Zanzibar & Selous Safari: 7 Days Beach & Game Drive

One week mixing lagoon swims and a six-hour game drive in Selous

You spend mornings swimming with rescued sea turtles and snorkeling coral reefs, afternoons on jet-skis and glass kayaks, one full day flying to Selous for a six-hour game drive, and evenings at beach bars with bonfires. Hotel stays, all flights, gear, and ground transport are included; you arrange nothing except what you want to eat at The Rock Restaurant.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival and hotel transfer

• Arrive at Zanzibar Airport
• Meet driver with signboard
• Transfer to hotel and check-in

Day 2 — Swim with turtles and lunch

• Pick up from hotel at 9:00 am
• Visit Salaam Cave turtle lagoon
• Swim with sea turtles
• Drive to The Rock Restaurant
• Interact with Maasai and take photos

Day 3 — Mnemba Island snorkeling and water sports

• Pick up from hotel at 6:00 am
• Travel to Mnemba Island
• Snorkel with dolphins and coral reef
• Explore Mnemba sandbank if tide low
• Return to boat and enjoy fresh fruits
• Head to Kendwa Beach for jet-ski ride
• Jet-ski ride briefing and 15-minute ride
• Glass kayaking for 30 minutes
• Return to hotel around 3:00 pm

Day 4 — Ngalawa boat sail and beach visit

• Pick up from hotel at 9:00 am
• Meet boat captain for Ngalawa sail
• 3-hour private Ngalawa boat sail
• Enjoy rustic seafood lunch and drinks
• Snorkeling during boat sail
• Drive to Kae Funk Beach at 4:00 pm
• Relax with cocktails and enjoy beach atmosphere
• Watch acrobatic show and bonfire
• Return to hotel after sunset around 7:00 pm

Day 5 — Selous Safari day trip

• Pick up from hotel at 4:00 am
• Transfer to Zanzibar Airport
• Flight to Selous at 6:00 am
• Arrive Selous at 7:00 am and meet driver-guide
• 6-7 hour game drive with picnic lunch
• Drive to airstrip for return flight at 4:00 pm
• Arrive Zanzibar at 5:00 pm
• Transfer to hotel from airport

Day 6 — Rest and relaxation day

• Rest and relax at hotel

Day 7 — Departure from Zanzibar

• Pick up from hotel
• Transfer to Zanzibar Airport
• Depart from Abeid Amani Karume International Airport

The Experience

So you're torn between lying on sand and actually seeing wildlife — and then someone tells you Zanzibar can do both in the same week. The itinerary starts with a 9 am pickup from your hotel, heading south to Salaam Cave where sea turtles that got tangled in fishing nets are being rehabilitated and released back. You get in the water with them. By noon you're at The Rock Restaurant, the one that sits on a reef and somehow has become famous enough that Maasai dancers show up outside for photos. It's not subtle, but it works.

The middle days get weirder in the best way. A 6 am start to Mnemba Island means you might spot dolphins on the boat ride out and jump in to snorkel alongside them if they're around. The guide points out coral species and fish while you're actually underwater, not just floating. Low tide means you can walk onto the Mnemba sandbank. Then at noon you're at Kendwa Beach doing a 15-minute jet-ski ride — briefing included, safety gear handled — and after that a 30-minute glass kayak session where the bottom of your boat is see-through so you're watching the reef while you paddle. The Ngalawa boat day is slower: a three-hour private sailing charter from Jambiani Beach with a rustic seafood lunch, wine, and snorkeling gear, then an evening at Kae Funk Beach with DJs, a bonfire, and sunset cocktails.

Then comes the Selous Game Reserve day, which is the reason you flew to Tanzania in the first place. You leave the hotel at 4 am, catch a domestic flight at 6 am from Zanzibar Airport, land in Selous at 7 am, and spend six to seven hours on a game drive with a professional guide. Picnic lunch happens in the park. The flight back departs at 4 pm, and you're back at your hotel by 5 pm. One day, two flights, one full safari. You get a rest day after that, then a morning transfer to the airport on day seven.

The whole package includes your hotel (Fun Beach Hotel or similar), all domestic flights, private transportation with a driver who meets you holding a signboard with your name, snorkeling and safety gear, entrance fees, and airport transfers. Jet-skis and kayaks are shared at two people per unit. The one thing to know: the early starts are real — 4 am for the safari day, 6 am for Mnemba — so if you're not a morning person, at least you'll have the rest day to recover.

What’s included

• Private transportation with driver and signboard pickup.
• professional tour guide.
• domestic flights to and from Selous Game Reserve.
• seven nights beachfront hotel accommodation.
• all snorkeling and safety gear.
• jet-ski ride (15 minutes, two people per unit).
• glass kayak session (30 minutes, two people per unit).
• Ngalawa private boat sail with seafood lunch and drinks.
• Salaam Cave turtle swimming.
• Mnemba Island snorkeling with dolphin spotting.
• Selous Game Reserve six-to-seven-hour game drive with picnic lunch.
• Kae Funk Beach sunset visit.
• all entrance fees and infrastructure taxes.
• airport transfers on arrival and departure.

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Grandezza Tours and Travel

Is this one for you?Book this if you want both beach relaxation and a real safari in one trip without planning separate flights, guides, or logistics — the fixed itinerary and included domestic flights make a full game drive possible between beach days.

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Top questions

What time do I need to wake up each day?

Most days start between 9 am and 6 am. The Selous safari day requires a 4 am hotel pickup to catch the 6 am flight. Mnemba Island and glass kayaking start at 6 am. Other days begin at 9 am. You get one full rest day.

Are the jet-ski and kayak included, or do I pay extra?

Both are included in the package price. Jet-skis and kayaks are shared (two people per unit), and all safety gear and briefing are provided.

Do I need to be a strong swimmer?

You'll be snorkeling and swimming in shallow lagoons and reefs. Snorkeling gear and safety equipment are supplied. The glass kayak keeps you above water, so you don't need to swim for that activity.

Is lunch included on all days?

Lunch is included on the Ngalawa boat day (rustic seafood with wine or juice) and the Selous safari day (picnic lunch in the park). Lunch at The Rock Restaurant on day two is not included in the package price.

How long is the flight to Selous, and do I need a separate ticket?

The domestic flight from Zanzibar to Selous is included in the package. You depart at 6 am and arrive at 7 am. The return flight leaves at 4 pm. No separate booking is needed.

What happens if the weather is bad on a beach day?

The itinerary is weather-dependent. Activities like snorkeling, jet-skiing, and the Ngalawa boat sail may be rescheduled or modified if conditions are unsafe. Your guide will advise on the day.

Is the hotel included for all seven nights?

Yes. Accommodation at Fun Beach Hotel (or a similar property) is included for all nights, including the night you arrive and the night before departure.

Do I need a visa for Tanzania?

Most nationalities require a visa to enter Tanzania. You can arrange this in advance through the Tanzanian embassy or apply for an e-visa online. Check requirements for your passport before booking.