A Taste of Tanzania – Selous Safari and Zanzibar
Seasonal Information
This is the perfect introduction to Tanzania. Experience the majesty of its vast, pristine wilderness in the Selous Game Reserve, on thrilling safaris across all kinds of terrain. Then wake up to the romance of an escape in the Spice Islands and feel alive in a world of cerulean seas, silky sand beaches and tropical gardens. Get lost in the buzz of Zanzibar’s winding market streets – there’s adventure to be had…
- Diving in the pristine Zanzibar waters
- Incredible game viewing on bush walks and game drives
- Hot spring trips
- Water fun and sundowners
- Lose yourself fly-camping in the natural beauty of the Selous
- Delicious bush picnics
- Boat trips and fishing on the Rufiji
The Selous
More than twice the area of the Serengeti, the Selous Game Reserve is a wild paradise of animals and plants. The rich landscape is a tapestry of grass plains, wetlands, mountains, woodland, swamps, and thick forests. The reserve was established nearly one hundred years ago and is recognised by UNESCO as a world heritage site for its breath-taking biodiversity.
You will struggle to find a location in Africa that offers the same level of seclusion and unspoiled nature as the Selous. The massive wildlife population includes buffalo, lions, wildebeest, elephants, hippos, puku antelope and wild dogs. Bird life is an eruption of colour, with giant kingfishers, the white-fronted bee-eater and purple-crested turaco just a sample of the 445 resident species.
Walking safaris at Selous are an unparalleled joy, but the variety of the park’s terrain means that canoe trips and fly-camping also offer fantastic game-viewing opportunities. Each day in this reserve is unlike any other.
Zanzibar
Zanzibar is an island with much more to its name than its idyllic setting and inviting temperatures. A historical trade hub, its winding streets and alleys are alive with clues to the past and delight the senses with a cacophony of cultures and cuisines, hawkers and idlers. The arts scene is alive, with Zanzibar hosting its own annual international film festival and the city home to a flourishing music scene.
European, Indian, Bantu and even Chinese influences are present in Zanzibari cuisine – be sure to sample local delicacies while out and about. Of course, it would be a waste not to enjoy the endless white beaches and warm blue waters that teem with life. Let Zanzibar wash away your worries in a true luxury island getaway.
After a warm welcome at Julius Nyerere Airport, an andBeyond team member will transfer you to The Oyster Bay Hotel. Your delightful en suite room features modern African design, with natural tones and a spacious layout.
If you’re feeling adventurous, head into Dar es Salaam for a taste of the relaxed pace of life and humming streets of Tanzania’s largest city. It’s renowned for its seafood and home to a large and ever-growing mixture of people and cultures, reflected in the variety of buildings and monuments that can be found along the streets.
Check out St. Joseph’s Cathedral, the National Museum and House of Culture or some of the busier markets, like Kivukoni fish market. Coco Beach is a good spot for relaxing by the sea, exploring tasty street food and perhaps catching some live music – or indulging in a little night life.
An andBeyond team member will collect you after breakfast for a transfer to Dar es Salaam Airport for your flight to Lower Selous Airstrip. Let your safari adventure begin!
There is no shortage of things to do in Selous. Game drives and bush walks will take you through shifting habitats and up close and personal with animals in different ways. You could find yourself tracing a dry riverbed or hiding out up a tree! Wild swimming, barefoot fishing and boat cruises to spot elephant are all possible.
Black rhino, leopard, cheetah, hyena and wild dog are all amoung the species that can be found on safari in the Selous – as well as numerous others. The Rufiji river draws species, especially during the hotter summer months, making for exciting game drives and walking safaris.
Get out and stay out with a night fly camping under the stars, watching the wildlife crowd at a nearby waterhole. Then enjoy a bush lunch before soaking up the tranquillity of your surroundings in the natural hot spring. Sundowners are the perfect way to cap off a day of adventure in this incredible place.
Following a delicious goodbye breakfast, you will be taken from Sand River Selous to Lower Selous Airstrip for a flight to Abeid Amani Karume Airport in Zanzibar.
Feel as though you’re entering a different world as you set foot on Zanzibar island, where white sands and glimmering seas vie for your attention. Zuri Zanzibar Hotel & Resort provides the height of comfort and luxury in this idyllic setting, where you will enjoy an Ocean Front Suite with en suite bathroom.
Zuri doesn’t have a garden – it is a garden. Marvel in the stunning trees and flowers that colour every little journey around the resort. It is, however, famed for its spice garden – we don’t need to tell you how good a stroll among those plants smells.
A suite of wellness activities and treatments are on offer, as well as the option to build your entire stay around a holistic, restoring experience. For the energetic, the outdoor fitness area lets you work off a sweat and breathe in the nature all around.
The island of Zanzibar is an adventure in itself. Water sports of every kind are available, and the dazzling rainbow reefs off the shore beg to be explored by scuba. Kayaks, stand up paddle boards and snorkelling sets are included in your stay, with sea safari options galore. Guests can even take part in turtle conservation.
Gain an understanding of Zanzibar’s history at the world heritage site of one of the last open air slave markets, Stone Town. Bustling markets beckon the curious, and stunning design can be seen everywhere from the teak doorways downtown to the museum of history and culture and the grand amphitheatre. Wander into bars like Africa House and revel in the coming together of cultures and stories, surrounded by the sounds and smells of the spice islands.
Additional Recommended Activities (at extra cost):
- Snorkelling
- Diving
- Sunset dhow cruise
- Fishing
- Tour of the Paje Seaweed Farm
- Turtle centre visit
- Prison Island tour
- Spice tour
After a mouth-watering breakfast, you will be taken from Zuri Zanzibar to Abeid Amani Karume Airport for your flight on to Dar es Salaam. An andBeyond team member will meet you and take you to Julius Nyerere Airport for your onward travel arrangements.
Dates are flexible so please make an enquiry and tell us a range of dates you are considering so we can check availability.
Sustainability
Nomad Tanzania, of which Sand Rivers Selous is part, actively promote the conservation of Africa’s flora and fauna. They partner with and run several initiatives that include providing wildlife education for children in Tanzania and tackling poaching. 100% of profits from massages and purchases in-camp go to their partners and projects.
Zuri Zanzibar employs locally and has started a tourism training project in Kendwa, a village in Zanzibar, providing a route into the tourism sector for local young people. The hotel purchases products made by co-operative, socially responsible groups that aim to empower local women and create sustainable, high-quality items, such as organic bathroom amenities. Zuri Zanzibar also invests in waste management initiatives and local schools.
- Meet & Greet service at Julius Nyerere International Airport
- Accommodation with three meals daily (taken either at Upendo or Maisha restaurants at Zuri Zanzibar)
- All drinks at The Oyster Bay Hotel, all drinks (except Champagne and premium wines) at Sand Rivers Selous and daily minibar refills, in-house soft and alcoholic drinks and afternoon tea at Zuri Zanzibar
- All activities at Sand Rivers Selous (on a shared basis)
- Laundry
- Road transfers and flights as indicated in the itinerary
- Tanzania National Park fee
- Emergency medical evacuation insurance
- Administration fee
- International inbound and outbound flights
- Visa costs
- Vaccinations
- Health insurance
- Travel insurance
- Additional travel requirements outside of included transfers
- Gratuities
- Carbon offset through Climate Care
Particularly suited to:
- Walking enthusiasts
- Beach loungers
- Wildlife lovers
- Romantics
- Ocean explorers
Suitable for ages 8 to 80
Children under 8 are not permitted at Sand Rivers Selous, and only those over 12 may participate in walking safaris.