Tanzania · Safari

2-Day Fly-In Selous Safari from Zanzibar with Boat or Walking Safari

2 Days Round trip from Zanzibar Island Easy pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Travel from the stunning beaches of Zanzibar to the wild beauty of Selous Game Reserve
02 Enjoy a scenic boat safari for close-up wildlife viewing
03 Explore the untamed wilderness on an exhilarating walking safari
04 Look out for the 'Big Five' on daily game drives in Selous

Join us for an unforgettable safari adventure in Selous Game Reserve, one of Tanzania's hidden gems. Fly from Zanzibar to a comfortable luxury-tented lodge and head out on daily game drives for the chance to see the 'Big Five' - lions, elephants, leopards, buffalo, and rhinos. Explore the reserve further on a boat safari or walking safari for a closer look at its wildlife. With stunning landscapes and diverse ecosystems, Selous offers a memorable short escape into the wild.

Afternoon Game Drive: Head out for your first game drive, where you may spot elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, and over 440 bird species.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 2 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Luxury

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Zanzibar, Selous Game Reserve

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Fly from Zanzibar to Selous and Enjoy Your First Game Drive

Morning Flight: Take a small charter plane from Zanzibar to Selous Game Reserve and enjoy stunning views of the coastline and African landscape during the 1 to 1.5-hour flight.
Arrival and Transfer: Upon arrival at the Selous airstrip, meet your safari guide and transfer to your lodge or tented camp.
Lunch: Check in, freshen up, and enjoy lunch at your lodge or camp.
Afternoon Game Drive: Head out for your first game drive, where you may spot elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, and over 440 bird species.
Sundowner: Unwind with a refreshing drink while watching the sunset over the African bush.
Dinner and Overnight: Enjoy a delicious dinner at African Safari Lodge and rest for the night.

Day 02

Morning Safari Activities and Return to Zanzibar

Early Morning Game Activity: Begin your day with either a game drive or a boat safari along the Rufiji River, when lions and leopards are often active at dawn.
Bush Breakfast: Enjoy a scenic breakfast in the wild after your morning activity.
Optional Walking Safari: If you are looking for more adventure, opt for a walking safari with a guide to learn about the plants and smaller animals.
Late Morning Game Drive: Head out for another game drive or return to camp to relax.
Lunch and Departure: Have lunch at the lodge or camp, then transfer to the airstrip for your return flight to Zanzibar.
Return Flight: Fly back to Zanzibar, arriving in the late afternoon.

Where this trip takes you

Zanzibar beaches, Selous Game Reserve bush, Rufiji River boat safaris

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Zanzibar Island 2 cities · 2 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Round-trip flights from Zanzibar to Selous
Accommodation at a luxury tented lodge
Meals (typically full board: breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Daily game drives (2-3, depending on your schedule)
Park entrance fees and taxes

What's Not Included

International flights
Travel insurance
Tips and personal expenses
Premium drinks

What to bring

Camera with extra batteries and memory cards: Essential for capturing wildlife and scenic moments.
Binoculars: Great for spotting animals from a distance.
Phone and charger: Some camps and lodges have charging stations.
Power bank: Useful for long drives or in remote areas without electricity.
Plug adapter: Tanzania uses type D and G sockets (the same as the UK).
Flashlight or headlamp: Helpful for navigating at night in camps or lodges.

Know before you go

Before getting started on your safari to Selous Game Reserve, there are several important things to know to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Visa: Most visitors to Tanzania need a visa. You can obtain it in advance from a Tanzanian embassy or upon arrival at major airports and border crossings. An online e-visa is also available for certain nationalities.
Passport: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your stay in Tanzania.
Yellow Fever Certificate: If you're coming from or transiting through a country where yellow fever is endemic, you may need to present proof of yellow fever vaccination.
Vaccinations: In addition to yellow fever, consider vaccines for Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, and Tetanus. It's best to consult a travel health clinic well in advance of your trip.
Malaria: Tanzania is a malaria-prone area, especially in rural and lower-altitude regions like the Serengeti. Consult your doctor about taking anti-malarial medication and use insect repellent with DEET. Wear long sleeves and trousers in the evenings, and sleep under a mosquito net where possible.
Food and Water Safety: Stick to bottled or purified water and avoid drinking tap water. Be cautious with street food, and eat only well-cooked meals from reputable lodges or restaurants.
Currency: The local currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS), but US dollars (from 2006 or newer) are widely accepted, especially in tourist areas. Carry small denominations of dollars for tips and small purchases.
Credit Cards: Many lodges and hotels accept credit cards, but smaller establishments may prefer cash. ATMs are available in cities like Arusha, but less so in remote areas.
Tipping: Tipping is customary for safari guides, drivers, and lodge staff. A common guideline is $10-15 per day for guides and drivers, and $5-10 per day for lodge staff.
Seasons: Tanzania has two main seasons:
Dry season (June to October): Best for wildlife viewing, as animals gather around water sources.
Wet season (March to May, November): Offers lush scenery and fewer tourists, but some roads may be difficult to navigate. The Great Migration occurs year-round but is often best viewed during the dry season.
Temperatures: Days can be warm (25-30°C / 77-86°F), but evenings and early mornings, especially in Ngorongoro Crater, can be quite chilly, so pack layers.
Wildlife: Tanzania is home to an incredible diversity of wildlife. While on safari, you'll likely see the 'Big Five' (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino), but patience is key. Don't expect to see everything immediately - game drives are about the thrill of discovery.
Respect wildlife: Keep a safe distance from animals and avoid making loud noises. Never attempt to feed or touch the animals.
Stay in the vehicle: Only leave the vehicle when your guide says it's safe.
Photography: Bring a good camera with zoom capabilities and avoid using flash photography near animals.
Luggage Limits: If you are flying on small internal flights, there may be strict luggage weight limits (15-20 kg per person, soft bags preferred). Confirm with your safari operator or airline beforehand.
Clothing: Neutral-colored clothing is recommended to avoid attracting insects. Avoid bright colors like red or dark blue.
Language: Swahili is the national language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas. Learning a few basic phrases in Swahili is appreciated by locals.
'Jambo' - Hello
'Asante' - Thank you
'Karibu' - Welcome
Respecting local customs: Tanzania is generally conservative. Dress modestly, especially when visiting villages or towns outside of the parks.
Photography: Always ask permission before taking photos of people, especially Maasai or other local tribes.
General safety: Tanzania is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime can occur. Keep your valuables secure and avoid displaying large amounts of cash or expensive electronics in public.
Park safety: Always follow the guidance of your safari guide. Never wander off from the group or vehicle during game drives or walks.
Time Zone: Tanzania operates on East Africa Time (EAT), which is GMT +3.
Connectivity: Wi-Fi is available in most lodges and camps, though it may be slow or limited in remote areas. You can purchase a local SIM card for better coverage, as mobile networks are widespread.
Respect the environment: Tanzania's parks are protected areas, so take care not to litter, damage vegetation, or disturb wildlife.
Support local communities: Consider buying locally made crafts or visiting community-based tourism initiatives.
Conservation Fees: Your park entrance fees contribute to the conservation of Tanzania's wildlife and natural habitats. Respect the regulations of the parks to help preserve them for future generations.
By keeping these considerations in mind, you'll be better prepared for a safe, enjoyable, and meaningful safari experience in Tanzania.