Practical and well-organized national park tours operate from Zanzibar City, offering excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. The standout options include Saadani National Park, where elephants and lions roam along a unique coastal setting; Selous Reserve, home to all Big Five animals; and Mikumi, known for its accessible elephant and leopard sightings.
I’m particularly fond of the Saadani tours, which combine game drives with beach time – a rare mix in East Africa. The Selous packages also impress with their comprehensive coverage and knowledgeable guides. Private tours start at $500 per person, including flights and game drives.
Let’s explore the top national park tours worth your time and money.
Key Points
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Selous (Nyerere) National Park offers a full-day private tour with round-trip flights from Zanzibar, providing the opportunity to encounter the Big Five and numerous bird species.
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Mikumi National Park safari is a 3-day adventure from Zanzibar or Dar Es Salaam, allowing visitors to spot diverse wildlife like elephants, giraffes, buffalos, and leopards.
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Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park, the largest forested area in Zanzibar, is known for its population of endangered Red Colobus monkeys and offers guided tours.
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Mnemba Atoll Marine Conservation Area is renowned for its rich marine biodiversity and coral reefs, making it a popular destination for snorkeling and diving.
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Ngezi Forest Reserve on Pemba Island features lush tropical forests, unique plant species, and diverse wildlife, providing a tranquil eco-tourism experience.
2 Days Saadani National Park From Zanzibar
With a convenient pickup from various locations in Zanzibar, travelers can embark on an overnight tour to Saadani National Park.
The tour includes meals and accommodation in a lodge or hotel, along with activities like a morning boat trip on the Wami River and both afternoon and morning game drives.
Visitors can expect to see a variety of wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, zebras, hippos, and lions.
The private tour ensures flexibility and personal attention, and the package includes parking fees, gratuities, and airport/departure tax.
While not wheelchair-accessible, most travelers can participate, though those with back problems, pregnant women, or serious medical conditions may want to reconsider.
Read our full review: 2 Days Saadani National Park From Zanzibar Review
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Day Trip to Selous (Nyerere) National Park Flying From Zanzibar
Travelers can embark on a day trip to the renowned Selous (Nyerere) National Park from Zanzibar. This full-day private tour includes round-trip flights and promises an unforgettable wildlife experience.
Visitors will encounter the Big Five, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, and numerous bird species during a guided game drive through the pristine reserve. The tour is wheelchair-accessible and stroller-friendly, ensuring accessibility for all.
With a 5.0 rating from 100% of travelers, this tour provides a personalized and professional experience, including meals, private transportation, and all accommodations.
Priced from $500.00 per person with a lowest price guarantee, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Read our full review: Day Trip to Selous (Nyerere) National Park Flying From Zanzibar Review
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3 Days Mikumi National Park From Zanzibar or Dar Es Salaam
From Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam, travelers embark on a 3-day safari adventure through the expansive Mikumi National Park.
The tour promises a chance to discover diverse wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, buffalos, zebras, wildebeest, leopards, and crocodiles. Guests enjoy a full day game drive with a picnic lunch, and stay two nights in a safari lodge with meals provided.
Pickup is available from select Zanzibar hotels, with a 6 AM start time. The private tour is offered in English, French, or Spanish, though a moderate fitness level is required.
Prices start from $870 per person and the tour has an impressive 4.8/5 rating based on 5 reviews, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.
Read our full review: 3 Days Mikumi National Park From Zanzibar or Dar Es Salaam Review
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Flight Package Zanzibar to Nyerere National Park (Selous GR) 3 Days 2 Nights
Set out on a captivating 3-day, 2-night flight package from Zanzibar to Nyerere National Park, also known as the Selous Game Reserve.
Explore the Spice Island of Zanzibar, visit a spice farm, and experience a full-day game drive in the vast Selous Game Reserve.
Enjoy a morning bush-walking safari, a boat safari on the Rufiji River, and a cultural encounter with the Maasai people.
This private and personalized tour includes all transportation, fees, and meals.
With a 5.0 rating from 6 reviews, this wheelchair-accessible tour is a must-do for nature enthusiasts visiting Zanzibar.
Explore the highlights of Tanzania’s wilderness at a price starting from $1,085 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.
Read our full review: Flight Package Zanzibar to Nyerere National Park (Selous GR) 3 Days 2 Nights Review
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A Day Trip to Saadani National Park From Dar Es Salaam / Zanzibar
Explore the rugged beauty of Saadani National Park, a unique destination that blends coastal landscapes with lush wildlife habitats.
This day trip from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar offers a chance to spot elephants, lions, giraffes, buffalo, and zebras on a game drive through the beachfront park.
The tour includes a hassle-free round-trip transfer and a complimentary lunch, along with free bottled water.
Although not wheelchair accessible, the private tour ensures flexibility and personal attention from the guide.
While not recommended for those with certain medical conditions, most travelers can participate in this exciting adventure into Tanzania’s natural wonders.
Read our full review: A Day Trip to Saadani National Park From Dar Es Salaam / Zanzibar Review
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2 Days Tour From Zanzibar to Nyerere National Park (Selous GR)
Venture into the vast expanse of Nyerere National Park, formerly known as the Selous Game Reserve, on this captivating 2-day tour from Zanzibar. Priced at $1,025.65 per person, this private tour allows your group exclusive access to the park’s diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes.
Kicking off at 5:00 AM, the experience includes meals, alcoholic beverages, and the use of bicycles. While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is suitable for those with moderate physical fitness, except for travelers with back problems, pregnant women, or those with heart conditions.
With a perfect 5-star rating across 8 reviews, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure in Tanzania’s wilderness.
Read our full review: 2 Days Tour From Zanzibar to Nyerere National Park (Selous GR) Review
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Safari to Mikumi National Park From Zanzibar Private Tour
This private safari tour from Zanzibar City takes travelers on an exhilarating journey to explore the expansive Mikumi National Park.
Travelers are whisked away by a private flight, then embark on a 4×4 safari vehicle with an English-speaking guide. The tour includes lunch, bottled water, and pickup/drop-off from the hotel or airport.
While not recommended for pregnant women or those with serious medical conditions, most travelers can participate. Reviewers note communication issues initially, but the supplier promptly resolved any inconvenience.
At €634.73 per person, the tour offers a private experience with a lowest price guarantee and flexible cancellation policy.
Read our full review: Safari to Mikumi National Park From Zanzibar Private Tour Review
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3 Days Serengeti National Park From Zanzibar
A 3-day private tour from Zanzibar to Serengeti National Park offers travelers the opportunity to enjoy the captivating wildlife of this renowned wilderness.
The customizable itinerary focuses on wildlife viewing, with three full days dedicated to game drives. Travelers will enjoy personalized attention from a knowledgeable driver-guide, who’ll share insights about the area.
The tour includes meals, hassle-free hotel pickup, and the chance to explore the Serengeti’s diverse ecosystems. Priced from $2,395.95 per person, with free cancellation available, this experience provides an unforgettable safari adventure for those seeking a personalized journey to one of Tanzania’s most iconic natural wonders.
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Day Safari Tour to Mikumi National Park
Zanzibar offers visitors an array of wildlife experiences beyond the renowned Serengeti. One such option is the Day Safari Tour to Mikumi National Park.
This full-day excursion, priced from $480 per person, provides the opportunity to spot a variety of animals, including lions, zebras, giraffes, and elephants. The tour includes lunch, coffee, tea, and water, as well as all fees and taxes.
While not wheelchair accessible and not recommended for those with certain medical conditions, the safari requires a moderate level of physical fitness.
With mostly positive reviews praising the knowledgeable guides and diverse wildlife sightings, this tour offers a chance to explore Tanzania’s rich natural heritage.
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Mikumi National Park From Zanzibar Road Trip 3 Days 2 Nights
The Mikumi National Park From Zanzibar Road Trip is a 3-day, 2-night adventure that allows visitors to explore the stunning wildlife and natural beauty of Tanzania.
Travelers will enjoy private transportation, comfortable accommodations, and all-inclusive meals during this exclusive tour. The itinerary includes round-trip transfers from Zanzibar City, a safari in Mikumi National Park, and the opportunity to spot a variety of animals in their natural habitats.
With a starting price of $995 per person and a 5-star rating based on reviews, this road trip is an excellent choice for those seeking an immersive Tanzanian experience.
Infants and children are welcome, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours prior to the start of the tour.
Read our full review: Mikumi National Park From Zanzibar Road Trip 3 Days 2 Nights Review
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Sum Up
Zanzibar’s national parks offer a diverse range of wildlife experiences. Visitors can choose from day trips to Saadani or Selous, multi-day safaris to Mikumi or Serengeti, and more. These tours provide opportunities to spot a variety of animals, from elephants and lions to birds and reptiles, in their natural habitats. Whether it’s a quick day trip or a longer adventure, Zanzibar’s national parks are worth exploring for a memorable wildlife experience.