some guests commenting that the setting added to the overall wow factor. The meal includes a buffet, with snacks, soft drinks, bottled water, and tea or coffee to keep you refreshed during the hot part of the day.

Continued Exploration & Return Flight

Post-lunch, you’ll continue your game drive, soaking in the sights and sounds of the bush before returning to Mtemere airstrip around 6 pm. Your flight back to Zanzibar offers a different perspective of the landscape, closing the loop on an exciting day. Many travelers mention feeling satisfied knowing they’ve experienced a full, well-paced day filled with wildlife encounters, scenic views, and expert guidance.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Scenic Flight & Aerial Views

Unlike traditional safaris that rely solely on ground exploration, this tour’s highlight is the scenic flight from Zanzibar, offering panoramic vistas of the coastline and savannah. Reviewers mention that these aerial views are highly memorable and provide a sense of the vastness of Tanzania’s wilderness.

Professional Photography & Wildlife Documentation

A major plus for photography lovers is the professional photographer included in the package. Reviewers like Peter noted that Mike’s presence meant “many moments will be well documented,” which is perfect for travelers who want quality keepsakes of their safari. It’s a rare perk that adds significant value, especially for those eager to share their wildlife adventures with friends and family.

Well-Organized & Comfortable Experience

The itinerary’s structure is designed for comfort and efficiency. Tea, coffee, water, and soft drinks are available throughout, ensuring you stay hydrated and energized. The group size, capped at 30 travelers, maintains a sense of intimacy without feeling crowded.

Authentic Wildlife Encounters

Guests consistently mention the chance to see big game like lions, elephants, and buffaloes, as well as the large population of wild dogs. The guides are praised for their knowledge, which enhances the chances of successful sightings and understanding animal behaviors.

The Price and Value

At $800 per person, this safari might seem steep at first glance. However, considering what’s included—scenic flight, game drives, meals, drinks, and photography services—many feel it’s a strong value for the level of comfort and exclusivity. The inclusion of all fees and taxes upfront means no surprises.

It’s worth noting that this experience is meant for those seeking a luxurious, seamless day trip with a focus on wildlife viewing and photography, rather than a budget safari. If you want a premium experience that maximizes wildlife sightings with expert guidance, this price point is understandable.

Practical Considerations

• Booking: Most travelers book about 27 days in advance, so securing your spot early is advisable.
• Duration: The 12-hour day involves early start and late return—perfect for those who want a full-day adventure without overnight stays.
• Group Size: Limited to 30 travelers, ensuring a balance between social atmosphere and personal space.
• Flight Schedule: The flight timing is fixed at 6 am departure from Zanzibar, so plan your travel to align with this.
• Additional Costs: Alcoholic beverages are not included; bring your own if desired.
• Weather Dependency: The tour requires good weather; cancellations are possible if conditions deteriorate, but you’ll be offered a different date or full refund.

Who Will Love This Safari?

This tour suits wildlife enthusiasts, photography fans, and travelers seeking a premium, hassle-free experience. If you’re after a full-day adventure with expert guides and stunning aerial views, you’ll find this safari well worth the investment. It’s especially ideal for those celebrating special moments or looking to document their trip with high-quality photos.

Final Thoughts

The Selous Luxury Day Safari with Photographer offers a comprehensive, well-organized way to see some of Africa’s most iconic wildlife in a single day. The scenic flight, combined with expertly guided game drives and professional photography, makes this a memorable and luxurious experience.

While the price is on the higher end, many travelers feel the value is justified by the quality of wildlife encounters, scenic views, and personalized service. It’s perfect for those who want adventure with a touch of comfort and style and are eager to come away with incredible photos and stories.

If you’re after an authentic yet upscale safari adventure that truly showcases the best of Tanzania’s wildlife, this tour ticks many boxes.

FAQ

Is pickup offered for this tour?
Yes, pickup is included, starting at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport in Zanzibar, making logistics easier.

How long is the total experience?
The entire day lasts approximately 12 hours, including flight, game drives, meals, and transfers.

What animals are most likely to be seen?
Expect to see elephants, lions, buffaloes, leopards, giraffes, zebras, hippos, hyenas, and possibly wild dogs, which are notably abundant in Selous.

Are drinks and meals included?
Yes, the tour provides breakfast, snacks, bottled water, soft drinks, and a buffet lunch. Alcoholic beverages are not included.

What is the group size?
The experience is designed for a maximum of 30 travelers, balancing group camaraderie with a personal experience.

Does the tour operate in all weather conditions?
Good weather is necessary; cancellations due to poor weather are possible, but you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but check with the provider if traveling with young children for specific restrictions or recommendations.