This 7-Day Rwanda Gorillas, Serengeti and Ngorongoro Safari is a well planned journey that combines primate trekking in Rwanda with classic wildlife safaris in Tanzania. It allows you to experience mountain gorillas in the forests of Rwanda and then enjoy wide open savannahs filled with wildlife in Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This safari offers a balanced mix of nature, wildlife, and cultural scenery across two East African countries.
Rwanda Gorillas, Serengeti & Ngorongoro Safari Highlights
- Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and transfer to Volcanoes National Park
- Day 2: Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
- Day 3: Flight to Arusha, Tanzania
- Day 4: Drive to Serengeti National Park
- Day 5: Game drive in Serengeti National Park
- Day 6: Transfer to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
- Day 7: Drive to Arusha airport
Detailed Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and transfer to Volcanoes National Park
On arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be met by your safari guide. Kigali is a clean and organized city, and depending on your arrival time, you may visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre for a short educational visit. After lunch, you will drive northwest to Volcanoes National Park. The drive offers views of hills, villages, and farms. On arrival, check in at your lodge near the park. Dinner and overnight at your accommodation as you prepare for the gorilla trek.
Day 2: Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
This day is dedicated to mountain gorilla trekking. After an early breakfast, you will head to the park headquarters for a briefing by park rangers. You will then enter the forest to track a gorilla family. The trek can take between 2 and 6 hours depending on where the gorillas are located.
Once you find the gorillas, you will spend one full hour with them. You will watch them feed, rest, and interact in their natural habitat. After the trek, return to your lodge for lunch and rest. In the afternoon, you may choose to visit nearby communities for a cultural experience or relax at the lodge. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Day 3: Flight to Arusha, Tanzania
After breakfast, check out from your lodge and drive back to Kigali for your flight to Tanzania. On arrival in Arusha, your Tanzanian safari guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. Arusha is the main safari hub in northern Tanzania. You may relax at the hotel or take a short city walk depending on your energy levels. Dinner and overnight in Arusha.
Day 4: Drive to Serengeti National Park
After breakfast, depart Arusha and drive to Serengeti National Park. The drive takes you through the highlands and into the open plains of the Serengeti. Arrive at your lodge or camp in time for lunch.
In the afternoon, enjoy your first game drive in the Serengeti. You may see wildebeests, zebras, elephants, lions, gazelles, giraffes, and many bird species. Return to your accommodation for dinner and overnight.
Day 5: Game drive in Serengeti National Park
Spend the whole day exploring Serengeti National Park. Morning and afternoon game drives allow you to cover different areas of the park. Serengeti is known for its large populations of wildlife and is the main stage of the Great Migration during certain months.
You may see large herds of wildebeests and zebras, as well as predators such as lions, cheetahs, leopards, and hyenas. Picnic lunch will be taken inside the park. Continue game viewing until late afternoon. Dinner and overnight at your lodge or camp.
Day 6: Transfer to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
After an early breakfast, leave Serengeti and drive toward Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a game drive on the crater floor.
The crater is home to lions, elephants, buffaloes, hippos, zebras, wildebeests, cheetahs, hyenas, and many birds including flamingos. Enjoy a picnic lunch near the hippo pool. After the game drive, ascend the crater rim and continue to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 7: Drive to Arusha airport
After breakfast, check out and drive back to Arusha. Depending on your flight time, you may enjoy a short en route game drive or stop for souvenirs. You will then be dropped off at Arusha airport for your departure flight, marking the end of your 7-Day Rwanda Gorillas, Serengeti and Ngorongoro Safari.
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