7 Day Rwanda Gorillas & Rainforest Safari
Explore Rwanda on a 7-day safari combining Nyungwe Forest chimpanzee trekking with mountain gorilla encounters in Volcanoes National Park. Includes scenic flights and rainforest experiences.
Best of Tanzania & Rwanda
This extraordinary 12-day safari brings together two of East Africa’s most iconic wildlife experiences in one seamless, luxurious adventure. Beginning in the vast plains of northern Tanzania, you’ll explore three of the region’s most celebrated conservation areas: the baobab-studded Tarangire National Park, the dramatic Ngorongoro Crater, and the legendary Serengeti National Park. Traveling in a private 4×4 vehicle with your own expert driver-guide, you’ll enjoy exceptional game viewing, personalized insights, and front-row access to the rhythms of life on the African savannah.
After an unforgettable immersion in Tanzania’s diverse ecosystems, the journey continues by air to the green highlands of Rwanda—a land of misty mountains, vibrant culture, and one of the world’s most powerful wildlife encounters. Nestled in the Virunga Mountains, Volcanoes National Park is one of the last remaining strongholds of the endangered Mountain Gorilla. You’ll embark on guided treks into the rainforest to witness these gentle giants in their natural habitat—a moment of awe, connection, and conservation.
With carefully selected accommodations ranging from elegant tented camps to exclusive eco-lodges, this itinerary balances adventure with indulgence. Scheduled flights minimize travel time, while flexible departures allow for customisation. Whether tracking elephants across the Serengeti or locking eyes with a silverback in the Rwandan hills, this safari offers a rare chance to experience East Africa’s wilderness and wildlife at their most inspiring.
Itinerary in Detail
DAY BY DAY
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Tour Experiences
Day 1: Arusha
On arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport (or Arusha Airport) you will be met and assisted by our local representative. Transfer to Arusha for overnight at Hamerkop House Lemala (LDBB).
Day 2: Tarangire National Park
After breakfast, check out and drive in private 4×4 vehicle to Tarangire National Park to arrive early in time for lunch followed by an afternoon game drive.
Dinner and overnight at Nimali Tarangire (Full Board basis, inclusive of house drinks)
Day 3: Tarangire National Park
Spend a full day in the park with morning and afternoon game drives.
Dinner and overnight at Nimali Tarangire (Full Board basis, inclusive of house drinks)
Day 4: Ngorongoro Conservation Area
After breakfast, drive to the Ngorongoro Crater, the largest intact caldera in the world. Its enduring charm stems from its overwhelming beauty and the abundance of wildlife permanently resident on the crater floor. Afternoon tour of the crater.
Dinner and overnight at Lemala Ngorongoro Tented Camp (Full Board basis, inclusive of house drinks)
Day 5: Serengeti National Park
After breakfast, drive to the Serengeti National Park, undoubtedly the most famous wildlife sanctuary in the world, unequalled for its natural beauty and the greatest concentration of plains game anywhere. Arrive for lunch at the lodge (bid farewell to your driver/guide. All subsequent game drives in shared camp 4×4 vehicle). Afternoon game drive until sunset
Dinner and overnight at Lemala Ewanjan, Central Serengeti (Full Board basis, inclusive of house drinks)
Day 6 & 7: Serengeti National Park
Two full days spent exploring the Serengeti National Park.
Dinner and overnight at Lemala Ewanjan, Central Serengeti (Full Board basis, inclusive of house drinks)
Day 8: Serengeti to Rwanda
After breakfast, check out and transfer to the airstrip for your scheduled flight back to Arusha. Lunch at Arusha Coffee Lodge. Transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport for the late afternoon Rwanda Air flight (FARE EXCLUDED) to Kigali. Met at Kigali Airport by our Rwanda agent and transfer to Kigali Serena Hotel (Dinner, Bed & Breakfast basis).
Day 9: Kigali – Virunga Lodge
After breakfast, take a scenic drive through spectacular volcanic landscape, arriving at Virunga Lodge for lunch. In the afternoon either relax and enjoy the surrounding scenery or take an optional excursion from the lodge (such as a walk to Lake Bulera or a visit to Mwiko School).
Dinner and overnight at Virunga Lodge (All Inclusive basis).
Day 10: Parc National des Volcans
An early start heading to the Parc National des Volcans and to the base in the foothills where you will be joined by trackers, army rangers and porters who accompany the trek in search of Mountain Gorillas. Later return to Virunga Lodge for lunch. Afternoon at leisure – take a complimentary massage. In the evening enjoy a performance by a local dance troupe.
Dinner and overnight at Virunga Lodge (All Inclusive basis).
Day 11: Virunga Lodge
Either enjoy an excursion from the lodge (payable direct) or take another trek into the volcanic landscape to see the gorillas in their natural habitat (extra Gorilla Permit payable US$1500). Afternoon walk or at leisure.
Dinner and overnight at Virunga Lodge (All Inclusive basis).
* Excursion choices include:
- Golden Monkey Tracking
- Visit Dian Fossey’s Grave
- Hike a Volcano
- Relax on the shores of Lake Kivu
- Community and Nature Walks
Day 12: Rwanda – Depart
After breakfast, check out and return to Kigali. Visit the Genocide Museum (optional / time permitting) for a fascinating insight into the country’s social history. Transfer to Kigali Airport to check in for your international flight. (End of services).
Key BB: Bed & Breakfast L: Lunch D: Dinner
Tour Experiences
Day 1: Arusha
On arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport (or Arusha Airport) you will be met and assisted by our local representative. Transfer to Arusha for overnight at Hamerkop House Lemala (LDBB).
Day 2: Tarangire National Park
After breakfast, check out and drive in private 4×4 vehicle to Tarangire National Park to arrive early in time for lunch followed by an afternoon game drive.
Dinner and overnight at Nimali Tarangire (Full Board basis, inclusive of house drinks)
Day 3: Tarangire National Park
Spend a full day in the park with morning and afternoon game drives.
Dinner and overnight at Nimali Tarangire (Full Board basis, inclusive of house drinks)
Day 4: Ngorongoro Conservation Area
After breakfast, drive to the Ngorongoro Crater, the largest intact caldera in the world. Its enduring charm stems from its overwhelming beauty and the abundance of wildlife permanently resident on the crater floor. Afternoon tour of the crater.
Dinner and overnight at Lemala Ngorongoro Tented Camp (Full Board basis, inclusive of house drinks)
Day 5: Serengeti National Park
After breakfast, drive to the Serengeti National Park, undoubtedly the most famous wildlife sanctuary in the world, unequalled for its natural beauty and the greatest concentration of plains game anywhere. Arrive for lunch at the lodge (bid farewell to your driver/guide. All subsequent game drives in shared camp 4×4 vehicle). Afternoon game drive until sunset
Dinner and overnight at Lemala Ewanjan, Central Serengeti (Full Board basis, inclusive of house drinks)
Day 6 & 7: Serengeti National Park
Two full days spent exploring the Serengeti National Park.
Dinner and overnight at Lemala Ewanjan, Central Serengeti (Full Board basis, inclusive of house drinks)
Day 8: Serengeti to Rwanda
After breakfast, check out and transfer to the airstrip for your scheduled flight back to Arusha. Lunch at Arusha Coffee Lodge. Transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport for the late afternoon Rwanda Air flight (FARE EXCLUDED) to Kigali. Met at Kigali Airport by our Rwanda agent and transfer to Kigali Serena Hotel (Dinner, Bed & Breakfast basis).
Day 9: Kigali – Virunga Lodge
After breakfast, take a scenic drive through spectacular volcanic landscape, arriving at Virunga Lodge for lunch. In the afternoon either relax and enjoy the surrounding scenery or take an optional excursion from the lodge (such as a walk to Lake Bulera or a visit to Mwiko School).
Dinner and overnight at Virunga Lodge (All Inclusive basis).
Day 10: Parc National des Volcans
An early start heading to the Parc National des Volcans and to the base in the foothills where you will be joined by trackers, army rangers and porters who accompany the trek in search of Mountain Gorillas. Later return to Virunga Lodge for lunch. Afternoon at leisure – take a complimentary massage. In the evening enjoy a performance by a local dance troupe.
Dinner and overnight at Virunga Lodge (All Inclusive basis).
Day 11: Virunga Lodge
Either enjoy an excursion from the lodge (payable direct) or take another trek into the volcanic landscape to see the gorillas in their natural habitat (extra Gorilla Permit payable US$1500). Afternoon walk or at leisure.
Dinner and overnight at Virunga Lodge (All Inclusive basis).
* Excursion choices include:
- Golden Monkey Tracking
- Visit Dian Fossey’s Grave
- Hike a Volcano
- Relax on the shores of Lake Kivu
- Community and Nature Walks
Day 12: Rwanda – Depart
After breakfast, check out and return to Kigali. Visit the Genocide Museum (optional / time permitting) for a fascinating insight into the country’s social history. Transfer to Kigali Airport to check in for your international flight. (End of services).
Key BB: Bed & Breakfast L: Lunch D: Dinner
Send An Enquiry
Short Contact Form (NEW)
What Our Clients Say About Us...
In our commitment to excellence, we not only strive to exceed our clients’ expectations but also value their feedback. We are proud to present our latest clients’ feedback from Gamewatchers Safaris Clients posted on Trip Advisor.
What Our Clients Say About Us...
In our commitment to excellence, we not only strive to exceed our clients’ expectations but also value their feedback. We are proud to present our latest clients’ feedback from Gamewatchers Safaris clients posted on Trip Advisor.
Talk to a Specialist
Choose a Safari Specialist in your time zone and start planning your tailor-made safari to Tanzania.
Talk to a Specialist
Choose a Safari Specialist in your time zone and start planning your tailor-made safari to Tanzania.
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