Detailed 10 Days Kenya, Tanzania & Rwanda Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali, Rwanda

Welcome to Rwanda, the beautiful “Land of a Thousand Hills.” Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your professional safari guide and transferred to your hotel in Kigali. Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy a short tour of the city, visiting highlights such as the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local craft markets, or the iconic Kigali Convention Centre. Kigali is widely regarded as one of Africa’s cleanest and safest cities, offering a perfect introduction to your East African adventure. Spend the evening relaxing at your hotel and preparing for the exciting days ahead.

Meal Plan: Dinner

Day 2: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park – Gorilla Trekking

After an early breakfast, depart Kigali and drive approximately 2½ hours through Rwanda’s scenic countryside to Volcanoes National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas. Upon arrival at the park headquarters, attend a briefing conducted by experienced park rangers before setting off into the lush rainforest in search of one of the habituated gorilla families.

The trek may last between 2 and 6 hours depending on the gorillas’ location. Once found, you will spend one unforgettable hour observing these magnificent primates as they feed, groom, play, and interact in their natural habitat. This remarkable wildlife encounter is undoubtedly one of Africa’s greatest safari experiences. After the trek, return to your lodge for relaxation while enjoying spectacular views of the Virunga Volcanoes.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Golden Monkey Trekking and Cultural Experience

Following breakfast, return to Volcanoes National Park for an exciting Golden Monkey Trek. These playful and endangered primates are unique to the Virunga Mountains and are known for their energetic movements through the bamboo forests. The guided trek offers excellent photography opportunities while learning about Rwanda’s conservation efforts.

In the afternoon, visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund to discover ongoing mountain gorilla conservation and scientific research. Later, continue to the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, where you’ll experience traditional Rwandan music, dance, local crafts, and cultural performances before returning to your lodge for dinner.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Fly from Kigali to Nairobi, Kenya

After breakfast, transfer to Kigali International Airport for your scheduled flight to Nairobi, Kenya. Upon arrival, your Kenyan safari guide will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel.

Depending on your arrival time, you may visit the Giraffe Centre, where you can feed the endangered Rothschild’s giraffes, or the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, famous for rescuing orphaned elephants. Enjoy dinner and relax before beginning your Kenyan safari.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Nairobi to Maasai Mara National Reserve

After breakfast, depart Nairobi and journey southwest through the breathtaking Great Rift Valley to the world-famous Maasai Mara National Reserve. Arrive at your safari lodge in time for lunch before embarking on your first exciting afternoon game drive.

The Maasai Mara is renowned for its exceptional wildlife, including lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and numerous antelope species. During the migration season, you may also witness the spectacular Great Wildebeest Migration, one of the world’s greatest natural events.

Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6: Full-Day Game Drive in Maasai Mara

Spend the entire day exploring the magnificent Maasai Mara on morning and afternoon game drives. Your experienced guide will lead you across the vast savannahs in search of the Big Five and many other fascinating wildlife species.

Optional activities include an early morning hot air balloon safari, offering breathtaking aerial views of the reserve followed by a champagne bush breakfast. You may also visit a traditional Maasai village to learn about the customs, traditions, and lifestyle of one of East Africa’s most famous communities.

Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7: Transfer to Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

After breakfast, depart Maasai Mara and travel via the Isebania border into Tanzania before continuing to the legendary Serengeti National Park. Enjoy beautiful scenery along the way before arriving in the Serengeti for an afternoon game drive.

The Serengeti’s endless plains are home to extraordinary wildlife, including lions, elephants, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and countless bird species. Settle into your safari lodge for dinner and overnight.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8: Full-Day Safari in Serengeti National Park

Today is dedicated to exploring one of Africa’s greatest wildlife destinations. Morning and afternoon game drives provide excellent opportunities to encounter the Big Five and witness remarkable predator-prey interactions across the vast plains.

Depending on the season, you may observe the Great Wildebeest Migration as thousands of wildebeest and zebras move across the Serengeti in search of fresh grazing. Your guide will help you track wildlife while sharing fascinating information about the park’s ecosystems and conservation.

Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 9: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater

After breakfast, enjoy a final game drive as you leave the Serengeti and travel toward the spectacular Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Descend into the famous Ngorongoro Crater for an unforgettable wildlife safari.

Often referred to as Africa’s “Garden of Eden,” the crater supports one of the continent’s highest concentrations of wildlife, including lions, elephants, buffaloes, hippos, hyenas, flamingos, and the endangered black rhino. Enjoy a picnic lunch inside the crater before ascending to your lodge overlooking this remarkable natural wonder.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 10: Transfer to Arusha – Departure

Enjoy breakfast before departing Ngorongoro and driving to Arusha, the safari capital of northern Tanzania. Depending on your flight schedule, you may visit local craft markets or simply relax before your transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward flight.

Your unforgettable journey through Rwanda, Kenya, and Tanzania comes to an end, leaving you with lifelong memories of mountain gorillas, spectacular wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable African hospitality.

Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch

End of the 10-Day Kenya, Tanzania & Rwanda Safari