This 12-day safari combines an unforgettable gorilla trekking adventure in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park with a thrilling big-game safari in Tanzania, including the iconic wildebeest migration in the Serengeti and a visit to Ngorongoro Crater. Enjoy breathtaking landscapes, unique wildlife encounters, and rich cultural experiences on this luxurious journey. The itinerary offers a seamless blend of primate encounters, cultural immersion, and thrilling wildlife experiences—perfect for those seeking both luxury and adventure in East Africa!
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, complete immigration formalities and meet your safari guide for a short briefing. Transfer to your hotel for check-in and dinner.
Accommodation options:
- Midrange: Parkin by Radisson Blu
- Luxury: Kigali Marriott Hotel
Meal Inclusions: Dinner
Day 2: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, embark on a Kigali city tour, visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial to learn about Rwanda’s history. Enjoy lunch before heading to Musanze, near Volcanoes National Park, for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation options:
- Midrange: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
- Luxury: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking & Cultural Village Visit
Begin the day with an early breakfast and a briefing at the park headquarters. Embark on a trek through the forest to encounter the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Spend one magical hour observing their behavior. After lunch, visit Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village to experience Rwanda’s traditional lifestyle and interact with locals.
Accommodation options:
- Midrange: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
- Luxury: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4: Golden Monkey Trekking & Return to Kigali
Trek through Volcanoes National Park to observe golden monkeys in their natural habitat. After lunch, transfer back to Kigali for your departure flight to Tanzania the following day.
Accommodation options:
- Midrange: Parkin by Radisson Blu
- Luxury: Kigali Marriott Hotel
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5: Fly to Serengeti National Park
Catch a morning flight to Tanzania, landing at Kogatende Airstrip in northern Serengeti. Enjoy an en-route game drive to your camp, spotting iconic wildlife such as lions, elephants, and giraffes. After lunch, head out for an afternoon game drive to witness the Great Migration and possible river crossings.
Accommodation options:
- Midrange: Acacia Migration Camp
- Luxury: Serengeti River Camp
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6: Explore the Wildebeest Migration
Spend the day tracking the wildebeest migration across the northern Serengeti. Customize your day with either morning and afternoon game drives or a full-day excursion with a picnic lunch. Marvel at the dynamic interactions between predators and prey amidst stunning landscapes.
Accommodation options:
- Midrange: Acacia Migration Camp
- Luxury: Serengeti River Camp
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 7: Game Drive to Central Serengeti
Enjoy a morning game drive en route to Central Serengeti. Witness the spectacular movements of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles, along with encounters with predators like lions and leopards. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation options:
- Midrange: Acacia Central Camp
- Luxury: Sametu Tented Camp
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 8: Full-Day Central Serengeti Exploration
Set out on another game drive in Central Serengeti. Choose between a relaxed morning and afternoon schedule or a full-day excursion with packed lunches. Immerse yourself in the wild beauty of the Serengeti before returning to your lodge.
Accommodation options:
- Midrange: Acacia Central Camp
- Luxury: Sametu Tented Camp
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 9: Transfer to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Depart for Ngorongoro Conservation Area with an en-route game drive. Stop for a picnic lunch and continue exploring the diverse landscapes. Arrive at your lodge for a refreshing evening, dinner, and rest.
Accommodation options:
- Midrange: Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge
- Luxury: Melia Ngorongoro
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 10: Explore Ngorongoro Crater
Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a full-day game drive. Discover its diverse wildlife, including black rhinos, lions, elephants, and hundreds of bird species. After lunch, take a guided walking safari along the crater rim with an armed ranger. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation options:
- Midrange: Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge
- Luxury: Melia Ngorongoro
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 11: Tarangire National Park & Transfer to Arusha
Enjoy a morning game drive in Tarangire National Park, known for its baobab trees, large elephant herds, and abundant wildlife. Have a picnic lunch in the park before driving to Arusha for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation options:
- Midrange: Kibo Palace
- Luxury: Arusha Gran Melia
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 12: Departure to Kilimanjaro
Relax at your lodge before transferring to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast
Package Inclusions:
- 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof
- All park entrance and crater fees
- Gorilla permit ($1,500 per person)
- Golden monkey permit
- Full-board accommodation (lodge/camp)
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Bottled water
- Flying Doctors emergency evacuation service
- All activities specified in the itinerary
Package Exclusions:
- Tips for guides
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Personal items
- Beverages (soft drinks, beer, etc.)