Tour Overview
In short: this is a shared 1-day fly-in safari from Zanzibar to Nyerere National Park (formerly the Selous Game Reserve). It costs from $470 per person and includes return flights, hotel pick-up and drop-off, all park fees, a full-day game drive and a bush lunch. Prefer an exclusive vehicle and your own schedule? Add a $200 private supplement.
Nyerere is Africa's largest protected wildlife area, and flying in from Zanzibar turns what would be a two-day road journey into a comfortable day out. Your scenic ~50-minute flight lands at an airstrip inside the park, so you spend your energy watching wildlife rather than sitting in a vehicle on the highway. In practice that means roughly 7 to 8 hours of real game viewing in a single day.
On a guided game drive across the Rufiji River floodplains you can expect elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, hippos and crocodiles, with good chances of lions and the endangered African wild dog, a species Selous is one of the best places on earth to see. Because the park sees far fewer visitors than the northern circuit, sightings feel private and unhurried.
This shared departure is the best-value way to do it. You travel alongside a small group of other travellers, which keeps the price low without changing the itinerary. It suits couples, honeymooners, first-time safari-goers and anyone on a Zanzibar holiday who wants one unforgettable day in the wild.
Why Kai Tours and Safaris?
Fastest Transfers
Our flight schedules are optimized to give you 7+ hours of actual game viewing, while other operators often arrive late. We prioritize your time.
Owned Vehicles & Vetted Pilots
We own our vehicles and work with trusted flight partners. Our guides are local experts with over 10 years of experience in Nyerere (Selous) National Park.
Rated 4.9 on TripAdvisor
Hundreds of guests rate our fly-in safaris five stars. See our reviews further down this page.
Honest Guidance
We tell you what one day realistically delivers, no over-promises, just a well-run, straightforward safari.
Entering Zanzibar: Essential Measures
- Mandatory Insurance: Carry your Zanzibar Mandatory Travel Insurance.
- Visa Requirements: Apply for your e-Visa at least 2 weeks before travel.
- Health: Yellow Fever certificate is required if traveling from a risk country.
Zanzibar Post-Safari Guide
What to See Upon Return:
After your safari, head to Forodhani Gardens in Stone Town for the famous night market, or relax at Nungwi Beach for a breathtaking sunset. Wander Stone Town's spice-scented lanes and historic doors.
Foods to Try:
- Zanzibar Pizza: A unique street food found in Forodhani.
- Urojo (Zanzibar Mix): A tangy, flavorful flour-based soup.
- Spiced Pilau: Authentic rice cooked with local island spices.
BROWSE BEST ZANZIBAR SAFARIS & TOURS »
1-Day Itinerary (Fly-in Fly-out)
- 07:00 AM: Hotel pick-up in Zanzibar and transfer to the airport.
- 08:00 AM: Flight to Selous Mtemere Airstrip (approx. 50 mins).
- 09:30 AM: Morning game drive begins in a shared 4x4 across the Rufiji floodplains.
- 01:00 PM: Bush picnic lunch overlooking the savanna, with bottled water.
- 02:30 PM: Afternoon game drive during the active hours before heading to the airstrip.
- 04:15 PM: Return flight to Zanzibar, with aerial views on the way home.
- 05:30 PM: Hotel drop-off back at your island accommodation. Your day safari ends here.
Location Locator
Pricing 2026–2027
The shared departure gives you the full safari at the best price. Choose the private arrangement if you want an exclusive vehicle, flexible timing and no other guests.
Shared Departure
Join a small group of fellow travellers on the same itinerary. Ideal for couples and solo travellers who want great value.
- Return flights, Zanzibar ↔ Selous
- Hotel pick-up & drop-off in Zanzibar
- All park & conservation fees
- Full-day shared game drive
- Bush lunch & bottled water
Private Arrangement
Everything in the shared safari, upgraded to a private vehicle and a schedule that's entirely yours, great for families, honeymooners and photographers.
- Exclusive 4x4 for your party only
- Flexible timing on game drives
- Your own guide's full attention
- Same inclusions as the shared rate
*Rates are per person for 2026–2027 and may vary with season and flight availability. The $200 private supplement upgrades the shared departure to an exclusive vehicle and schedule, confirm your group's exact figure when you book. Children's rates on request.
Shared vs Private, and Why Fly Instead of Drive
| What matters | Shared ($470 pp) | Private (+$200) |
|---|---|---|
| Price per person | Lowest | Higher |
| Vehicle | Shared with a small group | Exclusive to your party |
| Schedule flexibility | Fixed group timing | Flexible |
| Same flights & itinerary | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | Couples, solos, value seekers | Families, honeymoons, photographers |
| Factor | Fly-in day trip (this safari) | Road transfer |
|---|---|---|
| Time to the park | ~50-minute flight | Ferry + 5–6 hr drive |
| Possible in one day | Yes | No, needs an overnight |
| Game-viewing hours | ~7–8 hours | Reduced by travel |
| Arrival condition | Fresh & ready | Tiring |
Why Choose Kai Tours & Safaris
Fastest Transfers
Flight schedules optimised for 7+ hours of real game viewing, not late arrivals.
Owned Vehicles & Vetted Pilots
Local guides with 10+ years in Nyerere (Selous) and trusted flight partners.
Rated 4.9 on TripAdvisor
Hundreds of guests rate our fly-in safaris five stars.
Honest Guidance
We tell you what one day realistically delivers, no over-promises.
"An absolutely first-class experience. The fly-in from Zanzibar to Selous was fantastic, we spotted elephants, lions and even a rare leopard, and the bush lunch was unforgettable."
"Booking Kai Tours was the best decision we made in Tanzania. Justus answered every question immediately and put together a truly well-organised day. A once-in-a-lifetime experience."
"Flew from Zanzibar to the bush and everything was perfectly planned. Saw elephants, giraffes, zebras and hippos. Amazing one-day safari experience."
Frequently Asked Questions
Book Your Nyerere (Selous) Day Safari from Zanzibar
Tell us your date and group size and we'll confirm flight seats and your final price, usually within a few hours. Shared from $470 per person, or add $200 for a private arrangement. Hotel transfers included either way.
Nyerere (Selous) Moments
