From Zanzibar: Nyerere Park and Selous Day Trip with Flights

Planning a tour can be a bit overwhelming, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the area. If you’re visiting Zanzibar and want to experience the beauty of Tanzania’s nature and wildlife, a day safari to the Selous/Nyerere National Park is worth considering. Here we’ll walk you through the steps to plan your perfect day trip with flights included.

Experience

The day trip to Nyerere Park and Selous is a must-do experience when in Zanzibar. You’ll get to explore the largest protected game reserve on the Africa continent, and enjoy a full day game drive with an authentic bush lunch in the middle of the National Park. You’ll learn everything about the wildlife and nature from experienced guides and admire the Tanzanian wildlife and nature.

Highlights

The Selous/Nyerere National Park is an incredible demonstration of nature showcasing a variety of fauna and flora that will bewilder you. The park is a UNESCO world heritage site and is the largest game reserve in Africa, covering over 5% of Tanzania’s total area. Here are some of the highlights of the day tour:

• A full day game drive
• Authentic bush lunch in the middle of the park
• A wondrous display of Tanzania’s wildlife and nature
• Experienced guide giving insights into wildlife and nature
• The opportunity to fly in and out of the park from Zanzibar city

How to plan your tour

Step 1: Booking the tour

The first step in planning your day trip to Selous/Nyerere National Park is to book the tour. A verified third-party company offers this tour and you can book it directly through this link book the tour here.

Step 2: Choose the Date

The day trip operates on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, so make sure to check these days on your calendar to decide which one suits you best.

Step 3: Confirm Your Reservation

After booking, you will receive a confirmation message through e-mail or phone. Make sure to confirm your reservation and re-check the timings and dates. Also, make sure to have your passport or ID card with you as it is mandatory in most Safari National Parks.

Step 4: Getting Ready for the Day Trip

On the day of your tour, a minivan will pick you up from your hotel at around 5:00 am and transfer you to Zanzibar airport for the morning flight to Selous/Nyerere National Park. You can carry only small personal items as the luggage is limited to 15kg.

Once you land in Selous/Nyerere National Park, your guide and driver will welcome you, and your journey to explore Tanzania’s wildlife and nature begins. Your experienced guide will brief you about the park and its history, and you can then start your full-day game drive.

Step 5: Game Drive & Bush Lunch

The game drive lasts 6 to 8 hours and covers various habitats like plains, lakes, and rivers where you can spot different species of wildlife. You’ll have the chance to see elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, impalas, buffalos, and different types of birds.

You will take a break during the game drive for the authentic bush lunch, which contains locally produced fresh food. The atmosphere is fantastic, surrounded by the Tanzanian bush, and you’ll be entertained by different stories from your well-versed safari guide.

Step 6: Return to Zanzibar City

After a productive and fun-filled day, you’ll board your flight back to Zanzibar City. You will reach the city around 6:00 pm, and your minivan will then drop you back to your hotel.

Conclusion

A day trip to Selous/Nyerere National Park is an unforgettable experience that will leave you with memories of seeing the vast beauty of Tanzania’s wildlife and nature. We hope this guide has helped you prepare for your day trip and made it easier for you to enjoy it to the fullest. Remember to book the trip in advance, confirm, double-check the details, pack light, and come ready to explore.

An Insider’s Guide to Dar es Salaam

Dar es Salaam, the bustling port city on the Indian Ocean, is the gateway to Tanzania’s magnificent wildlife parks and pristine beaches. But beyond the safari tours and tropical corals, the city has a rich culture and history that is worth exploring. As a resident of Dar es Salaam, I have put together an insider’s guide to the city. Here are some of the must-do experiences for anyone visiting Dar es Salaam.

Local Attractions: Discover Hidden Gems

While the National Museum and the Mwenge Carvings Market are popular tourist spots, some other lesser-known attractions are worth your time. Start with the Askari Monument, a 20-meter tall statue that honors the African soldiers who fought for the British in World War I. You can also visit the Village Museum, which showcases traditional houses and crafts from Tanzania’s various ethnic groups. Another fascinating site is the Tingatinga Arts Cooperative Society, which displays brightly colored paintings that depict Tanzanian wildlife and cultural motifs.

Dining Spots: Savor Local Flavors

Dar es Salaam has a diverse culinary tradition, influenced by Indian, Arabic, and African cuisines. Some signature Tanzanian foods to try are ugali (a maize-based porridge served with meat or vegetables), chapati (a spicy flatbread that goes well with beef or chicken curry), and pilau (a fragrant rice dish with cardamom and cloves). Local dining spots like Nyama Choma joints (roast meat restaurants) and Zanzibar Mix (a street food vendor near the Kariakoo market) will give you a taste of the city’s everyday flavors. If you’re in the mood for fine dining, then The Slipway or The Waterfront, both located near the harbor, serve international cuisine with a sea view.

Cultural Experiences: Immerse in Local Traditions

Dar es Salaam hosts several festivals throughout the year that celebrate the city’s cultural heritage. In August, the Dar es Salaam International Film Festival (DIFF) brings filmmakers and movie enthusiasts from across Africa and beyond to exchange their art and ideas. Another significant event is the Mwaka Kogwa festival, a New Year’s celebration of the Shirazi community with music, dance, and traditional rituals. If you’re interested in music and arts, check out the Nafasi Art Space, a vibrant cultural center that rewards you with exhibitions, concerts, and workshops.

Local History: Discover Fascinating Stories

Dar es Salaam has a rich history shaped by various colonial powers, trade routes, and political movements. One of the must-visit places is the Askari Monument at the City Center Roundabout, which tells the story of the German and British colonial eras in Tanzania. The Lutheran Church in Azania Front, built in the 19th century, is another historical building that reflects the city’s German influence. A visit to the Karimjee Hall, now a cultural center, will give you insight into Tanzania’s political struggle for independence.

Off-the-Beaten-Path suggestions: Adventure Beyond the Conventional

If you have a day to spare, take a trip to Bagamoyo, a historical town an hour north of Dar es Salaam. Here, you can visit the ruins of the slave market and the Basilica of the Holy Spirit, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can also take part in a traditional dance and drumming workshop at the Dhow Countries Music Academy and meet with local artists. If you’re a nature lover, take a ferry to the Bongoyo Island Marine Reserve, where you can snorkel around coral reefs or just relax on the sandy beaches.

There you have it – an insider’s guide to Dar es Salaam created with a unique and fresh perspective. By following our recommendations, you’ll engage with the local culture, cuisine, and history in a way not possible in a guidebook. We hope you’ll fall in love with this vibrant city and create unforgettable memories to share with family and friends.