This safari pairs classic game viewing with chimpanzee trekking in Tanzania’s western rainforests — Mahale or Rubondo Island — one of Africa’s most memorable and least-crowded wildlife experiences.
This is a private departure that can start on dates to suit you, with your own guide and 4×4 throughout. The day-by-day plan below is a suggested flow — we tailor lodges, pacing and extensions to your wishes.
11-Day Serengeti & Rubondo Chimpanzee Safari takes you through Tanzania's most celebrated national parks. Each day is a different landscape, a different wildlife encounter.
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Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
You are met on arrival in Arusha and transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay and trip briefing.
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Day 2: Tarangire National Park
You fly by light aircraft to the first camp and begin your safari. Tarangire is known for its dense elephant herds and ancient baobab trees. In the dry season the Tarangire River draws large numbers of game, with good sightings of lion, giraffe, zebra and over 500 recorded bird species. Game drives run morning and afternoon.
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Day 3: Full day in Tarangire National Park
A full day exploring Tarangire National Park. Tarangire is known for its dense elephant herds and ancient baobab trees. In the dry season the Tarangire River draws large numbers of game, with good sightings of lion, giraffe, zebra and over 500 recorded bird species. Morning and afternoon game drives make the most of the area.
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Day 4: Central Serengeti (Seronera)
The Seronera area has reliable predator activity year-round, including lion, cheetah and leopard along its rivers and kopjes. Game drives run morning and afternoon.
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Day 5: Full day in the central Serengeti (Seronera)
A full day exploring the central Serengeti (Seronera). The Seronera area has reliable predator activity year-round, including lion, cheetah and leopard along its rivers and kopjes. Morning and afternoon game drives make the most of the area.
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Day 6: Full day in the central Serengeti (Seronera)
A full day exploring the central Serengeti (Seronera). The Seronera area has reliable predator activity year-round, including lion, cheetah and leopard along its rivers and kopjes. Morning and afternoon game drives make the most of the area.
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Day 7: Ngorongoro Crater
The Ngorongoro Crater is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with one of the densest concentrations of wildlife in Africa and a real chance of the Big Five — including black rhino — in a single day. Game drives run morning and afternoon.
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Day 8: Fly to Rubondo Island
Transfer to the operating airstrip and fly toward Rubondo Island, completing the required boat or ground connection to camp.
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Day 9: Rubondo chimpanzee experience
Complete the confirmed chimpanzee tracking or habituation activity with park staff. Sightings and walking duration remain unpredictable.
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Day 10: Rubondo wildlife and Lake Victoria
Use a second island day for forest, shoreline, birding or another confirmed activity according to permits and conditions.
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Day 11: Departure from Arusha
After a final morning you transfer to the airport in Arusha for your departure flight.
The displayed figure is an indicative planning reference. Final pricing requires current supplier, permit, flight, park-fee and exchange-rate confirmation.
- Park and conservation area entry fees
- Private 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Domestic light-aircraft flights as per the itinerary
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Accommodation as specified in the itinerary
- Meals as specified on safari
- Drinking water during game drives
- Airport transfers
- Government taxes and VAT
- Chimpanzee trekking permit
- International flights
- Tanzania entry visa
- Travel and medical insurance
- Tips and gratuities for guides and staff
- Personal items, drinks and laundry
- Optional activities unless stated
Extend with a Zanzibar beach stay, a hot-air balloon flight over the Serengeti, a Kilimanjaro day hike, or extra nights in any park. Ask us to tailor this trip to you.
Chimpanzee trekking
A guided trek to track a habituated chimpanzee community on foot through the forest with a ranger.
Included
Game drives in a 4x4
Morning and afternoon game drives in a private vehicle with a pop-up roof and a window seat guaranteed.
Included
Ngorongoro Crater descent
A full descent to the crater floor for dense big-game viewing, including a chance of the endangered black rhino.
Included-
Is Rubondo chimp trekking guaranteed?
No. Rubondo’s chimp experience and permit conditions must be confirmed for the dates.
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How is Rubondo reached?
Flight and boat arrangements depend on operating schedules.
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Why is there only one crater day?
The corrected route removes repeated crater filler and protects the Rubondo connection.
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Is this suitable for photographers?
Yes, but flight baggage and forest camera protection require planning.
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