Day trip from Zanzibar

Nyerere (Selous) day trip

A short scenic flight, then a game drive or a boat safari on the Rufiji River, and back on the beach for dinner.

Plan this safari See the plan

DurationDay trip

FlightAbout 45 to 60 minutes each way

Best seasonJune to October is best for game. Boat trips run all year.

Best forFirst safari, short stays, couples and families

Your flight path

DepartZanzibar About 45 to 60 minutes each wayNyerere National Park (Selous)

Nyerere is Tanzania's largest national park, a wild, river-laced landscape that sits only a short flight from Zanzibar. On this day trip you leave after breakfast, spend the middle of the day in the bush, and are back at your hotel in time to watch the sunset.

It is the most popular way to see the African bush without giving up your beach days. You will travel on a small aircraft, meet your guide on the airstrip and choose between a game drive, a boat safari on the Rufiji River, or a mix of both.

Highlights

A scenic light-aircraft flight over the coast and the Rufiji delta
Boat safari past hippos, crocodiles and riverside birds
Game drive for elephants, giraffes, zebras and buffalo
Lunch at a riverside camp
Back at your Zanzibar hotel the same evening

The day, hour by hour

How your day unfolds

Timings are a guide. We confirm the final schedule with the flights available on your date.

6:30 am
Early breakfast and transfer
We collect you from your hotel and drive you to the airport for the morning flight.
8:00 am
Fly to the bush
A small aircraft takes you across the Indian Ocean and the Rufiji delta. The flight is short and the views are part of the day.
9:30 am
Game drive or boat safari
Your guide meets you on the airstrip. Drive through woodland and open plains, or glide along the Rufiji River in a boat, where hippos and crocodiles sit close to the bank.
12:30 pm
Lunch at camp
A relaxed lunch at a riverside camp, with time to rest and watch the river before the second outing.
2:30 pm
Second outing
A short drive or boat ride in the softer afternoon light, when animals come down to drink.
4:30 pm
Fly back to Zanzibar
Return flight to the island and a private transfer to your hotel, in time for the sunset.

What you may see

Wildlife

Sightings are never guaranteed, but your guide knows where to look and when.

Hippo

Seen in pods along the river all year

Crocodile

Sunning on the banks of the Rufiji

Elephant

Large herds roam the park

Giraffe and zebra

Common on the open plains

African wild dog

One of the best places in Africa to look for them

Birds

Over 400 species, including kingfishers and fish eagles

What is included

Return flights from Zanzibar, as set out in your proposal
Private transfers between your hotel and the airport
Park entry fees and conservation fees
A licensed local guide and a safari vehicle or boat
Meals and drinks as listed in your day plan
A local planner on WhatsApp on the day

Not included

Tips for guides and camp staff
Travel insurance, which we strongly advise you to carry
Alcohol and drinks not listed
Personal spending and souvenirs
Any change of flights caused by weather or schedules (we help you rebook)

Good to know

Is one day enough for a safari?

It is a taste of the bush, not the full experience. You will see wildlife and the landscape, and many guests are surprised how much they see in one day. For dawn and dusk game drives, choose the overnight option.

Is the flight safe?

Flights are run by licensed operators on small aircraft with experienced pilots. We book only operators we trust.

What if the weather delays the flight?

Rarely, flights can be delayed. We monitor the schedule and help you rebook or adjust the day if needed.

What should I wear?

Light, neutral colors, closed shoes, a hat and sunscreen. Bring a light layer for the early flight.

Is there a luggage limit?

Yes, small aircraft have a soft-bag limit. For a day trip you only need a small day bag.

More fly-in safaris

Nyerere overnight

Add a night in camp for dawn and dusk game drives, when the animals are most active.

1 nightAbout 45 to 60 minutes each way

Nyerere two nights: river, bush and walking

Two nights in camp, with time for a boat safari, game drives and a walking safari.

2 nightsAbout 45 to 60 minutes each way

Saadani: where the bush meets the beach

The only park in East Africa on the coast. A short flight, a river safari and giraffes near the sea.

Day trip or 1 nightAbout 30 to 45 minutes each way

Request this safari