3 Days Selous Game Reserve Fly From Zanzibar

Selous Game Reserve gives you a proper safari without requiring a long overland journey from Zanzibar. You fly south in the morning, land at one of three airstrips, and can be watching elephants, giraffes, hippos, or crocodiles before the day is over. The mix of game drives and river time makes this more than a quick wildlife outing.

I like that flights, accommodation, and meals are bundled into the $1,250.88 price. I also like the private format, which gives your group more say over the pace and lets a guide spend more time looking for animals instead of following a fixed bus schedule. The main caution is that the short trip depends heavily on flight timing, weather, and clear arrangements about the camp, transfers, and any extra vehicle charges.

Key points before you book

• Three airstrips serve the reserve: Your pickup may be at Mtemere, Siwandu, or Matambwe, depending on your accommodation.
• Two full nights in the reserve: The schedule includes an arrival game drive, a longer second-day drive, and a final river or walking activity.
• Michael is named as a safari guide: Godfrey handles arrangements, while Michael is specifically associated with the game-drive portion.
• The Rufiji River adds variety: The final morning may include a boat drive or a walking safari with an armed ranger.
• Meals are included: You receive two breakfasts, two dinners, and three lunches.
• Confirm every detail in writing: Past booking problems have involved flight changes, accommodation expectations, and disputed transport charges.

Flying from Zanzibar to a remote safari

The trip begins with a resort pickup around 6:30 a.m., followed by a scheduled 8:00 a.m. flight from Zanzibar. The flight is described as routing via Dar es Salaam and taking about 45 minutes to reach an airstrip in the Selous area.

That early start matters. You are not losing most of the first day to a road transfer, which is the chief reason this package makes sense from Zanzibar. After a beach stay, the idea of breakfast near the Indian Ocean and wildlife viewing a short time later is appealing.

The exact arrival airstrip may be Mtemere, Siwandu, or Matambwe. This is not a minor detail. Your guide needs to know where the aircraft lands, and the transfer to camp depends on the accommodation chosen. Ask for the final airstrip, flight time, camp name, and pickup contact before departure.

The schedule says you proceed directly into a game drive after landing. That gives you a chance to begin seeing wildlife at once, but it also means the day can feel long. Pickup, flight, airstrip coordination, the first drive, lunch, and an afternoon activity all fit into one busy opening day.

Day 1: First wildlife sightings before lunch

Once you leave the airstrip, the first game drive takes you toward your camp or lodge. The route is not just a transfer. It is your first chance to see the reserve’s animals in their natural setting, with the guide reading tracks, open areas, and water sources along the way.

Lunch comes at camp, followed by a rest period until late afternoon. I like this pause because safari days can start early, and a short break helps you enjoy the later drive rather than simply endure it. The accommodation is described as a tented camp or lodge, with Kinga Lodge named in the booking material, but you should confirm the exact property before paying.

A short late-afternoon game drive follows, then dinner and overnight at camp. The timing gives you two different viewing periods on the same day. Midday wildlife can be less active, while the later outing may offer better conditions for watching animals move and feed. The experience is still dependent on what is in the area that day, so no animal sighting is guaranteed.

The camp setting can be one of the most memorable parts of a safari. Elephants have reportedly come close to camp during this trip, a reminder that accommodation in a reserve is not simply a place to sleep. At the same time, that closeness means you should follow camp safety instructions carefully and never walk around on your own after dark.

Day 2: The main game-drive day

After breakfast, you spend the main part of the day inside Selous Game Reserve. The scheduled drive lasts about nine hours, with a picnic lunch included. This is the day that gives the package its real value because you have enough time to cover different areas rather than making a short trip from an airstrip and returning immediately.

The reserve is described as covering about 50,000 square kilometers, with dense thickets and open wooded grasslands. That variety matters. Thick vegetation can hide animals but rewards patient searching, while more open ground gives you better sight lines for giraffes, elephants, and other large animals.

The animal list includes elephants, black rhinos, cheetahs, giraffes, hippos, and crocodiles. Treat that list as a guide to what lives in the reserve, not a promise of what you will see. Wildlife viewing is unpredictable. Your guide’s ability to spend time in promising areas matters more than ticking off a printed checklist.

A private vehicle can help here. Your group may be able to spend longer with an animal, adjust the pace, or explore a different area than a large shared group. Past feedback gives special attention to Michael, who is described as making an effort to locate animals and taking the vehicle off-road. Off-road driving can bring you closer to the action, but you should confirm what is permitted and included, since not every extra route or deviation is covered by the base price.

The picnic lunch keeps the day moving. You are not returning to camp in the middle of the drive, so bring patience and expect a long stretch outdoors. The schedule includes lunch, dinner, and overnight accommodation, making this the least rushed and most rewarding day of the three.

Day 3: Rufiji River or a walking safari

The final morning offers a choice between a boat drive along the Rufiji River and a walking safari with an armed ranger. These are very different activities, so ask which option is available for your departure date and whether you can choose between them.

A Rufiji River boat drive changes your viewpoint completely. Instead of scanning from a vehicle, you watch the banks and waterline for hippos, crocodiles, and birds. The river setting also gives you a quieter way to experience the reserve after the engine noise and stop-start rhythm of a game drive.

The walking option is more focused on smaller signs and close observation. With an armed ranger, you can learn to pay attention to tracks, plants, and sounds rather than only looking for large mammals. The provided details do not specify the walk’s exact length or route, so ask about fitness requirements and clothing before you choose it.

After the morning activity, you have an early lunch and transfer to one of the three airstrips for the 1:15 p.m. flight back to Zanzibar. This is a tight final-day schedule. Keep your luggage ready, follow the guide’s timing, and confirm the departure airstrip the evening before.

The return flight is included, which is a major advantage over arranging your own safari transport. Still, flight schedules can change. One past booking issue involved a change to an evening flight, so written confirmation of both outbound and return times is sensible.

What the $1,250.88 price really covers

At $1,250.88 per person, this is not a budget add-on to a Zanzibar beach holiday. It is a compact fly-in safari package. The price includes flights from Zanzibar, parking fees, tented camp or lodge accommodation, two breakfasts, two dinners, and three lunches.

That bundle can be good value if you want a private safari but do not want to organize air tickets, airport transfers, camp reservations, meals, and game drives separately. The convenience is especially useful when you have only three days available.

The value is less clear if you are comparing it with a longer mainland safari. Two nights gives you a taste of Selous, but it does not provide the same depth as a four- or five-day visit. You are also paying for air travel and the privacy of a dedicated tour, not only for time inside the reserve.

Group discounts are available, but the experience itself is private, meaning only your group participates. Ask whether the quoted price changes with group size and what vehicle capacity applies. Also ask directly about any extra sightseeing, route changes, or transport deviations, since these are not included.

A written price breakdown is important. Past complaints have involved an additional $230-per-day bus charge and a disputed amount of more than $300. You should ask whether all airport transfers, vehicle use, airstrip pickups, and game-drive mileage are included before you commit.

Accommodation, meals, and comfort

The accommodation is described as a tented camp or lodge. That wording leaves room for a wide range of comfort levels, from a simple safari tent to a more conventional lodge room. Kinga Lodge is specifically associated with one successful trip, but the exact property may depend on availability.

Do not assume that every accommodation option offers the same facilities. Confirm the property name, room type, bathroom arrangement, electricity, and meal setup. One past booking complaint said the accommodation did not match what had been promised, so the safest approach is to get the camp details in writing.

The meal plan is straightforward. You receive breakfast on both mornings, lunch on all three days, and dinner on the first two nights. The first day’s lunch is at camp, the second day’s lunch is a picnic, and the final lunch comes before the airstrip transfer.

That arrangement keeps the trip simple, but it does not mention drinks, snacks, or special diets. If you need vegetarian food, have allergies, or want bottled water included, ask before departure. Do not assume that every food or beverage cost is covered simply because the main meals are.

The value of a private guide

The private format is one of the strongest reasons to consider this trip. A private safari can give you more flexibility than a shared vehicle, especially on the long second-day drive. You can ask questions, request more time with an animal, or adjust the pace to suit your group.

Godfrey is named in connection with organizing the trip, and Michael is named as the game-drive guide. The strongest praise centers on Michael’s effort in locating animals and making the drive feel adventurous, including off-road travel. That personal attention can make a major difference in a large reserve.

Still, private does not mean unlimited. The schedule has fixed flight times, an early return on Day 3, and a defined set of included activities. Additional sightseeing or changes to the itinerary are not included, so clarify the cost before agreeing to an extra route or vehicle service.

Practical cautions before departure

The supplied details give two different start-time signals: resort pickup is around 6:30 a.m., while the meeting time is listed as 8:00 a.m. The 8:00 time appears to match the flight departure, not the pickup. Confirm your exact hotel pickup time rather than relying on the general meeting-time field.

Weather can affect the trip. If poor weather cancels the experience, you are offered a different date or a full refund. The tour also requires a minimum number of participants, even though the activity is private for your own group, so confirm that the departure is operating.

Cancellation is free if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund. This matters most when your Zanzibar plans include ferry connections, domestic flights, or other tightly timed activities.

I would also request these details in one message:

• Your exact pickup time and resort location
• The outbound and return flight times
• The arrival and departure airstrips
• The camp or lodge name
• The name of your guide and driver
• Whether the final activity is by boat or on foot
• All included transfers and possible extra vehicle charges

Who should book this Selous safari?

This trip suits you if you are staying in Zanzibar, want genuine wildlife viewing, and have only three days to spare. It is also a good fit for couples, families, or friends who value a private vehicle and personal attention more than the lowest possible price.

You should be comfortable with early mornings, long game drives, changing wildlife conditions, and simple safari accommodation. The reserve is large, and the experience is about watching patiently rather than moving from one guaranteed sight to the next.

I would hesitate if you want a polished luxury package with every detail fixed in advance. The mixed booking history, unclear accommodation wording, and possible flight changes mean you need to ask more questions than you would with a highly standardized resort excursion.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if the included flights, private vehicle, and two nights in Selous solve your main problem: seeing Tanzania’s wildlife without giving up a Zanzibar holiday. The game-drive schedule is strong for a short visit, and the Rufiji River or walking option adds a welcome change on the final morning.

Before paying, get the camp name, flight schedule, airstrip, guide, and full transport cost in writing. If those details are clear and you accept that wildlife sightings cannot be promised, the package offers an efficient and exciting introduction to Selous. If you want more time in the reserve or greater certainty about accommodation, compare it with a longer mainland safari.

FAQ

How long is the Selous safari from Zanzibar?

The experience lasts approximately three days and includes two nights at a tented camp or lodge in the Selous area.

Are flights from Zanzibar included?

Yes. The package includes flights from Zanzibar, with the outbound flight scheduled for about 8:00 a.m. and the return flight listed for 1:15 p.m. on Day 3.

Which airstrip will I use?

Pickup and drop-off may take place at Mtemere, Siwandu, or Matambwe, depending on your accommodation and flight arrangements.

What meals are included?

The package includes two breakfasts, two dinners, and three lunches. The second-day lunch is served as a picnic during the game drive.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. Only your group participates in the private activity. Group discounts are also offered.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not refunded. Weather or minimum-participant cancellations may result in a different date or a full refund.