2 Days Selous Game Reserve from Zanzibar

This experience made our article of 4 Best Tours & Things To Do In Selous Game Reserve (With Prices).

Introduction

If you’re planning a visit to Zanzibar but craving a taste of Africa’s wild heart, this 2-day Selous Game Reserve safari might pique your interest. Designed for travelers eager to experience Tanzania’s largest game reserve without sacrificing too much vacation time, this private tour offers a streamlined, adventure-packed glimpse into a vast wilderness teeming with wildlife.

What we love about this experience is how it combines flight logistics with the safari itself—no long, tiring drives from afar—making it accessible for those with limited days. Also, the inclusion of boat safaris adds a unique perspective to wildlife viewing, especially around Lake Manze, where hippos and crocodiles often steal the show.

On the flip side, one consideration is the price point, which might seem steep for some, especially when factoring in extra costs like transfers not included in the initial price. Also, reviews remind us to keep expectations in check regarding lodge standards and safety, as experiences can vary.

This tour suits travelers who value efficient planning and want a taste of Tanzania’s wilderness without the hassle of organizing every detail themselves. It’s ideal for safari beginners, wildlife enthusiasts, or those with tight schedules who still want a meaningful experience.

👉 See our pick of the 4 Best Tours & Things To Do In Selous Game Reserve (With Prices)

Key Points

• Convenient fly-in experience from Zanzibar or Dar Es Salaam saves vacation days.
• Includes two game drives and a boat safari, providing diverse wildlife viewing opportunities.
• Overnight at a lodge within Selous offers a chance to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings.
• Private tour ensures a tailored experience, away from large groups.
• The price of $885.80 reflects a premium for the convenience and inclusions.
• Reviews highlight potential variability in lodge standards and safety concerns, so travelers should keep expectations balanced.

A Closer Look at the 2-Day Selous Safari

This tour is designed for those who want to experience Tanzania’s largest game reserve with minimal hassle. From the moment you land at the Selous airstrip, everything is arranged to maximize your wildlife spotting opportunities and comfort. The itinerary cleverly balances game drives, boat safaris, and relaxing lodging, giving you a well-rounded taste of African wilderness.

Day 1: From Zanzibar to the Heart of Selous

Your adventure begins early, with a shared flight at 07:30 am from Zanzibar (or Dar Es Salaam, depending on your booking). The flight duration is about an hour, which, compared to road journeys, is a huge time-saver and offers scenic views of the Tanzanian landscape. Upon arrival at Siwandu Airstrip at around 8:15 am, you’ll be greeted and quickly whisked off on a game drive en route to your lodge.

This first game drive is probably the most thrilling part of the experience. The reserve covers 50,000 square kilometers, making it one of Africa’s largest and least disturbed sanctuaries, with dense thickets and open grasslands. Keep your eyes peeled for elephants, lions, wild dogs, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, and other iconic species.

The tour is structured so that you arrive at your lodge for a lunch break before relaxing until late afternoon. The setting might be rustic or comfortable, depending on the lodge, but the key here is the proximity to wildlife and the opportunity for a late afternoon boat safari on Lake Manze. This boat trip lasts about 2 hours and offers a different perspective—seeing animals along the water’s edge, listening to hippos grunt, and watching crocodiles sunbathe.

Day 2: Wildlife by Dawn and Return to Zanzibar

Early mornings are the best time for wildlife, and this tour capitalizes on that with a morning boat safari. You’ll likely see grazing zebras, elephants, antelopes, and possibly predators like lions stalking prey from a safe distance. The boat safari is a highlight, offering close-up views of animals in their natural habitat.

Post-safari, you’ll enjoy a picnic lunch in the bush—a feature that many travelers appreciate because it immerses you in the environment. After lunch, you’ll be transferred back to the airstrip for your flight at around 12:30 pm, arriving back in Zanzibar around 2 pm.

What You Can Expect

The itinerary’s timing is tight but well-structured to give you a snapshot of Selous’s wildlife while avoiding long road trips. The flight aspect is a real advantage, making this tour more about experience than logistics.

However, some reviews mention that lodge standards might vary and that experiences can be inconsistent. For example, one reviewer pointed out that their lodge was not as luxurious as expected, and safety concerns were raised. While these issues aren’t universal, they are worth keeping in mind when choosing your accommodations.

Transportation and Logistical Considerations

The tour includes a shared flight to Selous, which is a comfortable and efficient way to reach the reserve. You should be aware that pickup and drop-off are included, but some reviews indicate that additional charges for transfers from your hotel to the airport might apply unless specified.

Once there, transportation during the safari is primarily game drives and boat safaris—these are part of the package, but your overall experience depends on the guide’s expertise and vehicle conditions. The group size is private, so it’s tailored to your party, which is a plus for those wanting a more personalized experience.

Is It Worth the Price?

At $885.80 per person, this tour is priced at a premium, and for good reason: it offers a streamlined, all-in-one experience—flights, game drives, boat safaris, and accommodation—all curated for convenience. For travelers short on time or those who prefer to avoid the logistical hassle, this could be a worthwhile investment.

But, as some reviews suggest, lodge standards and safety can vary, and the experience might not be as luxurious or seamless as advertised. It’s wise to weigh whether the convenience justifies the cost, especially if you’re budget-conscious or seeking a more rustic adventure.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

This safari is best suited for first-timers wanting a quick yet immersive taste of Tanzania’s wildlife. It’s also good for busy travelers who want to maximize wildlife viewing without planning each detail. If you like the idea of flying directly into a game reserve and combining game drives with boat safaris, this tour hits the mark.

However, travelers who prioritize luxury accommodations or are particularly concerned about lodge standards and safety might want to do some homework and read recent reviews. Those seeking a longer or more in-depth safari will find this experience somewhat limited but perfect for a brief, impactful visit.

The Sum Up

For those wanting an efficient, fairly comfortable introduction to Tanzania’s wildlife, this 2-day Selous safari offers a lot of value. The flight logistics, combined with diverse wildlife viewing options—from game drives to boat safaris—make it a compelling choice for a short trip. The private aspect ensures a tailored experience, which can be a real plus.

Yet, it’s essential to approach with realistic expectations about lodging quality and safety, especially given varying reviews. This tour provides a good balance for travelers who prefer organized convenience over rugged adventure, and who are comfortable paying a premium for that peace of mind.

If you’re looking for a time-efficient way to see one of Africa’s biggest wilderness areas and don’t mind a higher price tag, this safari could be just right. But if you’re after luxury accommodations or a longer, more in-depth safari experience, you might want to explore other options or consider a more flexible, self-organized trip.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes flights from Zanzibar or Dar Es Salaam to Selous, game drives, boat safaris, and overnight accommodation at a lodge within the reserve.

How long is the flight?
The shared flight departs at around 07:30 am and arrives in Selous at approximately 08:15 am, lasting about an hour.

What wildlife can I expect to see?
Expect to see elephants, lions, wild dogs, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, zebras, antelopes, and other species typical of Selous.

Is the tour private?
Yes, the tour operates as a private experience for your group only, ensuring a more personalized safari.

What are the lodging conditions like?
Lodge standards may vary, and some reviews suggest that the quality may not match expectations or the promotional images. It’s worth researching or confirming details when booking.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, the tour has a free cancellation policy if canceled at least 24 hours in advance, offering a full refund.

Are transfers from my hotel included?
Pickup is offered, but some travelers have been charged separately for transfers from hotels to the airport, so clarify this when booking.

What is the best time to go?
While the tour operates year-round, wildlife viewing is often best during the dry seasons (June to October), when animals congregate near water sources.

Who should avoid this tour?
Those seeking ultra-luxury accommodations or a longer, more detailed safari might find this experience too brief or basic. Also, travelers concerned about lodge conditions or safety should do additional research.

This 2-day safari from Zanzibar provides an accessible, action-packed way to experience Tanzania’s wildlife. With careful planning, it can be a highlight of your trip—just remember to keep your expectations balanced and ask plenty of questions before booking.