Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable 6-Day Rwanda and Tanzania Safari | Gorilla Trekking & Migration Adventure, combining two of East Africa’s most iconic wildlife experiences. This carefully designed journey offers the rare opportunity to trek endangered mountain gorillas in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and explore Tanzania’s legendary wilderness in search of the Big Five and the Great Wildebeest Migration.
Begin your adventure in Rwanda, the Land of a Thousand Hills, with a visit to Kigali before heading to Volcanoes National Park, where you will walk through the misty Virunga forests in search of mountain gorillas and experience the legacy of conservation pioneer Dian Fossey. You may also enjoy optional golden monkey trekking and scenic views of the volcanic landscapes.
Continue to Tanzania by flight and discover the spectacular wildlife landscapes of the Serengeti National Park and surrounding ecosystems. Enjoy thrilling game drives across endless savannah plains, where you can encounter lions, elephants, leopards, buffaloes, cheetahs, and, depending on the season, witness the incredible spectacle of the Great Wildebeest Migration.
Combining rare primate encounters, world-class safari experiences, breathtaking scenery, and rich East African cultures, this 6-day Rwanda and Tanzania safari delivers an unforgettable adventure for wildlife enthusiasts seeking the best of gorillas and the African wilderness.
6-Day Rwanda And Tanzania Safari Highlights
- Day 1: Kigali – Volcanoes national park
- Day 2: Gorilla trekking
- Day 3: Kigali – Arusha
- Day 4: Arusha – Lake Manyara National Park
- Day 5: Lake Manyara National Park – Ngorongoro
- Day 6: Ngorongoro – Tarangire National Park
A Detailed 6-Day Rwanda And Tanzania Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your guide and begin your scenic journey to Volcanoes National Park in northern Rwanda. The drive takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, passing through Rwanda’s famous rolling hills, beautifully terraced farms, and charming rural communities.
Your destination is Musanze, a lively town located at the foothills of the magnificent Virunga Volcanoes and the gateway to Volcanoes National Park. This region is famous for its breathtaking volcanic landscapes and as one of the world’s best destinations for mountain gorilla trekking.
Depending on your arrival time, you may explore some of the nearby attractions, including the beautiful Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo, offering spectacular views of the surrounding volcanoes, or visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village to experience Rwanda’s traditions, music, dance, and local way of life.
Destination: Volcanoes National Park
Accommodation: Lodge near Volcanoes National Park
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
After an early breakfast, depart for the Volcanoes National Park headquarters where you will meet your guides and receive a briefing about gorilla trekking guidelines, safety procedures, and conservation efforts.
Begin your unforgettable trek through the misty mountain forests of the Virunga Massif in search of a habituated mountain gorilla family. The duration of the trek depends on the location of the gorillas and may take several hours as you hike through bamboo forests, dense vegetation, and mountainous terrain.
Once you find the gorillas, you will spend up to one magical hour observing them in their natural habitat. Watch as the powerful silverback protects his family, mothers care for their young ones, and playful juveniles interact within the group. This rare encounter offers a deeper understanding of these endangered primates and the importance of their conservation.
After the trek, return to your lodge to relax. In the afternoon, you may choose optional activities such as a Musanze Cave visit, a cultural experience at Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, or simply enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the Virunga region.
Destination: Volcanoes National Park
Accommodation: Lodge near Volcanoes National Park
Day 3: Volcanoes National Park – Kigali City Tour – Arusha, Tanzania
After breakfast, return to Kigali, Rwanda’s clean and vibrant capital city. Enjoy a guided city tour exploring some of the city’s important landmarks, including the Kigali Genocide Memorial, which provides insight into Rwanda’s history and remarkable journey of recovery and reconciliation.
You will also visit local craft markets where you can discover handmade souvenirs and experience Rwanda’s artistic traditions. Another highlight is a visit to the famous Mille Collines Hotel (Hotel Rwanda), known worldwide for its role during the 1994 genocide.
Later, transfer to Kigali International Airport for your flight to Kilimanjaro Airport in Tanzania. Upon arrival, transfer to Arusha, Tanzania’s safari capital and the starting point for adventures into the country’s famous northern safari circuit.
Destination: Arusha, Tanzania
Accommodation: Arusha Lodge
Day 4: Arusha – Lake Manyara National Park Safari
After breakfast, depart Arusha and drive towards Lake Manyara National Park, a journey of approximately two hours through scenic landscapes and local villages. En route, pass through Mto wa Mbu, a vibrant agricultural town known for its colorful market, diverse cultures, and fresh produce.
Continue into Lake Manyara National Park, a beautiful wildlife destination located at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment. The park is famous for its tree-climbing lions, large elephant populations, and spectacular birdlife.
During your game drive, look out for wildlife including giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, wildebeest, monkeys, hippos, and various antelope species. Bird lovers will enjoy the park’s incredible variety of species, including flamingos, pelicans, herons, and the colorful lilac-breasted roller.
After an exciting day of wildlife viewing, continue to your lodge for dinner and overnight relaxation.
Destination: Lake Manyara National Park
Accommodation: Lodge in the Lake Manyara/Karatu area
Day 5: Lake Manyara – Ngorongoro Crater Exploration
After breakfast, depart for the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater, often referred to as the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” Descend into this ancient volcanic caldera and enjoy a full-day safari surrounded by breathtaking scenery and abundant wildlife.
The crater is home to over 25,000 large animals and offers some of the best opportunities to see the Big Five. Explore the grasslands, forests, and wetlands while searching for lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, hyenas, cheetahs, zebras, wildebeest, and the endangered black rhinoceros.
Enjoy a picnic lunch near the scenic hippo pool before continuing your wildlife exploration. The unique ecosystem of the crater provides unforgettable photography opportunities and some of Africa’s most impressive safari experiences.
Later in the afternoon, return to your lodge in the Karatu area for dinner and overnight.
Destination: Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Accommodation: Lodge in Karatu
Day 6: Ngorongoro – Tarangire National Park – Arusha
After breakfast, depart for Tarangire National Park, one of Tanzania’s most scenic and underrated wildlife destinations. The park is famous for its ancient baobab trees, large elephant herds, and the Tarangire River, which attracts wildlife throughout the year.
Enjoy a game drive through the park’s diverse landscapes, searching for elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, buffaloes, and unique species such as the greater kudu and fringe-eared oryx.
Tarangire is also a paradise for bird lovers, with hundreds of bird species recorded within the park. Enjoy a picnic lunch while taking in views of the beautiful surroundings before continuing your journey back to Arusha in the late afternoon.
Your incredible 6-Day Rwanda and Tanzania Safari | Gorilla Trekking and Wildlife Adventure comes to an end with unforgettable memories of mountain gorillas, African landscapes, and world-class safari experiences.
Destination: Arusha
End of the 6-Day Rwanda And Tanzania Safari Itinerary