Ultimate Guide to Selous Game Reserve (Nyerere National Park) – Day Trips from Zanzibar & 2-Night/3-Day Train Safaris
Selous Game Reserve, now partly designated as Nyerere National Park, is one of Africa’s largest and most pristine wildlife sanctuaries. Located in southern Tanzania, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers an unparalleled safari experience with vast landscapes, diverse wildlife, and fewer crowds compared to the northern parks.
This guide covers:
✔ Day trips from Zanzibar/Dar es Salaam by flight
✔ 2-night/3-day train safaris from Dar es Salaam
✔ Best activities, wildlife sightings, and accommodations
✔ Essential travel tips for a seamless experience
Why Visit Selous Game Reserve (Nyerere National Park)?
• Largest protected wildlife area in Africa (30,000 km²)
• Home to over 50,000 elephants and significant populations of lions, wild dogs, and buffalo
• Boat safaris along the Rufiji River (unique to Selous)
• Walking safaris for an immersive wilderness experience
• Less touristy than Serengeti & Ngorongoro
Option 1: Selous Day Trip from Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam by Flight
Itinerary Overview
• Morning: Flight from Zanzibar/Dar es Salaam to Selous
• Midday: Game drive in Nyerere National Park
• Afternoon: Boat safari on the Rufiji River
• Evening: Return flight to Zanzibar/Dar
Detailed Breakdown
1. Flight from Zanzibar/Dar es Salaam to Selous
• Airlines: Coastal Aviation, Auric Air, or Safari Air Link
• Flight Duration: ~1 hour from Zanzibar, ~45 minutes from Dar
• Landing Strip: Mtemere or Siwandu airstrip
2. Game Drive in Nyerere National Park
• Duration: 3-4 hours
• Wildlife to See: Elephants, lions, leopards, wild dogs, giraffes, zebras
• Best Time: Early morning or late afternoon
3. Boat Safari on the Rufiji River
• Highlights: Hippos, crocodiles, birdlife (350+ species), stunning sunset views
• Duration: 2 hours
4. Return Flight to Zanzibar/Dar
• Departure: ~5:00 PM
• Arrival: Back by evening
Cost Estimate (Per Person)
• Flights: $500–$700 (round trip)
• Park Fees: $50 (foreign adult)
• Guided Safari: $150–$300 (includes game drive & boat safari)
Option 2: 2-Night/3-Day Train Safari from Dar es Salaam
Itinerary Overview
• Day 1: Train from Dar to Selous, afternoon game drive
• Day 2: Full-day safari (game drive + boat safari)
• Day 3: Walking safari, return to Dar
Detailed Breakdown
1. Train from Dar es Salaam to Selous
• Operator: Tanzania Railways (Tanzania-Zambia Railway)
• Departure: 8:00 AM from Dar es Salaam
• Duration: ~5-6 hours
• Scenery: Rural landscapes, villages, river crossings
2. Afternoon Game Drive (Day 1)
• Wildlife Focus: Predators (lions, leopards) & herbivores
3. Full-Day Safari (Day 2)
• Morning: Extended game drive
• Afternoon: Boat safari on Rufiji River
4. Walking Safari (Day 3)
• Experience: Guided bush walk (armed ranger)
• Highlights: Tracking wildlife, birdwatching
5. Return to Dar es Salaam
• Train Departure: Midday
• *Arrival: Evening
Cost Estimate (Per Person)
• Train Ticket: $30–$50 (round trip)
• Accommodation: $100–$300/night (lodges/camps)
• Park Fees & Activities: $200–$400
Best Lodges & Camps
• Luxury: Beho Beho Camp, Selous Serena Camp
• Mid-Range: Selous River Camp, Rufiji River Camp
• Budget: Selous Mbega Camp
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Best Time to Visit Selous Game Reserve
• Dry Season (June–October): Best for wildlife viewing
• Wet Season (November–May): Lush scenery, birdwatching
Final Travel Tips
✔ Book flights/train tickets in advance (peak season sells out)
✔ Carry sunscreen, binoculars, and a good camera
✔ Malaria prophylaxis recommended
✔ Respect park rules (no off-roading, no littering)
Conclusion
Whether you opt for a day trip from Zanzibar or a 3-day train safari from Dar es Salaam, Selous Game Reserve (Nyerere National Park) promises an unforgettable Tanzanian adventure. With its untamed wilderness, diverse wildlife, and unique safari activities, this hidden gem should be on every traveler’s bucket list.
Ready to explore Selous? Book your safari today with trusted tour operators for a seamless experience!
Selous Game Reserve Safari – Day Trips from Zanzibar & 3-Day Train Tours
Discover Selous Game Reserve (Nyerere NP) with day trips from Zanzibar or a 2-night train safari from Dar es Salaam. Best lodges, wildlife & activities guide.