7 Days Tanzania Wildlife & Rwanda Gorilla Safari
A 7-day Tanzania Wildlife & Rwanda Gorilla Safari guides across Lake Manyara National Park, Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park. This 7 days Tanzania & Rwanda safari visits Tanzania’s iconic Northern Circuit and Rwanda’s awe-inspiring Volcanoes National Park. Embark on your journey in Tanzania, where you will discover the rich bird life and unique tree-climbing lions of Lake Manyara National Park, delve into the depths of the Ngorongoro Crater, and experience the magnificent wildlife display of Serengeti National Park. Next, travel to Rwanda for an extraordinary gorilla trekking adventure in the enchanting Virunga Mountains, and wrap up your trip with a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial. This itinerary caters to wildlife enthusiasts looking for an engaging experience brimming with exciting encounters, breathtaking scenery, and deep cultural heritage.
Detailed 7 Days Tanzania Wildlife & Rwanda Gorilla Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Lake Manyara National Park
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, your safari guide will greet you and facilitate your transfer to Lake Manyara National Park, a scenic journey lasting approximately 2.5 hours through the beautiful Tanzanian countryside. Renowned for its astonishing birdlife, distinctive tree-climbing lions, and varied ecosystems, Lake Manyara is a haven for nature enthusiasts.
Upon arriving at your lodge and savoring a delightful lunch, set out for an afternoon game drive, where you will encounter vast flocks of flamingos, pelicans, storks, and various other wading birds along the shores of the alkaline lake.
Be on the lookout for elephants, giraffes, and buffaloes feeding in the acacia woodlands, and, if fortunate, catch a glimpse of the uncommon sight of lions lounging on tree branches. As the sun dips below the horizon, make your way back to your lodge for a tranquil evening beneath the African sky, savoring dinner while you absorb the melodies 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 – Discovering Africa’s Natural Marvel
Following a hearty breakfast, set off for Ngorongoro Crater, renowned as one of Africa’s most breathtaking wildlife locales. This UNESCO World Heritage Site stands as the largest intact volcanic caldera in the world, frequently dubbed the Eighth Wonder of the World. Upon arrival, you will descend 600 meters into the crater floor, where an extraordinary concentration of wildlife awaits.
Ngorongoro hosts the Big Five—lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos—alongside substantial herds of zebras, wildebeest, and hippos. The landscapes of the crater encompass grasslands, acacia forests, and soda lakes bustling with flamingos.
Delight in a picnic lunch by a hippo pool, taking in the stunning views before resuming your game drive. The crater provides excellent opportunities for observing predators, as cheetahs and hyenas are often seen actively hunting. In the late afternoon, make your way back to the rim and head to your lodge, where you can relax while enjoying a breathtaking view of the crater below. As night descends, savor a delightful dinner and get ready for the upcoming chapter of your journey.
Accommodation Options:
- Luxury: Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
- Mid-Range: Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge
- Budget: Rhino Lodge
Day 3: Serengeti National Park Safari
Following breakfast, set out on a picturesque drive to Serengeti National Park, renowned as one of Africa’s premier wildlife reserves. The journey leads you through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, presenting breathtaking views and the opportunity to observe Maasai herders with their cattle set against the vast plains. Upon arriving in Serengeti around midday, settle into your lodge or tented camp and savor a fulfilling lunch before embarking on an afternoon game drive.
The expansive plains of the Serengeti host a rich variety of wildlife, featuring thousands of wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, elephants, giraffes, and the renowned Big Five. Depending on the season, you might observe the renowned Great Migration, as large herds traverse the plains in pursuit of fresh grazing land. As the sun dips below the horizon of the savannah, seize the opportunity to photograph the breathtaking golden-hued acacia trees and the striking silhouettes of wildlife. Return to your camp for a warm evening by the campfire, exchanging safari tales before settling in for a restful night.
Accommodation Options:
Luxury: Four Seasons Serengeti Lodge
Mid-Range: Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge
Budget: Serengeti Heritage Camp
Day 4: Comprehensive Serengeti Safari & Optional Hot Air Balloon Experience
Awaken before the break of day for a sunrise game drive, an exceptional opportunity to observe predators in action. The refreshing morning air provides an ideal opportunity to observe lions, leopards, and cheetahs as they navigate the grasslands in pursuit of their next meal. Following a satisfying bush breakfast, proceed to explore the Serengeti, delving into various ecosystems that include woodlands, rocky kopjes, and expansive plains. Midday presents a chance to unwind at your lodge or camp prior to setting out on an afternoon game drive.
Choose a hot air balloon safari over the Serengeti for an experience you won’t forget. Soaring above the plains at dawn provides a stunning perspective of the terrain, revealing herds of animals gliding elegantly across the savannah. Upon arrival, indulge in a champagne breakfast in the bush, infusing your adventure with a hint of elegance. As the day draws to a close, make your way back to your lodge for yet another enchanting evening beneath the African sky.
Choices for Accommodation:
- Luxury: Four Seasons Serengeti Lodge
- Mid-Range: Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge
- Budget: Serengeti Heritage Camp
Day 5: Journey from Serengeti to Kigali – Proceed to Volcanoes National Park
Following breakfast, proceed to Seronera Airstrip for your picturesque flight to Kigali, Rwanda. Upon your arrival, your guide will greet you for a 3-hour journey to Volcanoes National Park, the habitat of the rare and endangered mountain gorillas. The journey leads you through the breathtaking landscapes of Rwanda, often referred to as the “Land of a Thousand Hills.”
Upon arriving at Volcanoes National Park, settle into your lodge and enjoy the remainder of the day either unwinding or discovering the nearby area. At Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, you have the opportunity to explore traditional Rwandan life, enjoy cultural performances, and interact with former poachers who have become conservationists. Savor a delightful dinner and relax as you get ready for your thrilling gorilla trek the next morning.
Choices for Lodging:
- Luxury: One&Only Gorilla’s Nest
- Mid-Range: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
- Budget: La Locanda
Day 6: Trekking with Gorillas in Volcanoes National Park
Following an early breakfast, proceed to the park headquarters for a briefing prior to embarking on an unforgettable gorilla trekking adventure. Join expert guides and trackers as you trek through lush bamboo forests in pursuit of a gorilla family. After finding them, you will enjoy a captivating hour watching their interactions, feeding habits, and nurturing of their young.
The trek may last between 2 to 6 hours, contingent upon the location of the gorillas. Following the trek, head back to the lodge for a leisurely late lunch and some well-deserved relaxation. The afternoon offers opportunities for optional activities such as tracking golden monkeys or visiting the Dian Fossey Tomb.
Choices for Accommodation:
- Luxury: One&Only Gorilla’s Nest
- Mid-Range: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
- Budget: La Locanda
Day 7: Journey Back to Kigali – Visit to the Genocide Memorial & Departure
Return to Kigali, pausing at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a touching testament to Rwanda’s past. Following lunch, proceed to Kigali International Airport for your departure, concluding an unforgettable safari adventure in Tanzania and Rwanda.