Rwanda, Tanzania · Luxury Safari

12-Day Gorilla Trekking and Serengeti Migration Safari with Luxury Lodges

12 Days Round trip from Kigali Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Experience gorilla trekking in Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park, encountering endangered mountain gorillas up close
02 Trek through the bamboo forests to see the lively and photogenic golden monkeys
03 Witness the Great Migration in the Serengeti from a mobile camp that follows the herds
04 Explore the Ngorongoro Crater, home to abundant wildlife including the rare black rhino

Embark on a 12-day journey that combines Rwanda's misty volcanic forests with Tanzania's legendary plains. Trek endangered mountain gorillas and playful golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park, then fly into the Serengeti for thrilling game drives following the Great Migration. Continue to the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO-listed wonder teeming with wildlife, including the rare black rhino. With seamless transfers, private guiding, and luxury lodges throughout, this safari promises rare encounters, breathtaking landscapes, and a truly immersive East African adventure.

Embark on a 12-day journey that combines Rwanda's misty volcanic forests with Tanzania's legendary plains.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 12 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Luxury

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Kigali, Mount Kilimanjaro, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Volcanoes National Park

Languages English, French, German, Italian, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Kigali and Transfer to Your Luxury Retreat

Arrive at Kigali International Airport.
Meet your representative and transfer to The Retreat by Heaven.
Enjoy an evening at leisure to relax and prepare for the journey ahead.

Day 02

Scenic Drive to Volcanoes National Park

Enjoy a scenic three-hour drive north to Volcanoes National Park.
Arrive at One&Only Gorilla's Nest.
Spend the afternoon settling in and enjoying the lodge at your leisure.

Day 03

Golden Monkey Tracking Adventure

Set out on a morning trek to track golden monkeys.
Spend the afternoon at leisure or choose optional local exploration.

Day 04

First Gorilla Trekking Experience

After an early breakfast, set out for gorilla trekking with a ranger.
Spend one hour observing a habituated gorilla family.
Return for lunch and spa treatments at the lodge.

Day 05

Second Gorilla Trek with a New Family

Enjoy a second gorilla trek for a new experience with a different gorilla family.
Spend the afternoon relaxing at the lodge.

Day 06

Return to Kigali

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast.
Take a scenic drive back to Kigali.

Overnight at The Retreat by Heaven, with an optional city tour and Genocide Memorial visit.

Day 07

Fly to Tanzania and Enter the Serengeti

Transfer early to Kigali Airport.
Take your flight to Tanzania with an immigration stop.
Enjoy a game drive en route to One Nature Nyarusigwa Camp.

Day 08

Game Drives Following the Great Migration

Head out on morning and afternoon game drives focused on the Great Migration.
Stay at a camp positioned close to the migrating herds.

Day 09

Full-Day Serengeti Wildlife Exploration

Spend the day exploring the Serengeti with a picnic lunch in the bush.
Search for wildebeest, zebra, predators, and more.

Day 10

Transfer to Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Transfer from the Serengeti to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Make an optional stop at Olduvai Gorge.
Arrive at Ngorongoro Wilderness Camp.

Day 11

Full-Day Safari in Ngorongoro Crater

Descend into the crater for a full-day safari.
Look out for rare black rhino, lions, elephants, and hippos.
Enjoy a picnic lunch inside the crater before returning to camp.

Day 12

Departure from Kilimanjaro

Enjoy breakfast at the lodge.
Take an optional game drive or cultural visit, time permitting.
Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for departure.

Where this trip takes you

Volcanoes National Park misty volcanic forests, One&Only Gorilla's Nest, Serengeti National Park plains, Ngorongoro Crater wildlife basin

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Kigali 5 cities · 12 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

All internal flights within the itinerary (Kigali - Serengeti and return)
11 nights' luxury accommodation as per the itinerary
All meals and a selection of local beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic)
Private safari vehicle and guide in both Rwanda and Tanzania
All gorilla and golden monkey trekking permits
All park and conservation fees for Volcanoes National Park, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater
All airport and lodge transfers
Laundry service at the lodges

What's Not Included

International flights to and from Kigali and Kilimanjaro International Airport
Visa fees for Rwanda and Tanzania
Travel and medical insurance
Optional activities not listed in the itinerary
Premium brand alcoholic beverages
Tipping for guides and staff
Personal expenses such as souvenirs

What to bring

Clothing: Pack in layers with lightweight, neutral colours for game drives; a warm fleece or jacket for cool mornings, evenings, and high altitudes; and a waterproof jacket for the rainy season.
Footwear: Sturdy, comfortable hiking boots for gorilla trekking and lighter shoes for evenings and travel.
Sun & insect protection: Wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen, and insect repellent with DEET.
Electronics: Camera with spare batteries and memory cards, binoculars, universal power adapter, and power bank.
Health: Personal first-aid kit, prescription medications, and a copy of vaccination records.
Other: Small backpack for day trips, headlamp, and a copy of your passport and flight details.

Know before you go

Gorilla trekking permits are highly regulated and must be booked in advance. The cost is included in your package, and trekking can be strenuous, requiring reasonable fitness.
There is a strict 15 kg/33 lbs weight limit on internal flights in Rwanda and Tanzania, and soft-sided bags are mandatory.
Consult your doctor or travel clinic regarding vaccinations and malaria prophylaxis. A Yellow Fever certificate may be required.
Check visa requirements for both Rwanda and Tanzania based on your nationality.
Tipping is customary for guides and lodge staff, and guidance will be provided by your guides.
The local currencies are the Rwandan Franc (RWF) and Tanzanian Shilling (TZS). US Dollars are widely accepted, and small denominations are useful for tips and small purchases.

Logistics