5 Day Rwanda gorilla trekking and Tanzania safari
This 5-day Rwanda gorilla trekking and Tanzania safari combines wildlife and cultural experiences across two major destinations. Travelers start in Kigali, Rwanda, exploring landmarks such as the Kigali Genocide Memorial before heading to Volcanoes National Park for gorilla trekking. The trek takes 2-6 hours, offering an intimate view of a gorilla family, followed by a visit to a cultural village to learn about local traditions. On Day 3, a flight to Arusha, Tanzania, leads to a road transfer to Serengeti National Park, where lodges and camps provide a comfortable base for safari activities. A full-day game drive in Serengeti on Day 4 allows visitors to see lions, elephants, giraffes, and cheetahs, with an optional stop at a Masai village for cultural insights. On the final day, a morning game drive precedes the journey back to Arusha, wrapping up the gorilla trekking and Tanzania safari with lasting memories of both mountain gorillas and the big game of the Serengeti.
From the quiet, shaded trails of Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, where mountain gorillas thrive, to the sweeping golden landscapes of Tanzania’s Serengeti, where elephants roam freely, this gorilla trekking and Tanzania safari offers a unique contrast in scenery, wildlife, and cultural richness. Travelers will not only track gorillas but also experience Rwanda’s vibrant traditions before heading to Tanzania for thrilling wildlife safaris and insight into Masai culture.
Tour highlights
Tour highlights
Day 1: Arrival, Kigali City Tour and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking with Cultural Village Tour
Day 3: Transfer to Tanzania's Serengeti National Park
Day 4: Game Drive and Safari Tours
Day 5: Drive Back to Arusha and Departure
Price Includes:
- Gorilla tracking permit
- Park fees for all locations visited
- All activities mentioned in the itinerary
- Ground transport in custom 4x4 safari vehicle
- Bottled water during all transfers and game drives
- Full board accommodation as specified in the itinerary
- Services of a professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Driver allowances and park entry fees
Price Excludes:
- Rwandan Visa (available online or on arrival)
- Tanzania visa (available online or on arrival)
- International and internal flights
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Laundry services
- Travel and medical insurance
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
- Tips for staff and guides
Itinary in details
- Day1Arrival, Kigali City Tour and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Upon your arrival in Kigali, you will be picked by your guide who will later take you to kigali city tour where you will visit key sites such as the Kigali Genocide Memorial and vibrant local markets. A brief city tour provides insight into Rwanda’s history before starting the gorilla trekking and Tanzania safari experience. Afterward, travelers take a 2.5-hour drive to Volcanoes National Park, passing through villages and farmlands. This first day sets the stage for an engaging gorilla trekking and Tanzania safari, ensuring travelers get a feel for both urban and rural Rwanda.
- Day2Gorilla Trekking with Cultural Village Tour
The morning begins with a trekking briefing at park headquarters, where guides assign groups to different gorilla families. The actual gorilla trekking and Tanzania safari varies in difficulty, ranging from 2 to 6 hours, depending on the gorillas' location. Once trekkers find the gorilla family, they spend an hour observing their interactions. Later, visitors head to a nearby cultural village, where locals showcase traditional music, crafts, and daily life. This combination of wildlife and culture enhances the gorilla trekking and Tanzania safari, making it more immersive.
- Day3Transfer to Tanzania's Serengeti National Park
After breakfast, travelers drive back to Kigali for their flight to Arusha, Tanzania, where a guide meets them for a road transfer to Serengeti National Park. The drive takes about 5-6 hours, with chances to see antelopes and giraffes along the way. By late afternoon, travelers settle into their chosen lodges or tented camps, preparing for the upcoming gorilla trekking and Tanzania safari experience. The transition from Rwanda’s forests to Tanzania’s open plains ensures a dynamic gorilla trekking and Tanzania safari, covering diverse landscapes and wildlife.
- Day4Game Drive and Safari Tours
A full day is spent exploring Serengeti, one of Africa’s richest wildlife areas. Guides help travelers spot elephants, lions, and other animals in their natural habitats. The gorilla trekking and Tanzania safari is enriched by learning about conservation efforts and animal behavior from local experts. If time allows, visitors may stop at a Masai village, where they gain insights into the Masai people’s traditions. This day captures the essence of a well-rounded gorilla trekking and Tanzania safari, balancing wildlife observation with cultural understanding.
- Day5Drive Back to Arusha and Departure
The morning starts with a final game drive, giving travelers one last chance to see wildlife before returning to Arusha. The drive takes 5-6 hours, with opportunities for souvenir shopping along the way. Travelers reflect on their gorilla trekking and Tanzania safari, recalling standout moments such as seeing gorillas in Rwanda or spotting lions in Tanzania. Upon arrival in Arusha, visitors freshen up and head to the airport, concluding their gorilla trekking and Tanzania safari with lasting memories.