12 Days Tanzania Rwanda Safari

Uniting Primate Trekking and Wildlife Adventures with Deks Safaris & Tours

Go on an extraordinary 12 Days Tanzania Rwanda Safari with Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd, where Africa’s most iconic wildlife landscapes and extraordinary primate experiences converge into a seamless, unforgettable journey. This safari begins in Rwanda, home to endangered mountain gorillas and chimpanzees, offering intimate encounters with primates in their lush, volcanic forest habitats.

Travelers then transition to Tanzania’s legendary national parks, including Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara, experiencing sweeping savannahs, predator-prey spectacles, and extraordinary biodiversity. This itinerary is curated for travelers who wish to combine ethical wildlife interactions with cultural immersion, adventure, and conservation education, all orchestrated by Deks Safaris & Tours to ensure smooth logistics, expert guidance, and unforgettable memories.

The 12 Days Tanzania Rwanda Safari is perfect for those seeking a complete African experience. Witness the gentle giants of Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, track golden monkeys, and observe chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest. Transition seamlessly into Tanzania, where elephants roam under ancient baobabs, lions lounge in acacia shadows, and the great migration of wildebeest creates a living spectacle across the Serengeti plains.

Cultural immersion enriches this safari, offering opportunities to engage with Maasai communities in Tanzania and Rwandan villages, understanding local traditions, conservation efforts, and community-based initiatives. Every step of this journey is designed to answer travelers’ desires to combine gorilla trekking in Rwanda with wildlife safaris in Tanzania efficiently and memorably.

12 Days Tanzania Rwanda Safari Highlights

 

Detailed 12 Days Tanzania Rwanda Safari

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – Welcome, Orientation, and Drive to Volcanoes National Park

The 12 Days Tanzania Rwanda Safari begins with arrival at Kigali International Airport, where Deks Safaris & Tours representatives’ welcome travelers and provide a comprehensive orientation. Guests are then transferred by road to the verdant slopes of Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda’s iconic primate sanctuary. The journey introduces travelers to Rwanda’s stunning terraced hills, rolling farmlands, and traditional villages, offering a first glimpse into the country’s rich landscapes and culture. This drive is more than a transfer—it is an immersive introduction to Rwanda’s ecological and cultural tapestry, allowing visitors to appreciate the harmonious interaction between people and nature.

Upon arrival, guests check into a comfortable lodge nestled near the park boundaries. Here, travelers can relax, enjoy panoramic mountain views, and savor Rwandan cuisine prepared from local ingredients. In the evening, the safari team conducts a briefing, detailing gorilla trekking protocols, photography guidelines, and health considerations. This preparation ensures that every participant in the 12 Days Tanzania Rwanda Safari is ready for the extraordinary wildlife encounters awaiting them, combining adventure, safety, and education.

 

Day 2: Golden Monkey Tracking and Visit to Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund

On the second day of the 12 Days Tanzania Rwanda Safari, guests embark on golden monkey tracking within Volcanoes National Park. These small, vibrant primates inhabit dense bamboo forests and offer a lively, photogenic wildlife encounter. The trek is guided by expert rangers who share insights about the monkeys’ behaviors, diet, and social structures, ensuring a deeply educational experience. Observing these agile primates against the lush greenery of Rwanda’s volcanic forests is both thrilling and informative, making it a highlight for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers alike.

The afternoon of the 12 Days Tanzania Rwanda Safari is dedicated to visiting the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, an institution committed to gorilla conservation and research. Travelers gain firsthand understanding of the pioneering conservation work that has helped preserve Rwanda’s mountain gorilla populations. Exhibits, guided tours, and discussions provide insight into anti-poaching strategies, habitat protection, and community engagement. By combining the excitement of golden monkey tracking with the educational depth of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund visit, travelers receive a holistic wildlife experience that emphasizes the importance of conservation and responsible tourism in Rwanda.

 

Day 3: Mountain Gorilla Trekking and Transfer to Nyungwe Forest

The third day of the 12 Days Tanzania Rwanda Safari offers the iconic mountain gorilla trekking adventure in Volcanoes National Park. Trekking through misty, forested trails, visitors encounter a unique ecosystem teeming with endemic plants, bird species, and other wildlife. The highlight of the trek is an hour spent observing gorilla families, witnessing silverbacks’ gentle authority, playful juveniles, and nurturing mothers. This intimate encounter provides not only a once-in-a-lifetime experience but also a profound connection to the natural world and conservation efforts protecting these endangered primates.

Following this extraordinary wildlife encounter, travelers embark on a road transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of Africa’s richest rainforests and a prime location for chimpanzee tracking. The 12 Days Tanzania Rwanda Safari transitions seamlessly from gorilla trekking to rainforest adventure, ensuring continuity and comfort. The lodge near Nyungwe offers a tranquil retreat, where guests can reflect on their gorilla encounter while preparing for the next day’s chimpanzee trekking and canopy exploration.

 

Short Rwanda Chimpanzee Safaris

Short Rwanda Chimpanzee Safaris

Day 4: Chimpanzee Tracking and Canopy Walk in Nyungwe Forest

Day four of the 12 Days Tanzania Rwanda Safari is dedicated to the captivating experience of chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest. Guided by expert trackers, guests explore dense rainforest trails, listening to the forest’s symphony of birds, insects, and primate calls. Chimpanzees move in troops, providing a dynamic wildlife encounter that is both educational and exhilarating. Observing their intelligence, social interactions, and natural behaviors offers travelers an unparalleled connection to Africa’s primate diversity.

The afternoon of the 12 Days Tanzania Rwanda Safari includes the Nyungwe Canopy Walk, an elevated platform that allows visitors to experience the rainforest from above. This perspective provides unique photographic opportunities and a chance to observe treetop wildlife such as birds, monkeys, and butterflies. Combining chimpanzee tracking with the canopy walk ensures a full appreciation of the forest ecosystem, highlighting both wildlife diversity and the importance of conservation. The day concludes at the lodge, where travelers can relax and prepare for the next leg of the safari into Tanzania.

 

Day 5: Transfer to Kigali and Flight to Arusha, Tanzania

On the fifth day of the 12 Days Tanzania Rwanda Safari, guests take a morning road transfer to Kigali City, providing a scenic farewell to Rwanda’s verdant landscapes. Travelers may briefly explore the city before boarding a short flight to Arusha, Tanzania, the gateway to northern Tanzania’s iconic safari destinations. From Arusha, travelers are transferred to their lodge, where they rest and prepare for the adventure ahead in Tanzania’s national parks.

This transition highlights the seamless integration of wildlife and cultural experiences that define the 12 Days Tanzania Rwanda Safari. From Rwanda’s primate-rich forests to Tanzania’s sprawling savannahs, the itinerary ensures that travelers experience the diversity of East Africa efficiently and comfortably. The day emphasizes comfort, organization, and anticipation, setting the stage for the immersive game drives and cultural experiences that follow.

 

Day 6: Tarangire National Park – Elephants, Baobabs, and Safari Wonders

Day six introduces travelers to Tarangire National Park, a safari haven known for its massive elephant herds, striking baobab trees, and diverse wildlife. Morning game drives allow guests to observe elephants moving gracefully across open plains, lions resting in shaded acacia groves, and giraffes browsing tree canopies. Guided commentary from Deks Safaris enhances the experience, providing insights into animal behavior, conservation efforts, and the park’s unique ecosystems.

The 12 Days Tanzania Rwanda Safari ensures that visitors enjoy a balance of adventure and education. Photographers can capture iconic African landscapes, while nature enthusiasts can learn about predator-prey dynamics, migratory patterns, and the ecological importance of Tarangire’s riverine forests. By combining game drives, wildlife education, and scenic beauty, Tarangire offers travelers a quintessential Tanzanian safari experience that sets the tone for subsequent explorations in Lake Manyara and Serengeti National Parks.

 

Kenya Safari Experiences

Tanzania Safari Experiences

Day 7: Lake Manyara National Park – Tree-Climbing Lions and Birdwatching

On day seven of the 12 Days Tanzania Rwanda Safari, travelers explore Lake Manyara National Park, famed for its unique wildlife behaviors and avian diversity. The park is renowned for tree-climbing lions, whose rare behavior fascinates visitors, and flamingos that often turn the lake pink during certain seasons. Game drives in the morning allow guests to spot elephants, giraffes, hippos, and a wide variety of bird species, making it a paradise for wildlife photography and birdwatching enthusiasts.

Deks Safaris’ expert guides enhance the 12 Days Tanzania Rwanda Safari experience by providing ecological context, wildlife facts, and insights into local Maasai culture. Travelers learn about the intricate relationships between species, migratory patterns, and conservation challenges. The day offers both adventure and education, showcasing Lake Manyara’s unique landscapes, including acacia woodlands, alkaline lakes, and dense forests. By evening, guests return to their lodge, reflecting on a day that highlights the diversity and wonder of Tanzania’s northern safari circuit.

 

Day 8: Serengeti National Park – Game Drives, Nature Walks, and Photography

Day eight marks entry into the legendary Serengeti National Park, the centerpiece of the 12 Days Tanzania Rwanda Safari. Morning game drives introduce travelers to the Serengeti’s vast plains, teeming with wildlife such as lions, cheetahs, wildebeest, and zebras. Nature walks guided by Deks Safaris provide an intimate understanding of the park’s flora, smaller fauna, and ecological dynamics, often missed from vehicles. Photographers will find endless opportunities to capture wildlife in dramatic landscapes.

The combination of open-vehicle drives, walking safaris, and expert-guided commentary ensures an immersive and educational Serengeti experience. Observing predator-prey interactions, social behaviors among herbivores, and the sweeping savannah vistas illustrates why the Serengeti is world-renowned. This day of the 12 Days Tanzania Rwanda Safari highlights the park’s unmatched biodiversity, offering adventure, learning, and photographic opportunities in equal measure.

 

Day 9: Serengeti Exploration and Maasai Cultural Visit

The ninth day of the 12 Days Tanzania Rwanda Safari focuses on deeper exploration of the Serengeti, combining morning and afternoon game drives with cultural immersion. Visitors may witness lion prides, cheetah hunting sequences, and migratory herds interacting with predators, providing a comprehensive view of the Serengeti ecosystem. Nature walks continue to reveal the smaller, intricate details of the savannah that often go unnoticed.

The afternoon includes a visit to a local Maasai village, where travelers engage with communities, learn about traditional practices, crafts, and rituals, and understand the Maasai’s pastoralist lifestyle. This cultural component complements the wildlife experience, offering insights into how local communities coexist with nature and contribute to conservation. By evening, guests return to their lodge, reflecting on the multi-dimensional experiences of the 12 Days Tanzania Rwanda Safari, which seamlessly blends wildlife adventure with cultural enrichment.

 

Day 10: Serengeti Morning Game Drive and Transfer to Ngorongoro Crater

On day ten, travelers enjoy a final morning game drive in the Serengeti, capturing the last moments of wildlife observation and photography in this iconic park. Following the drive, the safari continues with a scenic road transfer to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its dramatic caldera and unparalleled wildlife density. The journey passes through highland vistas and local villages, offering glimpses of Maasai life and traditional farming.

Upon arrival, guests check into a lodge overlooking the crater, enjoying panoramic views and preparing for the next day’s full exploration. This segment of the 12 Days Tanzania Rwanda Safari highlights the seamless transition between Tanzania’s wildlife regions, ensuring travelers experience maximum diversity in landscapes, ecosystems, and wildlife encounters while maintaining comfort and continuity.

Day 11: Ngorongoro Crater Adventure – Game Drives and Natural Wonders

Day eleven of the 12 Days Tanzania Rwanda Safari is devoted to exploring the Ngorongoro Crater, Africa’s largest intact volcanic caldera. Guests descend into the crater for full-day game drives, observing an extraordinary array of wildlife, including lions, elephants, buffalo, black rhinos, and zebras. The crater’s unique ecosystem allows for dense animal populations in a relatively compact area, making wildlife encounters highly productive and visually spectacular.

Guides provide detailed commentary on geological history, ecological dynamics, and the role of Maasai communities in conservation. The combination of dramatic landscapes, abundant wildlife, and cultural context makes Ngorongoro a crowning highlight of the 12 Days Tanzania Rwanda Safari, offering unforgettable experiences, exceptional photography, and profound insights into Africa’s natural wonders.

 

Day 12: Departure from Tanzania – Reflecting on an Unforgettable Safari

The 12 Days Tanzania Rwanda Safari concludes with reflections on a transformative journey through East Africa’s most iconic landscapes. A final morning at the lodge allows travelers to savor panoramic views of the Ngorongoro highlands before road transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport for departure flights. Guests leave with enduring memories of Rwanda’s primates, Tanzania’s savannah wildlife, and immersive cultural encounters.

This safari ensures that travelers experience the full spectrum of East African adventure, blending gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, iconic game drives, and cultural immersion into a single, expertly curated itinerary. Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd guarantees a seamless, safe, and enriching journey, leaving guests inspired by Africa’s natural beauty and diverse heritage.

 

12 Days Tanzania Rwanda Safari Inclusions and Exclusions

Safari Inclusions

  • Airport transfers in Rwanda and Tanzania
  • Domestic flight from Kigali to Arusha
  • 11 nights’ accommodation in lodges/tented camps with meals
  • All park entrance and trekking permits (gorillas, golden monkeys, chimpanzees)
  • Professional English-speaking safari guides
  • All game drives in 4×4 safari vehicles
  • Cultural visits (Maasai villages, Iby’Iwachu Cultural Village)
  • Bottled water during game drives

 

Safari Exclusions

  • International flights to/from Kigali and Kilimanjaro
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Visa fees for Rwanda and Tanzania
  • Optional activities and gratuities
  • Alcoholic drinks and personal expenses
  • Meals not indicated in the itinerary

 

Key Highlights of a 12-Day Tanzania Rwanda Safari

  • Mountain Gorilla Trekking: Encounter gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, a life-changing wildlife experience.
  • Chimpanzee Trekking: Explore Nyungwe Forest and witness chimpanzee social interactions.
  • Tanzania Wildlife Safari: Discover elephants, lions, leopards, and diverse species in Serengeti, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara.
  • The Great Migration: Experience the annual wildebeest and zebra migration in the Serengeti.
  • Ngorongoro Crater: Observe dense wildlife populations in a volcanic ecosystem.
  • Cultural Encounters: Engage with Maasai communities and Rwandan villages for authentic cultural immersion.

 

Planning Considerations for Your Safari

  • Flight Connections: Efficient international and internal flights ensure smooth multi-country travel.
  • Seasonal Timing: Optimal periods maximize wildlife sightings, gorilla trekking conditions, and migration viewing.
  • Tour Operator Expertise: Choose an experienced operator specializing in Tanzania Rwanda Safaris and Tanzania Safari and Gorilla Trekking.
  • Health Preparation: Vaccinations, travel insurance, and physical fitness contribute to safe, comfortable safari experiences.
  • Sustainable Tourism: Support local communities and conservation efforts through ethical and responsible travel.

This 12-day Tanzania Rwanda Safari blends primate encounters, African wildlife exploration, and cultural immersion into a seamless adventure. Guided by Deks Safaris & Tours, travelers experience expertly curated itineraries, ethical wildlife interactions, and authentic cultural exchanges. From Rwanda’s gorillas to Tanzania’s Serengeti plains, this safari offers transformative, life-enriching experiences for travelers seeking adventure, knowledge, and connection with Africa’s natural and cultural heritage.