2-day safari from Zanzibar: Selous Game Reserve with boat safari

Game drive and river safari in two days, flying from Zanzibar

A 2-day safari from Zanzibar to Selous Game Reserve in Tanzania with a full-day game drive on day one, an early morning boat safari along the Rufiji River on day two, one night at a lodge, private transportation, English-speaking guide, meals and hotel pickup included. The itinerary leaves the afternoon of day two free for your flight back to Zanzibar.

The experience

The safari starts with a flight from Zanzibar to Selous, where your driver-guide picks you up at the airstrip and takes you to the lodge. After check-in, you head straight out for a full-day game drive through Selous Game Reserve with a picnic lunch provided. The evening is yours to rest at the lodge before dinner and overnight stay.

Day two begins before dawn with an early morning boat safari on the Rufiji River, one of the reserve's defining features. After returning to the lodge, you have time for breakfast before heading back to the airstrip to catch your flight to Zanzibar. Private transportation, all meals except lunch on day two, soda, water and fruit are included throughout.

What’s included

• Private transportation from airstrip to lodge and back.
• full-day game drive through Selous Game Reserve on day one.
• early morning boat safari on the Rufiji River on day two.
• one night lodge accommodation.
• breakfast and dinner both days.
• picnic lunch during the game drive.
• soda, water and fruit.
• English-speaking driver-guide.
• all fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 05:30

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (25 to 75 years) · Senior (76 and older) · Youth (11 to 24 years) · Child (3 to 10 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by mango travel & tours ltd

Is this one for you?Two days is the minimum needed to experience both the reserve's game drive and the Rufiji River by boat, but it leaves your afternoon free on day two once you return to Zanzibar. If you want more time in the reserve or a longer river safari, a longer tour would give you that. If you're fitting this around other plans in Zanzibar, this window works within a tight schedule.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

2 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (11 to 24 years); Child (3 to 10 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What wildlife might I see on the Selous game drive?

Selous Game Reserve is home to elephants, buffalo, lions, leopards, giraffes and numerous bird species. The full-day drive gives you multiple hours to spot animals across different parts of the reserve, with your guide positioning you for sightings as the day unfolds.

Do I need to arrange my own flight from Zanzibar to Selous?

No. The safari includes your flight from Zanzibar to the Selous airstrip on day one and your return flight to Zanzibar on day two. Your guide meets you at the airstrip when you arrive.

What's included in the meals?

Breakfast and dinner are provided at the lodge both nights. A picnic lunch is included during the full-day game drive on day one. Soda, water and fruit are available throughout the safari.

How much time do I have to get back to Zanzibar on day two?

After the early morning boat safari on the Rufiji River and breakfast at the lodge, you return to the airstrip for your flight back to Zanzibar. The timing allows you to depart mid-morning, leaving the afternoon free once you land.