What to see on a Northern Tanzania Safari?
What to see on a Northern Tanzania Safari? The Northern Circuit we normally refer to as the ‘popular’ safari zone, is actually located in the northeast of Tanzania. This zone comprises top spots, such as Kilimanjaro, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater. Which is why it’s famous, because everyone craves a migration safari in the Serengeti or a Big Five trip in the Ngorongoro Crater. But there are hidden treasures in the northwest region of Tanzania, famously known as the Lake Zone. In this article, we explore all the hidden treasures found in this safari zone. Let’s begin.
Rubondo Island
If you love wildlife and a freshwater beach combo safari, Rubondo should be on your bucket list. This is Africa’s largest island national park, spanning 240 square kilometers (92 sq miles). People do come here to watch wildlife, explore freshwater species, and enjoy water-based adventures like boat safaris and canoe riding. You can get to this island by flying into its airstrip. You can also reach this island by a combination of a drive and a boat ride – you drive to Muganza or Nkome, then take a 3-hour boat ride to Rubondo.
What’s unique about this remote island? You ask. Well, there’s much more to explore here. The island’s rich wildlife features a variety of large animals, such as elephants, giraffes, hippos, sitatunga antelopes, and primates like chimpanzees and black-and-white colobus monkeys. Gombe and Mahale may be famous for chimpanzees, but Rubondo is a promising place where these iconic primates thrive. As of now, there’s an estimated population of 60 wild chimpanzees in Rubondo. You can’t ignore the beautiful singing birds found on this island, with a total of about 400 bird species.
Then, where do I stay? Honestly, Rubondo doesn’t offer as many lodging options as Serengeti or Ngorongoro Crater. You won’t miss luxury, though. Asilia runs a luxurious camp, Rubondo Island Camp, featuring 8 rooms (including one four-sleeper family room). And there’s (as we’ve known it) everything a luxury traveler would need. Give it at least two nights to enjoy. If you want budget options, stay in the hostels or bandas found within the park, or try basic camping.
Ukerewe Island
Ukerewe is Lake Victoria’s largest island at 530 square kilometers (205 sq miles). The island is about 50 km straight north of Mwanza. There are two ways to get there: flying and by ferry. By flight, you fly from Mwanza to Nansio Airport, the island’s only airport. And by ferry, you can book a public ferry from Mwanza to Ukerewe, taking about 4 hours.
What’s unique about Ukerewe Island? It is all about culture and a few other things. It has 27 islands; only 3 of them are inhabited. The remaining are predominantly fishing villages (by the way, the main activity for about 80% of people is fishing). Other things to explore include Rubya Forest, the largest forest in Ukerewe, and Rutare Hill.
As for culture, you can watch traditional dances or visit a traditional healer (mganga) to experience Ukerewe like a local. A short trip to Ukara Island will make you watch one of the wonders—the dancing stone. The story of this stone is deeply rooted in a family whose family members can command it to dance, and it does so after a special request and beautiful melodies.
Where to stay: Monarch Beach Hotel, Kondeni Hotel, and Holiday Hotel.
Burigi-Chato National Park
If you love pristine destinations where you won’t see another vehicle, look no further than Burigi-Chato National Park. Gazetted in 2019, this is one of the largest parks—4,707 square kilometers (bigger than Katavi). The park features a variety of habitats: forests, open plains, floodplains, rivers, and lakes.
The main activity is game viewing. People come here to watch elephants, giraffes, buffalo, zebras, impalas, elands, and rare antelopes like roan and sitatunga. You can also search for birds (if you’re a bird lover), including the shoebill stork and many others. What’s more, you can enjoy boat cruises on Lake Burigi, immersive walking safaris, and fishing.
Where to stay: Basic Camping is the best option, but there are fewer permanent camps.
Saanane Island
Saanane is within the reach of Mwanza City. It is undoubtedly Africa’s smallest island national park, covering an area of 2.18 square kilometers. Are you bored with the hustle and bustle of Mwanza? Give this island 5 hours. It’s a 25-minute boat ride from the ‘rock city’ and is a calm, tranquil setting for everyone looking to relax and enjoy quality time.
Despite being small, Saanane offers a variety of things to do. Game viewing is at the heart of many visitors going there. The island hosts zebras, impalas, De Brazza monkeys, rock hyraxes, dik-diks, vervet monkeys, and lions (a lion and lioness enclosed in a den). Walking is the next big thing people do at Saanane. There are paved trails, making walking safe even for little ones.
Another thing you can do is birdwatching. During walks, you can spot forest birds and water birds. If you love to explore aquatic species, then a sport fishing trip will make a difference. There’s no permanent camp on this island, but that’s no problem—you can stay in hotels found in Mwanza, a short boat ride from the island. If you want a more rustic experience, public campsites will work best.
We know Northern destinations are appealing, especially during your first Tanzania trip. But at least if you try this other part of the country, you won’t feel the same. Whatever part of Tanzania you decide to visit, we’ll guide you. Call our experts to start planning.
