Northern Tanzania and Rubondo Island Adventure

Duration
11 days
Price from
£6,270 pp.
Location
Tanzania, Africa
Rubondo Island Chimp

Trip Highlights

  • Spending time on the exclusive Rubondo Island with the chimpanzees
  • Game drives in Tarangire National park
  • See the Ngorongoro Crater in all its glory

What's Included

  • 10 nights accommodation
  • All transfers, excursions and activities as specified
  • Flights to/from Rubondo Island

Not your typical safari

A journey of wildlife, wonder and once-in-a-lifetime experiences – combining the iconic Big Five safari with a rare and rewarding opportunity to join the Chimpanzee Habituation Program on the remote and pristine Rubondo Island.

From the sweeping savannahs of the Serengeti to the dense tropical forests of Rubondo Island, this extraordinary trip immerses you in the heart of wild Africa.

Our Tanzania specialist, Ottilie, says:

"This trip is something really special. It has all the classic safari magic – big game, stunning landscapes, incredible guides – but then it goes a step further. Heading to Rubondo and being part of the chimp habituation experience is unlike anything else. Anyone who’s done it will tell you it’s real, raw, and stays with you long after you’ve left. What I love most is that it’s not just about seeing wildlife – it’s about truly connecting with it, and with the people working so hard to protect it. If you're after something a little different, something that’s both wild and meaningful, this is it."

Throughout your journey, you’ll travel in your own private safari vehicle with an expert guide, moving through iconic landscapes like Tarangire, Lake Manyara, the Ngorongoro Crater, and the Serengeti. Each place has its own rhythm, its own wildlife, its own stories.

One day you’re watching elephants wade across a river at sunset; the next, you’re climbing into the treetops for a bird’s-eye view of the forest canopy. You’ll enjoy picnic lunches in the bush, drinks by the campfire, and dinners overlooking vast crater views. At night, you’ll fall asleep in tented camps and rustic lodges to the sounds of lions calling in the distance and hyenas laughing under the stars.

Just when you think you’ve experienced the very best of the wild, a scenic flight brings you to remote Rubondo Island – a lush, forested sanctuary in Lake Victoria. Here, the open plains give way to dense jungle. You’ll join conservationists on foot as part of a rare chimpanzee habituation experience: a chance to witness these intelligent, emotional creatures in their natural home. It’s moving, unpredictable, and truly unforgettable.


Trip Itinerary

Day 1 Welcome to Tanzania

Upon arrival, you will be met at Kilimanjaro Airport by your driver in your private safari vehicle - your driver will be with you until you fly out of the Serengeti.

You will begin the three hour journey to Tarangire National Park. Upon arrival, you will report to the Tarangire River Lodge, spend the afternoon watching elephants from the camps viewing platform or head out on your very first game drive. The River Lodge will be home for the next two nights, staying in a double tent on a full board basis the raised tents allow you to hear the wonderful sounds of the bush during the night.

Day 2 Tarangire National Park

Elephants Tarangire

Take a picnic lunch and spend all day in the National Park, with one elephant per square kilometre this park is a peaceful haven for pachyderms.

Day 3 Lake Manyara National Park

Day 4 Venture into the Crater

Day 5 Explore the Serengeti

Day 6 The Serengeti Continued

Day 7 Goodbye Safari and Hello Chimps!

Staying at Rubondo Island Camp

After a morning game drive say goodbye to your guide as they drop you at the Seronera Airstrip to catch the afternoon flight to Rubondo Island.

An Island in the southern waters of Lake Victoria Rubondo is home to a very special group of chimpanzees whose ancestors were brought here in the 1960s as part of an ambitious conservation project, today you can be part of the habituation process. Start your first night with a briefing on the next two days, what is involved and what to expect. You will stay on Rubondo island for the next three nights, on a full board basis, and can enjoy one night fly camping if you are feeling brave!

Day 8 Chimpanzee Habituation Program - Day 1

Day 9 Chimpanzee Habituation Program - Day 2

Day 10 Say goodbye to Rubondo Island

Day 11 Goodbye Tanzania

Trips in Tanzania

Tanzania Trip Inspiration

Type

All

Location

All

Price

Sort by

Price (High-Low)

Speak to a Tanzania expert today

and start planning your tailor-made holiday

Call 0203 111 1315
or
Our Tanzania Experts
Ali 1

Alistair

Otti profile pic

Ottilie

When to go to Tanzania

Find out the best time to visit Tanzania with our month by month guide.

  • Best
  • Good
  • Mixed
  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

January

January is mixed when it comes to weather, temperatures rise whilst the chance of rain and humidity increases. It is still a good time to go, as the rates are lower yet the game viewing is still excellent.

  • During this time migratory herds are in the Serengeti for calving season, meaning the Ndutu plains are busy.

February

The weather remains hot with a chance of rain in February.

  • Meanwhile in the Ndutu Plains the migration is still occurring.

March

March is the calm before the storm, before heavy rains and humidity builds. Visitors can take great advantage of lower rates during the low season.

  • Migrating herds start to leave Ndutu, heading West towards Grumeti.

April

April experiences continued periods of heavy rain, we would advise against travel due to the conditions.

May

During may there is periods of heavy rain, we would advise against travel due to the conditions.

June

June heralds the wet season, bringing lush green vegetation which can make spotting game more difficult. It is a particularly great time for birders as parks become populated by migratory birds especially in the South.

  • Migration is still in the Grumeti area, heading north.

July

July is the start of peak season, temperatures reach up to 30 degrees and the surrounding land becomes drier and spotting game is becoming easier.

  • The migration is in the Northern Serengeti moving towards Kenya.

August

August is peak season, with bush land drying out game spotting becomes much easier. If you want to experience Tanzania game at its best, August is the time to travel.

  • The migration still remains in the north.

September

Peak season continues in September, the Northern circuit can be very busy, if you want to avoid crowds it's best to visit the southern parks.

  • The end of the migration is still in the north with herds on both side of the Kenyan and Tanzanian borders.

October

Peak season continues into October with good game viewing in the Serengeti and southern parks.

  • The migration has now crossed over into Kenya.

November

November is the start of the rainy season, the rains tend to be overnight so it is still a popular time to travel. During this month you can take advantage of low season rates.

  • Migration crossing over into the Serengeti can be seen a the Tanzania and Kenya border.

December

Rains continue in December, whilst the temperature and humidity start to build. Venturing out on safari is generally good, with large game still easily spotted.

  • Migrating herds in the north travel south back to Ndutu.
Shirley Newman

What can I say….my son and myself had the most wonderful time in Kenya thanks to the first-class itinerary that Ben and Louise put together for us. We spoke with Ben many times to ensure he ‘got it right’. This was our 2nd visit to Kenya, and it certainly lived up to our expectations and memories. We stayed in four locations, firstly at the wonderful El Karama Lodge, Laikipia Wildlife Conservancy, where we even had a visit from Ruth from Far and Wild! Then, for a return visit, to Saruni Samburu, which is absolutely stunning and still one of our favourite places in the world. Next came Basecamp Mara Camp, where we saw our first Cheetah, the only animal we didn’t see on our first visit. After that, onto the wonderful Leopards Hill in the Naiboisho Conservancy, what a way to spend the last four days of this trip. Here we finally spent many hours with a beautiful leopard. Throughout our time in Kenya, we saw many lions, giraffes, elephants, ostriches, hyenas, cheetahs, and leopards, to name just a few. Nothing was too much trouble for all the staff; we cannot have been looked after any better. Since our return again Ben phoned to see how it went in addition to emails. I would highly recommend Far and Wild; they are so knowledgeable and have personally visited the lodges and areas. We are already planning another visit, and we cannot wait.

16 Aug 2025
Elizabeth Spells

I have just returned from the most amazing trip to Tanzania, booked with Far & Wild. Everything went so smoothly from the first time I spoke with them. The planning was great, the itinerary was perfect for us, and the lodges were amazing. We spent 10 nights with an amazing guide, travelling through Northern Tanzania and even got to see the migration, which was a lifetime ambition of mine. This wasn't our first safari, so we were nervous as to how it would compare, but it was spot on. We're particularly grateful that she suggested a private 'bush lunch' in the Ngorongoro Crater as the public picnic spot was very busy! I will certainly be using them again to book our next trip....we're thinking of a relaxing beach stay next time to get over the excitement of safari!

17 Sept 2025
Orla Rhodes

Just back from another amazing F&W organised trip to Namibia with the family (8 adults). Having been there before, Alistair tailored our trip to include our favourite locations and added a new one for us, Okonjima Plains camp, which we loved.The quality of accommodation and guiding, activities, food and drinks was exceptional throughout. Although not inexpensive I felt it was good value for the level of luxury we had. Kwessi Dunes, Shipwreck lodge, Ongava, Okonjima with pit stops Windhoek (city tour recommended ), Swakopmund (Sandwich Harbour and Walvis Bay tour) and Grootberg lodge (best sundowner drive )

31 Jul 2024
Arnhild Schia

We had a wonderful trip to São Tomé and Príncipe - a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea with paradise (almost empty) beaches and jungle forest. It was all well organised by Far and Wild and we stayed at Omali lodge at Sao Tome, then on Roca Sundy, and Sunday Praia at Principe - a great combination of different types of resorts/hotels. Omali is close to Sao Tome town with its colonial buildings, markets, hustle and bustle. Roca Sunday gives an old plantation experience and Sundy Praia a luxury beach experience. Very friendly (from time to time a bit slow) service, great fresh food, specifically if you like fish/seafood, vegetables and fruits (almost all sourced locally). Nice temperature between 23 and 30 degrees Celsius, nice swimming conditions. We really recommend this for those who want to experience a pristine destination with few other tourists and friendly and welcoming people. The islands also feel (and I believe are) very safe. At Principe, there are no dangerous animals, snakes or whatever, and it was great to be able to hike in the jungle without being very conscious of where to put your hands and feet. Go before everyone else does!

3 Jul 2024
Henri Papenfus

Back home again, basking in the joys of a superb safari. Every aspect you arranged for us, including linking up with Mack Air and Wild Horizons locally to transport us. The choice of camps, Camp Hwange in Zimbabwe and Muchenenje Safari Lodge in Botswana, was spot on and exactly what we had hoped for - ideally situated, comfortable, in good surroundings, and with excellent wildlife on the doorstep and throughout the wider country. The service staff in each looked after us very well, catering was excellent, and the game guides were professional, knowledgeable and helpful. The weather was, as usual for that part of the world, also good at the time of our visit. Blue skies and stunning sunsets. Warm but not too hot during the day, although quite cold at sunrise when viewing game. The viewing started. You made us happy, and we recommend you to similar safari enthusiasts with confidence.

28 Jun 2024
AC

Far and Wild went above and beyond to make sure my trip to Zambia was special. I would definitely recommend them and their services to anyone wanting to travel to Africa.

5 Jun 2024
Tiny

Lovely holiday at the amazing Almanara on Galu beach, a beach like no other. Far and Wild excelled themselves from beginning to end of our holiday in beautiful Kenya.... What a country!,

5 Jun 2024
Stodge

Wow! These guys are amazing. Can’t recommend them highly enough. Friendly AND efficient! Sorted out our trip (last minute and lots of different family member needs, sorry!) in record time and everything worked like clockwork. Trip of a lifetime to the Masai Mara. Will be back (and use F&W again!)!

5 Jun 2024
Fiona C

It was a dreamy holiday on the Kenyan Coast - Far and Wild, their efficiency and professionalism allowed us to relax and be the happiest family alive !! We cannot fault them, their care and understanding of what we wanted from a holiday ensured we had the most memorable trip. We will be booking with them again for sure!

5 Jun 2024

Plan with an expert

Have a look at our original experiences and then contact us with your questions, or call 0203 111 1315

A tailor-made itinerary just for you

Our experts will send you a detailed holiday itinerary specified to your desires. It's our service promise to you.

Value guarantee

Tailor-made doesn't mean expensive! Ask about our price promise and book with financial security.