2 Weeks Rwanda Gorilla Trek and Great Migration Tanzania Safari Itinerary Guide Perfect For First Timers
Dreaming of an unforgettable safari and Gorilla Trekking experience, a two- week safari trip through Tanzania and Rwanda is the perfect introduction. This 2 Weeks African Safari itinerary to Rwanda and Tanzania combines two iconic wildlife experiences into one seamless journey starting from the vast plains of Northern Tanzania to the mist-covered bamboo jungles of Rwanda.
Our Tailored Rwanda gorilla trekking and Tanzania safari package is designed for families, couples, a group of friends and solo travelers seeking both intimacy/bonding and spectacle as it offers the rare opportunity to witness the great migration river crossing drama in Serengeti before tracking with the mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.
This trip starts from the northern Serengeti where vast herds and predators define one of Africa’s greatest wildlife theatres and ends from the iconic Volcanoes National Park where a once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking experience awaits. Each destination on this trip offers a distinct ecosystem and pace creating a beautifully balanced safari that blends primate encounters, remote wilderness and classic East African game viewing.
What will the Price of This Trip Package Include:
- 13 nights/14 days Mid-Range safari lodge and camp accommodations
- All meals
- 2 Scheduled flights in economy class: Arusha-Serengeti North and Kilimanjaro to Kigali
- Roundtrip airport transfers as specified in the itinerary
- Game drives
- National Park fees in Tanzania
- 1 gorilla trek at Volcanoes National Park including permits
- Bottled water and snacks when driving in the parks
- All sightseeing tours and excursions as listed within this itinerary
- Private transportation throughout the itinerary
- Private English-Speaking Guides
What is the Best Time to Book This Tour Package:
The best time to go for this tour is during the Months of late July, August and September as this is the time when the Migration herd head has reached the Kogatende Area in North Serengeti and has started or is already crossing the crocodile infested Mara river to Kenya’s Masai Mara. This is also the best time to do gorilla trekking because the drier conditions make the jungle trails easier to navigate and hiking conditions can be more comfortable.
However, this same package can be tailored in terms of accommodation to cater for every guest based on the time they want to travel. For example, in the Months of December, January, February and March, the Serengeti accommodation can be switched to Southern Serengeti to cater for guests interested in experiencing the great wildebeest migration Calving Season, to Western Serengeti in June for those interested in Grumeti River Crossing and to Central/Eastern Serengeti for those just interested in Big 5 Safaris all year around.
Note that gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Safari in Tanzania can be done all year around.
Key Notes about this Rwanda and Tanzania trip Package
- Because this trip is based on a private vehicle and guide, the costs for this trip would slightly reduce if more than two people are travelling. Conversely, the price would increase substantially if only one person is travelling alone.
- Like all our tailor-made safaris to Tanzania and Rwanda, this is a sample itinerary and is easy to adjust to your personal travel requirements as we will always organize a safari that matches what you want to do.
- Subject to availability at the camps, you can depart on your chosen itinerary on any day of the year.
- It is worth noting that the gorilla treks can be strenuous, but they are taken at a slow pace; the hike could be anything from 30 minutes to around six hours, depending on which gorilla family you visit.
Key species to see on this Rwanda Gorillas and Tanzania Safari Trip
Based on the observations of our past guests, we’ve estimated the likelihood of seeing these species during the Gorillas and Serengeti Safari as follows:
- Lion-98% chance
- Buffalo-98% chance
- Elephant-97% chance
- Hippo-97% chance
- Eland-93% chance
- Giraffe-100% chance
- Wildebeest-100% chance
- Zebra-100% chance
- Mountain Gorilla-99% chance
- Spotted Hyena-90% chance
- Leopard-84% chance
- Black Rhino-42% chance
- Cheetah-36% chance
- Roan antelope-29% chance
- Oryx-27% chance
- Striped Hyena-21% chance
- Wild dog-14% chance
- Aardvark-5% chance
- Pangolin-4% chance
How Soon Should You Book Your Gorilla Permits for This Tour?
A key step in planning this trip is securing gorilla trekking permits. Rwanda issues a limited number of daily permits ensuring both conservation and quality visitor experiences. Travelers often ask, “Why must I book permits so early?” The answer lies in demand and exclusivity. Gorilla trekking is one of the rarest wildlife activities on Earth, and permits sell out quickly, especially during peak months. We recommend booking permits at least a year before travel to guarantee access. As a trusted operator, Engabi Tours and Travel handles this process on behalf of clients avoiding the frustration of last-minute disappointments.
Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival and Transfer to Arusha
On arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport in Tanzania, you will meet and greet with representatives of Engabi Tours and Travel who will transfer you to your place of Accommodation in Arusha where you can relax as you get ready for the upcoming days of the safari. Dinner and Overnight.
Accommodation At: Kahawa House
Meal Plan: Bed and Breakfast
Day 2: Scheduled Flight to Kogatende Airstrip-Serengeti
After breakfast, you will transfer to Arusha airstrip for your flight to Kogatende Airstrip in Serengeti North which will depart around 7am and arrive at 10am for a game drive in Northern Serengeti. 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.
Accommodation At: Nasikia Migration Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: Full Day Game Drive and Sundowner Experience
Today is without question one of the highlights of your safari. After a rich breakfast you will start your adventure a little earlier than usual and head to the Mara River to witness the great migration Mara River Crossing. Today’s full day game drive will help you experience the Serengeti in its full glory! You will be waiting for crossing along the river but you will also do game drive the rest of the Kogatende Area. The Mara River is the last major obstacle standing between the Wildebeest Migration and the relative safety of the Masai Mara. If you’re patient and a little lucky, you will get to witness the death-defying crossing itself where wildebeest and zebras brave the river’s currents and crocodiles in an attempt to reach safety on the opposite bank. After witnessing the crossing, you will continue with the game drive in the rest of the area and you will wind up your evening with a sundowner before heading back to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation At: Nasikia Migration Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4: Hot Air Balloon Safari and Full Day Game Drive in Serengeti National Park in North and Central
Serengeti Balloon Safari is probably the most beautiful balloon flight in Africa and the ultimate Safari Experience which makes you enjoy the most beautiful migration of wildebeests through the endless plain of Serengeti. At earliest 5:00 am you will be collected from your lodge and transferred to the launch site. Here you will meet your pilot, receive a briefing and watch the inflation of your balloon. At dawn you take off rising as the sun rises and float in whichever direction the winds of the morning take us.
Your pilot can precisely control the altitude of your balloon: sometimes flying at treetop height, sometimes lower, offering a unique perspective and great photographic opportunities of the wildlife below. After breakfast, you will be taken to the rendezvous point to meet with your driver guide and continue with your full day game drives as you proceed to Serengeti central together with your lunch box. Central Serengeti in the Seronera area offers an amazing game-viewing experience with great herds of buffalo, predators, smaller groups of elephant and giraffe and thousands of elands, topi, kongoni, impala and Grant’s gazelle.
Accommodation At: Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5: 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 or in the spa and other in-house activities and experiences. You may also choose to go for an evening game drive.
Accommodation At: Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6: Transfer to Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Game Drive in The Crater Full Day Game drive in Ngorongoro Crater
After breakfast, you will drive to Ngorongoro Conservation Area arriving in time for a descent into the Ngorongoro Crater together with your packed lunch for a full day game viewing. Ngorongoro Crater was formed over 3 million years ago. It is inhabited by a unique ecosystem inhabited by more than 25,000 animals. In the grass steppes and Acacia forest you will find almost every type of animal from the East African savanna. The Big Five (rhino, elephant, Cape buffalo, lion, leopard) and most of the animal species found in the Serengeti, including zebra, hippos, wildebeest, and cheetahs, can be viewed close up. The Ngorongoro Crater ecosystem maintains the historic balance between people and nature in a way that is not possible in other parks. Later in the evening, ascend and head to the lodge for an evening leisure and hot dinner.
Accommodation At: Acacia Farm Lodge
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Drive time to Ngorongoro Conservation Area: 2 Hour 30 Minutes
Day 7: Transfer to Tarangire for a short Leisurely Day Game Drive and Night Game Drive
Today, you will depart Karatu at 8:30am and head South through Mto wa Mbu Village towards Tarangire National Park on a 2 Hours road drive. You will arrive the Tarangire main gate by 10:30am and begin a leisurely game drive as you proceed to the lodge arriving in time for lunch overlooking the river valley floor. You will have the rest of the evening for relaxation and you may take a rest in your room or on the outside lounge.
After your dinner at around 7:00Pm, you will prepare for your night game drive and at around 8:15Pm you will meet your guide and the TANAPA park ranger for briefing before heading into the dark in search of active nocturnal with the help of a dedicated spotter using filtered spotlights. You will return to the lodge by 11:00Pm for overnight.
Accommodation At: Mbali Mbali Tarangire River camp
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Drive time to the Tarangire Park Gate: 2 Hours
Day 8: Another Day in the Tarangire
Today is your final full day in Tanzania and we recommend that you consider taking it easy. The physicality of the last days of safari game drives must be wearing on your body, so today is the ideal time to dip into the spa, enjoy the swimming pool and other facilities at the lodge.
If you are up for more interactions with wildlife you might opt for another game drive.
Accommodation At: Mbali Mbali Tarangire River camp
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 9: Morning Game Drive and Transfer to Arusha Town
Today after breakfast, you will have your last game drive as you slowly transfer to Arusha town. You will arrive in Arusha in time for check-in to your lodge.
Accommodation At: Kahawa House
Meal Plan: Bed and Breakfast
Day 10: Arrival in Kigali-Rwanda
Today you will depart Kilimanjaro International Airport for Kigali-Rwanda and on arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will meet and greet with your dedicated private driver from Engabi Tours and Travel who will welcome you to Rwanda and then take you on a 20 minutes’ drive to your hotel in Kigali. If you are up for some exploring and depending on your time of arrival, take an afternoon visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial which acts as a poignant tribute to the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda and serves as a meaningful way to begin your time learning first-hand about this complex country.
Accommodation At: Kigali Serena Hotel
Meals Plan: Bed and Breakfast
Day 11: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
After a leisurely breakfast at the lodge, you will meet your private driver for a scenic 3 hour journey to Volcanoes National Park arriving in time for check-in, lunch and later dinner and overnight.
Accommodation At: Ingagi Park View Lodge
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Drive time to the Lodge in Volcanoes: 3 Hour
Day 12: Gorilla Trekking Experience at Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Today you will dive into your day of gorilla trekking with a drive to park headquarters at Kingi where park officials will assign you to a gorilla family and you will be introduced to your gorilla guides. There will be a protocol briefing before you head over to your starting point where you will be met by porters. Group sizes are limited to eight guests.
The initial trek is typically through Rwanda’s open plains of potatoes and pyrethum before you reach the boundary of the park. From this point onwards, your guide will be in close communication with the trackers as you hike through the forest in search of your gorilla family. The permit grants you one full hour with the gorilla. Use this time to be in sheer awe of these majestic 400-pound creatures. While the immense size of the silverbacks may be overwhelming, they are known to be quite accommodating to human presence amongst their families. Your guide may even teach you a few words in ‘gorilla’ so you can greet one another!
Accommodation At: Ingagi Park View lodge
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 13: Another Night in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Today is your final full day in Rwanda and we recommend that you consider taking it easy. The physicality of the last two days of trekking must be wearing on your body, so today is the ideal time to dip into the spa. In the afternoon, you can discover the neighbouring communities. Or, if you’re up for more interactions with wildlife you might opt for golden monkey trekking. This rare and delightful experience allows guests to see the monkey’s in their bamboo vegetation close to the base of the mountain. We love how guests come back from Rwanda sharing that seeing the golden monkeys’ mischief kept them laughing all the way back to the lodge.
Accommodation At: Ingagi Park View lodge
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 14: Departure Flight
Depending on the schedule of your departure flight, after breakfast you will transfer to Kigali International Airport to connect with your onward departure flight marking the end of the trip.
Accommodation At: N/A
Meals Plan: Breakfast and Lunch
Drive time from the Lodge to the Airport: 3 Hours
End of Safari
What Optional Activities can i Add on this Trip Package?
Before or after Gorilla trekking and safari, you may add Chimpanzees Tracking in Uganda or Rwanda, a Kilimanjaro Mountain Hike, a Zanzibar Beach stay or a Victoria Falls Tour. trekking and game drives, you might want to relax.
Packing List Recommendations:
For Gorilla Trekking and Game Drives, we recommend you bring a good pair of binoculars and your own photography supplies, such as plenty of film, batteries, a 200mm telephoto lens, lens cap, lens papers, UV filter and, for video-recording, an adequate supply of video cassettes. See Below for a detailed Packing List.
- Casual daytime wear – shorts, slacks, long and short-sleeved shirts
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, hat
- Swimwear
- A light sweater or jacket for higher elevations or a breezy night
- Binoculars (7×50 preferably)
- Insect repellent
- Camera, lenses, batteries, memory cards and chargers
- Lightweight, comfortable, sturdy walking shoes that have already been broken-in
- Travel alarm clock/cell phone with alarm function (many hotels do not have clocks in the rooms)
- Rain poncho and collapsible umbrella
- Daypack for camera equipment
- Sundries and toiletries that may be difficult to find en route
- Copies of your travel documents that should be secured in the safe in your hotel room while traveling
Ready to Begin Your Rwanda Tanzania Adventure?
From the mystical forests of Rwanda to the vast plains of Tanzania, this is a journey you’ll never forget. Whether you’re a wildlife lover, family, honeymooner, group of friends, Solo traveler or adventure seeker, combining gorilla trekking in Rwanda with a Tanzanian safari will leave you in awe.
Contact us today to start planning your customized Rwanda–Tanzania itinerary. Let us take care of the logistics, so you can focus on the experience of a lifetime.