A 2-day safari from Zanzibar is a fly-in adventure to Tanzania’s mainland national parks, typically involving a short flight, game drives to spot wildlife like elephants, lions, and giraffes, an overnight stay in a lodge or tented camp, and a return flight. Popular options include Mikumi or Nyerere National Park. Prices range from $750 to $1,650 per person, covering flights, meals, and guiding for a seamless wildlife experience.
Can You Really Do a Safari in Just 2 Days From Zanzibar?
Yes — and when planned correctly, it’s one of the most rewarding experiences you can add to your Zanzibar holiday.
Many travelers visit Zanzibar for beaches, relaxation, and culture. But they also ask:
- Can I see the Big Five?
- Is 2 days enough for a real safari?
- Is it worth the price?
As a local tour operator at Blue Green Zanzibar Tours, we organize these trips weekly.
We know what works, what doesn’t, and how to maximize wildlife viewing in a short time.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- The best 2 day safari from Zanzibar options
- What animals you can realistically see
- Detailed pricing breakdowns
- Best time to go
- What’s included (and what’s not)
- How to avoid common mistakes
- Whether it’s truly worth it
Let’s break it down step by step.
What Makes a 2 Day Safari From Zanzibar Different From a Regular Safari?
Most people think of a safari as a long, expensive expedition requiring weeks of travel. A safari from Zanzibar breaks that assumption entirely.
Because Zanzibar sits just off the coast of mainland Tanzania, you’re already positioned within easy flying distance of some of Africa’s greatest wildlife destinations.
A short domestic flight — typically 45 to 60 minutes — connects the island to Mikumi National Park or Selous Game Reserve. This means your safari starts fast, stays efficient, and fits neatly into a beach holiday without eating up your entire trip.
The format is simple. You fly out on day one, go on an afternoon game drive, sleep at a lodge or tented camp inside or adjacent to the park, wake up for an early morning game drive on day two (when wildlife is most active), and fly back to Zanzibar in time for lunch or early afternoon.
The experience is immersive, not rushed — two full game drives plus the atmosphere of a real safari camp makes a genuine difference compared to a day trip.
For travellers who want more wildlife time without committing to a full multi-day Tanzania safari circuit, a 2 day safari from Zanzibar is simply the most practical and rewarding option available.
Which Park Should You Choose: Mikumi or Selous?
This is the most important decision you’ll make when planning a 2 day safari from Zanzibar. Both parks are outstanding, but they offer very different experiences.
Mikumi National Park: Tanzania’s Little Serengeti
Mikumi is often called “Tanzania’s Little Serengeti,” and it earns that nickname.
The park sits in a broad, open flood plain flanked by mountains, giving it the sweeping savannah landscape that most people picture when they imagine an African safari.
The wildlife density in Mikumi is impressive. Lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, buffalo, impala, and warthogs are all regularly spotted.
Leopards and hyenas are present but more elusive.
The park is part of the larger Selous-Mikumi ecosystem, one of the biggest wildlife corridors in Africa, which means animal populations are healthy and movement is constant.
What makes Mikumi ideal for a 2 day safari is its accessibility and the reliability of sightings.
The Mkata floodplain at the heart of the park is one of the best places in Tanzania to see lions resting or hunting, and elephant herds are a near-daily occurrence.
For first-time safari-goers, Mikumi delivers that classic, cinematic wildlife experience.
Best for: First-time safari visitors, families, travellers who want the classic open savannah experience, and anyone who specifically wants reliable lion and elephant sightings.
Our 2 day Mikumi safari from Zanzibar starts from $910 per person and includes return flights, transfers, two game drives, one night’s accommodation, and all meals. View the full itinerary here.
Selous Game Reserve (Nyerere National Park): Africa’s Largest Game Reserve
Selous — now officially designated as Nyerere National Park in its northern section — is in a different league when it comes to scale.
It’s one of the largest protected wildlife areas on the entire African continent, and it remains far less visited than the famous northern circuit parks.
That means something very valuable: space, silence, and a genuine feeling of wilderness.
What sets Selous apart from Mikumi is the variety of safari activities available.
Beyond game drives, a 2 day Selous safari typically includes a boat safari on the Rufiji River — one of the most extraordinary wildlife experiences in East Africa.
From the boat, you drift past enormous pods of hippos, crocodiles basking on the banks, elephants drinking at the water’s edge, and an astonishing variety of birds.
It’s an entirely different perspective from a 4×4, and many travellers say it’s the highlight of their entire trip.
Selous also holds very large populations of elephants, hippos, wild dogs (one of Africa’s most endangered species and one of the most exciting sightings), lions, leopards, crocodiles, and countless bird species.
The ecosystem is fed by the Rufiji River system, creating rich, diverse habitats that support extraordinary biodiversity.
Best for: Travellers who want a wilder, less-visited experience; anyone interested in boat safaris; wildlife enthusiasts who want to tick off African wild dogs; and repeat safari-goers looking for something beyond the standard game drive.
Our 2 day Selous safari from Zanzibar starts from $900 per person and includes return flights, lodge accommodation, a game drive, a boat safari, park fees, and full board meals. View the full itinerary here.
Mikumi vs Selous: A Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Mikumi National Park | Selous / Nyerere NP |
|---|---|---|
| Landscape | Open savannah, floodplain | Riverine, mixed bush, wetlands |
| Best sightings | Lions, elephants, giraffes | Hippos, crocodiles, wild dogs |
| Unique activity | Classic game drives | Boat safari on Rufiji River |
| Wildlife density | High, reliable | Vast, more exploratory |
| Visitor numbers | Moderate | Low — more exclusive feel |
| Best for | First-timers | Repeat visitors, wildlife lovers |
| 2 Day price from | $910 per person | $900 per person |
If you genuinely can’t decide, the honest answer is this: if it’s your first safari ever, go to Mikumi.
If you’ve been on safari before or you’re particularly excited about the boat safari experience, go to Selous. Either way, you won’t be disappointed.
How Does a 2 Day Safari From Zanzibar Work? A Day-by-Day Breakdown
Day 1: Fly to the Mainland and Afternoon Game Drive
Your safari begins with a hotel pickup in Zanzibar, typically early morning.
Your transfer takes you to Zanzibar International Airport for a domestic flight to the mainland — either to Dar es Salaam (for connecting transport to Mikumi) or direct to a bush airstrip close to your chosen park.
Upon arrival, your professional guide meets you and transfers you directly to the lodge or tented camp.
After settling in and enjoying lunch, the afternoon game drive begins — usually departing around 3:30 to 4:00 pm.
Afternoon drives are excellent because the heat of the day fades and animals become active again, often moving to water sources before dusk.
It’s common to see large herds, predators on the move, and spectacular golden-hour light that makes for extraordinary photography.
After the drive, you return to camp for dinner, often enjoyed around a campfire with the sounds of the African night as your soundtrack.
This — the sounds, the stillness, the stars — is something that simply cannot be replicated anywhere else.
Day 2: Early Morning Game Drive and Return to Zanzibar
Dawn is the most magical time in any African wilderness.
Animals are at their most active, the light is stunning, and the park feels entirely different from the day before. Your guide wakes you early for a game drive that typically begins at 6:00 to 6:30 am.
Morning drives are where the most memorable sightings happen — lions finishing a night hunt, elephants moving to the watering holes, impala herds in the mist, birds singing from every direction.
On a Selous safari, the morning boat trip on the Rufiji River is equally extraordinary.
After the morning drive and a hot breakfast back at camp, you transfer to the airstrip for your return flight to Zanzibar.
You’re typically back on the island by mid-afternoon, leaving plenty of time to enjoy the beach, arrange a sunset dhow cruise, or simply relax with a fresh coconut in hand.
How Much Does a 2 Day Safari From Zanzibar Cost?
Pricing is one of the most common questions we receive, and it’s worth being direct and transparent about it.
Our 2 day safaris from Zanzibar start from:
- 2 Days Mikumi Safari: from $910 per person
- 2 Days Selous Safari: from $900 per person
These prices are all-inclusive and cover:
- Return flights from Zanzibar to the mainland
- Airport and hotel transfers in Zanzibar
- Ground transfers on the mainland
- All park entrance fees and conservation levies
- Professional, English-speaking safari guide
- Two game drives (one afternoon, one morning)
- Boat safari (Selous option)
- One night’s accommodation at a lodge or tented camp
- Full board meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
- Drinking water during game drives
What’s typically not included: travel insurance, personal shopping, alcoholic beverages, and optional tips for guides (always appreciated and a meaningful gesture).
What Affects the Price?
The total cost of a 2 day safari from Zanzibar varies based on a few key factors.
The type of accommodation makes the biggest difference — budget-friendly lodges and basic tented camps sit at the lower end of the price range, while luxury lodges with private plunge pools and premium tented camps push the price higher.
Group size also matters: private vehicle hire costs more per person than joining a shared departure, but a private safari offers significantly more flexibility and a more personalised experience.
Seasonal variation plays a role too.
Peak season (July to September and December to March) tends to see higher demand, and early booking is strongly recommended.
If you’re travelling as a couple, a small group, or a family and you’d like a tailored quote, get in touch with us here and we’ll build you a personalised package.
What Is the Best Time of Year for a 2 Day Safari From Zanzibar?
The short answer: the dry season is the best time. But the longer answer is more nuanced.
Dry Season (July to September and December to mid-March)
This is peak safari season for good reason. Vegetation is lower, which makes spotting animals significantly easier. Water sources dry up and concentrate, meaning large numbers of animals gather in predictable places. Wildlife viewing is at its most dramatic and reliable during these months.
July through September is the classic dry season and the most popular time for safari. Temperatures are comfortable — warm during the day, cool at night. December through March (excluding the short rainy season in November) is the other prime window, coinciding perfectly with the high season for Zanzibar beach holidays.
Green Season (April to June)
The long rains fall between April and June. This is the quietest time for tourism, and some camps reduce their rates significantly. While spotting animals can be more challenging in thick vegetation, the parks are lush and green, birding is exceptional, and you’ll have the wilderness almost entirely to yourself. For experienced safari travellers who enjoy a quieter, more exclusive experience, the green season has real appeal.
Our honest advice: if this is your first safari, plan it between July and September or December and February. You’ll maximise your chances of the most spectacular wildlife sightings.
Is a 2 Day Safari From Zanzibar Worth It?
Yes — and here’s why we say that with confidence rather than as a sales pitch.
A day trip safari from Zanzibar (one of our other popular options) gives you a taste of the bush. But the 2 day format fundamentally changes the experience.
Spending a night in the park means you experience the full rhythm of African wildlife: the evening activity, the sounds of the night, and the extraordinary early morning when the world wakes up and animals are at their most animated.
Day-trippers never get to hear a lion roar in the dark, or wake to the sound of elephants moving through the camp perimeter.
There’s also a practical advantage: two game drives dramatically increases your chances of outstanding sightings.
Wildlife is unpredictable, and having morning and afternoon sessions across two consecutive days gives you much more opportunity to encounter the moments that make a safari unforgettable.
For travellers adding Zanzibar to a broader Tanzania itinerary — or for those staying on the island for a week or more — a 2 day safari is one of the highest-value travel experiences available anywhere in the world, per dollar spent.
What Should You Pack for a 2 Day Safari From Zanzibar?
You’re flying, so pack light. Most domestic charter flights from Zanzibar to safari airstrips have strict luggage limits (typically 15kg in a soft bag). Here’s a practical packing list:
- Clothing: Neutral colours (khaki, olive, beige, grey) work best in the bush. Avoid bright colours and especially white. Layers are important — mornings are cool, afternoons are warm.
- Footwear: Comfortable closed-toe shoes or light hiking boots.
- Sun protection: Sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-protective sunglasses.
- Optics: Binoculars are genuinely transformative on safari — even a basic pair makes a huge difference.
- Camera: Bring whatever you have, but a camera with a telephoto zoom lens will give you better wildlife shots. Your smartphone works perfectly well for most moments.
- Insect protection: Lightweight long sleeves and trousers for evenings, plus insect repellent.
- Medications: Anti-malarials if your doctor recommends them (Tanzania is a malaria zone), any personal medications.
- Documents: Passport, travel insurance details, booking confirmation.
- Soft bag: Hard-shell suitcases don’t fit well in small aircraft. A soft duffel or backpack is strongly preferred.
You don’t need to bring much. The lodges and camps provide everything else — towels, bedding, toiletries, and all your meals.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Booking a 2 Day Safari From Zanzibar
After guiding countless travellers through this experience, we’ve seen the same avoidable mistakes come up repeatedly.
Booking too late. The most popular departures — especially in July, August, and December — fill up fast. Safari lodges have limited capacity, and domestic flights have limited seats. Booking 1 to 3 months in advance is the sweet spot. Last-minute bookings are sometimes possible, but availability is never guaranteed.
Choosing a hard-shell suitcase. Small charter aircraft have very specific baggage requirements. A large hard suitcase may not fit in the cargo hold, and overweight luggage can cause real problems at the airstrip. Travel light and soft.
Expecting a Serengeti-scale experience. A 2 day safari is genuinely wonderful, but managing expectations matters. You may not see every member of the Big Five. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. What you will get is an authentic, immersive, professionally guided experience in a real African wilderness — and that’s more than enough.
Skimping on the guide. The quality of your safari guide determines the quality of your experience more than any other single factor. A great guide knows where the animals are, can identify species and behaviour from a distance, and brings the ecosystem to life with knowledge and passion. At Blue Green Zanzibar Tours, all our guides are professionally trained and deeply experienced in their parks.
Not combining with Zanzibar excursions. You’re on an island paradise. A safari is a magnificent addition, but so is a spice farm tour, a Jozani Forest trip to see the endemic red colobus monkeys, or a Stone Town walking tour. We can build a custom itinerary that combines all of it.
Why Book Your 2 Day Safari With Blue Green Zanzibar Tours?
We’re a Zanzibar-based tour operator specialising in safaris from the island, and we run these trips because we love them — not just because they sell. A few things set us apart:
Everything is included and handled. Flights, park fees, transfers, accommodation, meals, and guided game drives are all arranged as a single package. You don’t need to coordinate multiple suppliers or worry about missing connections. We handle everything.
Local expertise matters. Our team is based in Zanzibar. We know the parks, the lodges, the seasonal conditions, and the logistics better than operators based overseas. When conditions change — weather, road closures, wildlife movement — we adapt.
Flexible options. We offer both budget-conscious and luxury accommodation options at both Mikumi and Selous, so you can choose the experience that fits your travel style and budget.
Trusted by travellers. Our guests consistently rate their experiences 5 stars on TripAdvisor and Google. Read what past travellers have shared about us directly on our safari page.
If you’re planning a 2 day safari and want to ask questions before booking, contact us directly or send us a WhatsApp message. We’re happy to talk through the options and help you plan the right trip.
How do you get from Zanzibar to the safari?
Once you book your safari with us, we handle all the logistics. We pick you up from your hotel in Zanzibar and transfer you to Zanzibar International Airport. From there, you take a domestic flight to the mainland — either to Dar es Salaam (for Mikumi) or direct to a bush airstrip near Selous. A guide meets you on arrival and the safari begins. The entire process is seamless and fully organised.
Is a 2 day safari enough time?
For most travellers, two days gives a genuinely satisfying safari experience. You get two proper game drives — one in the afternoon and one at sunrise — plus the experience of spending a night in the African bush. That said, if wildlife is your primary passion and you have the time, extending to three or four days will only deepen the experience.
What is the best 2 day safari from Zanzibar?
The best choice depends on your priorities. If you want the classic open savannah safari experience with reliable lion and elephant sightings, the 2 day Mikumi safari is ideal. If you want a wilder, less visited destination with the added bonus of a Rufiji River boat safari and the possibility of seeing African wild dogs, the 2 day Selous safari is exceptional. Both are outstanding options.
How much does a 2 day safari from Zanzibar cost?
Our 2 day safaris start from $900 per person (Selous) and $910 per person (Mikumi). Prices are fully all-inclusive, covering return flights, transfers, accommodation, meals, park fees, and all guided activities. Luxury upgrades are available. Contact us for a personalised quote based on your group size and accommodation preferences.
What animals can you see on a safari from Zanzibar?
On a Mikumi safari, you can commonly see lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, buffalo, impala, warthogs, and a wide variety of birds. Leopards are present but harder to find. On a Selous safari, the highlights include elephants, hippos, crocodiles, lions, leopards, African wild dogs (rare and thrilling), and extraordinary birdlife. Neither park guarantees specific sightings — wildlife is wild — but both parks have excellent viewing rates.
Is it safe to go on safari from Zanzibar?
Yes. Tanzania’s national parks and game reserves are well-managed, professionally staffed, and safe for visitors. All our safaris use experienced, licensed guides who are trained in park safety protocols. The lodges and camps follow established safety guidelines. Tanzania is one of Africa’s most politically stable and tourism-friendly countries, and safari travel here is very well established.
What is the difference between a day trip and a 2 day safari from Zanzibar?
A day trip safari gets you to the park for a single game drive and brings you back to Zanzibar the same day. It’s a great option for a quick wildlife experience. A 2 day safari includes an overnight stay in or near the park, giving you two game drives, the immersive experience of an African bush night, and significantly more time with the wildlife. The 2 day format is a more complete and memorable experience.
Can I combine a safari with other Zanzibar tours?
Absolutely, and we encourage it. Many of our guests pair a safari with a range of island experiences — a sunset dhow cruise, snorkelling at Mnemba Atoll, the Jozani Forest red colobus monkey tour, or a Stone Town history walk. Tell us how many days you have and what interests you, and we’ll put together a complete Zanzibar and safari itinerary.
Conclusion
A 2 day safari from Zanzibar is one of those rare travel experiences that exceeds expectations almost every time.
In 48 hours, you move from a tropical island to an African wilderness and back again — and both places stay with you long after you leave.
Whether you choose the open savannahs of Mikumi or the vast river landscapes of Selous, you’re stepping into something genuinely extraordinary.
The early morning drives, the sounds of the night, the wildlife encountered in its natural environment — these are the moments that turn a holiday into a story you tell for years.
At Blue Green Zanzibar Tours, we’ve helped hundreds of travellers make this journey, and we know every step of the experience inside out.
We handle the logistics, you experience the adventure.
Ready to plan your 2 day safari? Browse our safari packages or get in touch with our team to start putting your trip together today.
