9 Days Gorilla Tracking Rwanda and Serengeti Tanzania Safari
This 9-Day Gorilla Tracking Rwanda and Serengeti Tanzania Safari takes you from the rolling hills of Rwanda, where endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys roam in Volcanoes National Park, chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe National Park, to the vast plains of the Serengeti National Park, Tarangire National Park, and Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and ends with a Zanzibar beach holiday.
Your 9-day expedition flows seamlessly from the emotional heights of gorilla tracking in Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park to the spellbinding wilderness of the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire National Park. The diverse landscapes and extraordinary wildlife encounters perfectly balance experiences that showcase East Africa's unparalleled natural heritage.
The African safari concludes with a rejuvenating beach escape on Zanzibar's pristine shores, where powdery white sands and turquoise waters provide the ideal setting to reflect on your wildlife encounters. From mountain gorillas to the Big Five and tropical paradise, this journey represents the pinnacle of African safari experiences.
Tour highlights
Face-to-face encounters with mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park
Kigali city tour including the moving Genocide Memorial
Golden monkey tracking in the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park
Chimpanzee tracking in the ancient Nyungwe Forest National Park
Big Five game viewing in the legendary Serengeti National Park
Exploring the natural wonder of Ngorongoro Crater
Witnessing Tarangire's famous elephant herds and baobab-dotted landscapes
Relaxing on the pristine beaches of Zanzibar Island
Price Includes:
- Gorilla tracking permit
- Chimpanzee tracking permit
- Golden monkey tracking permit
- All national park entry fees
- All scheduled activities as mentioned in the itinerary
- Ground transportation in a 4x4 custom safari vehicle
- Bottled water during all drives and activities
- Full board accommodation as specified in the itinerary
- Services of professional English-speaking driver-guides
- Driver allowances and park fees
- All mentioned activities except optional ones
- Domestic flights (Kigali-Kilimanjaro, Arusha-Serengeti, Arusha-Zanzibar)
Price Excludes:
- International flights
- Rwanda and Tanzania visas
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Laundry services
- Travel and medical insurance
- Tips for guides and lodge staff
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
- Items of personal nature
Itinary in details
- Day1Arrival in Kigali and City Tour
Your gorilla tracking Rwanda adventure begins with arrival at Kigali International Airport, where you'll be greeted by your expert guide. The fascinating gorilla tracking Rwanda experience starts with a comprehensive city tour of Kigali, including the moving Genocide Memorial Center and vibrant local markets. Later, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant as your guide briefs you about the upcoming gorilla tracking Rwanda expedition while you settle into your comfortable accommodation in Kigali.
- Day2Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, your gorilla tracking Rwanda journey continues with a scenic 2.5-hour drive northwest to Volcanoes National Park, locally known as "Parc National des Volcans." The breathtaking gorilla tracking Rwanda route takes you through the picturesque countryside known as the "Land of a Thousand Hills." Your evening gorilla tracking Rwanda preparation includes a briefing at the lodge while enjoying spectacular views of the Virunga Mountains that serve as home to the endangered mountain gorillas.
- Day3Gorilla Tracking in Volcanoes National Park
Today marks the highlight of your gorilla tracking Rwanda experience as you rise early for a 6:30 AM briefing at the park headquarters in Kinigi. The exhilarating gorilla tracking Rwanda trek begins with a hike through bamboo forests and up steep terrain that can last 1-5 hours, depending on the gorilla family's location. Your unforgettable gorilla tracking Rwanda encounter allows you a precious hour with these gentle giants, observing their natural behaviors and family dynamics in their native habitat.
- Day4Golden Monkey Tracking and Transfer to Nyungwe National Park
Begin your day with golden monkey tracking in the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park, an experience that complements your gorilla tracking Rwanda adventure perfectly. After lunch, your gorilla tracking Rwanda journey continues with a scenic 5–6-hour drive south to Nyungwe Forest National Park. The spectacular gorilla tracking Rwanda route takes you through Rwanda's beautiful countryside and tea plantations before arriving at your lodge nestled on the edge of one of Africa's oldest rainforests.
- Day5Chimpanzee Tracking and Transfer to Kigali
Rise early for a thrilling chimpanzee tracking experience in Nyungwe Forest, a perfect complement to your gorilla tracking Rwanda adventure. After encountering our closest relatives in the wild, your gorilla tracking Rwanda expedition continues with a 5-hour drive back to Kigali. The afternoon gorilla tracking Rwanda wrap-up includes time for souvenir shopping in Kigali before your evening flight to Kilimanjaro Airport in Tanzania, where you'll be met and transferred to your lodge for the night.
- Day6Flight to Serengeti National Park
Your gorilla tracking Rwanda adventure transitions to Tanzania as you board a morning flight from Arusha to the central Serengeti, known locally as "Seronera." Upon arrival, your gorilla tracking Rwanda and Tanzania safari continues with an immediate game drive through the iconic Serengeti plains. The afternoon gorilla tracking Rwanda and Serengeti combo adventure reveals the incredible diversity of wildlife in this UNESCO World Heritage site, from pride of lions to vast herds of zebra and wildebeest.
- Day7Full day Game Drive in Serengeti and Transfer to Ngorongoro Crater
Wake up to the sounds of the Serengeti for a full day of game viewing, building on your gorilla tracking Rwanda experiences with exciting big cat encounters. After lunch, your gorilla tracking Rwanda and Tanzania journey continues with a scenic 3-hour drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The spectacular gorilla tracking Rwanda and Tanzania contrast becomes apparent as you reach the crater rim, where your lodge offers breathtaking views of one of Africa's most impressive natural wonders.
- Day8Safari in Ngorongoro Crater and Transfer to Tarangire National Park
Descend 2,000 feet into the Ngorongoro Crater, a natural enclosure complementing your gorilla tracking Rwanda adventure with incredible density of wildlife. After exploring this "Garden of Eden," your gorilla tracking Rwanda and Tanzania safari continues with a 2-hour drive to Tarangire National Park. The afternoon gorilla tracking Rwanda and Tanzania combination reaches its wildlife climax with sightings of Tarangire's famous elephant herds against a backdrop of ancient baobab trees.
- Day9Morning Game Drive in Tarangire and transfer to Zanzibar Island
Enjoy a final morning game drive in Tarangire before your gorilla tracking Rwanda and Tanzania safari transitions to the final chapter. A 2-hour drive takes you to Arusha for lunch before your afternoon flight to Zanzibar Island. The perfect gorilla tracking Rwanda and Tanzania finale begins as you're transferred to your beach resort on Zanzibar's eastern coast. Your gorilla tracking Rwanda adventure concludes with a sunset dinner on the beach, reflecting on the incredible wildlife encounters of the past nine days.