This 6-Day Rwanda Gorilla Adventure and Serengeti Wildlife Safari brings you to Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda’s only gorilla trekking destination and home to a quarter of the world’s mountain gorilla population. The itinerary also takes you to Tanzania’s largest national park, the Serengeti.
Serengeti National Park is one of the oldest and most well-known protected areas in Africa, known for large herds of wildlife, wide plains, and strong scenery.
Serengeti’s best-known feature is the wildebeest migration, though the park offers strong game viewing year-round. See the detailed itinerary for this Rwanda gorilla trekking and Serengeti wildlife holiday below.
6-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking and Serengeti Safari Highlights
- Day 1: Arrive at Kigali Airport and drive to Volcanoes National Park
- Day 2: Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park and culture
- Day 3: Return to Kigali and fly to Kilimanjaro International Airport
- Day 4: Arusha to Serengeti National Park, evening game drive
- Day 5: Second game drive in Serengeti National Park and transfer to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
- Day 6: Morning boat cruise at Lake Eyasi and transfer to Arusha for departure
Detailed 6-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking and Serengeti Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive at Kigali Airport and Drive to Volcanoes National Park
Arrive at Kigali International Airport, Rwanda’s main entry point, and be welcomed by our company representative for the transfer to Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda’s home of mountain gorillas.
The drive northwest takes about 4 to 5 hours, with several stops along the way to take in the scenery and get photos.
The first stop is at a viewpoint over the Virunga mountain range, which stretches across Rwanda, Uganda, and the DRC, offering strong photo and video opportunities. The route passes through farmland, plantations, and rural settlements along the way.
Continue to Kinigi town, on the edge of the park, and arrive at your lodge in the evening for dinner and check-in.
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park and Culture
Volcanoes National Park is Rwanda’s main gorilla trekking destination and arguably its best-known wildlife park. Today brings you face to face with the world’s most endangered gorilla species. The trek begins at 7:30 am, after breakfast and a briefing session, before you head into the forest with armed rangers, guides, and trackers.
Trekking time in Volcanoes National Park can run up to 8 hours, though you may find your assigned family in under two hours depending on their movements. The park’s forest is misty, dense, and sometimes slippery, especially in the rainy season.
The trek itself can be demanding, but meeting a gorilla family makes the effort worthwhile.
Once you find a habituated gorilla family, you spend one hour watching them before heading back to the starting point, where your driver will take you back to your lodge.
Spend the early afternoon resting, then transfer in the evening to the nearby Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, known for traditional Rwandan songs, performances, and cultural experiences.
Day 3: Return to Kigali and Fly to Kilimanjaro International Airport
Have an early breakfast, then depart Volcanoes National Park for the drive back to Kigali International Airport. The route passes the Virunga range, with an optional stop at the Twin Lakes, Ruhondo and Burera, two of the most scenic lakes in East Africa.
Time allowing, take a short canoe trip on the lakes to learn about their history and geography.
Continue to Kigali, one of Africa’s cleanest and fastest-growing cities. On arrival, your guide will take you to a local restaurant for a taste of Rwandan cuisine before your onward flight.
Continue to Kigali airport, take an evening flight to Tanzania, and arrive at Arusha International Airport, where your Tanzania guide will meet you and transfer you to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 4: Arusha to Serengeti National Park, Evening Game Drive
Breakfast is served at 6:00 am ahead of an early departure from Arusha to Serengeti National Park, one of Tanzania’s largest and best-known game parks.
The drive to the Serengeti takes about 5 hours in a 4×4 safari vehicle, with stops along the way for photos. Enter the park via the Ngorongoro gate, check in, and have lunch.
Spend the afternoon resting and watching wildlife from your lodge balcony, then take an evening game drive to spot large mammals settling in for the night, bird flocks, and predators on the move.
The Serengeti is known for its wide plains and savannah, home to the largest elephant herds in the region, along with strong numbers of buffalo, zebra, roan antelope, giraffe, leopards, and lions.
Day 5: Second Game Drive in Serengeti National Park and Transfer to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Start the day with an early game drive in the Serengeti before continuing to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area for a second game drive. At Ngorongoro, you descend into the crater, home to one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in Tanzania.
You can spot the Big Five from your safari vehicle here. After the game drive, continue to your accommodation near Lake Eyasi.
Day 6: Morning Boat Cruise at Lake Eyasi and Transfer to Arusha for Departure
Have breakfast while watching the sunrise over Lake Eyasi, then take a morning boat trip on the lake. Afterward, drive to Arusha International Airport or Kilimanjaro International Airport for your late-night outbound flight.
End of 6-Day Rwanda Gorilla Adventure and Serengeti Wildlife Safari.
