Selous Wilderness Escape

Early in the morning, transfer to the airport in Zanzibar for a scenic domestic flight to Nyerere National Park (Selous). During the low flight over rivers, wetlands, and endless wilderness, you will get a breathtaking first impression of the pristine landscapes in the south of Tanzania.

Upon landing on the airstrip, you will be greeted by your professional safari guide from African Sunrise Expedition and head straight for a full-day game drive. Selous is known for its large populations of elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, lions, and African wild dogs. Due to the park's immense size, you will experience a peaceful safari away from large crowds of visitors.

A bush breakfast will be served at a scenic spot. You will then continue your wildlife observations, crossing riverine forests, open savannas, and the typical miombo woodland. Later, enjoy a bush lunch in the middle of the wilderness before continuing with more game drives in the afternoon.

As the sun sets, drive to your lodge for check-in. Dinner and overnight stay surrounded by the sounds of the African night.

Accommodation: Safari lodge / tented camp in Selous
Meals: Bush breakfast, bush lunch & dinner

After breakfast, embark on a guided bushwalk accompanied by an armed ranger. Walking through the wilderness offers a completely different perspective on the safari, allowing you to learn about animal tracks, plants, insects, bird species, and the delicate ecosystems. This peaceful, educational experience deepens your connection to nature.

Back at the lodge, enjoy lunch and a short break. In the afternoon, set out on a boat safari on the Rufiji River, one of the iconic experiences in Selous. From the water, you can observe hippos, crocodiles, and elephants drinking, as well as a spectacular variety of bird species. The gentle pace of the boat and the golden afternoon light provide excellent photo opportunities.

In the evening, return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation: Safari lodge / tented camp in Selous
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

After breakfast, embark on a full-day excursion to the natural hot springs, a rare and relaxing highlight in the Selous ecosystem. Along the way, there will be a short game drive, offering you more opportunities to observe the wildlife.

At the hot springs, take the time to relax, swim, and enjoy the untouched wilderness in the warm geothermal waters. A picnic lunch will be served during the excursion, allowing you to experience the day at a leisurely pace.

In the late afternoon, return to the lodge for your last evening in Selous. Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge.

Accommodation: Safari lodge / tented camp in Selous
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at the lodge before checking out. You will then be transferred to the airstrip for your domestic flight back to Zanzibar, concluding your Selous wilderness adventure.

You return with unforgettable memories of remote landscapes, diverse safari activities, and one of Africa's most pristine national parks.

Meals: Breakfast

Yes. To enter the country, you need a tourist visa, which currently costs USD 50. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your date of entry. You can apply online via the official government website or obtain it on arrival at the airport.

In Tanzania, the official currency is the Tanzanian shilling (TZS). For everyday expenses such as restaurants, local markets, or small shops, you typically pay in Tanzanian shillings.

In tourist areas, hotels, and with safari providers, US dollars and euros are also often accepted.

You can easily withdraw money from many ATMs in larger cities. You will usually receive Tanzanian shillings. International credit cards such as Visa or Mastercard are accepted at many ATMs.

Before traveling to Tanzania, we recommend booking an appointment with a travel or tropical medicine specialist at least 8 weeks in advance. There, you will receive individual advice on necessary or recommended vaccinations as well as important health precautions for your trip.
Since Tanzania is a malaria-risk area, malaria prophylaxis is often recommended. The specialist can also advise you on suitable vaccinations and check whether your current immunizations are sufficient or if boosters are needed.

In most parts of the country it’s quite relaxed, but Zanzibar is predominantly Muslim. Away from the beaches, shoulders and knees should be covered; short shorts or crop tops are considered inappropriate in public.

Game drives usually start very early, around 7:00 a.m., as that’s when animals are most active. You’ll travel in a vehicle with a pop-up roof, which gives you great panoramic views. One pair of binoculars is provided free of charge per vehicle, but you can rent an additional pair for a fee.

Observe the animals calmly and always keep your distance. In most cases, you will be watching wildlife from the safari vehicle, which you may only leave if your guide allows it. Animals must never be touched or fed. It’s also important not to leave any litter in nature.

No. Drones are generally prohibited in most national parks in Tanzania. The parks are managed by the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA), and flying drones is not permitted there without a special permit. This is to protect wildlife and nature and to ensure the safety and privacy of other visitors. Only with an official special permit from the authorities may a drone be used in national parks.

In Tanzania, tips are an important part of drivers’ income. As a guideline, you should plan for around USD 30 per day per vehicle. It’s helpful to carry cash in small denominations for this purpose.

In the mornings and evenings, you will usually eat at your lodge (buffet or set menu). For lunch, you will either get a lunch box that your driver carries for you so you can spend the day out in the bush, or the driver will prepare a hot bush dinner for you in nature. During game drives, there is always enough free drinking water available in the vehicle. If you have any food intolerances, please let us know at least four weeks before your trip.