4 day (Selous) - Nyerere National Park from Zanzibar
Nyerere National Park, previously known as Selous Game Reserve, offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore its pristine landscapes through a 4-day fly-in safari departing from Zanzibar. This experience highlights the park’s rich biodiversity, featuring impressive wildlife sightings during exhilarating game drives. Additionally, visitors can enjoy serene boat safaris along the Rufiji River, providing a unique perspective of the ecosystem.
This safari seamlessly blends adventure and relaxation, making it an exceptional choice for those looking to experience one of Africa’s largest protected areas.
Why Choose This Safari?
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Fast Access by Air: Make the most of your time with scenic flights straight from Zanzibar.
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Varied Safari Experiences: Participate in game drives, take a boat safari, and enjoy optional guided walks in the bush.
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Breathtaking Wildlife: Spot elephants, lions, giraffes, crocodiles, hippos, and the elusive African wild dog.
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Luxury Accommodations: Experience an authentic safari by staying in upscale lodges or tented camps.
Itinerary Overview
Day 1: Zanzibar to Nyerere National Park – Arrival & Boat Safari
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Morning: Fly from Zanzibar to Nyerere National Park (approximately 1 hour). Upon arrival, your guide will meet you at the airstrip and transfer you to your lodge/camp.
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Afternoon: After lunch and a brief rest, enjoy a boat safari along the Rufiji River. Glide through the calm waters while spotting hippos, crocodiles, and diverse birdlife.
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Evening: Return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
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Accommodation: Luxury Tented Camp/Lodge within Nyerere National Park.
Day 2: Full-Day Game Drive – Explore Nyerere’s Wildlife
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Morning: Start your day early with a hearty breakfast before embarking on a full-day game drive. Explore the vast plains and woodlands of Nyerere National Park, home to elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, wild dogs, and more.
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Midday: Stop for a bush picnic lunch surrounded by nature.
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Afternoon: Continue your game drive, exploring new sections of the park while capturing stunning photographs of the wildlife and landscapes.
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Evening: Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight rest.
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Accommodation: Luxury Tented Camp/Lodge within Nyerere National Park.
Day 3: Walking Safari & Afternoon Game Drive
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Morning: Experience a guided walking safari, accompanied by an expert ranger. Learn about the small wonders of the bush, such as plants, animal tracks, and insects, while being close to nature.
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Afternoon: After lunch at the lodge, embark on a game drive in search of wildlife you may have missed on previous days.
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Evening: Relax at the lodge, enjoying a serene sunset, dinner, and a campfire.
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Accommodation: Luxury Tented Camp/Lodge within Nyerere National Park.
Day 4: Morning Game Drive & Flight Back to Zanzibar
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Morning: Enjoy a final early morning game drive for a last chance to spot animals in action before breakfast at the lodge.
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Midday: Transfer to the airstrip for your flight back to Zanzibar.
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Afternoon: Arrive in Zanzibar with unforgettable memories of Nyerere National Park.
Why Nyerere National Park?
Nyerere National Park, which was previously known as Selous Game Reserve, covers over 30,000 square kilometers, making it one of the largest protected areas in Africa. Its varied ecosystems include expansive savannahs, woodlands, lakes, and the Rufiji River system, which supports a wide range of wildlife. The park is famous for its large populations of elephants, elusive African wild dogs, and plentiful hippos and crocodiles. This pristine wilderness offers an ideal setting for a genuine and tranquil safari experience.
Book Your Safari Today!
Formerly known as Selous Game Reserve, Nyerere National Park is a hidden gem with vast landscapes teeming with wildlife. Spanning over 30,000 square kilometers, it offers one of Africa’s most pristine ecosystems, making it a dream destination for nature lovers and photographers alike.
Itinerary, Inclusions and Price
Day 1: Zanzibar to Nyerere National Park – Arrival & Scenic Boat Safari
Morning:
Your adventure begins with a morning transfer to Zanzibar Airport for a scenic flight to Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve). The flight takes approximately 1 hour, offering stunning aerial views of Tanzania's coastline and the vast wilderness below.
Upon landing at the Mtemere Airstrip, your guide will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your camp/lodge. Enjoy a refreshing drink as you settle into your luxurious accommodation surrounded by the sights and sounds of the African bush.
Afternoon:
After a delicious lunch and some relaxation, embark on a boat safari along the Rufiji River, one of the park's highlights. This water-based safari offers a unique perspective of the park as you cruise past hippos, crocodiles, and vibrant birdlife, including African fish eagles, kingfishers, and herons.
Marvel at herds of elephants drinking along the riverbanks and catch the golden reflections of the setting sun on the water.
Evening:
Return to your camp/lodge just as the day winds down. Enjoy a bush dinner under the star-studded African sky before retreating to your comfortable room or tent for the night.
Accommodation: Luxury Tented Camp/Lodge (e.g., Selous Serena Camp, Roho ya Selous, or similar).
Meals: Lunch & Dinner.
Day 2: Full-Day Game Drive – Explore the Untamed Wilderness
Morning:
After an early breakfast, head out for an exciting full-day game drive in Nyerere National Park. The park is Africa's largest protected wildlife area, renowned for its untouched wilderness and diverse ecosystems, from open grasslands and woodlands to winding rivers.
As the sun rises, you’ll have the chance to spot iconic wildlife such as elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeests, and the elusive African wild dogs that thrive in this park. Lions, leopards, and hyenas may also be seen prowling the plains.
Midday:
Enjoy a well-prepared bush picnic lunch under the shade of an acacia tree or at a scenic spot overlooking the landscape. Your guide will share fascinating insights about the park's wildlife, ecosystems, and conservation efforts.
Afternoon:
Continue your game drive into the afternoon, exploring different regions of Nyerere National Park. Keep your eyes peeled for the rich diversity of birdlife, with over 400 species, including bee-eaters, rollers, and vultures.
Watch herds of animals gather around watering holes, offering excellent opportunities for photography and wildlife observation.
Evening:
Return to the lodge for a well-deserved rest and a delightful dinner. Spend the evening relaxing around the campfire, swapping safari stories under the vast African night sky.
Accommodation: Luxury Tented Camp/Lodge.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Day 3: Guided Walking Safari & Afternoon Game Drive
Morning:
Begin the day with a light breakfast before setting out on an exhilarating guided walking safari. Accompanied by an experienced ranger and guide, this activity allows you to connect with the African bush on a deeper level. Learn to identify animal tracks, plants, and insects and gain insights into the smaller details of the ecosystem often missed on vehicle safaris.
Walking safaris are a thrilling way to experience the wild as you may spot giraffes, zebras, impalas, and even elephants from a safe distance.
Midday:
Return to your lodge for a hearty lunch and a brief rest during the hottest hours of the day. Relax on your private veranda or enjoy the lodge's amenities while taking in panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness.
Afternoon:
In the late afternoon, venture out for another game drive to explore more hidden corners of Nyerere National Park. Your guide will tailor the drive to your interests, ensuring you have the best chances of spotting any wildlife you haven’t seen yet, such as predators on the hunt or large herds of grazers.
The afternoon light creates a perfect ambiance for photography, casting dramatic golden hues over the landscape.
Evening:
Return to the lodge as the sun sets for a relaxing evening. Enjoy a farewell dinner, reflecting on your incredible safari experiences.
Accommodation: Luxury Tented Camp/Lodge.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Day 4: Morning Game Drive & Flight Back to Zanzibar
Morning:
Enjoy your final early morning game drive, savoring the serene beauty of the park as the wilderness awakens. Capture those last special sightings of wildlife before returning to the lodge for breakfast.
Midday:
After breakfast, bid farewell to the bush as you are transferred to the airstrip for your return flight to Zanzibar. The scenic flight provides another opportunity to take in the stunning views of Nyerere National Park and the turquoise coastline of Zanzibar.
Afternoon:
Arrive in Zanzibar with lifelong memories of your unforgettable safari adventure in Nyerere National Park.
Meals: Breakfast.
6 FAQs for a 4-Days Fly-In Safari to Nyerere National Park from Zanzibar
What is included in the 4-days Nyerere (Selous) Safari package?
The package includes return flights between Zanzibar and Nyerere National Park, all airstrip transfers, full-board accommodation (breakfast, lunch, dinner), park entry fees, game drives, boat safari, guided walking safari, and services of a professional guide/driver.
What is the best time to visit Nyerere National Park?
The best time to visit is during the dry season (June to October) when wildlife is easier to spot around rivers and waterholes. However, the park is accessible year-round, and the green season (November to May) offers lush landscapes, fewer crowds, and excellent birdwatching opportunities
What type of accommodation is provided on this safari?
Accommodation is in luxury tented camps or lodges, offering comfortable amenities, en-suite bathrooms, and stunning views of the wilderness. Options include properties like Selous Serena Camp or Roho ya Selous, depending on availability.
What wildlife can I expect to see in Nyerere National Park?
Nyerere is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including elephants, lions, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, and the rare African wild dogs. The park also hosts over 400 bird species, making it a paradise for bird lovers.
How long is the flight from Zanzibar to Nyerere National Park?
The flight from Zanzibar to Nyerere National Park takes approximately 1 hour, with scenic aerial views of Tanzania's landscapes and the Indian Ocean coastline.
What should I pack for this safari?
Pack lightweight, neutral-colored clothing, comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars, a camera, and a refillable water bottle. Don’t forget warm layers for early mornings and evenings, as it can get chilly.