Nature Travel Tanzania: Wilder­ness Experi­ence Wild Rubondo and Serengeti

After your independent arrival in Tanzania, you will meet your group in Arusha. The first night is spent together locally.

The following morning, you will take a charter flight from Arusha Airport (ARK) to Rubondo Airstrip (approx. 1.5 hours), followed by a 20-minute transfer to the camp.

You begin with 8 nights at Rubondo Island Camp. The cottages are built from local materials, blending almost seamlessly into the dense forest and lakeshore. Each suite overlooks the lake, often accompanied by the calls of birds or the distant grunts of passing hippos.

The camp is solar-powered, works closely with surrounding communities on the mainland, and sources local produce wherever possible – a place combining simplicity, comfort, and responsibility.

You will then spend 6 nights at Sayari Camp in the northern Serengeti National Park. The spacious, light-filled tented suites exude calm and elegance: mahogany floors, finely made King or twin beds, and colourful textiles create a warm atmosphere. Bathrooms feature walk-in showers, freestanding bathtubs overlooking the savannah, and private outdoor showers on the verandas.

From the surrounding terrace, you can read, relax, or watch passing wildlife. Sayari is also mostly solar-powered and offers en-suite bathrooms with flush toilets, hot water showers and bathtubs, communal areas, and a swimming pool.

Morning:
Days usually start early, with the first coffee or tea in the half-light as the wilderness awakens. Depending on the region and mood, activities may include a guided chimpanzee trek, a boat trip on Lake Victoria, or an extended game drive at Sayari. Breakfast is often enjoyed as a picnic outdoors, where wide views and the sounds of the wild set the pace of the day.

Midday and Afternoon:
The late morning and early afternoon are dedicated to further wildlife observations, drives, or quiet moments. Lunch takes place either at the camp or as a picnic on the go. Afternoons offer time to rest, read, or simply observe, before another activity or a sundowner rounds off the day.

Dinner:
Communal dinners at the camp provide the perfect time to relax and let the day’s experiences settle in.

The daily rhythm follows weather, wildlife sightings, and group interests rather than a fixed schedule. This flexibility allows for authentic engagement with your surroundings. This spirit of experiencing nature accompanies you for 8 nights on Rubondo Island, followed by 6 nights at Sayari.

Rubondo Island National Park lies in the southwest of Lake Victoria, around 150 km from the nearest town. The island spans 28 km, features four volcanic hills, and covers roughly 25,000 hectares. Its varied habitats and the absence of permanent residents make Rubondo an extremely private wilderness area.

Sayari Camp sits in the Serengeti near the perennial Mara River. Rock formations, savannah, and gentle hills create a variety of ecosystems – ideal conditions for year-round wildlife observation.

On your departure day, enjoy a final breakfast at the camp. Exact flight times are confirmed by the charter company. Transfers are then made by vehicle to the Kogatende Airstrip (approx. 20 minutes), followed by a flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport (approx. 1.5 hours, non-stop).

It is recommended to schedule international return flights for the following day.