6 Days Rwanda Gorillas & Serengeti Safari - Car Rental 4x4
6 days Rwanda & Tanzania safari leads to Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park. The 6 day Rwanda and Tanzania safari integrates gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park with renowned Big Five game drives in Serengeti National Park. This 6 day safari in Rwanda and Tanzania includes gorilla trekking on day two, a flight from Kigali to Arusha on day three, and exploration of the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater on days four and five.
Discover the excitement of gorilla trekking, delve into the habitats of golden monkeys, and set off on thrilling game drives through the Serengeti plains. This itinerary is ideal for wildlife enthusiasts looking for an unforgettable adventure brimming with extraordinary experiences and stunning scenery. Select from a range of accommodations, including luxury, mid-range, and budget options, all thoughtfully curated to elevate your safari adventure.
Day 1: Arriving in Kigali
Upon your arrival at Kigali International Airport, a warm welcome awaits you from your safari guide, who will assist you with your transfer to the hotel for check-in. Kigali, recognized as one of Africa’s cleanest and most vibrant cities, provides an intriguing glimpse into Rwanda’s rich history and culture. Following a delightful local lunch, set off on a guided city tour, where you will visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a profoundly impactful site that pays tribute to the lives lost in 1994. Additionally, you will visit Caplaki Craft Village, where artisans offer a variety of handcrafted souvenirs, including woven baskets and jewelry. A trip to a Rwandan coffee farm provides coffee enthusiasts with the opportunity to taste some of the finest beans available globally. The evening is dedicated to a traditional Rwandan dinner, allowing you to savor local cuisine before heading back to your hotel for the night.
Accommodation Options:
- Luxury: The Retreat by Heaven
- Mid-Range: Hotel des Mille Collines
- Budget: Heaven Boutique Hotel
Day 2: Journey to Volcanoes National Park & Nature Stroll
Following a delightful breakfast, set off on a picturesque 2.5-hour journey to Volcanoes National Park, the sanctuary of the rare and endangered mountain gorillas. As you journey, take in the breathtaking sights of Rwanda’s undulating hills, vibrant tea plantations, and charming villages. Upon arrival, check into your lodge and immerse yourself in the stunning scenery of the Virunga Volcanoes, which create a striking backdrop to the park.
In the afternoon, select from two distinct activities: a nature walk through Buhanga Eco Park, a site where ancient kings held coronation rituals, or a visit to the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, where you can engage with Rwanda’s traditional way of life. Explore ancient hunting techniques, traditional dances, and the use of medicinal plants. Later, savor a delightful dinner beneath the stars at your lodge, unwinding in anticipation of your extraordinary gorilla trekking adventure the next day.
Choices for Lodging:
- Luxury: One&Only Gorilla’s Nest
- Mid-Range: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
- Budget: La Locanda _
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park – An Unforgettable Experience
Today marks the pinnacle of your journey in Rwanda—an unforgettable experience of mountain gorilla trekking. Following an early breakfast, you will be taken to the park headquarters for a briefing conducted by knowledgeable guides. The trek may span from one to four hours, influenced by the gorillas’ location, guiding you through thick bamboo forests, fog-laden hills, and rugged volcanic landscapes. Upon finding a gorilla family, you will enjoy an enchanting hour watching these gentle giants in their natural environment—observing their interactions, feeding habits, and playful moments. This close encounter is among the most breathtaking wildlife experiences on the planet.
Following your trek, head back to the lodge for a delightful lunch and some well-deserved relaxation. In the afternoon, you can choose to visit the Dian Fossey Tomb, where the renowned primatologist devoted her life to safeguarding gorillas. Alternatively, you can engage in golden monkey tracking, an exciting activity that offers the chance to observe these lively and spirited primates in their bamboo forest habitat. Following a remarkable day, savor a fulfilling dinner and relax in the cozy ambiance of your lodge.
Accommodation Options:
- Luxury: One&Only Gorilla’s Nest
- Mid-Range: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
- Budget: La Locanda
Day 4: Journey to Serengeti
Awaken to the crisp mountain air and savor breakfast before returning to Kigali International Airport for a picturesque flight to the Serengeti (via Kilimanjaro or Mwanza). When you arrive at Serengeti National Park, your safari guide will be ready to lead you on your initial game drive, where you might encounter elephants, zebras, giraffes, and possibly lions.
The Serengeti, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, hosts the Big Five and the Great Migration, establishing it as one of the most breathtaking wildlife destinations globally. Following an exhilarating afternoon drive, settle into your lodge or camp, where you can relax with sundowners while taking in the views of the golden plains. Savor a delightful dinner beneath the African sky before returning to your cozy lodging.
Accommodation Options:
• Luxury: Four Seasons Safari Lodge
- Mid-Range: Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge
- Budget: Serengeti Heritage Camp
Day 5: Full-Day Game Drives in Serengeti
Today, you will encounter the unfiltered beauty and thrill of the wildlife in the Serengeti. Following an early morning coffee, set out on a sunrise game drive, the ideal moment to observe predators such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs in pursuit of their prey. Discover the Seronera Valley, renowned for its abundance of big cats, and then proceed to the Retina Hippo Pool, where sizable groups of hippos bask in the water.
A delightful picnic lunch on the plains lets you immerse yourself in the expansive beauty of the Serengeti. In the afternoon, resume your quest for elephants, buffaloes, wildebeest, and hyenas.
During the Great Migration season, you can observe thousands of wildebeest and zebras as they make their way across rivers, engaging in dramatic encounters with crocodiles. For a remarkable experience, consider a hot air balloon safari (additional cost), gliding over the Serengeti at sunrise.
As the sun sets, make your way back to camp for a bush dinner beneath the starlit sky, reflecting on the day’s adventures.
Choices for Lodging:
- luxury: Four Seasons Safari Lodge
- Mid-Range: Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge
- Budget: Serengeti Heritage Camp
Day 6: Morning Game Drive and Departure
On your last day, rise early for a final sunrise game drive, seizing the opportunity to spot any wildlife you might have overlooked. The landscapes of the Serengeti undergo a stunning transformation in the morning light, providing remarkable opportunities for photography
Following a fulfilling breakfast, depart from your lodge and head to Serengeti Airstrip, where you will board a flight back to Kigali or Arusha, bringing your remarkable Rwanda & Serengeti safari journey to a close.
This safari presents a remarkable combination of exhilarating primate interactions and stunning savannah vistas, guaranteeing that you will cherish memories for a lifetime. This itinerary features carefully chosen accommodations, knowledgeable guides, and a variety of activities, making it ideal for adventurers, nature lovers, and wildlife enthusiasts.
Are you prepared to begin this adventure? Get in touch with us today and let’s organize your ideal safari! 🦍🦁🌍