This 8 day Rwanda tour with Tanzania and safari is an exceptional adventure into Africa, combining close-up primate experiences with classic Big Five game drives. From gorilla trekking in misty Volcanoes National Park to lion spotting in the Serengeti and baobab adventures in Tarangire, every day thrills. This expertly crafted 8-day journey blends wildlife, culture, and scenic beauty into one seamless, soul-stirring East African experience.
Prepare to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime Rwanda tour with Tanzania and safari a breathtaking journey where misty volcanoes, ancient baobabs, and roaring savannas come together in perfect harmony. This 8-day cross-border expedition begins in Rwanda, one of Africa’s most pristine and accessible destinations. Here, you'll walk in the footsteps of Dian Fossey, trek through bamboo forests to observe endangered mountain gorillas, and immerse yourself in Rwanda’s rich cultural heritage with a visit to the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village. Then, seamlessly transition into northern Tanzania’s legendary wilderness starting with the vast plains of the Serengeti to spot the Big Five, onward to Lake Manyara’s famed tree-climbing lions, and deeper into Tarangire’s baobab-dotted terrain teeming with elephants. From golden monkey encounters to walking safaris and treetop adventures, this Rwanda tour with Tanzania and safari blends adrenaline, insight, and indulgence. Perfect for first-timers and experienced adventurers alike, every day is expertly planned for comfort, connection, and wild beauty in the heart of East Africa
Day 1: Arrival in Rwanda and Transfer to Volcanoes for Dian Fossey Tomb
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking with Iby’Iwacu Cultural Tour
Day 3: Golden Monkey Trekking and Transfer to Tanzania’s Serengeti
Day 4: Early Game Drive, Spot the Big Five and Other Animals
Day 5: Transfer to Lake Manyara for Tree Climbing
Day 6: Early Game Drive with Treetroop Walk with a Transfer to Lake Tarangire
Day 7: Elephant Viewing on a Game Drive with Walking Safaris
Day 8: Elephant Safaris, Baobab Climbing Adventure and End the Trip
Rwanda tour with Tanzania and safari begins with a warm welcome at Kigali International Airport, followed by a scenic drive to Volcanoes National Park. Located in the Virunga Mountains, this lush region is home to Dian Fossey’s historic research site. After checking into your lodge, you’ll embark on a guided hike to the Dian Fossey Tomb, located deep in the forest. This moving experience offers insight into her groundbreaking work with mountain gorillas and her legacy in conservation. The hike also introduces you to Rwanda’s high-altitude biodiversity and misty landscapes. This first day of your Rwanda tour with Tanzania and safari sets the tone for a journey filled with wildlife, history, and natural beauty
Today is the heart of your Rwanda tour with Tanzania and safari, as you set out early for a once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park. After a briefing at park headquarters, you’ll hike through bamboo forests to meet a habituated gorilla family. Spend a magical hour observing their behavior in the wild—a humbling and unforgettable encounter. After lunch, visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village for an immersive afternoon of traditional music, dance, and storytelling. You’ll learn about Rwanda’s heritage and daily life from former poachers turned conservation ambassadors. This day of your Rwanda tour with Tanzania and safari blends rare wildlife with rich cultural exchange
Begin your morning with golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park, a lively and photogenic highlight of your Rwanda tour with Tanzania and safari. These playful primates leap through bamboo groves in large, energetic troops, offering fantastic photo opportunities. After the trek, return to your lodge for a quick refresh before transferring to Kigali for your flight or overland journey into Tanzania, Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed into the Serengeti, where vast savannahs and iconic wildlife await. Settle into your lodge or tented camp in time for sunset. This transitional day of your Rwanda tour with Tanzania and safari bridges primate encounters with the legendary plains of East Africa
Rise before dawn for a thrilling game drive in the Serengeti, a signature moment in your Rwanda tour with Tanzania and safari. As the sun rises over the golden plains, you’ll search for the Big Five lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino alongside cheetahs, giraffes, and wildebeest. Your expert guide will track wildlife activity and share insights into animal behavior and the ecosystem. The early hours are ideal for predator sightings and dramatic light for photography. After a picnic breakfast in the bush, continue exploring until midday. This action-packed day of your Rwanda tour with Tanzania and safari delivers unforgettable wildlife moments in one of the world’s most iconic landscapes
After breakfast, depart the Serengeti and journey to Lake Manyara National Park, a hidden gem in your Rwanda tour with Tanzania and safari. Known for its lush groundwater forests and alkaline lake, Manyara is famous for its rare tree-climbing lions. Keep your eyes on the branches as you explore the park’s diverse habitats, which also host elephants, hippos, flamingos, and baboons. Enjoy a relaxed game drive and a scenic picnic lunch near the lake. This day of your Rwanda tour with Tanzania and safari offers a refreshing contrast to the open plains, with dense forests and unique wildlife behaviors adding depth to your safari experience
Start your morning with an early game drive in Lake Manyara, followed by a guided treetop canopy walk an exhilarating way to view monkeys, birds, and forest life from above. This elevated perspective adds a new dimension to your Rwanda tour with Tanzania and safari, offering a peaceful yet thrilling experience. Afterward, transfer to Tarangire National Park, known for its ancient baobab trees and large elephant herds. Arrive in time for a sunset game drive or lodge relaxation. This day of your Rwanda tour with Tanzania and safari blends aerial adventure with the anticipation of Tarangire’s wild wonders
Today’s focus is on immersive elephant encounters in Tarangire, a highlight of your Rwanda tour with Tanzania and safari. Begin with a morning game drive along the Tarangire River, where elephants gather in large numbers to drink, bathe, and socialize. Watch as they interact in family groups, often just meters from your vehicle. In the afternoon, join a guided walking safari to explore the park on foot an intimate way to learn about tracks, plants, and smaller creatures. This day of your Rwanda tour with Tanzania and safari offers both grandeur and subtlety, combining close-up elephant viewing with the quiet thrill of walking in the wild
Your final day of the Rwanda tour with Tanzania and safari begins with a sunrise elephant safari, capturing the golden light as herds move through the baobab-studded landscape. After breakfast, embark on a short Baobab Climbing Adventure an interpretive experience that lets you explore the base of these ancient giants and learn about their ecological and cultural significance. Enjoy a farewell bush brunch before transferring back to Arusha or Kilimanjaro Airport for your departure. This closing chapter of your Rwanda tour with Tanzania and safari leaves you with lasting memories of majestic wildlife, diverse ecosystems, and the soul-stirring beauty of East Africa