An Exclusive & Luxury gorilla trekking and Great Migration Serengeti Safari Vacation Tailored For LGBTQ+ and gay Couples, Individuals, Groups & Families (Recommended for Late July, August September and Early October)
This exclusive and luxury LGBTQ+ and gay gorilla trekking & Great Migration Serengeti safari vacation tailored for LGBTQ+ and gay travelers takes you to discover the majestic gorillas, the Big 5 animals and the Great Migration Mara River Crossing in Rwanda and Tanzania’s iconic National Parks. The Exclusive LGBTQ+ and gay gorilla trekking & Great Migration safari tour offers you a unique and inclusive Primate & safari adventure as it immerses you in the gorilla habitats and the famous Serengeti plains as you walk with the majestic gorillas, explore the big 5 and experience the dramatic wildebeest migration Mara river crossing. This all happens in an environment where your safety, comfort and identity are respected and by focusing on personalized service and inclusivity, we aim to create a memorable and affirming gorilla trekking and safari experience for you as an LGBTQ+ traveler whether as a couple or family.
Our tailored LGBTQ+ and gay gorilla trekking & Great Migration Serengeti safari itinerary includes visits to Rwanda’s most iconic destination of Volcanoes National Park-home to the endangered mountain gorillas and Tanzania’s famous Northern Circuit National Parks of Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti. If you have enough time at hand you can also add a 7 days hike of Kilimanjaro Mountain or a Zanzibar beach. While on this Gay friendly Gorilla trekking & great migration Serengeti safari vacation, you will have the rare opportunity to engage in gorilla trekking and witnessing these magnificent creatures up close, enjoying game drives that showcase the Big Five and other species in their natural habitats while in the company of knowledgeable guides who are not only experts in the local flora and fauna but also trained to provide an inclusive and respectful environment for LGBTQ+ travelers. The luxury and exclusive LGBTQ+ and gay gorilla trekking and Great Migration Serengeti safari vacation starts from Kigali International Airport and ends from Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Detailed Itinerary for 12 Days Exclusive LGBTQ+ and gay gorilla trekking and Great Migration Serengeti safari tour:
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and Transfer to Your Hotel
On arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will meet and greet with your driver/guide from Engabi Tours and Travel who will transfer you to your hotel in Kigali City for overnight. You briefed about your upcoming activities.
Accommodation Option: Virunga Lodge
Meal Plan: Bed and Breakfast and all complimentary additions
Day 2: Kigali City Tour and Transfer to Volcanoes National park
After breakfast, you will discover Rwanda’s largest and richest city on this in-depth half-day tour. Stroll through the bustling markets, see the city’s major highlights and gain an appreciation for its rich cultural fusion, a lively blending of French and Bantu influences. The tour will include the deeply moving and very well designed Gisozi Genocide Museum where more than 250,000 Rwandans who were killed during the 1994 genocide have been buried. After lunch you will transfer to Volcanoes National Park Approximately 2 hours’ drive North of Kigali arriving in time for check-In and later dinner and overnight.
Accommodation Option: Virunga Lodge
Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner and all complimentary additions
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking and Iby’Iwachu Cultural Village tour
Today after breakfast you will be transferred to the Park headquarters for briefing about the gorilla trekking rules. You will then enter the jungle to start the search for the Mountain Gorillas and on finding them you will Spend1 hour with them which will be a great experience for everyone. In the afternoon you will have the opportunity to visit Iby’iwacu local village to learn Rwandan culture, customs and traditions. The tour usually ends with traditional dance performances. Return to the Lodge for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation Option: Virunga Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner and all complimentary additions
Day 4: Stay at Leisure at the Lodge
Today you will stay at leisure either spending a quiet day lounging in your room or in the spa and other in-house activities and experiences. You may choose to take a walk in the nearby communities.
Accommodation Option: Virunga Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner and all complimentary additions
Day 5: Transfer to Kigali International Airport and Flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport
After breakfast you will be transferred to Kigali International airport depending on the schedule of your flight from where you will catch your flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport. Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport in the late afternoon, you will be transferred to your Hotel in Arusha for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation Option: Arusha Coffee Lodge
Meal Plan: Bed and Breakfast
Day 6: Flight from Arusha To Kogatende Airstrip and Game Drive
From your hotel in Arusha, you will meet your dedicated driver from Engabi Tours and Travel who will transfer you to Arusha air port for your flight to Kogatende Airstrip in Serengeti North which will depart around 7am and arrive at 10am for a game drive in Northern Mara. On arrival at Kogatende Airstrip, you will be received by your dedicated driver/guide from Engabi Tours and Travel who will transfer you to your hotel with an en-route game drive. In the afternoon you will go out for a game drive and to witness the great migration mara river crossing.
Serengeti, among other incredible wildlife and stunning views is famed for the annual migration of over 1.5 million wildebeest and hundred thousand of zebras, a frenzied bout of territorial conquests and mating happening from July-October. Witness an actual survival of the fittest as these animals plunge through crocodile-infested waters. The wildebeest produces more than 8,000 calves daily before the 1,000 km (600 mile) pilgrimage begins again. Dinner and Overnight at your lodge.
Accommodation Option: Lemala Kuria Hills
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner and all complimentary additions
Day 7: Full Day in Northern Serengeti Plains
Today you will have a full day game drive in Central Serengeti with chances to see predators chasing their pray and enjoy their kill. Serengeti is undoubtedly the best-known wildlife sanctuary in the world, unequalled for its natural beauty and scientific value. You will have game drive in the endless plains of the Serengeti with a chance to see the great herds of wildebeest, zebras and gazelles or a pride of lions lounging in the shade.
Accommodation Option: Lemala Kuria Hills
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner and all complimentary additions
Day 8: Optional Balloon Safari and Full day Game Drive in North and Central Serengeti Plains
If you choose to do a balloon safari at an extra cost ($600 Per Person), today you will wake up early at 6:00am and you will be transferred to Balloon Safari Starting point from where you will a Start to fly with it to explore the beauty of Serengeti National Park and get a unique perspective to view the great migration and the vast Serengeti plains up to 7:30 am. You will then take a bush breakfast until 9:30 am and continue with your full day game drive with your guide together with your packed lunch. Later in the evening you will return to the lodge for hot lunch, dinner and overnight.
Accommodation Option: Four Seasons Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner and all complimentary additions
Day 9: Stay at Leisure at the Lodge
Today, you will stay at leisure either spending a quiet day lounging on a sun bed by the hotel’s free-form, infinity-edge pool watching elephants gather for a drink at the nearby active watering hole beneath an endless turquoise sky or in the spa and other in-house activities and experiences.
Accommodation Option: Four Seasons Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner and all complimentary additions
Day 10: Transfer to Ngorongoro Conservation Area via the Masai Village
Today after breakfast, you will check-out of the lodge and start your transfer to Ngorongoro Conservation Area with a short game drive as you exit Serengeti. On the way you will visit the Masai community Bomas to have a Masai cultural experience and thereafter continue to the lodge for check-in and later dinner and overnight.
Accommodation Option: Lion’s Paw Ngorongoro Crater
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner and all complimentary additions
Day 11: Game Drive in the Crater
After a very quick breakfast, you will make an early descent at around 6:30 AM into the crater floor for a game drive. This area is compared to Garden of Eden on earth. The big numbers of wildlife can be spotted in a day including all big five, the elephant, black rhino, buffalo, lion, leopard, cheetahs, and lots of hyenas, hippos, zebra and wildebeest being the most abundant. You will take a break for lunch and in the afternoon, you will continue game viewing in the south corner of the park where you visit Lake Magadi a place you can see flamingos, hippos and other water birds. Return for dinner and overnight
Accommodation Option: Lion’s Paw Ngorongoro Crater
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner and all complimentary additions
Day 12: Departure at Kilimanjaro airport
Today depending on the schedule of your departure flight, after breakfast you will transfer to Arusha for lunch and later to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your return flight back home. The Journey from Ngorongoro to Kilimanjaro is approximately 4 Hours drive. You may request to take a small aircraft from Lake Manyara Airport to Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch
End of Tour
Gay friendly Travel Tips:
Tanzanian and Rwandese people are progressively embracing inclusivity with society and attitudes continuing to evolve towards gay people and therefore it is important for you as an LGBTQ+ traveler to be mindful of local customs and cultural norms so as to enhance your travel experience and interactions with the local community.
Below are our Top Tips to stay Safe and enhance your vacation experience as a Gay and LGBTQ+ Traveler:
- Remember that East African society and attitudes continue evolving and therefore be respectful of cultural and religious differences regarding sexuality that still exist in some communities.
- Understand that PDA (public displays of affection) between same-sex couples may make some people uncomfortable in rural areas, townships and sometimes in urban centers hence moderate PDA is usually fine.
- Address the locals you meet on your vacation using the pronouns they prefer (e.g. he/him, she/her, they/them) which may differ from how they present and always ask respectfully if unsure.
- Be aware that openly discussing one’s queer identity may draw stares or negative reactions in more conservative rural communities outside major cities.
- When interacting with locals, be mindful not to make assumptions about individuals’ attitudes towards LGBTQ+ issues without first understanding their background and perspective.
- Consider volunteering with organizations advocating for LGBTQ+ rights to make a positive impact and learn more about the ongoing challenges and work still needed for full acceptance and equality.
- Respect all the local people you encounter with kindness, compassion and an open mind to foster cross-cultural understanding on your vacation.
- Tip service providers (drivers, hotel’s staff) fairly and thank them for their kindness.
- Respect that LGBTQ+ communities and experiences vary greatly between areas. Seek to understand local contexts and sensitivities.
- Familiarize yourself with laws and cultural norms regarding public affection between same-sex partners before your visit to avoid inadvertent offenses.
- Report any discrimination or harassment experienced to event organizers, accommodation staff, and advocacy organizations for appropriate follow-up.
- Avoid risky areas, especially at night, and always inform someone of your whereabouts when embarking on isolated routes or less-traveled areas.
- Celebrate your love as a gay couple or family with this exclusive luxury & gay friendly gorilla trekking and Tanzania safari vacation package that offers stunning landscapes, luxurious safari lodges
What to Pack for your Gay Friendly Rwanda Gorilla Trekking and Tanzania Safari Vacation:
Preparing for a safari in Rwanda and Tanzania requires thoughtful packing to ensure comfort, safety, and enjoyment. Whether you’re trekking through lush forests, embarking on game drives, or exploring cultural sites, having the right gear is essential. Here’s a comprehensive packing list for your Rwanda and Tanzania gay travel safari experience.
Clothing Essentials
- Lightweight and Breathable Clothing
- Long-Sleeved Shirts and Pants: Protect against sun, insects, and thorny vegetation during treks and game drives.
- T-Shirts and Shorts: Comfortable options for warmer days and casual outings.
- Fleece or Light Jacket: Evenings and early mornings can be cool, especially in high-altitude areas.
- Waterproof Jacket: Essential during the rainy seasons (March to May and October to November).
- Footwear
- Sturdy Hiking Boots: Crucial for gorilla trekking and other hikes to provide support and protection.
- Comfortable Walking Shoes: For general sightseeing and casual wear.
- Sandals or Flip-Flops: Ideal for relaxing at your lodge or around the pool.
Safari Gear
Daypack
Small Backpack: To carry essentials like water, snacks, camera, and personal items during day trips and hikes.
Accessories
- Wide-Brimmed Hat: Provides shade and protection from the sun.
- Sunglasses: Polarized lenses are best to reduce glare.
- Insect Repellent: Essential for warding off mosquitoes and other insects.
- Sunscreen: High SPF to protect against the equatorial sun.
- Binoculars: For spotting wildlife during game drives and bird watching.
- Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated during activities.
Health and Hygiene
Personal Medications and First Aid
- Prescription Medications: Ensure you have enough for the duration of your trip.
- First Aid Kit: Include basics like band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any personal health needs.
- Anti-Malarial Medication: Consult your doctor for recommendations based on your travel plans.
Electronics
- Camera and Accessories: Capture your safari moments. Include extra batteries and memory cards.
- Smartphone and Charger: Useful for communication, navigation, and entertainment.
- Portable Power Bank: Ensure your devices stay charged during long outings.
- Travel Adapter: Rwanda and Tanzania uses the Type C and Type J sockets with 230V supply voltage.
Important Documents
- Passport and Visas: Ensure they are up-to-date and packed securely.
- Travel Insurance: Include a copy of your policy details.
- Vaccination Certificate: Proof of vaccinations, especially yellow fever, if required.
- Emergency Contacts: List of important numbers including local embassy, travel agency, and personal contacts.
Miscellaneous Items
Comfort and Convenience
- Lightweight Travel Towel: Quick-drying and handy for various situations.
- Snacks: Energy bars or trail mix for quick boosts during excursions.
- Books or E-Reader: For downtime and relaxation.
- LGBTQ+ Specific Considerations
- Discreet Personal Items: While Rwanda and Tanzania are becoming more accepting, it’s wise to carry personal items discreetly and respect local customs.
- Travel Guide or LGBTQ+ Resources: Guides specifically tailored for LGBTQ+ travelers can provide helpful tips and insights.
- Remember, the key to a successful trip is thoughtful preparation. By considering these tips, you can ensure a memorable and stress-free exploration of Rwanda and Tanzania’s diverse offerings.
Best Time to Go for a Rwanda and Tanzania Gay Travel Safari Experience
Here’s a guide to the best times and seasons to embark on your Rwanda Gorilla Trekking and Tanzania safari journey.
Optimal Travel Seasons
Dry Season (June to September)
The dry season is widely considered the best time to visit Rwanda and Tanzania for gorilla trekking and safari. This period coincides with the long dry spell when the weather is most favorable for outdoor activities. The dry season offers the best conditions for trekking in Volcanoes National Park as the trails are less muddy making the hike more manageable. It’s also around this time that animals congregate around water sources in Serengeti and Ngorongoro making them easier to spot during game drives and the Months of late July to early October are the best for great migration mara river crossing. Note that Daytime temperatures are mild and there’s less rainfall, ensuring clearer skies and stunning vistas.
Short Dry Season (December to February)
Another excellent window for gorilla trekking and Tanzania safari experience is the short dry season of December to February. This period offers similar advantages to the longer dry season with fewer crowds and equally good wildlife viewing opportunities.
Engabi Tours and Travel Disclaimer
We at Engabi Tours and Travel want there to be no ambiguity about where we stand on this issue. Engabi Tours and Travel does not approve of any anti-LGBTQ laws or prejudiced public opinions on the continent. The company and every single one of its team members starting from our Gorilla trekking and Safari Experts to the CEO & support teams, have the utmost respect, acceptance and support for the LGBTQ community. No prejudice or hate is tolerated and we strive to create an inclusive environment where people from all backgrounds, cultures, genders and sexualities are safe and comfortable.
For over 10 years, Engabi Tours and Travel has organized tailor-made safari itineraries for many LGBTQ clients, as well as educational trips for staff members who identify as part of the community. Our primary concern is the safety and comfort of all those who choose to travel with us. Every supplier and property we work with is run by people who are accepting and welcoming of all people and who employ staff that treat every guest with respect and kindness
Ready to Start Planning Your African Gorilla Trekking and Safari Journey, Contact Engabi Tours and Travel today and our travel experts will plan the perfect trip tailormade for you with the best LGBTQ+ friendly accommodations. Check out TripAdvisor Reviews to see what our previous guests say about us.
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