Overview

This 11-day safari is set in the birthplace of safari travel, Tanzania, and features all the big game action of the Nyerere National Park (Selous) balanced with rest and relaxation on the idyllic island of Zanzibar.

Remote, raw and filled with wildlife, Nyerere National Park (previously Selous Game Reserve) is Africa’s largest game reserve. Yet unlike the iconic destinations of Tanzania’s Northern Safari Circuit, it remains relatively unknown to outsiders.

The sheer scale of the Nyerere National Park is difficult to imagine. Nearly four times the size of the Serengeti, this massive conservation area is home to Africa’s Big 5 and all the top predators - lion, wild dog, cheetah, leopard and spotted hyena. And the animals are present in large numbers too: a Nyerere safari is fantastic for sightings of large elephant and buffalo herds as well as healthy populations of hippo, giraffe and sable antelope.

Phenomenally wild and beautiful, the defining feature of Nyerere is the great Rufiji River which creates a series of interconnected lakes and palm-fringed channels. The river teems with wildlife: Jurassic-size crocs bask on sunny sandbanks, elephants browse on swampy islands, storks and spoonbills patrol the shallows, and exposed mud banks are covered in crimson clouds of carmine bee-eaters. Consequently, many Nyerere safari lodges lie on or near the river and offer boat safaris along with game drives in open-top vehicles.

You can also expect some adventure. Nyerere isn’t subject to the restrictions that govern Tanzania’s other national parks so along with game drives and river cruises, visitors can go on guided walking safaris that last anything from a few hours to a couple of days with a night of rustic fly-camping. There's not much that can beat the thrill of being on foot in the big game country but you'll be in the company of armed rangers and expert guides.

10 Nights 11 Days Available on request Nyerere National Park (Selous Game Park)
Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Tanzania

You will fly into Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Here you will spend a night relaxing after your international flight

Day 2 - 7: Discover the Big Five in Nyerere National Park

Nyerere National Park (Selous ) is the world’s largest wildlife reserve and is Tanzania’s best-kept Big 5 secret.  The Selous offers a wide range of habitats to explore from grassland savannah to floodplains, and miombo woodland and is home to a multitude of plains game, large elephant herds, lion pride and African wild dogs.

Spend the coming days going on game drives to see the great elephant herds and visit the Rufiji River, the largest river in East Africa and home to the largest crocodile and hippo populations on the continent. After a day of river safaris and bush walks, return to the camp to relax.

Day 8 - 10: off to Zanzibar

After breakfast, you will return to the nearest airstrip for your scheduled short-haul flight to Zanzibar. After landing at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, you will be transferred by road straight to your resort.

After all the Selous action, you might want to do nothing except soak up the sun beside the pool or in your hammock with a refreshing cocktail from the lodge's bar. Pamper yourself with wonderful, de-stressing massages and spa treatments.

If you are feeling active, set out on diving and snorkelling excursions to discover the Mnemba Atoll - a renowned reef and fascinating underwater world. Or simply hop onto one of the lodge's complimentary kayaks and explore the surrounding turquoise waters. Day trips can also be arranged to explore the historic cobbled streets of Stone Town, the island capital's old quarter, buzzing with colourful markets and local flavours.

Day 11: end of Safari

This morning, have breakfast and check out of the resort from where you will be transferred by road to the airport and connect with your onward flight home.

Inclusions/Exclusions
What we'll give. What we won't

What is included in the tour

  • All Transfers

  • Transit Fees within Tanzania

  • Transport in a comfortable 4*4 Landcruiser

  • All Game Park Entrance fees

  • All Camping and lodging fees

  • Services of a Professional Safari Guide/Driver

  • Round Trip from Nairobi to the National Parks in your Safari

  • Drinking Water

  • Extensive Game Drives

  • Personalized, Private Service

What is NOT included in the tour

  • International Flights and Taxes

  • Passports and Visa Applications and Processing

  • Travel Insurance

  • Tips and Gratitudes to drivers and Guides

  • Personal Laundry

  • Alcoholic Drinks

  • Maasai dances and art crafts.

  • Any other extra not detailed in the itinerary.

Pickup point
Starting Point
Nyerere National Park ( Selous Game Reserve ), Tanzania View on Map