Maliwaza a renowned Safari Expert, has helped thousands of travelers experience the magic of Tanzania, including the iconic Great Migration in the Serengeti.
Maliwaza a renowned Safari Expert, has helped thousands of travelers experience the magic of Tanzania, including the iconic Great Migration in the Serengeti.
Rubondo Island National Park’s standout feature is its community of semi-habituated chimpanzees, making it a prime destination for those eager to observe these primates in a closer yet respectful manner. In addition to chimps, the island is home to thriving populations of giraffes and elephants. Guides skillfully lead visitors either by vehicle or boat to spot these majestic animals in their natural habitats. Interestingly, you don’t have to venture far to encounter bushbucks; they are plentiful across the island. The wetland-favoring sitatunga antelope is another species that guests can often spot without the need for a dedicated trip.
Embarking on a boat journey across Lake Victoria stands out as a memorable experience during any visit to Rubondo Island. This adventure guarantees sightings of numerous hippos and imposing crocodiles. Additionally, be on the lookout for spotted-necked otters, whose playful antics are a common sight in this area. As you navigate slowly along the island’s forest-clad edges, you may also have the fortune of observing elephants quenching their thirst or catching a glimpse of primates like chimpanzees or Kilimanjaro colobus monkeys, the latter having been relocated from Arusha National Park, as they forage in the treetops.
The prime months for chimpanzee trekking on Rubondo Island fall between June and September, a time characterized by scarce rainfall, ensuring that the forest trails remain dry and easily walkable. While Rubondo Island welcomes visitors year-round, and rain seldom disrupts planned activities, it’s worth noting that April, the height of the Wet season, might present more of a challenge. During this period, the island’s singular private lodge takes a brief hiatus and closes its doors from April to May, though accommodations provided by the National Park stay available to guests.
Maliwaza a renowned Safari Expert, has helped thousands of travelers experience the magic of Tanzania, including the iconic Great Migration in the Serengeti.
Birdwatching on Rubondo Island shines from November to April, highlighted by migratory arrivals and resident birds in breeding colors. However, April’s heavy rains may dampen birding activities. Chimp trekking is prime from June to September, during the Dry season. Note: the island’s private lodge closes in April and May, but National Park accommodations stay open.
450+
Nov to Apr
Maliwaza a renowned Safari Expert, has helped thousands of travelers experience the magic of Tanzania, including the iconic Great Migration in the Serengeti.
Maliwaza a renowned Safari Expert, has helped thousands of travelers experience the magic of Tanzania, including the iconic Great Migration in the Serengeti.
During June, July, August, and September, the climate is predominantly sunny and arid. Humidity levels are more comfortable than in the Wet season, creating ideal conditions for various activities, including chimp trekking.
Come October, there’s a noticeable uptick in rainfall, particularly as the month progresses. This increase in moisture also brings higher humidity, intensifying the warmth and making conditions feel more muggy.
In November and December, known as the ‘short rains’ period, rain is a frequent occurrence, though it rarely lasts the entire day, leading to numerous overcast days.
January and February mark a brief respite between the short and long rains, with precipitation diminishing and periods of sunshine breaking through the clouds post-rainfall.
During March, April, and May, the ‘long rains’ season takes hold, reaching its zenith in April with significant rainfall. This time is characterized by high humidity and warmer temperatures, which can make the heat feel particularly stifling.
Maliwaza a renowned Safari Expert, has helped thousands of travelers experience the magic of Tanzania, including the iconic Great Migration in the Serengeti.
Many travelers heading to Tanzania choose to land at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), conveniently positioned between the towns of Arusha and Moshi. It lies roughly 30 kilometers (19 miles) from Moshi and 50 kilometers (31 miles) from Arusha. Alternatively, one can fly into Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam and then take a connecting flight to either Arusha Airport (ARK) or back to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). As part of your safari experience with Bush 2 City Adventure, we include airport pickup and transportation arrangements, ensuring a seamless transition to your Rubondo Island safari extension.
We offer convenient flight booking services to Tanzania at great rates. Alternatively, you can arrange your flights. Either way, we’ll take care of your accommodations and itinerary.
There are two direct flight options from Europe to Tanzania. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines operates daily flights from Amsterdam to Dar es Salaam and Kilimanjaro, while Turkish Airlines offers daily flights from Istanbul to the same destinations. These are convenient choices for travelers seeking direct routes.
Alternatively, you can fly to Nairobi, the key air travel hub in East Africa, and connect to Tanzania with Kenya Airways, which provides daily flights to Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro, and Zanzibar. European airlines offering flights to Nairobi include British Airways from London Heathrow, Air France from Paris, Swiss Air from Zurich, Brussels Airlines from Brussels, Lufthansa from Frankfurt, and Kenya Airways from London Heathrow or Amsterdam. Many travelers favor Kenya Airways for its efficient overnight service from London to Nairobi, with a convenient connection to Dar es Salaam arriving around 9:00 AM.
Additional connection options for those flying directly into Dar es Salaam include Egypt Air via Cairo, Emirates via Dubai, Etihad Airways via Abu Dhabi, Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa, Oman Air via Muscat, and Qatar Airways via Doha. Several airlines also operate flights to Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar, providing flexibility for your Tanzanian safari adventure.
Getting to Tanzania: Simplified GuideÂ
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From North America:
There are no direct flights to Tanzania from North America. Travelers typically make one stop in Istanbul (via Turkish Airlines) or Amsterdam (via KLM). Turkish Airlines connects 13 North American cities to Tanzania through Istanbul, while KLM offers connections from many U.S. and Canadian cities via Amsterdam. For example, the journey from New York to Dar es Salaam with KLM takes about 21 hours, while flights from Los Angeles take only slightly longer.
Another option is flying directly to Johannesburg with Delta Air Lines (from Atlanta) or South African Airways (from New York or Washington). After an overnight stay, you can take a short 3.5-hour flight to Dar es Salaam.
From South America:
The quickest route from South America is with South African Airways, flying directly from São Paulo to Johannesburg and then connecting to Dar es Salaam. This journey takes about 15 hours. Other options include connections via Europe or the Middle East with airlines like Ethiopian Airlines, Emirates, KLM, or Turkish Airlines.
From Asia:
Kenya Airways connects directly to Tanzania from Bangkok, Hanoi, and Mumbai, with onward flights to Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro, or Zanzibar. Alternatively, most travelers fly through Middle Eastern hubs with airlines such as Emirates, Etihad Airways, Oman Air, or Qatar Airways.
From Australasia:
There are no direct flights to Tanzania from Australasia. The best option is with South African Airways, flying from Perth to Dar es Salaam via Johannesburg in about 20 hours. Alternatively, you can connect through the Middle East with Emirates, Etihad Airways, or Qatar Airways.
Rubondo Island features its airstrip, offering access through regular and charter flights from key locations like Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Arusha, and the Serengeti National Park. For those aiming to blend their journey with a gorilla trekking excursion in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, direct flights from Kigali make it a seamless experience.
For travel to Rubondo Island, the following airlines provide services:
Coastal Aviation offers daily flights from the Serengeti and direct routes from Kigali International Airport.
Auric Air provides daily services from the Serengeti, including options for connecting flights to Kigali International Airport.
For comprehensive information on passport, visa, and additional entry requirements for Tanzania, please visit our FAQ section on the Tanzania page
Maliwaza a renowned Safari Expert, has helped thousands of travelers experience the magic of Tanzania, including the iconic Great Migration in the Serengeti.
We consider Rubondo Island National Park to be a highly secure destination for visitors. Its status as an uninhabited island naturally contributes to its safety. Like anywhere globally, urban areas tend to have higher crime rates, so we advise taking standard safety measures when exploring cities as part of your itinerary (for more details, refer to ‘Cities & Urban Areas: Safety Precautions’ below).
Malaria poses a minor risk on Rubondo Island. To safeguard yourself, we recommend the use of antimalarial medication. Utilizing mosquito repellent, especially those formulas enriched with DEET, alongside dressing in long pants and long-sleeved shirts during evening hours, can further enhance your protection. Additionally, it’s wise to consult with a healthcare professional regarding any vaccinations you may need before your journey.
Chimpanzee trekking on Rubondo Island is considered to be very secure. The chimpanzees here are semi-habituated, meaning they generally maintain a distance from humans. Over time, as they become more accustomed to human presence, they’ll likely pay little attention to visitors, allowing you to observe their natural behaviors. For your safety, a comprehensive briefing will be provided before you embark on your trek. Additionally, your guide will offer instructions during your time among the chimps. Please also pay close attention to the ‘Chimp Trekking Safety Precautions’ outlined below.
Maliwaza a renowned Safari Expert, has helped thousands of travelers experience the magic of Tanzania, including the iconic Great Migration in the Serengeti.
Maliwaza a renowned Safari Expert, has helped thousands of travelers experience the magic of Tanzania, including the iconic Great Migration in the Serengeti.
Rubondo Island National Park’s standout feature is its community of semi-habituated chimpanzees, making it a prime destination for those eager to observe these primates in a closer yet respectful manner. In addition to chimps, the island is home to thriving populations of giraffes and elephants. Guides skillfully lead visitors either by vehicle or boat to spot these majestic animals in their natural habitats. Interestingly, you don’t have to venture far to encounter bushbucks; they are plentiful across the island. The wetland-favoring sitatunga antelope is another species that guests can often spot without the need for a dedicated trip.
Embarking on a boat journey across Lake Victoria stands out as a memorable experience during any visit to Rubondo Island. This adventure guarantees sightings of numerous hippos and imposing crocodiles. Additionally, be on the lookout for spotted-necked otters, whose playful antics are a common sight in this area. As you navigate slowly along the island’s forest-clad edges, you may also have the fortune of observing elephants quenching their thirst or catching a glimpse of primates like chimpanzees or Kilimanjaro colobus monkeys, the latter having been relocated from Arusha National Park, as they forage in the treetops.
The prime months for chimpanzee trekking on Rubondo Island fall between June and September, a time characterized by scarce rainfall, ensuring that the forest trails remain dry and easily walkable. While Rubondo Island welcomes visitors year-round, and rain seldom disrupts planned activities, it’s worth noting that April, the height of the Wet season, might present more of a challenge. During this period, the island’s singular private lodge takes a brief hiatus and closes its doors from April to May, though accommodations provided by the National Park stay available to guests.
Maliwaza a renowned Safari Expert, has helped thousands of travelers experience the magic of Tanzania, including the iconic Great Migration in the Serengeti.
Birdwatching on Rubondo Island shines from November to April, highlighted by migratory arrivals and resident birds in breeding colors. However, April’s heavy rains may dampen birding activities. Chimp trekking is prime from June to September, during the Dry season. Note: the island’s private lodge closes in April and May, but National Park accommodations stay open.
450+
Nov to Apr
Maliwaza a renowned Safari Expert, has helped thousands of travelers experience the magic of Tanzania, including the iconic Great Migration in the Serengeti.
Maliwaza a renowned Safari Expert, has helped thousands of travelers experience the magic of Tanzania, including the iconic Great Migration in the Serengeti.
During June, July, August, and September, the climate is predominantly sunny and arid. Humidity levels are more comfortable than in the Wet season, creating ideal conditions for various activities, including chimp trekking.
Come October, there’s a noticeable uptick in rainfall, particularly as the month progresses. This increase in moisture also brings higher humidity, intensifying the warmth and making conditions feel more muggy.
In November and December, known as the ‘short rains’ period, rain is a frequent occurrence, though it rarely lasts the entire day, leading to numerous overcast days.
January and February mark a brief respite between the short and long rains, with precipitation diminishing and periods of sunshine breaking through the clouds post-rainfall.
During March, April, and May, the ‘long rains’ season takes hold, reaching its zenith in April with significant rainfall. This time is characterized by high humidity and warmer temperatures, which can make the heat feel particularly stifling.
Maliwaza a renowned Safari Expert, has helped thousands of travelers experience the magic of Tanzania, including the iconic Great Migration in the Serengeti.
Many travelers heading to Tanzania choose to land at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), conveniently positioned between the towns of Arusha and Moshi. It lies roughly 30 kilometers (19 miles) from Moshi and 50 kilometers (31 miles) from Arusha. Alternatively, one can fly into Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam and then take a connecting flight to either Arusha Airport (ARK) or back to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). As part of your safari experience with Bush 2 City Adventure, we include airport pickup and transportation arrangements, ensuring a seamless transition to your Rubondo Island safari extension.
We offer convenient flight booking services to Tanzania at great rates. Alternatively, you can arrange your flights. Either way, we’ll take care of your accommodations and itinerary.
There are two direct flight options from Europe to Tanzania. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines operates daily flights from Amsterdam to Dar es Salaam and Kilimanjaro, while Turkish Airlines offers daily flights from Istanbul to the same destinations. These are convenient choices for travelers seeking direct routes.
Alternatively, you can fly to Nairobi, the key air travel hub in East Africa, and connect to Tanzania with Kenya Airways, which provides daily flights to Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro, and Zanzibar. European airlines offering flights to Nairobi include British Airways from London Heathrow, Air France from Paris, Swiss Air from Zurich, Brussels Airlines from Brussels, Lufthansa from Frankfurt, and Kenya Airways from London Heathrow or Amsterdam. Many travelers favor Kenya Airways for its efficient overnight service from London to Nairobi, with a convenient connection to Dar es Salaam arriving around 9:00 AM.
Additional connection options for those flying directly into Dar es Salaam include Egypt Air via Cairo, Emirates via Dubai, Etihad Airways via Abu Dhabi, Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa, Oman Air via Muscat, and Qatar Airways via Doha. Several airlines also operate flights to Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar, providing flexibility for your Tanzanian safari adventure.
Getting to Tanzania: Simplified GuideÂ
Â
From North America:
There are no direct flights to Tanzania from North America. Travelers typically make one stop in Istanbul (via Turkish Airlines) or Amsterdam (via KLM). Turkish Airlines connects 13 North American cities to Tanzania through Istanbul, while KLM offers connections from many U.S. and Canadian cities via Amsterdam. For example, the journey from New York to Dar es Salaam with KLM takes about 21 hours, while flights from Los Angeles take only slightly longer.
Another option is flying directly to Johannesburg with Delta Air Lines (from Atlanta) or South African Airways (from New York or Washington). After an overnight stay, you can take a short 3.5-hour flight to Dar es Salaam.
From South America:
The quickest route from South America is with South African Airways, flying directly from São Paulo to Johannesburg and then connecting to Dar es Salaam. This journey takes about 15 hours. Other options include connections via Europe or the Middle East with airlines like Ethiopian Airlines, Emirates, KLM, or Turkish Airlines.
From Asia:
Kenya Airways connects directly to Tanzania from Bangkok, Hanoi, and Mumbai, with onward flights to Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro, or Zanzibar. Alternatively, most travelers fly through Middle Eastern hubs with airlines such as Emirates, Etihad Airways, Oman Air, or Qatar Airways.
From Australasia:
There are no direct flights to Tanzania from Australasia. The best option is with South African Airways, flying from Perth to Dar es Salaam via Johannesburg in about 20 hours. Alternatively, you can connect through the Middle East with Emirates, Etihad Airways, or Qatar Airways.
Rubondo Island features its airstrip, offering access through regular and charter flights from key locations like Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Arusha, and the Serengeti National Park. For those aiming to blend their journey with a gorilla trekking excursion in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, direct flights from Kigali make it a seamless experience.
For travel to Rubondo Island, the following airlines provide services:
Coastal Aviation offers daily flights from the Serengeti and direct routes from Kigali International Airport.
Auric Air provides daily services from the Serengeti, including options for connecting flights to Kigali International Airport.
For comprehensive information on passport, visa, and additional entry requirements for Tanzania, please visit our FAQ section on the Tanzania page
Maliwaza a renowned Safari Expert, has helped thousands of travelers experience the magic of Tanzania, including the iconic Great Migration in the Serengeti.
We consider Rubondo Island National Park to be a highly secure destination for visitors. Its status as an uninhabited island naturally contributes to its safety. Like anywhere globally, urban areas tend to have higher crime rates, so we advise taking standard safety measures when exploring cities as part of your itinerary (for more details, refer to ‘Cities & Urban Areas: Safety Precautions’ below).
Malaria poses a minor risk on Rubondo Island. To safeguard yourself, we recommend the use of antimalarial medication. Utilizing mosquito repellent, especially those formulas enriched with DEET, alongside dressing in long pants and long-sleeved shirts during evening hours, can further enhance your protection. Additionally, it’s wise to consult with a healthcare professional regarding any vaccinations you may need before your journey.
Chimpanzee trekking on Rubondo Island is considered to be very secure. The chimpanzees here are semi-habituated, meaning they generally maintain a distance from humans. Over time, as they become more accustomed to human presence, they’ll likely pay little attention to visitors, allowing you to observe their natural behaviors. For your safety, a comprehensive briefing will be provided before you embark on your trek. Additionally, your guide will offer instructions during your time among the chimps. Please also pay close attention to the ‘Chimp Trekking Safety Precautions’ outlined below.
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