7-Day Tanzania & Rwanda Safari – From Kilimanjaro to Gorillas
This 7-day Rwanda & Tanzania safari takes you through two of the region’s most captivating wildlife destinations—Tanzania’s legendary Northern Circuit and Rwanda’s mystical Volcanoes National Park. Start your adventure in Tanzania, where you’ll explore Lake Manyara’s diverse birdlife and tree-climbing lions, descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, and witness the great wildlife spectacle of Serengeti National Park. Then, fly to Rwanda for an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience in the misty Virunga Mountains before concluding your journey with a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial. This itinerary is designed for wildlife lovers seeking an immersive experience filled with thrilling encounters, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural history.
Detailed 7 Days Tanzania & Rwanda Safari
Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport – Transfer to Lake Manyara National Park
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met by your safari guide and transferred to Lake Manyara National Park, a journey of about 2.5 hours through Tanzania’s picturesque countryside. Known for its incredible birdlife, unique tree-climbing lions, and diverse ecosystems, Lake Manyara is a paradise for nature lovers. After checking into your lodge and enjoying a delicious lunch, embark on an afternoon game drive, where you’ll spot large flocks of flamingos, pelicans, storks, and other wading birds along the alkaline lake’s shores. Keep an eye out for elephants, giraffes, and buffaloes grazing in the acacia woodlands, and, if lucky, witness the rare sight of lions resting on tree branches. As the sun sets, return to your lodge for a relaxing evening under the African sky, enjoying dinner as you listen to the sounds of the wilderness.
Accommodation Options:
- Luxury: Lake Manyara Tree Lodge 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
- Mid-Range: Manyara Serena Safari Lodge 🌟🌟🌟🌟
- Budget: Manyara Wildlife Safari Camp 🌟🌟🌟
Day 2: Ngorongoro Crater – Exploring Africa’s Natural Wonder
After an early breakfast, depart for Ngorongoro Crater, one of Africa’s most stunning wildlife destinations. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera, often referred to as the Eighth Wonder of the World. Upon arrival, you’ll descend 600 meters into the crater floor, where an unparalleled concentration of wildlife awaits. Ngorongoro is home to the Big Five—lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos—as well as large herds of zebras, wildebeest, and hippos. The crater’s landscapes range from grasslands and acacia forests to soda lakes teeming with flamingos.
Enjoy a picnic lunch near a hippo pool, soaking in the breathtaking scenery before continuing your game drive. The crater also offers fantastic predator sightings, with cheetahs and hyenas actively hunting. In the late afternoon, ascend back to the rim and transfer to your lodge, where you can unwind with a spectacular view of the crater below. As night falls, enjoy a delicious dinner and prepare for the next leg of your adventure.
Accommodation Options:
- Luxury: Ngorongoro Crater Lodge 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
- Mid-Range: Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge 🌟🌟🌟🌟
- Budget: Rhino Lodge 🌟🌟🌟
Day 3: Transfer to Serengeti National Park – Scenic Wilderness & Wildlife Encounters
After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive towards Serengeti National Park, one of Africa’s most famous wildlife reserves. The journey takes you through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, offering spectacular views and the chance to see Maasai herders with their cattle against the backdrop of the endless plains. Arriving in Serengeti by mid-day, check into your lodge or tented camp and enjoy a hearty lunch before heading out for an afternoon game drive.
Serengeti’s vast plains are home to an abundance of wildlife, including thousands of wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, elephants, giraffes, and the Big Five. Depending on the season, you may witness the world-famous Great Migration, where massive herds cross the plains in search of fresh grazing land. As the sun sets over the savannah, capture stunning photographs of golden-lit acacia trees and wildlife silhouettes. Return to your camp for a cozy evening around the campfire, sharing safari stories before enjoying a well-deserved rest.
Accommodation Options:
- Luxury: Four Seasons Serengeti Lodge 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
- Mid-Range: Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge 🌟🌟🌟🌟
- Budget: Serengeti Heritage Camp 🌟🌟🌟
Day 4: Full-Day Serengeti Safari & Optional Balloon Safari
Rise before dawn for a sunrise game drive, one of the best times to witness predators on the hunt. The cool morning air is perfect for spotting lions, leopards, and cheetahs as they prowl through the grasslands in search of prey. After a hearty bush breakfast, continue exploring the Serengeti, venturing into different ecosystems ranging from woodlands and rocky kopjes to open plains. Midday offers an opportunity to relax at your lodge or camp before embarking on an afternoon game drive.
For an unforgettable experience, opt for a hot air balloon safari over the Serengeti. Floating above the plains at sunrise offers a bird’s-eye view of the landscape, where you can spot herds of animals moving gracefully across the savannah. After landing, celebrate with a champagne breakfast in the bush, adding a touch of luxury to your adventure. As the day ends, return to your lodge for another magical night under the African sky.
Accommodation Options:
- Luxury: Four Seasons Serengeti Lodge 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
- Mid-Range: Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge 🌟🌟🌟🌟
- Budget: Serengeti Heritage Camp 🌟🌟🌟
Day 5: Flight from Serengeti to Kigali – Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, transfer to Seronera Airstrip for your scenic flight to Kigali, Rwanda. Upon arrival, your guide will meet you for a 3-hour drive to Volcanoes National Park, home to the rare and endangered mountain gorillas. The drive takes you through Rwanda’s stunning countryside, known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills.”
Arriving in Volcanoes National Park, check into your lodge and spend the rest of the day relaxing or exploring the surroundings. You can visit Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, where you’ll learn about traditional Rwandan life, watch cultural performances, and engage with former poachers turned conservationists. Enjoy a delicious dinner and rest in preparation for your exciting gorilla trek the following morning.
Accommodation Options:
- Luxury: One&Only Gorilla’s Nest 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
- Mid-Range: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge 🌟🌟🌟🌟
- Budget: La Locanda 🌟🌟🌟
Day 6: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing before setting off on a once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking experience. Accompanied by expert guides and trackers, hike through dense bamboo forests in search of a gorilla family. Once located, you’ll spend one magical hour observing them as they interact, feed, and care for their young.
The trek can take anywhere from 2 to 6 hours, depending on the gorillas’ location. After the trek, return to the lodge for a late lunch and relaxation. The afternoon is free for optional activities like golden monkey tracking or visiting the Dian Fossey Tomb.
Accommodation Options:
- Luxury: One&Only Gorilla’s Nest 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
- Mid-Range: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge 🌟🌟🌟🌟
- Budget: La Locanda 🌟🌟🌟
Day 7: Return to Kigali – Genocide Memorial & Departure
Drive back to Kigali, stopping at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a poignant reminder of Rwanda’s history. After lunch, transfer to Kigali International Airport for your departure, ending an unforgettable Tanzania & Rwanda safari adventure.
