Take in the highlights of Rwanda and Tanzania tracking the gorillas and big game of East Africa. This beautiful 13 day safari gives you the opportunity to track the mountain gorillas in the wild, twice, before flying and exploring the wildlife rich Ngorongoro Crater and famous Northern Serengeti.
why book this trip
Combine the big game and big cats of Tanzania with the mountain gorillas of Rwanda.
See the ‘big five’ on game drives in the Ngorongoro Crater.
Witness the dramatic Great Wildebeest Migration river crossings at the Mara River in the Northern Serengeti (mid-July – November).
Track the endangered mountain gorillas in Rwanda twice.
Day 1: Arrive Kigali
Upon arrival you will be met by your private guide and driven to Kigali Marriott. The rest of the day is yours to settle in and start thinking about the adventures that lay before you. If you have time you may wish to explore the markets or visit the Genocide Museum.
Kigali Marriott
Located in downtown Kigali, this luxury hotel offers everything you would expect from the Marriott brand. There is a restaurant, spa, fitness centre, pool and an onsite Italian restaurant.
This morning, you have the chance to visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre. After lunch, you travel north to Ruhengeri and the Volcanoes National Park. A 'true island in the sky', the Volcanoes National Park is home to some of the world's few remaining mountain gorilla.
Virunga Lodge
Virunga Lodge is a comfortable eco-lodge located on a hillside overlooking the Virunga Volcanoes and Lakes Ruhondo and Bulera. 360 degree breathtaking views make this one of the top lodge destinations in Africa. The lodge boasts eight charming bandas, each adorned with a private veranda that frames views of the picturesque lakes and majestic volcanoes. After a day of exhilarating mountain gorilla tracking, guests can find respite in the warm embrace of open fireplaces in the lounge and dining room.
Day 3: Gorilla Trek in Volcanoes National Park with the Gorilla Doctors
An extra special day of gorilla tracking as you are accompanied by a member of the Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project, allowing you to learn more about their everyday experiences and challenges as the work to protect the mountain gorillas.
Day 4: Final Gorilla Trek in Volcanoes National Park
Your final day of gorilla tracking! An early start to make your way to the park headquarters where you are assigned a ranger and a gorilla group. Return to the lodge later in the afternoon to relax, have a hot shower or massage and reflect on the day’s activities.
Day 5: Volcanoes National Park – Serengeti
Today, at a time to be advised locally, you will be driven to Kigali International Airport for your light aircraft flight to the Serengeti National Park. You will stop en route to clear immigration into Tanzania before proceeding to the Lamai Airstrip in the Serengeti.
Singita Mara Tented Camp
Situated in the remote Lamai wedge area of the Northern Serengeti, this small luxury tented camp lies on the bend of the Mara River. It is not uncommon to see river crossings right in front of camp during Migration season. Designed in Bohemian chic fashion, the 8 stylish tents are modern and bright with views down the river and there is a pool to cool off in at the end of the day.
Explore the northern reaches of the Serengeti with your specialist guide on twice-daily game drives. This area is also known for its predators, with lions in particular preying on the plains game as they journey across the savannah.
Serengeti National Park
The ultimate African safari destination and one of the most famous game-viewing parks in Africa and is quite possibly the location of the best wildlife experience in the world.
Day 8: Ngorongoro Conservation Area - Namiri Plains, Serengeti
This morning after breakfast you will be picked up by your guide and transferred 4-5 hours to Namiri Plains. Whilst here you will be able to go on game drives, either a morning and afternoon one, or a day long exploration of the bush to cover greater ground.
Days 9 -10: On Safari at Namiri Plains
After your day's safari activities in the Serengeti enjoy a unique opportunity to spend an informative evening with Namiri Plains’ resident cheetah researcher while donating to the incredible Serengeti Cheetah Project. This dedicated project monitors and studies fluctuations in birth and survival rates of cheetahs, which leads to predicting the future of cheetah numbers in other parts of their range, as well as providing valuable insight into the challenges facing cheetah, recognising solutions to reduce these conflicts. The researcher can identify the cheetahs just by their unique spot patterns on their flanks and share the cats’ stories with you.
Namiri Plains
With just 10 elegant tented suites (including one family tent), situated in one of the most remote and exclusive locations in the Serengeti, privacy and quality game viewing is order of the day at Namiri Plains. With its remote location do not be surprised if you have an uninvited guest join you at meal times; the area was off limits for over 20 years to allow the cheetah population to recover and today this is prime big cat territory. Each tent has an en-suite bathroom with full views of a seasonal riverbed, along with an indoor bath and outdoor shower. There is also a pool and deck area; a perfect spot to relax between your twice-daily game drives or after a walking safari.
Day 11: Arusha - Lake Manyara – Ngoronogoro Crater
In the morning you will set off in the direction of Lake Manyara National Park on your way to Gibbs Farm. Through the wooded pathways that wind between the banks of the shallow Alkaline Soda Water Lake and the impressive rise of the Western stretches of the Great Rift Valley Escarpment.
Gibb's Farm
This working farm has a fabulous position in the Crater Highlights. Whilst many use the farm as a base from which to explore Ngorongoro Crater, there is so much on offer besides, meaning that two or three nights is highly recommended. Perfect for single travellers, couples and families alike, the main farmhouse (which dates back to 1929) and 17 cottages provide a charm associated with a bygone era. Each cottage is individually-styled with handcrafted furniture, indoor and outdoor showers, a fireplace and private verandah. There is also a two-bedroom cottage with two en-suite bathrooms which is perfect for families or a group of friends travelling together. The farm’s organic kitchen garden provides farm-to-table dining which the property has become known for.
Game drive in the Ngorongoro Crater, home to the densest concentration of wildlife in Tanzania and one of the few places to try your luck at seeing black rhino in the wild. There is plenty of other wildlife to see including giraffe, flamingos, elephant, lion and leopard as well as much more.
Ngorongoro Crater
Often referred to as the Eighth Wonder of the World, the Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera. With the appearance of a natural amphitheater, it is world-renowned for being the most incredible sanctuary for wildlife, enjoying the highest density of mammals in Africa across its crater floor. Located in Northern Tanzania, the Ngorongoro Crater is notably one of Africa’s most famous national parks. This ancient volcano was supposedly as high as Mount Kilimanjaro two to three million years ago until it later imploded, leaving the world’s largest intact caldera, complete with 600m-high walls. The attraction of game to this area comes from the high fertility of the soil along with a year-round supply of water, satisfying one of the highest concentrations of life in Africa. Measuring approximately 16 miles in diameter, tusker elephants, leopard, rhino and lion all roam the depths of the crater. It is a place where wildlife and game viewing is easy and excellent year-round, making it one of Tanzania’s most popular places to visit, and the best location in the country to view the ‘Big Five’.
Today, at a time to be advised locally, you will be driven back to Kilimanjaro Airport for your international flight home. Upon arrival into Kilimanjaro, you will be assisted to check-in for your onward international flight, marking the end of your time on this incredible safari in Tanzania.
Mount Kilimanjaro
The highest peak on the African continent, Mount Kilimanjaro towers over the renowned plains of northern Tanzania and the Amboseli National Park, Kenya, as one of the most impressive geographical features in all of Africa. An unforgettable, challenging and life-affirming experience, this unique climb is the highest non-technical ascent available to tourists; all you need is a walking pole, determination and a whole lot of stamina.
The gorillas we are allowed to track belong to either one of ten habituated family groups. The gorillas are by no means tame, and are completely wild animals. However, experienced guides will accompany you on your gorilla tracking, many of whom have been involved in the habituation process themselves. The guides will use their knowledge of the gorillas' habits and information from the previous day to locate the group's whereabouts. Tracking the gorillas can take anything from 4-8 hours in lush green, steep, muddy, terrain! It is, however, the experience of a lifetime... coming across these amiable primates in their natural surroundings is quite awe-inspiring as you watch them go about their daily lives, playing, grooming and eating!
