7-Day Serengeti and Chimpanzee Safari
Safari Overview
This 7-day Tanzania safari offers a rare and unforgettable combination of East Africa’s two most sought-after wildlife experiences: trekking with habituated chimpanzees in their lush forest habitat and witnessing the legendary Great Migration on the endless plains of the Serengeti.
The journey begins in western Tanzania within Gombe National Park or Mahale Mountains National Park (depending on your preference), where you will hike through dense tropical forests alongside expert guides in search of wild chimpanzee families. Observe these intelligent primates up close as they groom, play, and interact in their natural environment—a truly life-changing encounter for any wildlife enthusiast.
From the forests, you will fly to the world-famous Serengeti National Park, where the landscape opens into seemingly infinite savannahs teeming with wildlife. Depending on the season, you may witness the Great Wildebeest Migration, watch lions stalk their prey, spot elusive leopards in acacia trees, and observe elephants, giraffes, zebras, and cheetahs roaming freely.
Game drives are conducted in custom 4×4 vehicles with professional guides who bring the ecosystem to life. Accommodation ranges from luxury tented camps to mid-range lodges, all strategically located to maximize wildlife viewing and minimize travel time between parks.
This safari is ideal for travellers seeking a dual adventure—combining primate trekking with classic big-game viewing—all within a compact 7-day itinerary. Whether you are a first-time visitor to Africa or a seasoned safari-goer, this journey delivers two of the continent’s most profound wildlife encounters in one seamless, well-paced trip.
Safari Highlights
- Days 1–3: Central Serengeti
- Days 4–6: Lake Victoria (Rubondo Island)
- Day 7: Departure
Detailed Itinerary
Days 1–3: Central Serengeti
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be received by your driver-guide, assisted through arrival procedures, and transferred to the domestic terminal for your scheduled flight to Central Serengeti. Depending on your arrival time, an overnight stay in Arusha may be required prior to departure.
After landing at the Serengeti airstrip, you will be welcomed by your camp guide and transferred to your accommodation. Take time to relax before heading out for an afternoon game drive, followed by dinner at camp.
You will spend three nights at Dunia Camp, with all meals, selected beverages, and shared game drives included. Your guide will help tailor daily activities to your preferences—whether it’s early morning game drives, relaxed afternoons at camp, or full-day excursions with packed lunches across the plains.
Dunia Camp is strategically located to explore key wildlife areas, including Seronera, Moru Kopjes, and the Southern Serengeti Plains. The Seronera River attracts a high concentration of wildlife, making it ideal for predator sightings. Moru Kopjes, with their ancient granite formations, serve as vantage points for big cats and may even offer a chance to spot the elusive black rhino.
At certain times of the year, vast herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles pass through this region as part of the Great Migration. On occasion, these herds can be seen grazing right from the camp itself.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Dunia Camp
Days 4–6: Lake Victoria (Rubondo Island)
After breakfast, you will transfer to the airstrip for your flight to Rubondo Island.
Upon arrival, a camp guide will receive you and transfer you to Rubondo Island Camp via a scenic drive. This remote island will be your base for the next three nights, with all meals, scheduled activities, and two chimpanzee trekking permits included.
Your guide will plan daily activities based on your interests and the movement patterns of the chimpanzees. Located in the southwestern part of Lake Victoria, Rubondo Island spans approximately 26 km in length and 10 km at its widest point, with most of its landscape covered in untouched forest.
The camp is set along the lakeshore, offering tranquil views and a truly secluded atmosphere. With only a small presence of park wardens, researchers, and camp staff, the island remains largely undisturbed by human activity and serves as a sanctuary for endangered species.
Rubondo Island is also associated with Professor Bernhard Grzimek’s “Noah’s Ark Project,” carried out in collaboration with the Frankfurt Zoological Society. Between 1966 and 1969, several endangered species—including 16 West African chimpanzees—were relocated to the island.
One of the key experiences here is guided chimpanzee trekking through dense tropical forest. On average, about 92% of visitors successfully observe chimpanzees during their habituation experience.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Rubondo Island Camp
Day 7: Departure
On your final day, enjoy breakfast at the camp before checking out. You will then transfer to the airstrip for your return flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport via Seronera.
Upon arrival, you will connect to your international flight or proceed to your next destination.
End of 7-Day Serengeti and Chimpanzee Safari
Safari Inclusions
- All park entry fees and conservation charges
- Domestic flights (Kilimanjaro – Serengeti – Rubondo – Kilimanjaro)
- 6 nights’ luxury accommodation at Serengeti National Park and Rubondo Island National Park
- All meals as specified (fresh, chef-prepared bush cuisine)
- Selected premium beverages at camp
- Expert English-speaking safari guides and rangers
- Shared scheduled game drives in Serengeti
- Guided chimpanzee trekking experience (2 permits included)
- All scheduled activities on Rubondo Island (forest walks, birding, relaxation)
- Airport meet & greet with seamless transfers
- Government taxes and VAT
Safari Exclusions
- International flights to/from Tanzania
- Visa fees and travel insurance (highly recommended)
- Tips & gratuities (guideline: $15–$25 per person/day)
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, private drinks, etc.)
- Optional activities not listed (e.g., hot air balloon safari over Serengeti)
- Additional accommodation before/after the safari
- Any increase in park fees or government taxes
Why This Safari Stands Out
- Front-row seats to the Great Serengeti wildlife drama
- Rare chimpanzee encounters on a wild, untouched island
- Seamless blend of savannah safari + tropical rainforest adventure
- Low crowds, high exclusivity, and raw, authentic Africa