Uganda gorillas & Tanzania wildlife – 9 days

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport (KGL), your safari guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in Kigali town, just a 20–30-minute drive away. After check-in, your guide will brief you on the itinerary ahead. If you have any questions, concerns, or would like to clarify any details before the journey to Bwindi begins, today is the perfect time to do so.

Today, you’ll begin with a Kigali city tour, including a visit to the Genocide Memorial and Museum, followed by lunch in the city. In the afternoon, you’ll head toward the Ruhengeri region, stopping at the foothills of the Volcanoes Mountains to complete immigration procedures at the Rwanda–Uganda Cyanika or Katuna border point. From there, you’ll continue to your lodge near Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

At around 7:45 am, you’ll report to the rangers’ station with your gorilla permit for registration and a safety briefing. Afterward, you’ll begin your trek through dense forest in search of the gorillas—a journey that can take anywhere from 2 to 6 hours depending on their location. A reasonable level of fitness and sturdy hiking shoes are essential. Once you encounter the gorilla family, you’ll spend a magical hour observing their fascinating, human-like behaviors before making your way back to the starting point.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kigali International Airport (KGL) for your international flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). Upon arrival in Tanzania, our representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in Arusha. Depending on your arrival time, you may attend a safari briefing at our Arusha office before heading to your lodge for an overnight stay. If you arrive late, the briefing will be held the following morning. Please note: the flight from Kigali to Kilimanjaro is not included in the price below.

Today, you’ll drive approximately 2.5 hours southwest to Tarangire National Park, renowned for having the highest concentration of elephants in Northern Tanzania. Alongside these gentle giants, the park is home to lions, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, buffaloes, wildebeests, zebras, gazelles, and many other wildlife species. Tarangire is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, boasting over 550 bird species, including the world’s largest – the Maasai ostrich. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure!

Let yourself be inspired by the beauty and wonder of the Serengeti, where acacia trees and granite kopjes rise from endless waves of golden grass. Your time here is dedicated to exploring the heart of Central Serengeti, a region that promises daily encounters with Tanzania’s most iconic wildlife. From large prides of lions and elusive leopards to graceful giraffes, powerful elephants, agile cheetahs, and pods of hippos wallowing in the rivers, every moment offers a new spectacle. Bird enthusiasts will also be rewarded with sightings of the region’s rich and varied avian life.

The Ngorongoro Crater, which spans just 10 miles (16 km) in diameter, was formed around three million years ago when a massive volcano collapsed. It is the world’s largest volcanic caldera and supports over 25,000 resident animals, making it one of the most unique and densely populated wildlife ecosystems on Earth. Within its grass-covered steppes and acacia forests, you can encounter nearly every species found in the East African savanna, including the legendary African “Big Five“.

Today, enjoy a leisurely morning with breakfast and a delicious hot lunch at your beautiful lodge before heading to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your outbound flight. It’s an emotional farewell for us—but only with the hope that you’ll return one day!

If you’d like to make the most of your final day, you may opt for one of the following activities before your departure:

• Lake Manyara biking adventure and local community visit

• Maasai cultural visit with traditional hot lunch