7-Day Rubondo Serengeti Safari
Experience a 7-day safari to Rubondo Island and Serengeti National Park, featuring chimpanzee tracking, boat safaris, and big game viewing, including the Great Migration.
7-Day Rubondo Serengeti Safari Overview
This 7-day safari combines the pristine wilderness of Rubondo Island National Park with the iconic 3-day-saanane-mwanza-cultural-adventure. Track chimpanzees, enjoy boat safaris on Lake Victoria, and witness the Big Five and the Great Wildebeest Migration. The tour includes expert guides, comfortable accommodations, and seamless transfers.
Rubondo offers intimate wildlife encounters, while the Serengeti is renowned for its vast savannas and abundant wildlife. Ideal for adventurers seeking diverse ecosystems. The cost ranges from $3,500 to $5,000 per person, depending on accommodation and group size.
Itinerary for 7-Day Rubondo Serengeti Safari
This 7-day itinerary blends the lush forests and waters of Rubondo Island with the expansive plains of the Serengeti, offering a comprehensive Tanzanian safari experience.
Day 1: Arrival in Mwanza and Transfer to Rubondo
Arrive in Mwanza via flight from Dar es Salaam or Arusha. Your guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to a boat for the journey to Rubondo Island National Park. Check into your lodge, enjoy a welcome dinner, and rest. Overnight on Rubondo Island.
Day 2: Chimpanzee Tracking and Boat Safari
After breakfast, embark on a guided chimpanzee tracking excursion in Rubondo’s forests, observing these primates in their natural habitat. In the afternoon, take a boat safari on Lake Victoria, spotting hippos, crocodiles, and fish eagles. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Day 3: Birdwatching and Transfer to Mwanza
Start with a guided birdwatching walk, identifying Rubondo’s 200+ bird species, including herons and kingfishers. After lunch, take a boat back to Mwanza, check into a hotel, and enjoy a relaxed evening. Dinner and overnight in Mwanza.
Day 4: Transfer to Serengeti National Park
After breakfast, fly or drive from Mwanza to Serengeti National Park (flight recommended for time efficiency). Arrive at your lodge or camp, and embark on an afternoon game drive to spot lions, elephants, and giraffes. Dinner and overnight in the Serengeti.
Day 5: Full-Day Serengeti Safari
Enjoy a full day of game drives in the Serengeti, exploring its vast plains. Witness the Great Wildebeest Migration (seasonal, typically June-October) with massive herds of wildebeest and zebras. Look for cheetahs, leopards, and hyenas. Picnic lunch in the bush. Dinner and overnight in the Serengeti.
Day 6: Morning Safari and Return to Mwanza
Embark on a morning game drive to catch early wildlife activity. After brunch at the lodge, transfer back to Mwanza by flight or road. Check into a hotel, enjoy dinner, and relax. Overnight in Mwanza.
Day 7: Mwanza Cultural Visit and Departure
After breakfast, visit Mwanza’s Kirumba Market to experience local life and sample Tanzanian street food. Explore a nearby rock formation for Lake Victoria views. Your guide will transfer you to the airport for your departure. Ensure travel documents are ready.
Price Inclusions and Exclusions
The tour costs between $3,500 and $5,000 per person, based on accommodation and group size.
Price Inclusions
- Evacuation insurance
- All meals during the tour
- Rubondo and Serengeti park fees
- Chimpanzee tracking permits
- Cultural tour fees in Mwanza
- Pick-up and drop-off in Mwanza
- Professional guides
- All taxes and service fees
- Accommodation for six nights
- Boat transfers to/from Rubondo
- Internal transfers (Mwanza-Serengeti)
Price Exclusions
- International flights to/from Mwanza
- Tanzania visa costs
- Personal expenses (e.g., souvenirs)
- Airport taxes
- Gratuities for guides and drivers
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about this 7-day Rubondo Serengeti Safari.
Is chimpanzee tracking physically demanding?
Chimpanzee tracking involves moderate hiking through forests, suitable for those with average fitness. Comfortable shoes and stamina for 2-4 hours of walking are recommended.
Can I see the Great Migration on this tour?
Yes, the Great Migration is visible in the Serengeti, typically from June to October. Exact sightings depend on seasonal patterns, but your guide will maximize opportunities.
What is the best time for this safari?
The dry season (June to October) is ideal for wildlife viewing in both Rubondo and Serengeti due to clear trails and concentrated game. The wet season (November to April) offers lush scenery but may affect accessibility.
Is this tour family-friendly?
The tour is suitable for families with children aged 12+ due to the physical demands of chimpanzee tracking and long game drives. Consult us to tailor the itinerary for younger children.
What are Tanzania’s visa requirements?
Visa requirements vary by nationality. Most visitors can obtain a visa on arrival at Mwanza or Dar es Salaam airports, but check requirements beforehand.
What should I pack?
Pack lightweight clothing, sturdy hiking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars, a camera, and medications. A waterproof bag is essential for Rubondo boat transfers, and neutral-colored clothing is recommended for Serengeti safaris.