9-Day Rwanda Gorilla Adventure and Tanzania Wildlife Safari: The Best of Both Worlds
This 9-Day Rwanda Gorilla Adventure and Tanzania Wildlife Safari combines the thrill of gorilla trekking in the misty mountains of Rwanda with the classic African wildlife safari in Tanzania’s Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. From the lush forests of Volcanoes National Park, home to endangered mountain gorillas, to the vast plains of the Serengeti, where the Big Five roam freely, this safari offers an extraordinary blend of adventure, wildlife, and culture.
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali, Rwanda
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be greeted by your guide and transferred to your luxury hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may have the opportunity to explore Kigali, Rwanda’s clean and modern capital city. A visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial will give you insight into Rwanda’s history and its remarkable journey of recovery.
Accommodation: The Retreat by Heaven, Kigali Serena Hotel, or similar.
Day 2: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, embark on a scenic two-hour drive to Volcanoes National Park in the northern part of Rwanda. This park is famous for its population of endangered mountain gorillas and breathtaking volcanic landscapes. Upon arrival, check into your lodge nestled in the foothills of the Virunga Mountains.
Spend the afternoon relaxing at the lodge, taking in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains, or visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village for an immersive experience of Rwandan traditions and customs.
Accommodation: Bisate Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, or Virunga Lodge.
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
The highlight of your Rwanda adventure begins with an early morning briefing at the park headquarters. Afterward, you will set off on a gorilla trekking expedition, led by experienced trackers who will guide you through the dense bamboo forest in search of a habituated gorilla family. The trek can last anywhere from 1 to 4 hours depending on the location of the gorillas, but the reward of spending an hour observing these gentle giants up close is truly unparalleled.
After the trek, return to your lodge to rest and reflect on your incredible encounter with the mountain gorillas.
Highlights:
- Gorilla trekking in the misty forests of Volcanoes National Park.
- Spending an hour observing a family of mountain gorillas.
Accommodation: Continue your stay at Bisate Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, or Virunga Lodge.
Day 4: Golden Monkey Trekking and Return to Kigali
On your final morning in Volcanoes National Park, embark on a golden monkey trekking adventure. These playful and endangered primates are unique to the Virunga Mountains, and trekking to see them offers a delightful contrast to the more intense gorilla experience.
After lunch, you will return to Kigali, where you will spend the night before your flight to Tanzania.
Highlights:
- Trekking to see the endangered golden monkeys.
- Scenic drive back to Kigali.
Accommodation: Kigali Serena Hotel or similar.
Day 5: Flight to Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
After breakfast, you will catch a flight to Tanzania, heading straight to the Serengeti National Park via Kilimanjaro International Airport. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your luxury lodge or tented camp in the heart of the Serengeti. Spend the afternoon on a game drive through the vast plains, where you will likely spot elephants, giraffes, zebras, and antelope.
The Serengeti is world-renowned for its wildlife, and this will be your introduction to one of Africa’s most iconic national parks.
Highlights:
- First game drive in the Serengeti, spotting diverse wildlife.
- Stunning views of the endless Serengeti plains.
Accommodation: Four Seasons Safari Lodge, Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge, or Singita Mara River Tented Camp.
Day 6-7: Full Days of Game Drives in Serengeti National Park
Spend the next two days on exciting morning and afternoon game drives through the Serengeti. Depending on the season, you may witness the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles traverse the plains in search of fresh grazing grounds. Even outside of the migration, the Serengeti offers incredible wildlife viewing year-round, including sightings of lions, cheetahs, leopards, and hyenas.
Optional activities include hot air balloon safaris, offering a bird’s-eye view of the plains at sunrise, followed by a champagne breakfast.
Highlights:
- Morning and afternoon game drives in the Serengeti.
- Opportunities to see the Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos.
- Optional hot air balloon safari over the Serengeti.
Accommodation: Continue your stay at Four Seasons Safari Lodge, Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge, or Singita Mara River Tented Camp.
Day 8: Transfer to Ngorongoro Crater
After breakfast, enjoy a final game drive in the Serengeti before heading to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, home to the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the world’s largest inactive volcanic caldera and one of the best places in Africa to spot wildlife.
Upon arrival, settle into your lodge situated on the crater rim, offering breathtaking views of the crater floor.
Highlights:
- Scenic drive from Serengeti to Ngorongoro.
- Sunset views from the crater rim.
Accommodation: Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, andBeyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, or similar.
Day 9: Game Drive in Ngorongoro Crater and Departure
Your final day begins with an early morning game drive on the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater, where you can spot an abundance of wildlife, including black rhinos, elephants, lions, and large herds of wildebeest and zebras. The crater’s rich ecosystem, with its permanent water sources, makes it a prime location for year-round wildlife viewing.
After your game drive, you will be transferred to Arusha for your flight back home or to continue your travels.
Highlights:
- Game drive in Ngorongoro Crater, home to a dense population of wildlife.
- Spotting rare species such as black rhinos and flamingos.
Safari Experience Highlights
- Gorilla Trekking: A once-in-a-lifetime experience trekking through the forests of Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park to observe mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
- Serengeti Wildlife Safari: Explore the iconic Serengeti plains with opportunities to see the Big Five and, depending on the season, witness the Great Migration.
- Ngorongoro Crater: Experience the unique wildlife of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its diverse species and stunning landscapes.
- Luxury Accommodations: Stay in luxurious lodges and tented camps offering comfort, stunning views, and proximity to wildlife.
- Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides will lead you through each stage of your adventure, ensuring you have the best chances to see wildlife and understand the natural surroundings.
Best Time to Visit
- Rwanda (Volcanoes National Park): The best time for gorilla trekking is during the dry seasons from June to September and December to February.
- Tanzania (Serengeti and Ngorongoro): The dry season from June to October is ideal for game viewing, with the Great Migration taking place from June to September in the Serengeti.
Conclusion
This 9-day Rwanda Gorilla Adventure and Tanzania Wildlife Safari offers an exceptional blend of two of Africa’s most sought-after experiences: gorilla trekking in the misty mountains of Rwanda and classic game drives in Tanzania’s Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. With luxurious accommodations, expert guides, and breathtaking wildlife encounters, this safari promises memories that will last a lifetime.