Wildlife Adventure in Selous Game Reserve (Nyerere National Park)
Nyerere (Selous) Safari From Zanzibar
Combining time in Zanzibar with a safari on the Tanzanian mainland is one of the most incredible travel experiences you can have. And there’s no better place to take that safari than Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve) in Tanzania’s southern region. Known for its diverse and abundant wildlife and breathtaking landscapes, Nyerere offers the ultimate safari experience just a short journey away from Zanzibar.
Why Choose Nyerere National Park for Your Safari?
Nyerere National Park is a treasure trove of natural wonders and thrilling wildlife encounters. Here’s why it’s the perfect destination:
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Proximity to Zanzibar: Nyerere is easily accessible via a short flight from Zanzibar, making it convenient for travelers.
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Diverse Wildlife: The park is home to various animals, including elephants, lions, hippos, crocodiles, giraffes, and countless bird species.
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Stunning Landscapes: From meandering rivers and lush wetlands to savannah plains and dense woodlands, the scenery is spectacular.
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Unique Safari Experiences: In addition to classic game drives, Nyerere offers thrilling boat safaris along the Rufiji River, adding an exciting water-based element to your adventure.
Highlights of the Nyerere Safari
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Game Drives: Embark on expertly guided game drives to witness wildlife in their natural habitat.
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Boat Safaris: Cruise along the Rufiji River and spot crocodiles, hippos, and a variety of birds up close.
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Breathtaking Scenery: Enjoy panoramic views of the park’s diverse landscapes, from sprawling plains to shimmering water channels.
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Unforgettable Sunsets: End your day with stunning sunsets over the African wilderness.
Zanzibar’s Wonders Await
Pairing a Nyerere safari with time in Zanzibar creates a truly magical experience. After your thrilling wildlife adventure, relax on Zanzibar’s world-famous beaches, explore the history and architecture of Stone Town, or indulge in the island’s vibrant culture and cuisine. From the turquoise waters and coral reefs to the warm island hospitality, Zanzibar perfectly complements the wild beauty of Nyerere.
Nyerere (Selous) safaris starting from Zanzibar
4 Days
Tanzania
From $2,640pp
2 Days
Tanzania
From $840pp
5 Questions About Nyerere (Selous) Safaris From Zanzibar
Is a Nyerere (Selous) safari possible from Zanzibar?
A safari to Nyerere from Zanzibar is definitely feasible. It's among the top safari options from the island if you're thinking about adding a safari to your trip.
While Zanzibar itself lacks wildlife and safari experiences, it is located just off the coast of the Tanzanian mainland, which is considered one of the premier safari destinations in Africa. If you’ve traveled this far and are nearby, it’s worth considering such an adventure. Additionally, since many travelers choose this option, there are numerous operators providing tours and packages to Nyerere.
The benefit of Nyerere is that it’s one of the closest parks on the mainland to Zanzibar, and you might even find a direct flight. This means you can reach Nyerere much more quickly compared to nearly any other park in Tanzania.
How many days do I need for a Nyerere (Selous) safari?
"You can take a 2-day safari to Nyerere National Park from Zanzibar, but this is merely the bare minimum.
Keep in mind that a 2-day safari accounts for travel time to and from Nyerere: you would head to the park on the first day and travel back (or continue your journey) on the second day. This implies that you would only have an overnight stay in the park. In this scenario, you'll have the opportunity for two game drives (one in the late afternoon of your arrival day and another early the next morning), or alternatively, one game drive paired with either a sunrise or sunset boat trip on the Rufiji River.
If you can extend your trip by another day to create a 3-day safari, it’s highly recommended. A 3-day safari allows for 2 nights and at least one full day within the park. This would be the suggested minimum. Moreover, the more extra days you can afford to add, the better your safari experience is likely to be."
Which animals can I see on a Nyerere (Selous) safari?
“Nyerere is a fantastic place to go and see animals. In fact, it’s one of the best wildlife parks in East Africa.
The park is known for its elephant and lion populations, although these are just the top highlights of an incredible portfolio of animals. Other commonly seen animals include hippo, crocodile, zebra, giraffe, buffalo, wildebeest, waterbuck and impala. I’ve also seen African wild dog every time I’ve visited, while leopard is always a possibility. Of the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino), only rhino is absent.
The birdlife here is also exceptional, with more than 440 species recorded in the park. Nyerere also has the benefit of offering both game drives and boat excursions, which generally increases the list of birds and animals that you’re likely to see.”
Is it recommended to fly from Zanzibar to Nyerere (Selous)?
“Because Zanzibar is an island, most travelers who go to and from the mainland fly between the two. Flying is certainly the best option, because it gets you between Zanzibar and Nyerere in the quickest way possible: flying by the most direct route means you can wake up in Zanzibar in the morning and be in Nyerere by (or just after) lunchtime. It also means that you will enjoy wonderful views along the way.
It is possible to go to the mainland by boat (either a 2-hour catamaran or 6-hour ferry ride), but then you would still need to travel 6 hours by road, or get to an airport and fly, before you reach Nyerere. There are two reasons why you might consider traveling by boat: you are looking for a cheap and affordable safari (flying is expensive) and you have plenty of time to spare.”
What will a Nyerere (Selous) safari from Zanzibar cost?
The variety of tours and packages for a Nyerere safari from Zanzibar is as diverse as the number of tour operators, making it challenging to provide a precise answer. Each trip offers a unique experience.
For travelers seeking an affordable safari, prices typically range from $200 to $250 per person per day. Lower-priced options may be available if you opt for travel by boat and road, but this would either extend the duration of your safari (potentially increasing overall costs) or limit the time you spend exploring Nyerere.
If a luxury safari experience is your goal, expect costs to begin at around $400 per person per day. Prices can rise significantly if you choose high-end accommodations during peak season or prefer a private safari instead of a more budget-friendly group tour. These rates generally cover transfers, park entry fees ($50 per adult and $25 per child per day), accommodations (including any necessary camping equipment), meals, select beverages, a guide, driver, safari vehicle, and game drives.