Searching for a Rwanda gorilla trekking and Serengeti wildlife safari package? A stunning 7 Days Rwanda Gorillas & Serengeti Wildlife Safari, filled with wildlife wonders starts in Kigali, traversing the over-hanging Virunga ranges to meet the ‘classic’ mountain gorillas of Volcanoes national park, partake in a cultural excursion with Gorilla Guardians Village, before heading to the home of safaris” – the Serengeti National park in Tanzania.
The Serengeti Savannah plains are renowned habitats of lions, cheetahs, elephants and buffaloes, numerous antelopes as well as abundant bird-life, all set within a dramatic scenery. See detailed East African safari itinerary below.
Gorilla Trekking & Serengeti Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Fly into Kigali International Airport
Arrive at Kigali international airport, and your safari guide will be right there waiting to receive you. Meet and greet session, and soon you will be briefed about the itinerary of the safari as well as a transfer to your pre-booked hotel in Kigali.
Day 2: Kigali city tour – Volcanoes National Park
Hotel pick up from Kigali and undertake a brief city tour in Africa’s cleanest and fast developing town of Kigali. Discover some of the famous ancient buildings, genocide sites & monuments, culture, cuisine and people. After the excursion, proceed on a transfer to Pac National Des Volcans (Volcanoes National Park) which is located in the northern province of Rwanda.
Volcanoes National Park is a renowned hub for the rare & endangered mountain gorillas that have inhabited the region for centuries since their exploration by Dian Fossey in the early 80s. It also shelters the elusive golden monkeys. Arrive at your place of accommodation, either in Kinigi or in the outskirts of Volcanoes National park for dinner and night stay.
Day 3: Gorilla trekking and Cultural encounter
Take a delicious breakfast from the lodge in the morning, drive to the park headquarters and assemble for pre-trek briefing which will usher you into a lifetime journey to search for the mountain gorillas. The head ranger takes visitors through different gorilla trekking guidelines and the dos and don’ts to be observed during this dramatic adventure.
Enter into the thick, foggy jungles of Parc National de Volcans to track your allocated gorilla group. This experience may last between 2 – 8 hours, but the eventual one-on-one encounter with these unique species is quite extraordinary.
The hike to meet the assigned family takes you amidst the misty, slippery jungles while viewing the lovely Virunga ranges, with their stunning panoramic views and magical scenery of the thick vegetation will definitely create a memorable experience. Retreat to the lodge after this encounter, with your safari guide and spend the rest of the afternoon at the lodge. In the evening, take a walk to one of the nearby communities, preferably the Ibyiwachu cultural community which comprises of a very vibrant dance group that performs different traditional songs, dances and more.
Day 4: Return to Kigali and fly to JRO, Tanzania. Overnight stay in Arusha
Leave Volcanoes national park in the morning, and begin the journey back to Kigali. Immediately catch your connecting flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport. Upon arrival, meet with your Tanzania safari guide who will warmly welcome you, and introduce you to the soul of Africa, Tanzania.
Embark on a 1 hour drive to Arusha town where you’ll spend the night. Arusha is an undisputed ‘safari capital’ of East Africa, perched at 1400 meters above sea level, overlooking Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro in the distant East.
Daily temperatures and humidity in Arusha are relatively low, but all around this important city are some of Tanzania’s greatest delights. It is therefore the ideal starting-point for any safari in the Northern circuit of Tanzania, particularly supplying the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.
Day 5: Arusha – Serengeti NP
After breakfast at your Arusha hotel, get your parked lunch and immediately set off on a lengthy trip to the Serengeti conservation area. Along the journey, the sheer vastness of Africa’s open savannah spreads out right before you. Reach Serengeti national park in the afternoon, and marvel at this famous UNESCO World Heritage Site as well as Tanzania’s oldest and most celebrated national park. Relax at the lodge and undertake an afternoon game drive to explore the vastness of its plains.
There are really not so many places on earth to view such huge quantities and variety of wildlife like the Serengeti. Absorb the breathtaking scenery, fantastic changing light and obviously sight the profusion of animals that have found their home here. Your dedicated Safari driver-guide will be delighted to give you all the information regarding history, flora and fauna and geographical uniqueness of this incredible destination.
With thousands of predators, lesser and big mammals, it is by no surprise that there’s always something interesting in Serengeti. Wildlife here include elephants, buffaloes, zebras, lions, leopards, cheetahs and antelopes, just some of the many species here. After this game drive, return to your campsite on sunset, have some rest and your evening meal.
Day 6: Serengeti Full day safari
A morning in Serengeti National Park is always special! Enjoy the sights, sounds and scents of Africa all around you, and ahead of you is a full day of wildlife extravaganza in the world’s most famous national park.Have breakfast and begin the day with morning section of the game drive in Serengeti National Park, admiration at the pleasant scenery, beautiful morning sun and ever entertaining wildlife, all explained to you by an expert ranger guide.
Take a picnic lunch in the afternoon and again set off for another session of wildlife viewing in this awe-inspiring national park. The highlights are undoubtedly myriad of mammals, predators and thousands of birds that find shelter in the park. Usual sightings include elephants, antelopes, buffaloes, leopards, cheetahs, zebras, lions etc. At the end of the game drive, return to the lodge for dinner and a much needed rest.
Day 7: Serengeti – Arusha & Departure
This is the ‘departure day’, though you still have plenty chances of viewing abundant wildlife, before your thoughts turn home or to another next destination. Dramatic scenery of Ngorongoro crater, the rift valley, etc. will reward your enroute journey back to Arusha. Some of the few animals you may encounter include hyenas, lions, leopards, elephants, antelopes, jackals, waterbucks, wallowing hippos, baboons and the rare black rhinos. You will have picnic lunch en route before driving for more 5 hours to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) to catch your departure flight.
End of 7 Days Rwanda Gorillas & Serengeti Wildlife Safari.
