Best & Affordable Selous Safari Packages from Dar es Salaam (2025–2026)

Best & Affordable Selous Safari Packages from Dar es Salaam (2025–2026)

If you’re dreaming of a wild, uncrowded safari just a short hope from Dar es Salaam, Selous Game Reserve (now part of Nyerere National Park) is the place to be in 2025–2026. These affordable safari packages from 950$ per person  offer the perfect blend of bush adventure, comfort, and authentic African experiences all just a few hours from Tanzania’s largest city.

Explore Nyerere National Park (Formerly Selous Game Reserve)

Nyerere National Park, once known as the famous Selous Game Reserve, invites you to experience one of Africa’s wildest and most untouched safari destinations. As Tanzania’s largest national park and one of the biggest in Africa, Nyerere stretches over 30,000 square kilometers of raw wilderness, rivers, woodlands, and savannahs. The park was officially established in 2019, named after Tanzania’s founding father, Julius Nyerere, but many travelers still refer to it as Selous—so don’t be confused, they are the same iconic place.

What makes Nyerere truly unique is the variety of safari activities it offers. Unlike most parks in northern Tanzania, Nyerere allows you to combine traditional game drives with boat safaris on the Rufiji River, walking safaris with armed rangers, and even catch-and-release fishing. The Rufiji River, which flows through the park, creates a life-rich ecosystem where you can spot large pods of hippos, crocodiles, elephants crossing the water, and a spectacular array of birdlife. It’s also one of the few places in Africa where you're likely to spot African wild dogs.

NOTE

You can easily access Nyerere National Park from Dar es Salaam, making it perfect for short or long safaris. Whether you’re looking for a 2-day quick escape, a 3-day classic bush experience, or a 4 to 5-day deeper safari adventure, Nyerere offers flexible options. Travelers can drive from Dar (about 6–7 hours), or take a quick domestic flight (just 45 minutes), depending on budget and preference.

Affordable Small Group Safari Packages to Nyerere National Park

2-Day Safari from Dar es Salaam
Ideal for travelers with limited time, this package includes a road transfer, game drive, and a boat safari along the Rufiji River. You’ll spend one night in a mid-range lodge or tented camp and return the next day. It’s a fast but thrilling introduction to the park.350$per person depend on the tour type

3-Day Classic Safari
This is the most popular option. It includes a boat safari, a full-day game drive, and a guided walking safari. With two nights in comfortable accommodation, you’ll have enough time to explore different parts of the park while enjoying river sunsets and evening campfires.

4- to 5-Day Extended Safari
For those who want the full experience, this package offers multiple game drives, time for relaxation, village visits, and deeper wildlife exploration. It’s ideal for photographers, families, or anyone who wants to slow down and immerse themselves in nature.

All packages are available as small group tours or private safaris, with options for budget, mid-range, or luxury accommodations, depending on your preferences.

Nyerere National Park is wild, rich in biodiversity, and still under the radar for many travelers. If you're looking for an affordable, flexible, and off-the-beaten-path safari that can be done easily from Dar es Salaam, this is the place to go.

Convenient Flights from Dar es Salaam

Skip the long road journey and fly directly from Dar to Selous in under 1 hour.
Daily scheduled flights (Coastal Aviation, Auric Air) depart from Dar es Salaam’s domestic terminal to Selous airstrips like Mtemere and Siwandu.

Most packages include:

• Round-trip domestic flight
• Luggage transfers and meet-and-greet at airstrips
• Park entry fees bundled with airfare in some offers

 Comfortable, Affordable Safari Lodges

Stay at budget-friendly yet beautifully located lodges and tented camps such as:

• Selous Riverside Safari Camp – riverside tents with en-suite bathrooms

• Africa Safari Selous – lodge-style rooms and pool access

• Selous Mapumziko Lodge – cozy budget-friendly option near Mtemere Gate

All accommodations offer:

• Daily housekeeping
• Private bathrooms with hot water
• Solar or generator electricity
• Stunning views of the Rufiji River or bush surroundings

Full-Board Meals Included

Every package includes three freshly prepared meals daily:

•  Breakfasts with tropical fruit, eggs, and pastries
• Packed or hot lunches between activities
• 3-course bush dinners under the stars

 Game Drives & Guided Activities

Your days in Selous are packed with thrilling safari experiences, all led by professional local guides.

Game Drives

• Early morning and late afternoon drives in open 4x4 vehicles

• Wildlife sightings include elephants, lions, wild dogs, giraffes, buffalo, and hundreds of bird species

Boat Safaris on the Rufiji River

• Cruise past pods of hippos, crocodiles, and nesting birds

• Enjoy sunset boat rides with refreshments and incredible views Walking Safaris

• Led by armed rangers and local trackers

• Learn about animal tracks, medicinal plants, and local traditions up close

Top 3 Affordable Selous Safari Packages (2025–2026)

3-Day Fly-in Selous Safari from Dar es Salaam

Best for: Travelers with limited time
Includes:

•   Return flights from Dar
•   2 nights at Selous Riverside Camp
•  2 game drives, 1 boat safari
• All meals, park fees, transfers
  From: $950 per person

4-Day Classic Selous Safari

Best for: Couples or photographers
Includes:

•  Return flight
•  3 nights at Africa Safari Selous
• 2 game drives, 1 boat trip, 1 walking safari
• Full-board meals, guide, park fees
  From: $1,250 per person

5-Day Selous Explorer (Road + Flight Combo)

Best for: Adventurers on a tighter budget
Includes:

•  One-way drive from Dar with scenic stopovers, return flight
•  4 nights at Mapumziko Lodge
•  Daily guided activities (game drives, walking, and boat)
• Meals, park fees, cultural village tour
  From: $1,050 per person

Why Choose Selous from Dar es Salaam?

• Quick & easy flight access – no long travel days

• Incredible variety of safari activities in one park

• Affordable lodges with amazing wildlife access

• Fewer crowds than northern parks like Serengeti

• Ideal add-on after a beach holiday or business trip in Dar