Southern Circuit · Fly-In
5-Day Nyerere Fly-In Safari from Zanzibar
From the beach to the bush in one short flight. Two camps, two sides of Nyerere.
Overview
From the beach to the bush
This 5-day fly-in safari takes you from Zanzibar to Nyerere National Park, formerly the Selous Game Reserve and Tanzania's largest national park. You spend four nights across a riverside tented camp and a boutique river lodge, exploring by boat and by vehicle. Prices start from $2,345 per person, and it suits travellers who want real wilderness without long road transfers.
Getting there
One short flight. On safari the same afternoon.
Where you stay
2 camps. 2 nights each.
What you'll do
What you'll do on this Nyerere safari
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Boat safaris on the Rufiji River. Drift past hippos, crocodiles and elephants drinking at the bank.
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Game drives. Lakes, open country and riverine forest in two separate areas of the park.
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A riverside tented camp. Canvas, a private veranda and the sounds of the river at night.
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A boutique river lodge. Thatched chalets, a pool and a spa to end the safari in comfort.
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Sundowners by the water. End each day where the animals come to drink.
Route map
Your route at a glance
Day by day
5-day Nyerere safari itinerary, day by day
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Day 1
Fly from Zanzibar, afternoon boat safari
Why this day matters
You wake up on the beach and end the day on the Rufiji River.
Your light-aircraft flight leaves Zanzibar in the morning and lands inside Nyerere National Park, where your guide is waiting. After lunch at camp and time to settle in, you head out by boat as the light softens and the river comes alive.
Today's highlights
Hippos, crocodiles, elephants at the water's edge, fish eagles, sunset on the river
Optional activities (extra cost)
Sunset fishing
- Travel today
- Light-aircraft flight from Zanzibar, then a short transfer to camp
- Meals
- Lunch, dinner
- Overnight
- Selous Impala Camp or similar
Where you stay · Nights 1 and 2
Selous Impala Camp
An intimate tented camp on the banks of the Rufiji River, set between two lakes in one of the park's richest wildlife areas.
- 8 Meru-style tents on raised decks
- En-suite bathroom
- Private veranda with river views
- Swimming pool
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Day 2
Lakes and river, a full day from Impala
Why this day matters
With two lakes on your doorstep, the wildlife comes to the water and you are already there.
You set out early while the air is cool and the animals are active, following the lake shores with your guide. After lunch and a rest through the midday heat, you return to the water for the afternoon, by vehicle or by boat.
Today's highlights
Giraffe, zebra, impala, lion, large hippo pods and rich birdlife
Optional activities (extra cost)
Walking safari (age 16 and over), fly camping night
- Travel today
- No transfers, full day in the park
- Meals
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Overnight
- Selous Impala Camp or similar
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Day 3
Game drive upstream to Serena Mivumo
Why this day matters
A second camp means a second landscape, and wildlife you haven't met yet.
Today's move is a safari in itself. You drive through the park with a picnic lunch, stopping wherever there is something worth watching, and arrive at Serena Mivumo River Lodge in time for a sundowner above the river.
Today's highlights
Changing scenery from lakes to riverine forest, buffalo, elephant herds, and wild dogs if you are lucky
Optional activities (extra cost)
Spa treatment
- Travel today
- Game drive through the park, with game viewing on the way
- Meals
- Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
- Overnight
- Serena Mivumo River Lodge or similar
Where you stay · Nights 3 and 4
Serena Mivumo River Lodge
A boutique lodge of thatched chalets spread through riverside forest above the Rufiji, with the comfort Serena is known for.
- 12 thatched chalets
- River views
- Swimming pool and spa
- Wi-Fi and room service
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Day 4
A full day on the upper Rufiji
Why this day matters
No schedule to keep. You stay with a sighting for as long as it holds you.
With a full day and nowhere to be, you and your guide choose the pace: a long morning drive, time on the river, or an afternoon by the pool before heading out again. This is the day for patience, and patience is usually what turns a sighting into a story.
Today's highlights
Elephant herds, hippo pods, fish eagles and riverine forest birds
Optional activities (extra cost)
Bush picnic, birding excursion
- Travel today
- No transfers, full day in the park
- Meals
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Overnight
- Serena Mivumo River Lodge or similar
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Day 5
Morning in the bush, fly back to Zanzibar
Why this day matters
One last morning in the wild, and you are back on the beach the same day.
You take a final game drive at first light and return for breakfast. Then you transfer to the airstrip for your flight back to Zanzibar.
Today's highlights
Early morning predators and a last view of the Rufiji from the air
Optional activities (extra cost)
Extend your beach stay in Zanzibar
- Travel today
- Transfer to the airstrip, then light-aircraft flight to Zanzibar
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Overnight
- End of safari
Price and inclusions
What's included in the 5-day Nyerere fly-in safari
From $2,345 per person, based on two people sharing. The final price depends on your travel dates and group size.
Included
- Return flights between Zanzibar and Nyerere National Park
- Airstrip transfers
- 4 nights' accommodation in two camps
- All meals on safari
- Boat safaris and game drives
- Park and conservation fees
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Drinking water during activities
Not included
- International flights and Tanzania visa
- Travel insurance
- Tips for guides and camp staff
- Alcoholic and premium drinks
- Optional activities
- Personal expenses
Good to know
Good to know before you go
Packing list
Light aircraft usually limit luggage to about 15 kg per person in soft bags, with no hard suitcases. Bring neutral-coloured clothing, closed shoes, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars and a light jacket for early mornings.
Documents and visa
You need a passport valid for at least six months and a Tanzania visa. Check the current visa and health entry requirements for your nationality before you travel.
Best time to go
June to October is the dry season, when wildlife gathers around the river and lakes and game viewing is at its best.
FAQ
Nyerere fly-in safari: frequently asked questions
How much does a Nyerere fly-in safari cost?
This 5-day safari starts from $2,345 per person, based on two people sharing. That includes return flights from Zanzibar, accommodation, meals, activities and park fees.
What does a Zanzibar safari package cost in 2027?
For 2027 departures, this 5-day fly-in safari from Zanzibar starts from $2,345 per person. The final price depends on your dates and group size.
Is Nyerere National Park the same as Selous?
Yes. Nyerere National Park was created in 2019 from the northern part of the Selous Game Reserve, and many travellers still know it as Selous.
How do I get from Zanzibar to Nyerere National Park?
By light aircraft from Zanzibar to an airstrip inside the park. We book the flights and airstrip transfers as part of your safari.
Can children join this safari?
Children aged 8 and over are welcome. Walking safaris are for guests aged 16 and over.
What animals can I see in Nyerere?
Elephant, hippo, crocodile, giraffe, buffalo, lion and many antelope species are commonly seen. Nyerere is also one of the better places in Africa to look for wild dogs, though sightings are never guaranteed.
Group size
Group size
This is a private safari, run for your party only. It works well for couples, families and small groups of friends.
Ready to plan your Nyerere safari?
Tell us your dates and group size, and we'll send you a tailored quote.
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