6 Days Bush-Beach Southern Tanzania | Jadestone Africa Travels

Tour Highlights

Nyerere National Park (Selous) — 30,000 sq km of pristine wilderness
Spot rare African wild dogs, elephants, lions, hippos, and giraffes
Boat safari on the iconic Rufiji River
Three nights at Zanzibar Pearl Boutique Hotel
Optional Zanzibar activities: Prison Island, The Rock, turtle swimming, Mnemba Island

Overview

Experience the perfect blend of thrilling wildlife adventure and relaxing tropical escape on this 6-day journey through Tanzania's iconic landscapes and Zanzibar's pristine beaches. Your adventure begins with a scenic drive from Dar es Salaam to Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve) — one of Africa's largest and most unspoiled wildlife sanctuaries, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy game drives and a boat safari on the Rufiji River, then cross to Zanzibar for three nights of Indian Ocean bliss.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Arrival Dar es Salaam → Nyerere National Park

Pick-up from Dar es Salaam Airport. Drive to Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve) — one of Africa's largest and most pristine reserves, spanning 30,000+ sq km of savannas, woodlands, and wetlands. Home to elephants, lions, giraffes, and rare African wild dogs. Afternoon game drive after check-in at African Safari Selous. UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Lunch, Dinner African Safari Selous (Full Board)
Full Day — Nyerere National Park (with Rufiji River boat safari)

Full-day game drive with a picnic lunch inside Nyerere National Park. Included highlight: boat safari on the Rufiji River for a unique wildlife perspective from the water — hippos, crocodiles, and waterbirds galore.

Breakfast, Lunch (Picnic), Dinner African Safari Selous (Full Board)
Nyerere → Dar es Salaam → Zanzibar (by ferry)

Early morning departure from Nyerere; drive back to Dar es Salaam and transfer to the ferry terminal for the crossing to Zanzibar. On arrival, our team transfers you to Zanzibar Pearl Boutique Hotel.

Breakfast, Dinner Zanzibar Pearl Boutique Hotel (Half Board)
Beach Day — Zanzibar

Free day on Zanzibar. Optional activities: Prison Island ($90 pp), The Rock restaurant with lunch ($100 pp), swimming with turtles ($80), Mnemba Island visit with seafood ($70). Note: Zanzibar infrastructure tax of $5 per person per night is payable at the hotel.

Breakfast, Dinner Zanzibar Pearl Boutique Hotel (Half Board)
Beach Day — Zanzibar

Another free day to relax on the beach, explore Stone Town, or join a spice tour.

Breakfast, Dinner Zanzibar Pearl Boutique Hotel (Half Board)
Departure — Zanzibar → Dar es Salaam (ferry)

After breakfast, transfer to the ferry terminal for the crossing to Dar es Salaam. Transfer to Julius Nyerere International Airport for your onward flight.

Breakfast N/A (departure day)

What's Included

Airport/hotel transfers
Meet and greet by the Jadestone team
All accommodation as specified
All meals as indicated
Game drives in a luxury 4×4 with pop-up roof
Rufiji River boat safari
Professional driver-guide
All park entry fees
Water during the safari / on the road
Ferry Zanzibar–Dar es Salaam
All government taxes

Not Included

Tips and gratuities
Infrastructure tax $5 per person per night in Zanzibar (payable at hotel)
Tanzania visa
Optional Zanzibar activities (prices listed per activity)
Anything not mentioned above

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Nyerere National Park?

Nyerere National Park was formerly known as Selous Game Reserve. It is one of the largest and most pristine wildlife sanctuaries in Africa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in southeastern Tanzania.

What makes Southern Tanzania different from the north?

Southern Tanzania is far less visited than the northern circuit, offering a more exclusive wilderness experience. Nyerere is famous for boat safaris on the Rufiji River and the rare African wild dog.