Tanzania · Safari

2-Day Tanzania Island Safari with Rubondo and Saanane National Parks

2 Days Round trip from Mwanza Region Easy pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore Rubondo Island's tranquil wildlife haven, home to chimpanzees and over 200 bird species
02 Experience peaceful boat rides on Lake Victoria with stunning views of the surrounding islands
03 Enjoy guided safaris on Saanane Island, observing gazelles, zebras, and impalas
04 Discover beautiful hiking trails and viewpoints on Saanane Island for panoramic lake views

Embark on a 2-day escape into the wild beauty of Tanzania's islands, combining the remote wilderness of Rubondo Island National Park with the compact charm of Saanane Island National Park. Discover pristine landscapes, peaceful boat rides on Lake Victoria, and fascinating wildlife including chimpanzees, hippos, gazelles, zebras, and impalas. Along the way, enjoy guided safari experiences, rewarding birdwatching opportunities, and scenic viewpoints overlooking the lake and surrounding islands.

Embark on a 2-day escape into the wild beauty of Tanzania's islands, combining the remote wilderness of Rubondo Island National Park with the compact charm of Saanane Island National Park.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 2 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Mwanza, Rubondo Island National Park, Saanane Island National Park

Languages English, French, German, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Rubondo Island Wildlife and Lake Victoria Escape

Morning:

Depart from Mwanza early, around 7:00 AM, for the drive to Rubondo Island. It takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours by car to reach Mwanza Port, where you will take a boat to Rubondo Island.
The boat transfer to Rubondo Island National Park takes about 1 hour. This peaceful journey across Lake Victoria offers fantastic views of the lake and surrounding islands.

Arrival at Rubondo Island:

Rubondo Island is a pristine, remote destination that offers a true escape into nature. The island is known for its wildlife, including chimpanzees, giraffes, buffaloes, hippos, and a variety of bird species.
Once you arrive, begin a guided game drive or walking safari. Your guide will help you spot wildlife and share insights into the flora and fauna of this unique habitat.
Watch for species such as monkeys, antelopes, and the famous chimpanzees that were introduced to the island in the 1960s.
The park is home to over 200 bird species, making it a birdwatcher's paradise, especially along the shorelines.

Lunch:

Enjoy a picnic lunch on the island or return to your lodge for a more relaxed meal, depending on your preference and timing.

Afternoon:

After lunch, continue exploring the island. You can enjoy a boat ride along the shores, where you may spot hippos, birds, and occasionally crocodiles.
Alternatively, relax at the lodge, take in the natural beauty, and enjoy the serene environment of Rubondo Island.

Evening:

Spend the night at a lodge or camp on Rubondo Island, such as Rubondo Island Camp, and enjoy a quiet evening in the wilderness surrounded by nature.

Day 02

Saanane Island Safari and Scenic Views

Morning:

After breakfast, take the boat back from Rubondo to Mwanza Port, a journey of about 1 hour.
From Mwanza, continue to nearby Saanane Island National Park, located just a short boat ride from the mainland. Saanane Island is a small, picturesque park in Lake Victoria, only about 15 minutes from Mwanza.

Arriving at Saanane Island:

Saanane Island offers a mix of wildlife and stunning views. The park is home to animals such as gazelles, zebras, and impalas, and it also features great hiking trails and viewpoints.
You can enjoy a walking safari or a short vehicle safari to explore the island's wildlife.
The island is also excellent for birdwatching, with a variety of species thriving in its wetlands and forests.

Lunch:

Depending on your schedule, enjoy a picnic on the island or have lunch at a local restaurant in Mwanza.

Afternoon:

In the afternoon, take a relaxed stroll or boat ride around Saanane Island while soaking in the views of Lake Victoria. If time allows, you can also explore the small hiking trails and visit viewpoints for panoramic views of Mwanza and the surrounding area.
Continue with wildlife observation and take in the unique landscapes and rocky terrain that make the island especially memorable.

Evening:

After a few hours of exploration, return to the mainland by boat. The trip back to Mwanza is short, allowing you to arrive by late afternoon or early evening.
Your safari concludes with drop-off at your accommodation in Mwanza or at the airport if you are continuing your travels.

Where this trip takes you

Rubondo Island National Park, boat rides on Lake Victoria, Saanane Island National Park viewpoints

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Mwanza Region 3 cities · 2 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Transportation:
Round-trip boat transfers between Mwanza Port and Rubondo Island.
Vehicle transfers between your accommodation in Mwanza and the boat docks.
Accommodation:
Accommodation on Rubondo Island, such as Rubondo Island Camp, and potentially on Saanane Island if desired.
Meals:
Full-board meals, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with picnic lunches during park visits.
Water and soft drinks during the safari.
Park fees:
Entry fees to Rubondo Island National Park and Saanane Island National Park.
Safari activities:
Game drives or walking safaris in both Rubondo Island and Saanane Island National Parks.
Boat safaris around Rubondo Island and along the shores of Saanane Island.
Guide/driver:
An experienced local guide for the safari, providing wildlife information and ensuring a smooth experience.

What's Not Included

International flights to and from Mwanza are not included.
Entry visas for Tanzania are not included.
Alcoholic beverages are usually not covered.
Souvenirs, personal snacks, tips, and other personal expenses are not included.
Gratuities for guides, drivers, and lodge staff are generally not included.
Travel and medical insurance are not included, but are recommended.

What to bring

All safari items

Know before you go

Boat transfer to Rubondo Island:
- Enjoy a scenic boat ride across Lake Victoria, offering stunning views of the lake and surrounding islands.
Wildlife encounters on Rubondo Island:
- Spot chimpanzees, introduced to the island in the 1960s, along with other wildlife such as giraffes, buffaloes, and hippos.
- Observe monkeys, antelope, and a variety of birds, including endemic species.
Birdwatching:
- The island is a birdwatcher's paradise with over 200 species, making it a fantastic spot for birding enthusiasts.
Boat safari around the island:
- Take a peaceful boat ride around Rubondo Island to observe hippos and crocodiles, with great opportunities for photography.
Relaxing in a remote wilderness:
- Experience the tranquility and isolation of the island, providing a peaceful retreat away from crowds.
Overnight stay in nature:
- Enjoy the serenity of staying at a lodge such as Rubondo Island Camp, immersed in nature on this pristine island.
Wildlife on Saanane Island:
- Explore the small but rich park, home to zebras, gazelles, impalas, and various bird species. It is ideal for close-up wildlife viewing.
Hiking and scenic views:
- Enjoy panoramic views of Mwanza town and the surrounding lake from the island's viewpoints. You can also explore small hiking trails within the park.
Birdwatching on Saanane Island:
- Saanane Island is a prime location for birdwatching, with species such as herons, pelicans, and kingfishers.
Lake Victoria views:
- Enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Victoria, one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world, from multiple spots on the island.
Relaxed exploration:
- Take a more laid-back approach to exploring the island, either by boat or on foot along the trails, making it an ideal location for a peaceful day of exploration.