12 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking & Tanzania Safari
Duration
12 Days
Destination
Rwanda
Style
Primates & Plains
Best For
Wildlife & Adventure
Women-Led · Custom-Made Luxury Safaris · Exclusive African Wilderness Escapes
Overview
An extraordinary journey combining two of Africa's most iconic wildlife experiences. Begin in Rwanda with mountain gorilla trekking in the misty Volcanoes National Park, then fly south to Tanzania for the classic northern circuit: Tarangire elephants, Ngorongoro Crater's incredible density and the vast Serengeti plains. Gorillas and lions, forests and savannah, all in twelve days.
Trip Highlights
Mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Golden monkey trekking in ancient bamboo forest
Elephant herds in Tarangire National Park
Full day inside the Ngorongoro Crater: all Big Five
Three days on the Serengeti plains tracking the Great Migration
Seamless cross-border journey managed by Saringi Tours
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1Arrive Kigali – Transfer to Volcanoes NP (approx. 2.5 hrs)
Arrive at Kigali International Airport. Our driver takes you north through Rwanda's Thousand Hills to Volcanoes National Park. Arrive at your lodge in the late afternoon for dinner and trek orientation briefing.
Day 2Mountain Gorilla Trekking: Volcanoes National Park
Early start to the park headquarters at Kinigi. Briefing and allocation to your gorilla family, then set off with your ranger and tracker team into the forest. Spend one precious hour with a habituated gorilla family in their natural mountain habitat: one of the world's most moving wildlife encounters. Return to the lodge for a celebratory lunch.
Day 3Golden Monkey Trekking: Volcanoes NP
A second morning in the park to track golden monkeys through the bamboo forest. These brilliant primates move quickly and bring their own excitement. Optional afternoon visit to the Karisoke Research Centre or Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village.
Day 4Volcanoes NP – Kigali – Fly to Kilimanjaro / Arusha
Morning at leisure then drive to Kigali airport. Take your scheduled flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport (via Nairobi or direct depending on routing). Transfer to your Arusha hotel for dinner.
Day 5Arusha – Tarangire National Park (approx. 2.5–3 hrs)
Drive southwest to Tarangire for an afternoon game drive among elephant herds and baobab trees. Tarangire is one of Tanzania's most rewarding parks and a dramatic contrast to Rwanda's forest environment.
Day 6Tarangire – Lake Manyara (approx. 1.5 hrs)
Morning game drive in Tarangire then drive to Lake Manyara National Park. Afternoon game drive: tree-climbing lions, buffalo, giraffe and the flamingo-fringed lake.
Day 7Lake Manyara – Ngorongoro Conservation Area (approx. 1.5 hrs)
Ascend through coffee plantations to the Ngorongoro highlands and the crater rim. Settle into your lodge with extraordinary views and cool highland air.
Day 8Ngorongoro Crater – Full Day
Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater at dawn for a full day's game drive. Black rhino, lion, elephant, hippo and flamingo in the world's most famous caldera. Picnic lunch inside the crater.
Day 9Ngorongoro – Serengeti (approx. 3 hrs)
Morning drive west through the NCA, with a stop at Olduvai Gorge. Enter the Serengeti and begin afternoon game drives in the Seronera valley: lion prides, cheetah and leopard are regulars here.
Day 10Serengeti – Full Day
Full day on the Serengeti plains: dawn game drive, long mid-morning drive covering different zones, afternoon game drive. Optional hot air balloon safari at sunrise (booked in advance).
Day 11Serengeti – Full Day (Northern Exploration)
Move to the northern Serengeti or remain in central Seronera: your guide will assess wildlife movements and position you optimally. The northern corridor is prime Great Migration territory from July to October.
Day 12Serengeti – Arusha – Departure
Final early morning game drive, then drive or fly back to Arusha. Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward international flight. The end of an extraordinary East African journey: from Rwanda's misty volcanic forests to Tanzania's golden plains.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Included
- All accommodation on a Full Board basis (as specified)
- All game drives in a 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Expert English-speaking guide and driver
- All national park and reserve entry fees
- Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
- Mineral water during all game drives
- Flying Doctors emergency evacuation cover
Not Included
- International flights and any domestic or regional flights not expressly listed as included in your confirmed quote
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Rwanda visa or entry-permission fees, where required for your passport
- Tanzania visa or entry-permission fees, where required for your passport
- Tips and gratuities for guides and lodge staff
- Alcoholic and premium beverages
- Personal items (laundry, telephone calls, souvenirs)
- Optional balloon flight in the Serengeti, booked and priced separately; other activities not listed as included
- Any costs arising from flight delays or itinerary changes
- Meals outside the meal plan stated for each day of this itinerary
- Mainland Tanzania government inbound travel insurance, where required: US$44 per adult, US$22 per child aged 3–17, with ages 0–2 free. Purchase separately before travel; not included in the safari price.
Good to Know
- Check entry requirements for Rwanda and Tanzania before travel. Border formalities and flight connections need time; requirements depend on your passport.
- Gorilla trekking is for ages 15 and over. Reserve gorilla permits early. Bring waterproofs and walking boots for steep, muddy trails; the time in the forest varies.
- Ask us to confirm gorilla and golden monkey permit costs in your quote before booking flights.
- Arrange the applicable government inbound insurance through NIC for your mainland Tanzania arrival. Check eligibility and exemptions in the insurance guide below; personal travel insurance is separate.
Book This Safari
Send us an inquiry and our safari experts will respond within 24 hours with a personalised quote.
What Our Clients Say
Rated 5 stars on TripAdvisor by travellers from across the world.
An excellent trip to parts of Kenya that are not on the main tourist routes, northern Kenya. Everything went smoothly Victor and Abdi, took care of everything. The choice of accommodation provided a great range of experiences. I would recommend Saringi to anyone.
read moreGot to see lots of animals and the experience was out of this world .
read moreI had an absolutely wonderful time in Kenya, all thanks to Millcent / Saringi Travel. From the incredibly friendly and reliable communication, to the flexible and thoughtful travel planning, all the way to the outstanding care on the ground, everything was simply perfect. I always felt well taken care of and in the best hands. What impressed me most was not only their professionalism, but also the sheer beauty of the entire experience. I'm still completely in awe! Thank you Millcent and thank you Letaloi!!!
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