15 Days Tanzania Wildebeest Migration & Gorilla Trekking Safari Rwanda

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, your private driver-guide will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in Arusha, a charming city nestled beneath Mount Meru.

Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a leisurely evening or visit the Cultural Heritage Center for African art and jewelry shopping.

Overnight in Arusha
Suggested: Arusha Serena Hotel, Gran Melia Arusha, or similar

After breakfast, drive (2.5 hours) to Tarangire National Park, famous for its iconic baobab trees and massive elephant herds.

Highlights:

Game drive among large elephant herds, buffalo, and antelope

Riverbanks frequented by predators like lions and leopards

Over 550 bird species for bird lovers

Enjoy a picnic lunch and continue your game drive into the afternoon before heading to your lodge for sundowners.

Overnight inside or near Tarangire
Suggested: Tarangire Sopa Lodge, Maramboi Tented Camp

After breakfast, drive to Lake Manyara National Park for a full-day exploration. This compact park offers a unique mix of forest, lake, and escarpment habitats.

Highlights:

Spot tree-climbing lions, a rare behavioral trait

Hippos, flamingos, and baboon troops near the lake

Birdlife and groundwater-fed forest walk

Enjoy lunch in the park and later drive to Karatu for overnight.

Overnight in Karatu
Suggested: Ngorongoro Farm House or Acacia Farm Lodge

Today, descend 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best places to see the Big Five in one game drive.

Highlights:

Dense population of lions, black rhinos, elephants, and hyenas

Massive flocks of flamingos in Lake Magadi

Rich volcanic scenery and dramatic crater walls

Enjoy a full day game drive with picnic lunch inside the crater.

Overnight in Karatu

After breakfast, drive into the legendary Serengeti National Park, passing through the Ngorongoro Highlands. En route, stop at Olduvai Gorge, the cradle of mankind.

Arrive in Seronera region for your first game drive in the Central Serengeti, known for resident lions, leopards, and cheetahs.

Overnight in Central Serengeti
Suggested: Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge, Serengeti Serena Lodge, or Embalakai Tented Camp

Spend a full day exploring the Serengeti’s central plains, where resident wildlife can be seen year-round.

Highlights:

Watch prides of lions hunting or lounging on kopjes

See leopards in acacia trees, and cheetahs stalking the plains

Large herds of buffalo, giraffes, and wildebeest

Enjoy a sundowner at your camp under starlit African skies.

Overnight in Central Serengeti

Today, drive or fly to Northern Serengeti, where the Great Wildebeest Migration is typically seen between July and October crossing the Mara River.

Watch dramatic river crossings as wildebeest brave crocodile-infested waters

Predators like lions and crocodiles waiting in ambush

Experience the vastness of the Mara-Serengeti ecosystem

Overnight in Northern Serengeti
Suggested: Lemala Kuria Hills, Sayari Camp, or Mara Under Canvas

Spend your day tracking the migration herds along the Mara River.

Activities:

Game drives at sunrise and sunset

River crossing observation (season-dependent)

Chance to see herds of over a million wildebeest and zebras

Overnight in Northern Serengeti

Enjoy a final morning game drive before transferring to Kogatende or Seronera airstrip for your flight to Kigali, Rwanda (via Arusha).

Upon arrival in Kigali, your Rwandan guide will transfer you to your hotel.

Overnight in Kigali
Suggested: Hotel Mille Collines or The Retreat by Heaven

After breakfast, enjoy a Kigali city tour, including:

The powerful Kigali Genocide Memorial

Local art centers and craft markets

Lunch at a top local restaurant

In the afternoon, drive 2.5 hours northwest to Volcanoes National Park, passing scenic hills and local farms.

Overnight near Volcanoes NP
Suggested: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Virunga Lodge, or Mountain Gorilla View Lodge

After an early breakfast, report to the Kinigi Park Headquarters for your mountain gorilla trekking briefing. Trekking groups are limited to 8 people and assigned based on physical ability and interest.

Hike through dense rainforest and bamboo forests

Track one of the 12 habituated gorilla families

Spend one hour face-to-face with gorillas in their natural habitat

Return to the lodge for lunch and well-earned rest.

Overnight in Volcanoes NP

Choose between:

Golden monkey trekking – a light hike to observe these endangered and energetic primates

Dian Fossey Hike – trek to the grave site of the legendary conservationist

Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village visit – immerse yourself in traditional Rwandan music, dance, and storytelling

Overnight in Volcanoes NP

After breakfast, enjoy a scenic drive to Lake Kivu (Gisenyi), a peaceful lakeside town with opportunities to unwind after trekking.

Activities:

Boat ride to Napoleon Island

Coffee tour in local cooperatives

Relax on the lakeside beach or go kayaking

Overnight in Gisenyi
Suggested: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel or Paradise Malahide

After a relaxed morning at the lake, drive back to Kigali. En route, enjoy:

Photo stops of the rolling Rwandan countryside

Optional stops at Nyamirambo Women’s Center or Inema Arts Gallery

Overnight in Kigali

After breakfast, transfer to Kigali International Airport for your outbound flight. If time permits, do some final shopping or enjoy a farewell coffee in Kigali.

End of Tour