11-Day Tarangire Serengeti & Gorilla Trekking Tour
Embark on a 17-day adventure combining Tanzania’s iconic wildlife and Rwanda’s mountain gorillas. Explore Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti, and remote wilderness areas while witnessing the Big Five and seasonal migrations. Cross into Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park for unforgettable gorilla trekking and golden monkey experiences. With expert guides, cultural encounters, and luxury or budget accommodations, this safari offers the ultimate East African wildlife and primate adventure for discerning travelers.
Day 1: Arrival in Kilimanjaro / Arusha
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where your guide will welcome you. Transfer to your lodge in Arusha to rest and acclimatize. Depending on arrival time, enjoy a brief city tour or explore local markets. Overnight in Arusha.
Day 2: Tarangire National Park Game Drive
Drive to Tarangire National Park, famous for its large elephant herds and ancient baobab trees. Embark on an afternoon game drive to spot lions, giraffes, zebras, and buffaloes. Sunset over the savannah provides stunning photography opportunities. Overnight in Tarangire.
Day 3: Lake Manyara National Park Safari
Travel to Lake Manyara National Park, renowned for tree-climbing lions and flamingo-filled lakes. Take a full-day game drive exploring the park’s diverse habitats, from forests to wetlands. Overnight near Ngorongoro or Karatu.
Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater Game Drive
Descend into the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ngorongoro Crater for a full-day safari. Spot lions, elephants, rhinos, and buffaloes while enjoying a picnic lunch in this natural amphitheater. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 5: Serengeti National Park – Afternoon Game Drive
Drive to Serengeti National Park, Tanzania’s wildlife heartland. Enjoy an afternoon game drive en route to your lodge or mobile camp, spotting lions, leopards, cheetahs, and wildebeest. Overnight in Serengeti.
Day 6: Full Day Serengeti Safari
Spend a full day exploring the Serengeti plains. Witness the Great Migration if in season, and observe predator-prey interactions. Photograph zebras, wildebeest, and other wildlife across endless savannahs. Overnight in Serengeti.
Day 7: Serengeti Morning & Transfer to Lake Eyasi
Enjoy a morning game drive before transferring to Lake Eyasi, home to Hadzabe and Datoga tribes. Participate in cultural activities, learning about traditional hunting and gathering practices. Overnight near Lake Eyasi.
Day 8: Travel to Ngorongoro Highlands
Transfer to the Ngorongoro Highlands, enjoying scenic landscapes and visits to local communities. Overnight in Ngorongoro.
Day 9: Ngorongoro Crater Revisit / Wildlife Exploration
Optional early morning game drive around the crater rim or nearby highlands. Spot unique bird species and enjoy panoramic views. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight in Ngorongoro.
Day 10: Travel to Selous Game Reserve / Ruaha
Journey to Selous Game Reserve or Ruaha for a remote safari experience. Afternoon game drive spotting elephants, lions, hippos, and crocodiles along rivers. Overnight in Selous/Ruaha.
Day 11: Full Day Safari in Selous / Ruaha
Explore Selous or Ruaha with morning and afternoon game drives. Optional boat safari or walking safari. Observe wildlife in less-visited wilderness areas. Overnight in Selous/Ruaha.
Day 12: Fly / Drive to Zanzibar (Optional Beach Extension)
Optional transfer to Zanzibar for relaxation, snorkeling, or exploring Stone Town. Overnight in Zanzibar (if included).
Day 13: Transfer to Rwanda – Volcanoes National Park
Cross into Rwanda and drive to Volcanoes National Park, home of mountain gorillas. Scenic views of rolling hills and local villages en route. Check into your lodge for overnight.
Day 14: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Experience gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. Guided by trackers, hike through dense forest to find a habituated gorilla family. Spend up to one hour observing these magnificent creatures. Overnight in Volcanoes.
Day 15: Golden Monkey Tracking / Cultural Visit
Optional golden monkey trekking or cultural village visit. Learn about local traditions and conservation efforts. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight in Volcanoes.
Day 16: Transfer to Kigali
Drive to Kigali, Rwanda’s capital. Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, craft markets, or other attractions depending on time. Overnight in Kigali.
Day 17: Departure via Kigali International Airport
After breakfast, transfer to Kigali International Airport for your outbound flight. Conclude a 17-day adventure of Tanzania wildlife, gorillas, cultural experiences, and unforgettable landscapes.