3 Day Nyerere Safari from Zanzibar 2026/2027

3 days

Duration

Our 3-day Nyerere safari from Zanzibar (formerly Selous Game Reserve) is a top short safari tour from the island. Fly from Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam (included), then drive straight into Africa’s largest national park for a mix of Rufiji River boat safaris, guided walking safaris and 4×4 game drives.

While Northern Circuit parks like Serengeti and Ngorongoro dominate Tanzania safaris, the Southern Circuit offers uncrowded wilderness. Nyerere spans 30,893 km² of untouched bush – four times the Serengeti – with miombo woodlands, rocky outcrops and the Rufiji River teeming with hippos and crocodiles.

This short safari from Zanzibar is ideal for beach-goers wanting a quick adventure. We include return flights Zanzibar ↔ Dar es Salaam, but not Zanzibar hotel-airport transfers ($10–$70 depending on location – we can add them).

Activities on This 3-Day Nyerere Safari from Zanzibar

Rufiji River boat safari – Drift past drinking elephants, basking crocs and birdlife at eye level.
Guided walking safari – Explore the bush on foot with an armed ranger – rare in Tanzania.
4×4 game drives – Spot wild dogs, lions, buffalo and 500+ bird species in pristine wilderness.

For a longer Southern adventure, see our 5-day Nyerere + Mikumi safari from Zanzibar.

Where You’ll Stay – Nyerere Tented Camp

Spend two nights at Nyerere Tented Camp (chase-nature.com/nyerere-tented-camp), a mid-range tented camp near the park border. Elevated canvas tents with en-suite bathrooms, hot showers, private verandas and solar power offer an authentic bush feel. Wooden walkways lead to the main lodge, restaurant (fresh local meals), bar and cozy fireplace for evening stories.

Best Time to Book This 3-Day Nyerere Safari from Zanzibar

June–October (dry season) – Excellent game viewing, animals concentrate around the Rufiji River, perfect weather. Best for boat safaris and walking safaris.
November–December & March–May (green season) – Lush scenery, fewer visitors, lower prices, excellent birding and newborn animals.
Year-round – Nyerere is spectacular anytime; the Rufiji River guarantees wildlife even in the rains.

Flights & Transfers

Return flights Zanzibar ↔ Dar es Salaam included.
Private road transfer Dar ↔ Nyerere (5 hours each way).
Zanzibar hotel-airport transfers optional ($10–$70 based on location).

Ready for the ultimate 3-day Nyerere safari from Zanzibar in 2026/2027? Tell us your dates and budget – we’ll send your personalised itinerary within hours.

Frequently Asked Questions – 3-Day Nyerere Safari from Zanzibar

Is 3 days enough for a safari from Zanzibar? Yes – this itinerary is our most popular short escape. You get a full boat safari, walking safari and game drives with almost no wasted time.

What is the flight time from Zanzibar? Just 40–60 minutes Zanzibar → Dar es Salaam, then 5-hour private road transfer (or optional direct charter flight to Nyerere).

Can I do this safari as a day trip? Not recommended – the travel time eats too much of the day. Two nights gives you the real experience.

Is the safari private? 100% private – your own 4×4 vehicle, expert guide and flexible schedule.

What wildlife will I see? Elephants, hippos, crocodiles, lions, wild dogs, buffalo, giraffes and 500+ bird species. Nyerere has some of Tanzania’s highest wild-dog density.

Can I upgrade accommodation? Yes – luxury riverside lodges (Rufiji River Camp, Mivumo River Lodge, Siwandu) or exclusive tented camps available.

What is the best time for boat and walking safaris? June–October (dry season) for easiest walking and highest game concentration. November–May is lush and excellent for birding.

Is walking safari safe? Absolutely – you’re always accompanied by an armed, highly trained ranger. It’s one of the safest and most thrilling ways to experience the bush.

Can I combine with other parks? Yes – extend to Mikumi, Ruaha or the Northern Circuit. See our 5-day Nyerere + Mikumi from Zanzibar.

What should I pack? Neutral-coloured clothes, comfortable walking shoes, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars and a light jacket for early mornings.

Additional information

Location	Selous Game Reserve
Destination	Tanzania
Physicality	Strenuous Drive
Dates	Year-round

3-Day Nyerere Safari from Zanzibar – Itinerary

Day 01

Fly Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam - Drive to Nyerere N Park

Your 3-day Nyerere safari from Zanzibar starts with an early, budget-friendly scheduled flight from Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam (approx. 20–30 minutes). Your private safari driver-guide will meet you at Julius Nyerere International Airport and drive you straight to Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve) – about 5–6 hours on good tarmac roads with scenic stops.

You’ll arrive at camp in time for a hot lunch and a short rest.

Afternoon boat safari on the Great Rufiji River In the late afternoon, head to the jetty for one of Africa’s most magical experiences – a boat safari on the mighty Rufiji River. Drift silently past basking crocodiles, wallowing hippos, and black-and-white colobus monkeys in the riverside forest. Watch elephants, buffalo and antelope come down to drink while fish eagles, giant kingfishers and pied kingfishers patrol overhead. With luck, you’ll witness dramatic predator-prey action as crocodiles ambush their prey.

As the sun sets in a blaze of colour over the water, return to camp for dinner and overnight.

Overnight at Nyerere Tented Camp. All meals included.

Day 02

Safari in Nyerere National Park

After an early breakfast at camp, you’ll head straight to the park gate and spend a full day deep inside Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve) – Africa’s largest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Your private 4×4 game drives will take you across a stunning variety of landscapes: open savannah grasslands, rolling miombo woodlands, and dramatic rocky outcrops carved by the mighty Rufiji River. This untouched wilderness is roughly the size of Switzerland and offers some of the most authentic safari experiences left on the continent.

Expect to see huge herds of elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, impalas, greater kudu and gazelles. With luck, you may spot the park’s rarest residents – packs of endangered African wild dogs – plus healthy populations of lions, leopards, and over 440 bird species.

Lunch is served as a picnic in the bush or back at camp, giving you maximum time in the field. In the late afternoon, return to camp as the sun sets over the river.

Overnight at Nyerere Tented Camp. All meals included.

Day 03

Walking & Cultural tour - Fly Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar

Rise early for a final guided walking safari inside Nyerere National Park – a rare and thrilling chance to explore Africa’s largest wilderness on foot. Accompanied by an armed ranger-naturalist, you’ll track animals at close range, learn to read spoor, identify plants and experience the bush with all your senses. Perfect way to end your Nyerere safari from Zanzibar.

After the walk, enjoy breakfast at camp before the scenic 4–5 hour drive back to Dar es Salaam. You’ll arrive in the late afternoon with plenty of time for your short flight to Zanzibar (20–30 minutes).

Drop-off at Julius Nyerere International Airport for your onward flight to Zanzibar Island. All breakfast and lunch included. End of safari services.

(If you prefer to fly back instead of driving, we can arrange a quick morning flight from Nyerere’s airstrip directly to Zanzibar – just let us know!)

End of your 3 days Nyerere safari from Zanzibar Island.

3 Day Nyerere Safari from Zanzibar – Prices

A Group of 2 Persons – USD 987 per person sharing (Double room or Twin room)

A Group of 4 Persons – USD 832 per person sharing (2 Double rooms or Twin rooms)

A Group of 6 Persons – USD 791 per person sharing (3 Double rooms or Twin rooms)

Single Traveler – Ask for price

Group of more than 6 Travelers – Ask for price

Children Prices depend on Age of the child and room configuration.

We can customize the program according to your interests and budget.

The Price includes

Return flights from Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam and back Zanzibar

03 days private safari from Zanzibar to Selous for 02 – 06 persons

Transport and game drives in modified 4×4 land cruiser with photographic roof hatch

Services of a professional experienced English speaking safari guide

All wildlife game reserve entry fees for Selous

All game drives as mentioned in the itinerary

Afternoon boat safari in the Rufiji River

03 x 0,5 l mineral water per person / day during game drives

02 x FB at safari lodges or tented camps as per itinerary

Ranger guided walking Safari at Nyerere National Park

Concession fees / Bed night levy by WMA

Value Added Tax by Tanzania Revenue Authority

The Price does not include

International Flights

All items of a personal nature; tooth brushes, tooth paste, lotions, sunscreen

Gratuities for the safari guides and lodge staff (please tip separately)

Travel insurance if needed

Visa fee (50 US$ /100 US$ for American or Irish Passport holders – to be paid upon arrival)

Drinks and beverages in lodges

Airport pick up and transfers in private car at Zanzibar

3 days selous safari from zanzibar island

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3 Day Nyerere Safari from Zanzibar 2026/2027

Activities on This 3-Day Nyerere Safari from Zanzibar

Where You’ll Stay – Nyerere Tented Camp