9 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking and Tanzania Safari Holiday

The 9 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking and Tanzania Safari Holiday with Deks Safaris and Tours Ltd offers one of the most remarkable wildlife adventures in East Africa. This carefully curated itinerary combines the best of Rwanda’s lush volcanic rainforests with Tanzania’s vast savannah landscapes, creating a journey that captures the essence of the continent’s most iconic ecosystems.

Your journey begins in Rwanda, a land of a thousand hills, where the highlight is an extraordinary trek through Volcanoes National Park to observe the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Spending an hour in the company of these gentle giants is an awe-inspiring, once-in-a-lifetime experience. The adventure is further enriched with meaningful cultural encounters, including visits to the Batwa community and the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund center, which highlight the conservation efforts that protect these magnificent creatures.

From Rwanda, the journey transitions into the heart of Tanzania, where vast plains, dramatic escarpments, and flourishing wildlife await. You will explore the legendary Serengeti National Park, home to one of the greatest spectacles on Earth—the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles move in search of greener pastures, pursued by predators. A serene yet thrilling hot air balloon safari over Serengeti adds a magical dimension to the experience.

Your 9 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking and Tanzania Safari concludes at the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where diverse ecosystems shelter an extraordinary concentration of wildlife, including the rare black rhino.

This safari is not just a journey through East Africa’s most celebrated landscapes—it is a life-changing expedition that blends wildlife, culture, and conservation into a single transformative adventure. With the professional expertise of Deks Safaris and Tours Ltd, travelers are assured of seamless logistics, knowledgeable guiding, and a deeply immersive safari experience.

9 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking and Tanzania Safari

Day	Activities	Accommodation
Day 1	Arrival in Kigali, Rwanda and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park	Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge Meal Plan: Lunch, Dinner, & Drinking Water
Day 2	Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park and Afternoon Relaxation at the Lodge	Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, & Drinking Water
Day 3	Iby’Iwachu Cultural Village Visit, Visit Diani Fossey Gorilla Fund and Drive Back to Kigali for a City Tour	Hotel Des Mille Collines Rwanda Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, & Drinking Water
Day 4	Morning Flight from Kigali to Kilimanjaro Airport, Tanzania and Begin the Tanzania Safari Adventure	Kontiki Safari Lodge Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, & Drinking Water
Day 5	Adventure in Serengeti National Park (Game Drives, Nature Walk and Maasai People Culture)	Kontiki Safari Lodge Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, & Drinking Water
Day 6	Another Day of Adventure in Serengeti National Park (Hot Air Balloon, Game Drives, and Great Migration)	Kontiki Safari Lodge Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, & Drinking Water
Day 7	Half Day Adventure in Serengeti National Park and Afternoon Drive to Ngorongoro Crater for Another Adventure	Ngorongoro Farm House Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, & Drinking Water
Day 8	Full Day Adventure in Ngorongoro Crater (Game Drives and Visit the Crater)	Ngorongoro Farm House Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, & Drinking Water
Day 9	Morning Road Transfer to Arusha and Departure from Arusha, Tanzania	None

Detailed 9 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking and Tanzania Safari

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by a professional 9 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking and Tanzania Safari driver-guide from Deks Safaris and Tours Ltd, who will brief you about your upcoming journey. Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, is renowned for its cleanliness, order, and vibrant cultural life. A short orientation in the city sets the tone for the days ahead.

After introductions, embark on a scenic 2–3-hour road transfer to the foothills of Volcanoes National Park, located in Rwanda’s north-western region. The journey takes you through rolling hills, terraced farms, and picturesque landscapes that explain why Rwanda is often called the “land of a thousand hills.” Along the way, you will have opportunities for brief photo stops and to witness daily rural life.

Upon arrival, you will check in at Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge (or a similar lodge), strategically located with breath-taking views of the Virunga Mountains. After settling in, enjoy a warm lunch followed by relaxation at the lodge. Later in the evening, you may choose to take a short-guided walk in the surrounding area, offering insights into the local communities and the verdant environment.

Dinner will be served at the lodge, and the evening is reserved for resting and preparing for the highly anticipated gorilla trekking adventure the following day. This first night immerses you in Rwanda’s highland charm, with the sounds of the forest setting the stage for the unforgettable experiences ahead.

• Meals: Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water
• Accommodation: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge or similar

 

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

This is the highlight of your Rwanda adventure—the chance to trek deep into the lush rainforests of Volcanoes National Park in search of the endangered mountain gorillas. After an early breakfast, you will transfer to the park headquarters for a briefing by park rangers. Here, you will be assigned to a specific gorilla family and guided on trekking rules to ensure the safety of both visitors and gorillas.

The trek can last between two and six hours depending on the location of the gorilla family, but every step through the dense forest is rewarding. The trail winds through bamboo forests, volcanic slopes, and thick vegetation, with opportunities to spot other wildlife such as golden monkeys, forest hogs, and a variety of bird species.

Once the gorillas are located, you are allowed to spend a full one magical hour in their presence. Observing the gorillas as they feed, groom, and interact is an emotional and humbling experience that few travelers ever forget. The sheer size of a silverback contrasted with the tenderness shown to its young is a breathtaking reminder of our deep connection to nature.

After the trek, return to your lodge for a hearty lunch and an afternoon at leisure. For those interested, optional cultural activities are available, including visits to nearby communities where you can engage with local traditions, dances, and handicrafts. Dinner and overnight at the lodge allow time to reflect on this unforgettable 9 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking and Tanzania Safari encounter.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water
• Accommodation: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge

 

Day 3: Cultural and Conservation Experiences – Return to Kigali

After breakfast, the day begins with a visit to the Iby’Iwachu Cultural Village, where travelers are introduced to Rwanda’s cultural heritage through traditional music, dance, and craft demonstrations. This immersive experience highlights the resilience and creativity of the Rwandan people while offering visitors the chance to engage directly with local communities.

Next, proceed to the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund center, an institution dedicated to gorilla conservation and research. Here, you will learn about the late primatologist Dian Fossey’s legacy and the ongoing efforts to protect mountain gorillas. The center provides a valuable perspective on how conservation, research, and community engagement intertwine to ensure the survival of this critically endangered species.

Following these enriching experiences, transfer back to Kigali. A city tour offers opportunities to visit important landmarks such as the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local markets, and craft centers. This provides a deeper understanding of Rwanda’s history, resilience, and transformation into one of Africa’s most progressive nations.

Dinner and overnight will be at Hotel Des Mille Collines, a historic property known for its hospitality and panoramic city views. This marks the end of the Rwandan leg of your 9 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking and Tanzania Safari, preparing you for the transition into Tanzania.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water
• Accommodation: Hotel Des Mille Collines

 

Day 4: Flight to Tanzania – Arrival at Serengeti Region

After an early breakfast, you will transfer to Kigali International Airport to board your scheduled flight either to Kilimanjaro International Airport or directly to one of the Serengeti airstrips. This short but scenic flight provides breathtaking aerial views of East Africa’s changing landscapes from Rwanda’s rolling green hills to Tanzania’s expansive golden plains. The transition from the rainforest-clad Virunga Mountains to the wide, open savannahs of the Serengeti sets the stage for an entirely new phase of your safari adventure.

Upon arrival in Tanzania, you will be warmly received by your 9 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking and Tanzania Safari driver-guide from Deks Safaris and Tours Ltd, who will facilitate your road transfer to Kontiki Safari Lodge, located near the Serengeti National Park. The lodge combines comfort with authentic African charm, offering a serene setting with sweeping views of the surrounding wilderness.

Depending on your arrival time, you may choose to relax at the lodge and enjoy its amenities or embark on an optional evening cultural walk, where you can interact with nearby communities and learn about the traditions of the region. This lighter activity provides a perfect balance after your travel day while allowing you to immerse yourself in Tanzania’s cultural richness.

In the evening, enjoy a hearty dinner prepared with fresh local ingredients and unwind as you listen to the distant sounds of the Serengeti wilderness. The anticipation of your first full day of safari tomorrow makes this evening both exciting and restful.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water
• Accommodation: Kontiki Safari Lodge

 

Day 5: Full Day Safari in Serengeti National Park

Today marks your first full day of exploration in the world-renowned Serengeti National Park, Tanzania’s crown jewel and one of Africa’s greatest safari destinations. After breakfast, you will set out for a morning game drive, venturing deep into the park’s vast plains. The Serengeti is famed for its abundance of wildlife and sweeping savannah landscapes dotted with acacia trees and kopjes.

Your 9 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking and Tanzania Safari today offers incredible opportunities to spot iconic African wildlife. Herds of elephants move gracefully across the grasslands, while giraffes browse lazily on tall acacia trees. Lions may be observed resting on sunlit rocks, while cheetahs patrol the plains in search of prey. Zebras and wildebeest graze in large numbers, often creating dramatic spectacles of life in the wild. The birdlife is equally impressive, with eagles, vultures, and colorful species such as lilac-breasted rollers adding to the richness of the environment.

A picnic lunch will be served at a scenic spot inside the park, allowing you to soak in the beauty of the Serengeti without missing a moment of wildlife activity. In the afternoon, you will continue with another game drive, maximizing your chances of witnessing predator-prey interactions and the unique behaviors of the animals during the cooler part of the day.

For those interested, an optional visit to a Maasai community can be arranged. Here, you will gain firsthand insights into the traditional lifestyle of one of Africa’s most iconic tribes. Return to Kontiki Safari Lodge in the evening for dinner, where you can share stories of the day’s adventures before retiring for the night.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water
• Accommodation: Kontiki Safari Lodge

 

Day 6: Serengeti Balloon Safari and Migration Viewing

This day begins with an optional hot air balloon safari, one of the most extraordinary ways to experience the Serengeti. Rising before dawn, you will be transferred to the balloon launch site, where you’ll watch the inflation process under a starlit sky. Once airborne, the balloon drifts silently above the plains, offering unmatched panoramic views of the Serengeti as the sun rises over the horizon. From this vantage point, you may spot herds of wildebeest, elephants, and giraffes moving gracefully across the plains.

After landing, a champagne bush breakfast awaits, served in the wilderness to complete the magical experience. Even if you choose not to take part in the balloon safari, your morning will still be filled with exciting game drives, tailored to maximize sightings of the seasonal Great Migration if it coincides with your visit. Depending on the time of year, you may witness the dramatic river crossings as wildebeest brave crocodile-infested waters, or the calving season when thousands of newborns fill the plains, attracting predators in thrilling encounters.

Your 9 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking and Tanzania Safari driver-guide from Deks Safaris and Tours Ltd will position you in the best locations to witness these spectacles, using expert knowledge of animal movements and behavior. The rest of the day is dedicated to game drives, ensuring you explore various sections of the Serengeti ecosystem, from open grasslands to riverine woodlands.

Return to Kontiki Safari Lodge in the evening for relaxation, a warm dinner, and perhaps storytelling around a campfire under the star-filled African sky.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water
• Accommodation: Kontiki Safari Lodge

 

Day 7: Serengeti Game Drive and Transfer to Ngorongoro Crater

The morning begins with a final half-day game drive in the Serengeti, offering one last opportunity to capture photographs and enjoy sightings of your favorite animals. Early mornings are particularly rewarding as predators are still active before the heat of the day, and the golden light creates stunning photographic conditions.

After your game drive, you will depart the Serengeti and embark on a scenic drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The journey itself is an experience, as you traverse rolling highlands, Masai grazing lands, and dramatic escarpments. The landscapes gradually change as you approach the Ngorongoro Crater, one of Africa’s most remarkable natural wonders.

Upon arrival, check in at the Ngorongoro Farm House, a charming lodge set amid lush gardens and coffee plantations. The property offers stunning views of the nearby highlands, warm hospitality, and a tranquil atmosphere perfect for relaxation after a long day of travel.

In the afternoon, you may choose to relax at the lodge, enjoy a guided walk through the coffee plantations, or simply take in the scenery. The evening ends with a delicious dinner, where the anticipation builds for tomorrow’s exploration of the Ngorongoro Crater.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water
• Accommodation: Ngorongoro Farm House

 

Day 8: Full Day Exploration of Ngorongoro Crater

After an early breakfast, you will descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a full-day game drive. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is often described as the “Eighth Wonder of the World” due to its unique ecosystem and astonishing concentration of wildlife. The crater floor is home to over 25,000 large animals, making it one of the best places in Africa to view diverse wildlife in a single location.

Expect to encounter an incredible array of species, including lions, elephants, buffalo, zebras, and wildebeest. The crater is also one of the few places in East Africa where you may see the endangered black rhino in its natural habitat. Hippos wallow in freshwater pools, while flocks of flamingos brighten the alkaline lakes. The sheer density of wildlife ensures that every moment spent here is filled with discovery.

Your 9 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking and Tanzania Safari driver-guide will lead you through different habitats within the crater, from open grasslands to swampy wetlands, ensuring a varied and rewarding safari experience. A picnic lunch inside the crater allows you to dine surrounded by the sights and sounds of Africa’s wilderness—a memory that will stay with you long after the safari ends.

In the late afternoon, you will ascend from the crater and return to Ngorongoro Farm House. Relax in the lodge’s tranquil setting, reflecting on the day’s incredible encounters. Dinner is served with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, rounding off one of the most unforgettable days of your 9 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking and Tanzania Safari.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water
• Accommodation: Ngorongoro Farm House

 

Day 9: Transfer to Arusha and Departure

This final day begins with a leisurely breakfast at your lodge before beginning the drive back to Arusha, Tanzania’s safari hub. The journey offers additional opportunities to enjoy the scenic highlands and perhaps stop for cultural visits or shopping at local craft markets, where handmade souvenirs such as beadwork, carvings, and textiles reflect the artistry of East African culture.

Upon arrival in Arusha, you will enjoy a farewell lunch and have time to reflect on the remarkable 9 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking and Tanzania Safari journey that has taken you from the misty gorilla forests of Rwanda to the legendary plains of the Serengeti and the awe-inspiring Ngorongoro Crater. Depending on your onward travel plans, you will be transferred to either Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport for your departure flight.

Though the 9 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking and Tanzania Safari officially concludes today, the memories of wildlife encounters, cultural interactions, and breathtaking landscapes will remain with you for a lifetime. With the expert planning and guidance of Deks Safaris and Tours Ltd, this safari holiday ensures that every moment was filled with discovery, comfort, and authentic African adventure.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Drinking water
• Accommodation: None (departure day)

 

9 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking and Tanzania Safari Inclusions and Exclusions

Safari Inclusions

• Airport transfers and ground transportation in a comfortable 4×4 safari vehicle.
• Services of a professional English-speaking driver-guide.
• Accommodation as specified in the itinerary (mid-range or luxury options available).
• All meals as mentioned (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water).
• Rwanda Gorilla trekking permit (subject to availability).
• All park entrance fees in Rwanda and Tanzania.
• Game drives in Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.
• Cultural experiences as outlined in the itinerary.

 

Safari Exclusions

• International flights to Rwanda and from Tanzania.
• Visa fees for Rwanda and Tanzania.
• Travel insurance and emergency evacuation coverage.
• Optional activities (e.g., hot air balloon safari in Serengeti).
• Personal expenses such as tips, souvenirs, alcoholic drinks, and laundry.
• Meals not mentioned in the itinerary.
• Extra accommodation before or after the safari.

 

Best Time to Travel

• Rwanda Gorilla Trekking: Year-round, though the dry seasons (June–September and December–February) provide easier trekking conditions.
• Tanzania Safari: Best during the Great Migration season (June–October) for river crossings, and January–March for the wildebeest calving season.

 

Travel Tips

• Secure your gorilla trekking permit months in advance due to limited availability.
• Pack durable hiking boots, rain gear, and garden gloves for gorilla trekking.
• In Tanzania, bring light clothes for daytime, but also warm layers for chilly mornings.
• Carry binoculars and a quality camera with extra memory cards for wildlife photography.
• Consult your doctor for necessary vaccinations and malaria prophylaxis before travel.

 

Conclusion

The 9 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking and Tanzania Safari Holiday with Deks Safaris and Tours Ltd is an exceptional journey that blends two of East Africa’s most breathtaking landscapes. It offers a seamless combination of primate trekking in Rwanda’s misty highlands and big game adventures across Tanzania’s Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.

This 9 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking and Tanzania Safari is ideal for travelers who want to experience the rare privilege of gorilla trekking while also immersing themselves in the drama of Africa’s great plains. With Deks Safaris’ expertise, you are assured of a personalized, professional, and memorable journey through the heart of East Africa.

It is not just a holiday it is an expedition across ecosystems, cultures, and wildlife spectacles that define Africa’s timeless allure. With Deks Safaris’ professionalism and expertise, travelers can enjoy a seamless, enriching, and deeply memorable adventure.