Detailed 9-Day Rwanda & Tanzania Luxury Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – City Tour

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your professional safari guide and transferred to your luxury hotel. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a guided tour of Kigali, one of Africa’s cleanest and safest cities. Visit local art galleries, vibrant craft markets, cafés, and cultural centers while learning about Rwanda’s rich heritage and remarkable transformation. In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner featuring authentic Rwandan cuisine before relaxing at your hotel.

Destination: Kigali
Accommodation: The Retreat Kigali

Day 2: Kigali Genocide Memorial & Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, one of Rwanda’s most important historical sites. The memorial provides a moving insight into the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi while highlighting the country’s inspiring journey toward reconciliation and unity.

After lunch, depart Kigali and enjoy a scenic drive through Rwanda’s beautiful countryside to Volcanoes National Park. Along the way, admire the rolling hills, terraced farms, and picturesque villages that have earned Rwanda the nickname “Land of a Thousand Hills.” Arrive at your luxury lodge in time to relax and prepare for the next day’s gorilla trekking adventure.

Destination: Volcanoes National Park
Accommodation: Kataza House by Singita

Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Rise early for breakfast before heading to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters for a briefing by experienced park rangers. You will then begin your unforgettable trek through the lush Virunga rainforest in search of one of Rwanda’s habituated mountain gorilla families.

The trek may take between two and six hours depending on the location of the gorillas. Once found, you will spend one magical hour observing these gentle giants as they feed, play, groom one another, and interact naturally in their forest home. This extraordinary encounter is one of Africa’s greatest wildlife experiences and offers incredible opportunities for photography and learning about gorilla conservation.

After the trek, return to the lodge for relaxation or enjoy optional cultural activities nearby.

Destination: Volcanoes National Park
Accommodation: Kataza House by Singita

Day 4: Ellen DeGeneres Campus & Gorilla Conservation Experience

After breakfast, visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. This world-class conservation and research center offers fascinating exhibitions about mountain gorillas, biodiversity, and the pioneering work of Dian Fossey.

Meet conservation experts, explore interactive displays, and learn about ongoing research and community conservation programs that help protect mountain gorillas throughout the Virunga Mountains. Spend the afternoon relaxing at your luxury lodge while enjoying spectacular views of the volcanoes.

Destination: Volcanoes National Park
Accommodation: Kataza House by Singita

Day 5: Leisure Morning in Volcanoes National Park

Enjoy a relaxed morning at your lodge surrounded by the beautiful Virunga Mountains. Guests may choose to unwind and enjoy the lodge’s facilities or participate in optional activities such as golden monkey trekking, a guided nature walk, the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, or visits to the scenic Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo.

Spend another peaceful evening overlooking the volcanic landscapes before your journey to Tanzania.

Destination: Volcanoes National Park
Accommodation: Kataza House by Singita

Day 6: Flight from Kigali to Serengeti National Park

After breakfast, transfer to Kigali International Airport for your scheduled flight to Tanzania. Upon arrival at Kogatende Airstrip in Serengeti National Park, your safari guide will welcome you and transfer you to your luxury safari camp.

Enjoy your first game drive through the vast Serengeti plains as you search for elephants, lions, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, and numerous other wildlife species. End the day with a spectacular African sunset before dinner under the stars.

Destination: Serengeti National Park
Accommodation: Sayari Camp

Day 7: Full-Day Serengeti Safari

Spend the day exploring the world-famous Serengeti National Park on extensive morning and afternoon game drives. Depending on the season, witness the incredible Great Wildebeest Migration as thousands of wildebeests and zebras move across the endless plains.

Your expert guide will help you spot the Big Five along with cheetahs, hyenas, hippos, crocodiles, and a remarkable variety of birds. Return to camp for dinner and another unforgettable night in the African wilderness.

Destination: Serengeti National Park
Accommodation: Sayari Camp

Day 8: Another Day Exploring the Serengeti

Enjoy another exciting day discovering different regions of the Serengeti. Visit river crossings (season permitting), explore wildlife-rich valleys, and continue searching for Africa’s iconic animals while learning about the park’s unique ecosystems from your experienced guide.

Between game drives, relax at your luxurious safari camp and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of one of Africa’s greatest wildlife destinations.

Destination: Serengeti National Park
Accommodation: Sayari Camp

Day 9: Serengeti – Arusha – Departure

Enjoy a final early morning game drive before breakfast, offering one last opportunity to photograph the incredible wildlife of the Serengeti. Afterwards, transfer to the airstrip for your flight to Arusha.

Upon arrival, connect with your international flight or continue with your onward travel arrangements, bringing your unforgettable Rwanda and Tanzania luxury safari to a memorable conclusion.

Destination: Arusha

End of the 9-Day Rwanda & Tanzania Luxury Safari