Day Safari Selous Game Reserve from Zanzibar: Rufiji River

Fly in at dawn and drive the savannah until dusk, with the Rufiji River and its wildlife in between.

A full-day safari tour departing from Zanzibar that combines a morning flight to Selous Game Reserve with back-to-back game drives through savannah and along the Rufiji River and lakes. The guide leads the entire day. Lunch and bottled water are included, and you return to Zanzibar by late afternoon. Nyerere National Park, which encompasses Selous, covers over 30,000 square kilometres and holds Tanzania's largest elephant population alongside lions, leopards, African hunting dogs, buffaloes and hippos.

The experience

The day starts at Zanzibar airport at 7am, with a one-hour flight to Selous Mtemere Airstrip. Your guide meets you on arrival and the game drive begins immediately: no waiting, no transfer delays. You'll drive through savannah and along water bodies, watching for the wildlife that moves through the reserve: elephants, lions, leopards, hunting dogs, buffaloes, hippos, giraffes, zebras, elands and smaller species like bushbucks and duikers. The park offers no guarantee of sightings, but the sheer size and animal density make encounters likely across a full day of driving.

Lunch happens mid-day at a location inside the park with clear views across the reserve. You'll have bottled water throughout and coffee or tea available. After eating, the game drives continue into the afternoon, following the Rufiji River and the lakes that dot the reserve. The route stays flexible: your guide adjusts based on animal movement and the light. You leave the airstrip around 4pm for the flight back to Zanzibar, arriving in time for an early evening.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup in Zanzibar.
• round-trip flights from Zanzibar to Selous.
• English-speaking safari guide for the full day.
• unlimited game drives through savannah, along the Rufiji River and around lakes.
• lunch in the park.
• bottled water.
• coffee and tea.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (2 to 11 years) · Infant (under 2)

GroupUp to 30 · max 7 per booking

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 or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportPets welcomeNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Safari Gateway Ltd

Is this one for you?Book this if you're based in Zanzibar without a car. The included flight gets you to Selous by morning, and unlimited game drives let you stay through late afternoon instead of rushing back after a single circuit.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 11 years); Infant (under 2).

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 animals am I most likely to see on a Selous game drive?

Elephants, lions, leopards, African hunting dogs, buffaloes and hippos are all present in the reserve. Commonly sighted species also include giraffes, zebras, elands, hyenas, waterbucks, impalas and reedbucks. The park holds Tanzania's largest elephant population, though no sighting is guaranteed on any single day.

How much of the day is spent actually driving versus traveling to and from Zanzibar?

The flight from Zanzibar takes one hour each way. Game drives run from 8am arrival until around 4pm departure, giving you roughly eight hours in the reserve split between morning and afternoon drives with a lunch break in between.

Do I need to arrange my own transport to Zanzibar airport, or is pickup included?

Hotel pickup in Zanzibar is included in the tour price. You'll be collected and brought to the airport for the 7am departure.

What is Nyerere National Park and how does it relate to Selous Game Reserve?

Nyerere National Park was established in 2019 as part of what was known as Selous Game Reserve. It is now Africa's largest national park, covering over 30,000 square kilometres, and this tour operates within its boundaries.

Is lunch included, and what about drinks during the day?

Lunch is included and served in the park during the midday break. Bottled water is provided throughout the day, along with coffee and tea.