In Short
This is a private, mid-range three-day, two-night safari to Nyerere National Park, the huge southern reserve most people know as the Selous. You fly from Zanzibar in the morning, spend three days on a Rufiji River boat safari, a full-day game drive and a guided walking safari, and fly back on the third day. It is one of the most complete short safaris in Tanzania, and it runs all year. From $1,700 per person sharing, based on two travellers.
I am Justus Kahwa, and I run operations at Kai Tours and Safaris. Of all our short safaris, this is the one I am proudest of, because it gives you the three experiences that define Nyerere, water, wheels and feet, in a private arrangement that flies in and out of your beach holiday. Before the day-by-day, one honest word on wildlife, because most pages about this park will not give it to you.
What you will honestly see
Nyerere is a Big Four sort of park, and it is proud of it. You have a strong chance of lion, along with elephant, buffalo and the elusive leopard, plus giraffe, zebra, hippo and crocodile in numbers along the Rufiji. Its real prize is the African wild dog, one of the largest surviving populations on the continent. What you will not see, whatever other operators claim, is rhino or cheetah. Rhino were poached out of this ecosystem, and cheetah do not live here. I would rather you came for what Nyerere truly is than for animals that were never here.
Why fly in, rather than drive
Most Nyerere safaris you will see advertised drive in from Dar es Salaam, which means five or six hours on rough roads in each direction, eating up the better part of two days before and after your safari. Over three days, that is half your trip spent looking at a road. Flying changes the maths entirely. A short hop of around seventy-five minutes from Zanzibar puts you on an airstrip inside the park, so all three of your days are spent on wildlife, on the river and on foot, not in transit. You also arrive fresh rather than rattled, and you keep your beach holiday intact on either side. For a trip this short, the flight is not a luxury; it is what makes three genuine safari days possible.
The 3-day Itinerary
-You land at Mtemere Airstrip inside Nyerere at 07:45, where your driver-guide meets you and transfers you to Safari Selous Lodge to check in.
-At around 09:00 you set out on a beautiful, unhurried morning boat safari along the great Rufiji River, watching hippos, crocodiles and a wealth of birdlife from the water as the day warms over the river. Lunch and dinner at the lodge, and your first night in the bush.
-You can expect the great favourites, elephant, giraffe, lion, buffalo and zebra, and with luck the rare African wild dog.
-At midday your guide sets up a picnic lunch in a shaded spot near water, with a clear view all around so you can watch animals come down to drink in safety, and no predator can approach unseen.
-You return to the lodge before the end of the day, with the evening at your own leisure. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
-On foot you experience the Selous bush up close: although you may see wildlife, the focus is the habitat the animals live in, the insects, the trees and the birdlife, an experience very few places in Africa can offer.
-After breakfast you check out and transfer to Mtemere airstrip for your scheduled flight to Zanzibar at 10:30 or 12:50. On arrival, a private transfer takes you back to your hotel or on to your next beach stay, so you are back on the coast the same day.
Two nights in the park, and each of the three signature activities gets its own time: the boat safari on Day 1, a full game-drive day on Day 2, and the walking safari on Day 3 before you fly out. Nothing is rushed and nothing is doubled up.
Included in your price
- Private hotel pick-up and drop-off in Zanzibar.
- Return flights, Zanzibar to Nyerere to Zanzibar.
- Private safari vehicle with an English-speaking driver-guide.
- Mid-range accommodation at Safari Selous Lodge, full board.
- All park fees, concession fees and game drives.
- The Rufiji River boat safari and the guided walking safari.
Not included
- • International flights to and from Zanzibar.
- • Tanzania entry visa.
- • Travel and medical insurance.
- • Drinks, tips and personal items.
Water, wheels and feet. Cruise the mighty Rufiji River by boat, spend a full day tracking lions, elephants and African wild dogs on game drives, then finish with a guided walking safari at sunrise. Very few safari itineraries from Zanzibar combine all three experiences into just three perfectly planned days.
Safari Price
$1,700 per person sharing
Private safari · Minimum 2 travellers · Available all year
How to book
- Send us your dates and group size. Message us on WhatsApp or by email and we confirm flight seats and availability, usually within a couple of hours.
- Secure your safari with a deposit. We hold your flights and lodge, then confirm everything in writing. Card, bank transfer and mobile money are accepted.
- Fly and enjoy your safari. We take care of the flights, park fees, accommodation, guide and logistics. You'll be welcomed at the airstrip and looked after from the first minute until your return.
From travellers we have guided
"One of the best safaris in Africa, especially from Zanzibar. Nyerere was short but wild, and the best memories for me, my wife and our lovely children. For only $470 you enjoy the animals in a less crowded environment. Thank you, Justus Kahwa."
Patrick WNyerere (Selous) from Zanzibar · via TripAdvisor
"An absolutely first-class experience. The fly-in safari from Zanzibar was fantastic, with a private transfer and a comfortable flight. The game drive was beyond expectations, followed by a delicious bush lunch beneath a magnificent baobab tree."
Kenneth BFly-in safari from Zanzibar · via TripAdvisor
Read every review on our TripAdvisor page .
Who this safari is best for
A great fit if you are:
- A couple or honeymooners wanting a private escape.
- A first-time safari traveller wanting wilderness without long drives.
- Pairing a safari with a Zanzibar beach holiday.
- A keen photographer or birder.
- Someone who values boat and walking safaris.
Probably not for you if:
- Your heart is set on the Great Migration.
- You want to see rhino and cheetah specifically.
- You are on a very tight budget.
- You are travelling with toddlers.
- You cannot fly in small aircraft.
If you are in the second column, tell me anyway. I would rather point you to the right trip, even a competitor's, than sell you the wrong one.
Is this safari safe with children?
Yes, with honest caveats, and the honesty matters more here than the yes. Because this is a private arrangement, you have your own vehicle and guide, which makes travelling with children far easier. You set the pace, you stop when you need to, and nobody else is on your schedule.
The game drives and the Rufiji boat safari are generally well suited to children, as long as they can manage early mornings and time in the vehicle. The one activity with a firm restriction is the walking safari. Because it is on foot near wild animals with an armed ranger, it carries a minimum age, usually somewhere between twelve and sixteen depending on the lodge. Younger children cannot join and would stay at the lodge with a parent during that activity, so confirm the exact age limit with us when you book.
Two health points I never gloss over. First, Nyerere is a malaria area, so book a travel clinic or GP appointment well before you fly to arrange protection suited to your child's age and weight; that decision belongs with a doctor, not a tour operator. Second, the light aircraft and the very early start suit older children and teenagers better than toddlers. In short, this is an excellent safari for families with older kids, and workable with younger ones if you go in with realistic expectations.
What to wear and pack
You do not need specialist safari clothing, but choosing the right outfit will make your trip more comfortable. A few simple items are especially helpful in Nyerere National Park.
What to wear
- Neutral colours such as khaki, olive, brown and beige.
- Avoid bright white because it shows dust easily.
- Avoid dark blue and black, which attract tsetse flies found in parts of Nyerere.
- Wear light layers as mornings are cool and afternoons are warm.
- Long sleeves and long trousers are ideal for walking safaris and evenings.
- Comfortable closed walking shoes, sandals for the lodge, plus a hat, sunglasses and swimwear.
What to pack
- High-factor sunscreen and insect repellent.
- Binoculars, a camera and a spare battery or power bank.
- Personal medication and a small first-aid kit.
- A reusable water bottle.
- A lightweight rain jacket during the green season.
Your flight to Nyerere is on a light aircraft, so pack in a soft-sided bag and keep luggage to approximately 15 kg per person, including hand luggage. Extra suitcases can be left securely at your Zanzibar hotel and collected after your safari. We confirm your exact baggage allowance before departure.
Good to know before you go
Your lodge
You'll spend two nights at Safari Selous Lodge, a comfortable mid-range lodge with en-suite rooms, full-board meals and an excellent location near the Rufiji River, where wildlife is often nearby.
Health & Malaria
Nyerere is a malaria area. Visit your travel clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for malaria medication and vaccination advice. Bring insect repellent and cover your arms and legs after sunset.
Visa, money & tipping
Most visitors require a Tanzania e-Visa. US dollars (2009 series or newer) are widely accepted, while cards are accepted in some places. Tipping is optional but appreciated.
Connectivity & fitness
Expect limited Wi-Fi and occasional mobile signal inside the park. The walking safari is an easy 2–3 hour walk suitable for anyone with a moderate level of fitness. Flight schedules may change slightly with weather conditions, and we handle any adjustments.
Dietary requirements
Vegetarian, vegan and allergy-friendly meals can be arranged. Simply let us know your dietary requirements when booking.
Why book this direct with Kai Tours
You deal with the person who plans and runs the trip, not a call centre. Our prices are laid out in full with no surprises. We tell you the truth about the wildlife, including that there are no rhino or cheetah here, because we would rather you arrived with the right expectations. And because we are Tanzanian and on the ground, if a flight moves or a plan needs changing, a real person fixes it fast. Honesty, transparency and local hands on the trip: that is the edge we offer.
