Safari · Lake Victoria Circuit
Saanane Island on Lake Victoria
This 7-day tour package to Saanane Island National Park from Mwanza, Tanzania, offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich biodiversity, landscapes, and wildlife of the beautiful island parks on Lake Victoria.
Enjoy a guided nature walk or a boat safari around Saanane Island and try activities such as bird watching, fishing, and nature walks.
- Boat safari to Saanane Island National Park
- The smallest national park in East Africa
- Full day Dar es Salaam city and culture tour
- Local flight Dar es Salaam – Mwanza included
7 Days
6 Nights Full Board
Saanane
East Africa’s Smallest Park
Fly-In
Local Flights Included
Lake
Victoria Boat Safaris
Day by Day
Your Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive Dar es Salaam International Airport
Pick up from Dar es Salaam International Airport and transfer to Dar es Salaam city.
Dar es Salaam from the Arabic world means “the house of peace”; formerly Mzizima, it is the former capital and largest city in Tanzania. It is known as the safari capital of Tanzania’s Southern Safari Circuit. It is the largest city in East Africa by population, as well as a regionally important economic centre. Located on the Swahili coast, the city is one of the fastest growing cities in the world. Dinner and overnight at the Hotel in Dar es Salaam.
- 🛬 Airport Transfer
- 🏙️ Dar es Salaam
- 🏨 Hotel in Dar
Day 2
Full Day Dar es Salaam
Pick up from the hotel and depart for the Dar es Salaam city tour.
Embark on a city tour in Dar es Salaam and experience a mix of sightseeing, shopping, and entertainment. The largest city in Tanzania reflects a fascinating combination of its rich historical past and its sophisticated contemporary present. This tour of Dar es Salaam will take you to the National Museum, Village Museum, Mwenge Carvings Market, Tingatinga Art Gallery, Slipway Shopping Centre, The Fish Market, City Centre, Historical Buildings, and many other sites. Dinner and overnight at the Hotel in Dar es Salaam.
- 🏛️ National Museum
- 🎨 Tingatinga Gallery
- 🐟 The Fish Market
- 🏨 Hotel in Dar
Day 3
Dar es Salaam – Mwanza, Lake Victoria
Pick up from the hotel and transfer to the airport for the flight to Mwanza, Lake Victoria.
Mwanza City welcomes visitors with natural and fresh weather from the source of the River Nile off the shore of Lake Victoria. Mwanza City is an ideal place to start your adventure with wildlife safaris, boating and fishing on Lake Victoria or Rubondo Island, conducting research, or enjoying business. Mwanza City is the fastest-growing city in Tanzania, and is a dynamic, colorful destination of culture and life. It is a central point for great lakes countries in Africa, and the transit hub for many of Tanzania’s world-renowned tourist destinations like the western and northern circuit wildlife safaris. Dinner and overnight at the Hotel in Mwanza.
- ✈️ Flight to Mwanza
- 🌊 Lake Victoria
- 🏨 Hotel in Mwanza
Day 4
Mwanza – Saanane Island National Park
Pick up from the hotel, take a boat to Saanane Island, lunch at the camp in the park.
The island was named after Mzee Saanane Chawandi, a local farmer and fisherman. In 1964 the Government established Tanzania’s first ever zoo here. The objective was to promote conservation education and to provide recreation to the people of Mwanza. Established in 2013, Saanane covers an area of 2.18 square kilometres. Dinner and overnight at the Camp.
- 🛶 Boat to the Island
- 🗿 Rocky Outcrops
- ⛺ Camp on Saanane
Day 5
Full Day Saanane Island National Park
A full day exploring Saanane Island National Park.
The park made a record of being the first ever national park to be located within a city and the smallest national park in East Africa. The park is home to mammals like impala, rock hyrax, vervet monkeys and wild cats. The presence of the De Brazza’s monkey underscores its potential as the only park in the country inhabiting the species. Reptiles are also dominant; they include crocodiles, monitor lizards, agama lizards, pancake and leopard tortoises, and snakes, particularly python. Dinner and overnight at the Camp.
- 🥾 Guided Nature Walk
- 🐒 De Brazza's Monkey
- 🦎 Monitor Lizards
- ⛺ Camp on Saanane
Day 6
Full Day Saanane Island National Park
A second full day exploring Saanane Island National Park, with birding, fishing and nature walks.
The park made a record of being the first ever national park to be located within a city and the smallest national park in East Africa. The park is home to mammals like impala, rock hyrax, vervet monkeys and wild cats. The presence of the De Brazza’s monkey underscores its potential as the only park in the country inhabiting the species. Reptiles are also dominant; they include crocodiles, monitor lizards, agama lizards, pancake and leopard tortoises, and snakes, particularly python. Dinner and overnight at the Camp.
- 🐦 Bird Watching
- 🎣 Fishing
- 🛶 Boat Safari
- ⛺ Camp on Saanane
Day 7
Saanane Island National Park – Mwanza – Dar es Salaam
Morning breakfast and start your smooth journey back to Mwanza for your home flight, or connect on to Mount Kilimanjaro or Zanzibar to extend your holiday.
End of programme.
- 🛶 Boat to Mwanza
- ✈️ Onward Flight
- 🌍 Extension Options
Cost
What Your Trip Covers
What’s Included
- Airport transfers
- Local flights
- Meals and accommodation
- All entry fees
- Cultural tour in Dar and Mwanza
- English Speaking guide
Not Included
- International flights, visas & taxes
- Travel and medical insurance
- Tips and gratuities (approx. $20 per person per day)
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Optional extras and personal excursions
- Personal items and souvenirs
Get Your Tailored Quote
Rates vary with group size, season and accommodation level. Tell us your dates and party size and we’ll send a detailed, no-obligation quote within 24 hours — usually much faster on WhatsApp.
Map
Where You'll Be Travelling
Lake Victoria, Off the Radar
Saanane pairs easily with Rubondo Island or a northern circuit safari. Tell us how long you have.