13-Day Tanzania and Rwanda Safari

The 13-Day Tanzania and Rwanda Safari is an unparalleled journey combining East Africa’s most iconic wildlife landscapes, cultural encounters, and luxury lodges. Designed for discerning travelers, this adventure spans the vast savannahs of Tarangire and Serengeti National Parks, the exclusive Grumeti Private Reserve, and the lush highlands of Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, where you will track critically endangered Mountain Gorillas.

This 13-Day Tanzania and Rwanda Safari merges the thrill of the Big Five with the serene intimacy of gorilla trekking, creating a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and luxury. From the towering baobab trees of Tarangire to the endless Serengeti plains teeming with migrating wildebeest and predators, every day is meticulously curated to deliver awe-inspiring wildlife experiences. The journey through Grumeti introduces travelers to exclusive lodges and walking safaris in one of Tanzania’s most pristine private reserves, providing a level of seclusion and immersion rare in the safari world.

Go Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

The Rwandan segment of the 13-Day Tanzania and Rwanda Safari adds depth and contrast. In Volcanoes National Park, you will trek through misty forests, guided by experienced rangers, to observe gorilla families in their natural habitat. Witnessing the silverback, playful juveniles, and nurturing mothers provides a profound understanding of these extraordinary primates. Rwanda’s landscapes of rolling hills, terraced farmland, and volcanic peaks offer stunning backdrops for photography and reflection, while interactions with local communities and conservation initiatives provide cultural and ecological insights.

Luxury accommodations are carefully selected to complement the safari experience, from elevated tree platforms in Tarangire to private tented suites in Serengeti and Rwanda’s eco-luxury lodges. Each lodge not only provides opulent comfort but also emphasizes sustainability and community engagement, ensuring your presence contributes positively to conservation efforts. This 13-Day Tanzania and Rwanda Safari itinerary is thoughtfully paced to balance early morning game drives, mid-day relaxation, and evening cultural encounters, offering travelers a rhythm that allows them to savor each destination fully.

By 13-Day Tanzania and Rwanda Safari journey’s end, guests depart with unforgettable memories of Africa’s wildlife, landscapes, and cultures an enriching adventure that combines adrenaline, discovery, and indulgence.

Detailed 13-Day Tanzania and Rwanda Safari

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha, Tanzania

Your 13-Day Tanzania and Rwanda Safari begins upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where a professional Deks Safaris & Tours representative will greet you. After completing airport formalities, you are transferred to the luxurious Elewana Arusha Coffee Lodge, located on one of Tanzania’s largest coffee estates. The lodge blends colonial architecture with modern amenities, providing a serene retreat amidst verdant coffee plantations.

This day is dedicated to relaxation and acclimatization, allowing you to recover from your journey while enjoying the lodge’s facilities, including its outdoor pool, spa, and fitness area. A short walk around the plantation reveals the meticulous care given to the coffee trees and the surrounding flora, a subtle introduction to the region’s ecological richness. Dinner at the lodge features local and international cuisine prepared from fresh, locally sourced ingredients, allowing you to savor Tanzanian flavors while overlooking the estate’s lush gardens.

For travelers interested in cultural immersion, the lodge’s concierge can arrange optional activities such as village visits, artisan workshops, or short guided walks exploring the estate’s biodiversity. The evening concludes with a leisurely stroll among the coffee trees or a quiet reflection over dinner, setting the tone for the adventure to come. This initial experience balances luxury, comfort, and gentle exploration, creating an ideal start to the 13-Day Tanzania and Rwanda Safari.

Accommodation: Elewana Arusha Coffee Lodge
Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire National Park

After a hearty breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Tarangire National Park, a haven known for its enormous elephant herds and towering baobab trees. The landscape transitions from cultivated farmland to semi-arid plains dotted with acacia, baobabs, and seasonal swamps. Wildlife is abundant along the route, including impala, giraffes, and diverse bird species.

Upon arrival, enjoy lunch at Tarangire Safari Lodge, strategically located near the park’s wildlife corridors. The afternoon is dedicated to a game drive, where your 13-Day Tanzania and Rwanda Safari expert guide helps you spot elephants bathing in mud wallows, lions lounging under acacia trees, and herds of zebra and wildebeest grazing peacefully. Tarangire’s savannah is also home to birdlife enthusiasts, with over 500 recorded species, including the martial eagle, pygmy kingfisher, and hornbill.

The evening is reserved for check-in at Elewana Tarangire Treetops, a luxurious lodge built on elevated platforms within the forest canopy. This unique design allows guests to feel immersed in nature while enjoying modern comforts. As the sun sets, the bush comes alive with nocturnal sounds: hyenas calling in the distance, elephants moving stealthily, and owls gliding through the treetops. Dinner is served on the lodge’s terrace, combining local flavors with international cuisine, as the stars emerge overhead.

Accommodation: Elewana Tarangire Treetops
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Full-Day Game Drive in Tarangire National Park

Rise early for a full-day game drive across Tarangire’s diverse ecosystems. The park is famed for its large elephant population, some forming matriarchal family groups that can be observed closely but safely. Lions and leopards patrol the grasslands, while giraffes, impalas, and zebras move in harmony through the plains. Birders will delight in spotting species such as the wattled crane, lilac-breasted roller, and the elusive grey-capped warbler.

Midday, enjoy a picnic lunch under the shade of a giant baobab, surrounded by the raw sounds of the African wilderness. The tranquility of the park allows for contemplative observation, with opportunities to photograph wildlife in natural light and observe behavioral patterns. Afternoon drives provide more intimate encounters with wildlife, as animals retreat to water sources and the golden light of the evening enhances the safari’s visual experience.

Return to Elewana Tarangire Treetops for sundowners on the elevated deck, reflecting on the day’s discoveries. The lodge’s elevated suites offer private viewing decks, allowing for a night-time glimpse of the nocturnal wildlife from the comfort of your room. Dinner features a curated menu that emphasizes locally sourced ingredients, providing both gourmet dining and a connection to the region. This full day emphasizes immersive exploration, ensuring that Tarangire’s rich biodiversity is fully appreciated.

Accommodation: Elewana Tarangire Treetops
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Tarangire National Park to Grumeti Private Reserve

After breakfast, fly to the Grumeti Private Reserve, part of the Serengeti’s western corridor. This exclusive reserve offers unparalleled luxury and access to the Great Migration route. Upon arrival, transfer to Singita Faru Faru Lodge, a stunning property overlooking the Grumeti River. The lodge’s private suites feature expansive terraces, copper bathtubs, and uninterrupted views of the surrounding plains.

Afternoon game drives immerse you in the reserve’s wildlife, where lions, cheetahs, elephants, and buffalo are frequently seen. Grumeti’s private nature ensures that encounters feel intimate, with fewer vehicles and guests, allowing for a closer connection to the wilderness. The lodge emphasizes sustainability, with eco-friendly practices integrated seamlessly into the guest experience.

Evening dining at Singita Faru Faru Lodge combines farm-to-table cuisine with an elegant setting, while night drives reveal Africa’s nocturnal species, including bushbabies, civets, and the occasional leopard. The day combines luxury, adventure, and ecological awareness, setting the stage for an immersive three-day stay in Grumeti.

Accommodation: Singita Faru Faru Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Grumeti Private Reserve – Game Drives

Begin the day with a morning game drive, when predators are most active and plains animals engage in daily routines. Witness lions strategizing hunts, elephants grazing at dawn, and giraffes browsing the treetops. Grumeti’s ecosystem supports a remarkable array of species, including lesser-seen residents like colobus monkeys, honey badgers, and pangolins.

Return to the lodge for breakfast and a mid-day rest. Afternoon drives or walking safaris provide a different perspective, revealing smaller flora and fauna, birdlife, and unique geological features. Optional visits to local communities highlight conservation and sustainable livelihood projects, providing insight into how wildlife and humans coexist in the Serengeti corridor.

Evenings at the lodge offer private bush dining under the stars, allowing guests to dine while observing wildlife at nearby waterholes. This combination of luxury and adventure ensures an unforgettable 13-Day Tanzania and Rwanda Safari experience, fostering a deep appreciation for East Africa’s wild heart.

Accommodation: Singita Faru Faru Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Tanzania Wildlife Safaris

Day 6: Grumeti Private Reserve – Morning Game Drive & Transfer to Central Serengeti

Wake up at dawn in Grumeti Private Reserve to the soft sounds of the African bush. The morning is perfect for a game drive, when wildlife is at its most active. Observe lions patrolling their territories, cheetahs stalking antelope, and elephants navigating the grassy plains in family units. Grumeti is a privileged enclave along the Great Migration route, and depending on the season, you may witness wildebeest and zebra herds moving across the plains in search of fresh grazing grounds. Bird enthusiasts will delight in sightings of the lilac-breasted roller, tawny eagle, and martial eagle, all perched majestically against the sunrise.

After a hearty bush breakfast, board a light aircraft for a scenic flight to the central Serengeti, landing near the Nyaruswiga region. The aerial perspective allows you to appreciate the vastness of the Serengeti ecosystem, dotted with acacia trees and winding rivers. Upon arrival, transfer to the One Nature Nyaruswiga lodge, a luxury tented safari camp designed to blend seamlessly with the environment. Each tent offers expansive views of the savannah and is equipped with en-suite bathrooms, private decks, and elegant furnishings.

In the afternoon, embark on another game drive, exploring the central Serengeti’s diverse habitats. Encounter giraffes browsing acacia canopies, herds of wildebeest grazing in sync with zebras, and the occasional solitary predator lying in ambush. The 13-Day Tanzania and Rwanda Safari guide will provide in-depth explanations of animal behavior, predator-prey dynamics, and conservation challenges. As the sun sets, return to the lodge for sundowners and dinner under the African stars, reflecting on the raw power and beauty of the Serengeti. This day perfectly balances active wildlife exploration with luxurious comfort, providing a seamless transition from Grumeti’s western corridor to the Serengeti’s heart.

Accommodation: One Nature Nyaruswiga
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Serengeti National Park – Hot Air Balloon Safari & Afternoon Game Drive

Today begins before sunrise, with an exhilarating hot air balloon safari over the central Serengeti. Witness the first light illuminate the vast plains, casting golden hues over migrating wildebeest, grazing zebras, and prowling lions. From your aerial vantage point, the scale of the Serengeti becomes apparent, and the synchronized movement of herds is mesmerizing. Hot air ballooning provides unmatched photographic opportunities, allowing for panoramic captures of Africa’s most iconic landscapes.

After a champagne breakfast in the bush following the balloon landing, return to the lodge for mid-morning rest. The afternoon is reserved for a guided game drive, where expert trackers help identify smaller mammals, elusive leopards, and bird species often missed from vehicles. The Serengeti’s ecosystem is incredibly diverse; predators and prey coexist in a delicate balance, offering endless educational and awe-inspiring moments. Along the way, guides explain animal behavior, ecological importance, and local conservation efforts.

The day concludes with a luxurious bush dinner, a private dining experience surrounded by wildlife sounds and the starlit Serengeti sky. Reflections over dinner emphasize the richness of East Africa’s biodiversity and the privilege of witnessing it up close. Guests return to their tents, lulled by nocturnal calls, knowing the next days will bring Rwanda’s gorilla forests and a completely different but equally breath-taking environment.

Accommodation: One Nature Nyaruswiga
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Serengeti to Kigali, Rwanda

After breakfast, bid farewell to the Serengeti’s endless plains and board a light aircraft for the flight to Kigali, Rwanda. This transition introduces a dramatic change of scenery from golden savannahs to Rwanda’s rolling green hills and volcanic highlands. Upon arrival, a Deks Safaris & Tours representative meets you and transfers you to the Kigali Serena Hotel, a luxurious urban retreat combining comfort with refined elegance.

The afternoon is dedicated to exploring Kigali City, offering insights into Rwanda’s culture, history, and resilience. Visits may include the poignant Kigali Genocide Memorial, where guides provide educational context about Rwanda’s tragic past and its 13-Day Tanzania and Rwanda Safari journey toward reconciliation. Travelers may also explore vibrant local markets and artisan cooperatives, engaging with contemporary Rwandan art, crafts, and cuisine. Lunch at a city restaurant introduces traditional Rwandan flavors, while evening relaxation at the hotel’s pool or lounge allows you to reflect on the safari so far.

This day provides a balanced interlude between the Serengeti’s wilderness and the immersive gorilla trekking experience awaiting in the Volcanoes National Park. It’s a moment to recharge, enjoy Rwanda’s warm hospitality, and prepare for the adventure into one of the most iconic wildlife destinations in the world.

Dinner at the hotel offers a selection of Rwandan and international cuisine, allowing you to savor the flavors of the region. The day’s experiences create a thoughtful interlude between the Serengeti’s wildlife immersion and the lush forests of Volcanoes National Park. Kigali’s combination of historical reflection, cultural exploration, and urban comfort ensures travelers are refreshed and prepared for the next phase of their safari adventure.

Accommodation: Kigali Serena Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Kigali to Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, depart Kigali for the scenic drive to Volcanoes National Park in northern Rwanda. The 13-Day Tanzania and Rwanda Safari journey takes you through rolling hills, terraced farms, and misty highland forests, highlighting Rwanda’s epithet as the “Land of a Thousand Hills.” Upon arrival, check in at Singita Kwitonda Lodge, an eco-luxury retreat perched on the edge of the park, offering breathtaking views of volcanic peaks and verdant valleys.

This afternoon is free to relax and prepare for the gorilla trekking adventure ahead. The lodge’s amenities, including spa services, wellness programs, and expansive terraces, provide the perfect setting to unwind. A guided walk around the lodge grounds introduces guests to the surrounding forest flora, local community initiatives, and conservation efforts supporting gorilla preservation. Evening dining showcases farm-to-table cuisine, emphasizing fresh, locally sourced ingredients, complemented by unobstructed views of the volcanoes at sunset.

Singita Kwitonda’s intimate environment allows for a quiet connection with nature, offering a sense of anticipation for the next day’s trekking. Conservation briefings by lodge staff explain the importance of gorilla protection and provide insights into their social behavior, ecology, and habitat. This preparation ensures that guests understand the significance of their encounter while appreciating the delicate balance of Rwanda’s montane forests.

Accommodation: Singita Kwitonda Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Rise early for a nutritious breakfast before heading to the park headquarters for a comprehensive gorilla trekking briefing. Here, rangers explain the rules, safety precautions, and techniques for observing these magnificent primates. Trekking begins along lush forest trails, accompanied by trackers who locate the gorilla family. The trek may last several hours, depending on gorilla movement and terrain, and requires moderate physical exertion.

Upon encountering the gorillas, you are granted one hour of immersive observation. Watch as the silverback commands the group, females groom and care for infants, and juveniles explore and play amidst the dense vegetation. The experience is profoundly moving, offering both visual splendor and emotional connection to one of humanity’s closest relatives. Professional guides provide interpretation and photography guidance while ensuring minimal disturbance to the animals.

Returning to the lodge, enjoy lunch and a period of relaxation. Afternoon optional activities include guided walks in the park buffer zones, village visits, or conservation presentations, providing context to the socio-environmental initiatives supporting gorilla survival. Evening dining at Singita Kwitonda Lodge culminates a day defined by awe, reflection, and profound appreciation of Africa’s biodiversity.

Accommodation: Singita Kwitonda Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Rwanda Gorilla Tracking Safari

Day 11: Second Gorilla Trekking Encounter

For those seeking a deeper experience, a second gorilla trek can be arranged. This allows observation of another gorilla family or further interactions with the initial group. Each trek offers unique behaviors and social dynamics, enriching the understanding of these intelligent creatures.

The morning is devoted to trekking, with opportunities to witness feeding patterns, social interactions, and even playful confrontations between males. Guides emphasize ecological education, highlighting forest conservation, biodiversity, and the role of tourism in sustaining these fragile ecosystems. Returning to the lodge, guests enjoy lunch before participating in a community visit or conservation workshop, engaging with locals and learning about sustainable practices that benefit both people and wildlife.

Evening reflections are spent on the lodge terrace, absorbing panoramic views of volcanoes and the surrounding forest. This day underscores the synergy between adventure, luxury, and ecological responsibility, providing a lasting, meaningful encounter with Rwanda’s natural heritage.

Accommodation: Singita Kwitonda Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: Volcanoes National Park to Kigali

After breakfast, bid farewell to the gorillas and scenic highlands as you transfer back to Kigali. En route, optional stops include local artisan markets or scenic viewpoints offering panoramic vistas of the Rwandan countryside. Upon arrival, check in at Kigali Serena Hotel, where the afternoon allows for leisure, spa treatments, or final shopping at city markets.

A guided Rwandan culinary experience may be arranged, teaching participants to prepare traditional dishes under the guidance of local chefs. This immersive cultural activity offers insight into Rwandan food traditions, agriculture, and lifestyle. Evening dinner at the hotel provides a final opportunity to savor Rwandan and international cuisine in a luxurious setting, reflecting on the diverse experiences from Tanzania’s savannahs to Rwanda’s montane forests.

Accommodation: Kigali Serena Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13: Departure from Kigali

On your final day, enjoy a leisurely breakfast and, if time allows, a short morning walk around Kigali’s serene hotel gardens. Transfers to Kigali International Airport are arranged according to flight schedules, ensuring a smooth conclusion to this immersive 13-Day Tanzania and Rwanda Safari journey. Guests depart with lasting memories of Africa’s unparalleled wildlife, extraordinary landscapes, and cultural richness.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: N/A