Package Overview
Overview
Selous Game Reserve, now officially known as Nyerere National Park, is one of Africa's largest and most spectacular protected wilderness areas. This UNESCO World Heritage Site spans over 50,000 square kilometers of untouched wilderness, making it one of the most remote and exclusive safari destinations in Tanzania.
What makes Selous truly special is the Rufiji River — the largest river in East Africa — which cuts through the heart of the park, creating a network of lakes, channels, and floodplains teeming with wildlife. Here you can experience the rare combination of traditional game drives and thrilling boat safaris, drifting past hippos, crocodiles, and elephants at eye level. Selous is also one of the best places in Tanzania to spot the endangered African wild dog.
Whether you're coming from Dar es Salaam or flying in from Zanzibar, a day tour to Selous offers an unforgettable escape into the wild heart of Tanzania.
Why Visit Selous (Nyerere) National Park?
The Rufiji River Boat Safari – This is the signature experience of Selous and something you won't find in most other Tanzanian parks. Drifting quietly along the Rufiji River, you'll watch hippos surface at eye level, crocodiles sunning on sandbanks, and elephants coming down to drink, all while the golden African sun lights up the water.
Africa's Largest Protected Wilderness – Nyerere National Park is the largest national park in Africa, covering an immense area of untouched wilderness. You can drive for hours without seeing another vehicle, offering a true sense of having the wilderness to yourself.
Excellent Wild Dog Sightings – Selous is one of the best places in Tanzania to spot the endangered African wild dog. These rare and fascinating predators are frequently seen in the park, making it a bucket-list destination for wildlife enthusiasts.
Diverse Wildlife – The park is home to elephants, giraffes, lions, buffalo, hippos, crocodiles, zebras, and wildebeest. With luck, you may also spot hyenas, leopards, or even the rare black rhino.
What You'll See
Wildlife: Selous is home to an incredible variety of animals. Large herds of elephants are common, especially along the Rufiji River. Lions are frequently spotted, as are giraffes, zebras, buffalo, and wildebeest. The park's waterways are teeming with hippos and crocodiles, making the boat safari a highlight. African wild dogs are a special attraction, and lucky visitors may also see leopards or hyenas.
Birdlife: With over 400 recorded bird species, Selous is a birdwatcher's paradise. The river and lakes attract fish eagles, kingfishers, herons, storks, and pelicans, while the woodlands host colorful bee-eaters, hornbills, and barbets.
Tour Options & Activities
| Activity / Feature | Description | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Game Drive | Explore the park's vast savannah, woodlands, and riverine landscapes by 4x4 vehicle. | 4-6 hours |
| Rufiji River Boat Safari | Drift past hippos, crocodiles, and elephants on East Africa's largest river. | 2-3 hours |
| Walking Safari | Guided walk with an armed ranger through the bush. | 2-3 hours |
| Bush Lunch | Enjoy a traditional safari lunch served in the heart of the park. | 1 hour |
| Fly-In Safari | Arrive by light aircraft from Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam for maximum time in the park. | Full day |
Itinerary
Full Itinerary (Fly-In from Zanzibar)
TimeActivity04:00Pickup from your hotel in Zanzibar and transfer to Zanzibar Airport06:30 – 07:00Depart by light aircraft to Selous/Nyerere National Park (approximately 45-60 minutes)07:00 – 07:30Arrive at Mtemere or Siwandu Airstrip; meet your guide and begin game drive07:30 – 10:00Morning game drive through the park's diverse landscapes10:00Mid-morning coffee/tea break in the bush10:30 – 13:00Continue game drive or embark on Rufiji River boat safari13:00Traditional bush lunch served at set tables in the heart of the park14:00 – 15:30Afternoon game drive or walking safari with armed ranger15:30Transfer to airstrip for return flight16:00 – 16:15Depart by flight back to Zanzibar16:30 – 16:45Arrive in Zanzibar; transfer to your hotel
Note: Itinerary may vary depending on flight schedules, weather conditions, and wildlife sightings.
Inclusions & Exclusions
✅ Included❌ Not IncludedRoundtrip flights (Zanzibar – Selous – Zanzibar)International flightsPark entrance fees (approximately $50-70 USD per adult)Tanzania visa feesProfessional English-speaking driver-guideTravel and medical insuranceShared or private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roofAlcoholic beverages and soft drinksRufiji River boat safariTips and gratuitiesBush lunchOptional activities not mentionedBottled drinking waterPersonal expensesHotel pickup and drop-offMandatory travel insurance feesGovernment taxes and levies
Estimated Pricing
Package TypeEstimated Price (USD)Shared Day Safari (from Zanzibar)$475 per personPrivate Day Safari (from Zanzibar)$699 per person1-Day Fly-In from ZanzibarFrom $460 – $552 per person1-Day Safari from Dar es Salaam (by road)From $470 per person
Note: Prices vary by season, group size, and operator. Park entrance fees are approximately $50-70 USD per adult per day, plus 18% VAT. Contact Winter Trails Tours and Safaris for a personalized quote.
Park Fees (2026)
Fee TypeAmountPark Entry (Non-Resident Adult)$50 – $70 USDPark Entry (Child 5-15)$20 USDConcession Fee (if staying inside park)$30 USD per adultVehicle Entry (foreign registered)From $50 USD
Note: Park fees are subject to change and should be confirmed with the respective authorities.
Best Time to Visit
SeasonMonthsExperienceDry Season (Best)June – OctoberExcellent game viewing; wildlife concentrates around rivers and water sourcesGreen SeasonNovember – MayLush landscapes; best for birdwatching; fewer crowds
The dry season (June to October) is the best time to visit Selous, offering exceptional wildlife viewing as animals gather around the Rufiji River and its connected lakes.
Getting There
By Air: Most visitors reach Selous by light aircraft from Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam. Flights take approximately 45-60 minutes. Airlines operating this route include Coastal Aviation, Auric Air, and Regional Air.
By Road: From Dar es Salaam, the drive takes 5-8 hours depending on your entry gate. The route follows the A104, B3, and C12 highways, passing through Kibiti and Mloka. A 4x4 vehicle is essential, especially during the rainy season.
Included services in itinerary
- Park entry fees
- Professional safari guide
- 4×4 safari vehicle
- All meals
- Drinking water
Excluded
- International flights
- Tanzania visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tips and gratuities
Trip Information
PDF format with full itinerary
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