12 Days Rwanda Tanzania Zanzibar Safari

The 12-Day Rwanda Tanzania Zanzibar Safari is a meticulously curated adventure for travelers seeking an all-encompassing East African experience. This journey combines the awe-inspiring encounter with endangered mountain gorillas in Rwanda, the thrill of big game safaris in Tanzania’s Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, and the ultimate tropical retreat on the pristine beaches of Zanzibar.

Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park provides the introduction to your adventure, where dense bamboo forests, misty slopes, and vibrant ecosystems create the perfect setting for your gorilla trekking experience. Trekking with experienced guides and trackers, you come face-to-face with silverback gorillas, playful juveniles, and the rare golden monkeys. This intimate encounter is more than sightseeing it is an immersion into one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife experiences, combining physical challenge, natural beauty, and profound connection to wildlife conservation efforts.

Wildlife Safari Experience in Tanzania

After Rwanda, the 12-Day Rwanda Tanzania Zanzibar Safari journey transitions to Tanzania, beginning with the Serengeti National Park, home to the legendary wildebeest migration and an incredible diversity of predators and herbivores. Morning and afternoon game drives provide repeated opportunities to spot lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, and giraffes, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of endless savannah plains and dramatic skies. Following the Serengeti, the Ngorongoro Crater awaits a collapsed volcano with a natural amphitheater supporting dense wildlife populations in a compact, highly observable area. The crater floor offers one of Africa’s most photographed safari landscapes and is a wildlife photographer’s paradise.

Finally, the 12-Day Rwanda Tanzania Zanzibar Safari culminates on Zanzibar, a tropical island paradise where travelers unwind along white sand beaches, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, explore historic Stone Town, and experience local Swahili culture. This carefully structured itinerary balances adventure, cultural immersion, and relaxation, ensuring each traveler experiences the pinnacle of East African wildlife, landscapes, and coastal charm.

 

Detailed 12-Day Rwanda Tanzania Zanzibar Safari

Days 1–3: Gorilla Tracking, Volcanoes National Park

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you are welcomed by your professional Deks Safaris & Tours guide, who provides a brief orientation before departing toward the Volcanoes National Park, located in northern Rwanda. The 12-Day Rwanda Tanzania Zanzibar Safari journey traverses Rwanda’s verdant valleys, rolling hills, and small villages that showcase terraced agriculture and traditional lifestyles. Upon arrival in the afternoon, check into your luxury lodge Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge or Five Volcanoes Lodge both offering comfort, scenic views of the Virunga volcanoes, and seamless access to the gorilla trekking trails.

Your first day is intentionally relaxed, giving you time to unwind and acclimatize to the highland environment. These early hours offer breathtaking vistas of the Virunga volcanoes shrouded in mist, with the forested slopes echoing with the calls of birds and distant primates. Dinner at the lodge sets the tone for your upcoming adventures, providing local delicacies prepared from fresh Rwandan ingredients and offering a moment to reflect on the unique journey ahead.

The Gorilla Trekking Safari Experience in Rwanda

The highlight of your 12-Day Rwanda Tanzania Zanzibar Safari visit comes on Day 2, with the exhilarating gorilla trekking expedition. After an early breakfast, you meet your team of trackers and guides at the park headquarters for a briefing. Here, you learn about the particular gorilla family you will be visiting, the dos and don’ts of gorilla encounters, and safety protocols for both humans and primates. Departing in groups with trackers leading the way, you traverse the lush rainforest trails, following subtle signs like broken branches, gorilla footprints, and vocalizations echoing through the bamboo groves. The trek immerses you fully into the rainforest ecosystem: the air is rich with the scent of damp earth, the sound of tropical birds accompanies each step, and occasional glimpses of golden monkeys highlight the biodiversity of the park.

Upon locating the gorilla family, you spend a full hour observing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Silverbacks command attention with quiet authority, mothers nurture playful infants, and juveniles engage in playful antics that are heartwarming to witness. This encounter is not merely a wildlife spectacle it is a profound connection with a species whose survival relies heavily on human conservation efforts. After trekking, return to your lodge for lunch, and spend the afternoon relaxing, reflecting on the life-changing experience amidst scenic views and serene surroundings. Dinner concludes a day that embodies the very essence of African wildlife adventure.

Optional Second Gorilla Trek or Golden Monkey Tracking

Day 3 offers an optional second gorilla trek or golden monkey tracking, where visitors follow the playful and agile golden monkeys through bamboo forests, listening to their unique chattering calls. This day also provides a deeper understanding of local conservation efforts, eco-tourism initiatives, and community projects surrounding Volcanoes National Park. The evening is spent enjoying the comforts of your lodge, savoring Rwandan cuisine, and absorbing the tranquility of the highlands.

 

Day 4: Kigali City and Historical Immersion

After breakfast, your 12-Day Rwanda Tanzania Zanzibar Safari journey descends from the highlands to Kigali, Rwanda’s capital. On the way, you have the option to explore additional sites in Volcanoes National Park, such as local villages or community projects, allowing insight into the integration of conservation and sustainable tourism.

In Kigali, a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial provides a poignant reflection on Rwanda’s recent history. The memorial offers detailed exhibitions, personal stories, and a serene cemetery honoring victims of the 1994 genocide. The experience is both sobering and enlightening, providing context for Rwanda’s remarkable reconciliation and development over the past decades. A guided city tour introduces travelers to the dynamic blend of urban development and traditional culture, with potential stops at local markets, art centers, and cultural hubs.

Evening accommodation is at a comfortable Kigali hotel, providing rest and preparation for the Tanzania leg of your 12-Day Rwanda Tanzania Zanzibar Safari journey. This day balances reflection and cultural immersion, connecting the wildlife experiences with Rwanda’s societal narrative.

Days 5–7: Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Depart Kigali early on Day 5 for your flight to Tanzania, landing in the Serengeti National Park. Depending on the season, accommodation may range from permanent lodges to luxury mobile camps, ensuring proximity to the wildebeest migration and other wildlife spectacles.

The Serengeti’s vast open plains, dotted with acacia trees and rolling grasslands, provide the perfect habitat for Africa’s classic savannah wildlife. Morning and afternoon game drives maximize opportunities to see herds of wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, and topi. Predators such as lions, cheetahs, and leopards stalk the plains, providing thrilling viewing for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts alike. Guides share in-depth knowledge of predator-prey dynamics, animal behavior, and conservation strategies, enhancing your understanding of the Serengeti ecosystem.

Seasonal variations play a significant role in wildlife distribution. Between December and February, the southern Serengeti hosts massive calving herds, while the migration gradually moves north through June to August, reaching the northern Serengeti and Masai Mara. From September to October, the migration moves through the eastern corridor, eventually returning south to Ndutu by December. These patterns ensure visitors experience dynamic wildlife interactions throughout the year.

Day 7 concludes with a final game drive, capturing the magic of the Serengeti’s sunsets, dramatic skies, and active wildlife. Evenings are spent in camp or lodge, where local cuisine and African storytelling enrich the 12-Day Rwanda Tanzania Zanzibar Safari experience.

 

Days 8–9: Ngorongoro Crater

From the Serengeti, you journey to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, home to the world-renowned Ngorongoro Crater. This extinct volcanic caldera is the largest unbroken caldera in the world, with a unique ecosystem supporting black rhinos, elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, buffalo, giraffes, wildebeest, and zebras.

The crater rim offers panoramic views of the lush crater floor, which teems with wildlife. Descending into the crater, you enter a living National Geographic documentary. A 12-Day Rwanda Tanzania Zanzibar Safari allows close encounters with the abundant wildlife and spectacular landscapes, including crater lakes, swamps, and grasslands. Expert guides provide commentary on ecological interactions, animal behavior, and conservation practices, enhancing the educational aspect of the experience.

Overnight accommodation is in lodges perched along the crater rim, offering stunning vistas, comfortable amenities, and the opportunity to experience the Ngorongoro ecosystem from dawn to dusk. Sunrise and sunset views from the rim provide exceptional photography opportunities and moments of reflection.

 

Days 10–12: Zanzibar – Tropical Island Retreat

After the intensity of wildlife encounters, your 12-Day Rwanda Tanzania Zanzibar Safari journey transitions to Zanzibar, where you unwind on pristine beaches and explore the rich Swahili culture. Flights depart from Ngorongoro to Zanzibar, where a Deks Safaris & Tours representative transfer you to your beachfront resort.

Days 10–12 are a blend of relaxation and activity. Mornings may be spent swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, or sailing on traditional dhows. Afternoon excursions include guided tours of Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with winding alleyways, markets, and historic architecture, or visits to spice plantations showcasing Zanzibar’s global role in the spice trade. Dolphin excursions and sunset cruises further enhance the tropical experience.

Evenings feature Swahili cuisine and entertainment, with opportunities to enjoy freshly caught seafood and traditional music. The tropical pace, combined with cultural immersion, provides a perfect conclusion to the safari adventure.

 

End of 12-Day Rwanda Tanzania Zanzibar Safari

On the final day, enjoy a leisurely breakfast and last moments on Zanzibar’s beaches before transfer to Zanzibar International Airport for your onward flight. You depart with vivid memories of gorilla trekking in Rwanda, thrilling savannah safaris in Tanzania, and serene tropical relaxation on Zanzibar’s shores an adventure that captures the essence of East Africa.

 

12-Day Rwanda Tanzania Zanzibar Safari Inclusions and Exclusions

Safari Inclusions

• Airport transfers in Kigali, Tanzania, and Zanzibar
• Domestic flights (Kigali–Serengeti, Ngorongoro–Zanzibar)
• Accommodation as per itinerary (lodges, luxury camps, resorts)
• Meals as indicated (full board in Zanzibar, other meals per itinerary)
• Gorilla trekking permits and guided treks in Volcanoes National Park
• Serengeti and Ngorongoro game drives with professional guides
• Zanzibar beach activities and excursions (Stone Town, spice tour, dolphin watching)
• 4×4 safari vehicles with fuel, water, and experienced drivers/guides
• All park fees, conservation fees, and government taxes

 

Safari Exclusions

• International flights to Rwanda and from Zanzibar
• Visa fees for Rwanda, Tanzania, and Zanzibar
• Travel and medical insurance
• Personal expenses (tips, souvenirs, beverages)
• Optional activities not listed in the itinerary
• Alcoholic beverages unless specified