This 7-day safari combines the iconic wildlife of northern Tanzania with Rwanda’s misty volcanic forests for a perfect mix of Big Five game drives and primate encounters. Explore the vast plains of Serengeti National Park, the unique ecosystem of Ngorongoro Crater, and conclude with a life-changing gorilla trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park.
In Tanzania, encounter lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and wildebeest across the Serengeti plains and crater floor. In Rwanda, trek through bamboo forests and volcanic slopes to meet endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. This cross-border safari offers scenic drives, comfortable lodges, expert guides, and cultural insights—ideal for wildlife lovers seeking adventure and exclusive encounters.
Tour Highlights
Serengeti National Park game drives
Ngorongoro Crater wildlife exploration
Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Scenic drives through savannahs and volcanic highlands
Cultural experiences in local villages
Tour Summary
Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania – Transfer to Serengeti National Park
Day 2: Full-Day Game Drives in Serengeti
Day 3: Morning Safari – Transfer to Ngorongoro
Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater Game Drive
Day 5: Transfer or Flight to Rwanda – Volcanoes Region
Day 6: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Day 7: Departure from Rwanda
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania – Transfer to Serengeti National Park
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport, you’ll be welcomed by your professional safari guide and receive a short briefing about the adventure ahead. You then begin a scenic journey toward the legendary Serengeti National Park, passing through rolling highlands, Maasai villages, and wide-open countryside as the landscapes gradually transition into classic African savannah.
Once inside the park, your safari starts immediately with a game drive en route to your lodge or tented camp. Keep your eyes open for giraffes, zebras, elephants, wildebeest, and various antelope species grazing across the plains, while predators such as lions and cheetahs may be spotted resting or hunting nearby.
By late afternoon, arrive at your lodge, check in, and unwind while taking in sweeping views of the Serengeti. Enjoy dinner and your first night in the wild, falling asleep to the distant sounds of the African bush — a perfect introduction to your safari experience.
Day 2: Full-Day Game Drives in Serengeti National Park
Wake up early to the sounds of the Serengeti and enjoy breakfast before heading out for a full day of game drives across the vast plains. Spend the day tracking herds of wildebeest, zebras, and elephants, while searching for predators such as lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas. Your guide will share insights into wildlife behavior and the Serengeti ecosystem, making each sighting even more meaningful.
Pause midday for a scenic picnic lunch in the bush, then continue exploring different habitats including grasslands, rocky kopjes, and acacia woodlands for more wildlife encounters. Return to your lodge in the late afternoon to relax, enjoy dinner, and watch the sun set over the endless savannah — a perfect close to an exciting safari day.
Day 3: Morning Safari in Serengeti – Transfer to Ngorongoro
Begin the day with an early morning game drive in the Serengeti, when wildlife is most active and the light is perfect for sightings and photography. Look out for predators finishing their hunts and herds of elephants, giraffes, and antelopes grazing across the plains. After brunch or a picnic lunch, depart the Serengeti and drive toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, passing Maasai villages and scenic highlands along the way.
Arrive at your lodge near the crater rim in the late afternoon, check in, and relax while enjoying panoramic views. Dinner and overnight at the lodge as you prepare for the next day’s crater safari.
Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater Game Drive
After an early breakfast overlooking the crater rim, descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a full day of wildlife viewing in this remarkable natural sanctuary. The crater floor hosts an incredible concentration of animals, offering excellent chances to spot the Big Five along with hippos, zebras, wildebeest, and a variety of birdlife.
Enjoy a picnic lunch at a scenic spot inside the crater, then continue exploring its grasslands, forests, and soda lakes before returning to your lodge in the late afternoon. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Day 5: Transfer to Rwanda – Volcanoes Region
After breakfast, depart the Ngorongoro area and travel to Rwanda by scenic flight or road transfer, enjoying the changing landscapes from Tanzania’s open savannahs to Rwanda’s rolling green hills. Upon arrival in the Volcanoes region, check in to your lodge near Volcanoes National Park, surrounded by views of the Virunga volcanoes. Spend the afternoon relaxing or taking part in optional cultural or nature activities, then enjoy dinner and a briefing to prepare for the next day’s gorilla trekking adventure.
Day 6: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Wake up early and head to Volcanoes National Park for a briefing before trekking into the misty forest to track a family of endangered mountain gorillas. The hike can take a few hours depending on their location, but the reward is an unforgettable hour spent observing them up close as they feed, play, and interact in their natural habitat. After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation, with optional afternoon activities such as a community visit or nature walk. Enjoy dinner and reflect on this once-in-a-lifetime gorilla encounter.
Day 7: Departure from Rwanda
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your lodge with beautiful views of the Virunga volcanoes before checking out. Depending on your flight time, you may take a short nature walk or visit a nearby community for a final glimpse of local culture. Later, transfer to Kigali International Airport for your departure, bringing your unforgettable East African safari—filled with wildlife, landscapes, and a memorable gorilla encounter—to a close.
End of Safari