This journey connects the open plains of Serengeti with the remote rainforest of Rubondo Island. You begin in the central Serengeti – one of the best regions for big cats, including lions, leopards and cheetahs, alongside large resident herds and seasonal migration movement. It’s classic savanna safari with excellent predator sightings and wide horizons.
You then fly to Rubondo Island for four nights at Rubondo Island Camp, where the focus shifts to chimpanzee trekking in a protected forest ecosystem. Activities also include guided forest walks, boat safaris on Lake Victoria, catch-and-release fishing and birdwatching, all in one of Tanzania’s most secluded and remote parks. After Rubondo, you return to the Serengeti to connect onward to your next destination.
This tour includes a special offer: By booking 3+ nights at Rubondo Island Camp, you unlock complimentary flights between Rubondo and Serengeti.
Flights into and out of Serengeti are not included and can be arranged individually to suit your travel plans.
Discover remote parks where wildlife outnumbers visitors
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Safari Packing List
Safari Tour Seasons & Pricing
Mostly dry with occasional rains, keeping the parks vibrant. Jan-Feb and early Dec see occasional showers, while March and June tend to be more stable. A great time with fewer travelers, relaxed pace and frequent wildlife encounters.
Dry conditions reveal the savanna’s full beauty, making game drives easy and wildlife visible. Expect lively safari experiences and spectacular predator sightings, though you’ll notice more travelers than in other months.
Itinerary
Your adventure continues in the vibrant central Serengeti area. This vast landscape teems with wildlife, and it is impossible to view it all in one day. Today, your guide will lead you to new spots and highlight fascinating animals, giving you a broader view of the Serengeti’s richness. Seronera is home to some of Africa’s rarest species, including rhinos, leopards, serval cats, and caracals. Sometimes it can take several hours to spot a rare animal, but with a full day ahead, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to focus on the creatures you most want to find.
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Your adventure begins with a flight to Rubondo airstrip, followed by a scenic boat ride across Lake Victoria to reach the Rubondo island. Upon arrival, you’ll check in at Rubondo Island Camp, the only lodge on the island, making it the perfect place for those who seek peace, nature, and a true disconnect from the busy world.
Rubondo is a unique national park on an island, where mass tourism doesn’t exist, and every moment feels like a real safari expedition. Most of the island is covered in pristine sub-tropical rainforest, and your lodge is set on a beautiful beach with romantic water views. The surroundings are quiet, lush and untouched wilderness! After settling in, enjoy some downtime and get ready for tomorrow’s adventure - your first encounter with Rubondo’s famous chimpanzees.
Today’s adventure takes you deep into Rubondo’s lush sub-tropical rainforest for a guided chimpanzee trek. You’ll follow your expert guide as they lead you along forest trails in search of these incredible primates, observing their playful interactions and listening to their calls echoing through the trees. Most of Rubondo’s chimpanzees were reintroduced here in the 1960s after the local population had nearly vanished, making your encounter part of a remarkable conservation story. With only a small number of visitors allowed at a time, it truly feels like a private expedition, and every glimpse of a chimpanzee or other forest inhabitants becomes a memorable highlight.
On Rubondo, chimp trekking is a true little adventure! Depending on where the chimps are, you might start with a short game drive or boat ride before hiking through the forest. These playful primates are always on the move, so bring your sense of adventure and a bit of fitness - you should be comfortable trekking for at least two hours on hilly terrain, as searching for chimps can take time in some months. Sightings aren’t guaranteed, but visiting in the dry season (June-October) gives you the best chance. Guests must be over 12, and groups are limited to a maximum of eight per trek.
Your Rubondo itinerary includes two chimp trekking sessions, so you can try again this morning if yesterday didn’t bring the sightings you hoped for. But if you’d like to see a different side of Rubondo, you can take your time to explore the island’s broader wildlife and peaceful forest landscapes.
Unlike a classic safari on the savanna, Rubondo is a densely forested and secluded island, where large animals mostly move in areas not easily accessible to visitors. Still, with a bit of luck, you might spot rare species like the sitatunga antelope, or bushbucks along the forest edges, or even hippos and crocodiles in the wetlands. In the 1970s, elephants were introduced to Rubondo by the Asilia camp team, and today a breeding population of around 40 forest elephants roams the dense forest.
The mix of land and water habitats makes Rubondo uniquely rich - every turn can bring a surprise animal encounter. In the evening, enjoy the calm of the island and the beautiful sunset over Lake Victoria, with tomorrow’s boat adventure still to come.
Birdwatchers, you’re in for a treat! Rubondo is alive with colorful birds - over 200 species have been recorded here. In the forest, look out for bright songbirds, while in the wetlands and along the lake you might spot herons, eagles, and kingfishers hunting over the water. Birds make use of every layer - low shrubs, undergrowth, treetops, and the air above the lake - so every moment of observation feels unique.
On a boat ride, look closely into the water and you’ll discover the lake’s extraordinary aquatic world. Lake Victoria is home to over 250 endemic fish species, especially colorful cichlids swimming near the surface or among reeds and papyrus. In the quiet bays and along marshy shores, keep an eye out for hippos and crocodiles resting in the shallows. The water can be surprisingly clear, letting you see fish glide among roots and vegetation, making even a simple canoe ride feel like a mini underwater adventure. A peaceful paddle or a stroll along the shore is the perfect way to end your stay, leaving you with memories of a truly untouched and vibrant ecosystem.
Time in сentral Serengeti is always full of surprises. Every day in the savannah brings something new – you’re unlikely to see the same scenes twice. Lions that seemed lazy yesterday may be active today, elephants that walked away before might come closer out of curiosity, and you never know what unexpected wildlife moment awaits. This is also a great opportunity to explore the famous kopjes – ancient volcanic rock formations that shape the beautiful Seronera landscape. Many animals like to rest in their shade, which creates wonderful photographic opportunities. You may also visit Simba Rock. It resembles the iconic scene from The Lion King, where Mufasa presents baby Simba to the savannah. Seeing this setting in real life adds a fun and memorable touch to your Serengeti experience!
A truly special dining experience in a beautiful outdoor setting near your lodge. The scene is made even more charming with lanterns or candles, creating a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. You can often hear the sounds of wildlife, which adds to the authentic feel. A wonderful mix of delicious food and cultural richness against the enchanting backdrop of the Tanzanian wilderness! Please check with your travel expert what meal options and drinks are included.
Inclusions
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