This 12 Days Rwanda gorilla trekking & Tanzania Wildebeest Migration safari will offers you an opportunity to do two of the most revered safari experiences in the world; gorilla trekking and witnessing the wildlife migration guided by Gorilla Trek Africa. Enjoy guided gorilla treks in Volcanoes National Park for a face to face encounter with the endangered mountain gorillas. Volcanoes park is one of the best places to see gorillas. The park shelters over 350 gorillas split into 10 families. Each day, RDB issues 80 gorilla permits each at $1500.
The trek to see gorillas also gives you chance to meet other wild animals which live there such as golden monkeys, Red tailed monkeys, Blue and White Colobus. The gorilla park also shelters two dormant volcanoes (Bisoke & Karisimbi) available for hiking. You will then cross over to Tanzania to experience the great migration which involves approximately 1.5m wildebeests, 500,000 zebras, 200,000 Thompson gazelles, and 18,000 elands in such for fresh pastures. The period between July and September witnesses the most epic experiences of the river crossing as this huge mass of animals moves across the river into the Masai Mara plains daily. During this period, visitors may be graced with sights of crocodiles and lions taking down their prey and these animals attempt to cross over.
The annual mass animal migration between Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and Masai Mara National Park across the Mara River in Kenya is an epic adventure, every wildlife lover should not afford to miss while trekking gorillas in the wild jungles of the Virungas offers is an experience that will leave you with lasting memories. Mountain gorilla trekking and wildebeest migration rank among the top wildlife experiences in the world.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1. Arrival and transfer to your hotel in Kigali.
Upon arrival, you will be welcomed and picked from the airport to your hotel in Kigali. Overnight at Kigali Serena hotel. (Bed & breakfast)
Day 2. City tour and transfer to Volcanoes NP
In the morning, you will be picked from your hotel by your driver guide and go for a city tour to see the genocide memorial, local markets and craft shops before proceeding to drive northwards to Volcanoes NP, home to mountain Gorillas. Overnight at Tiloreza Volcanoes Eco lodge. (Breakfast, lunch & dinner)
Day 3: Gorilla tracking and cultural tour/ sightseeing
In the morning, you will assemble at the park headquarters for briefing and gorilla family allocation by the park authorities. You will be grouped in groups of 8 people maximum to track a particular gorilla family and then proceed into the forest to begin your trek. Once you catch up with the gorillas, you will be allowed a maximum of 1hr with the gorillas before returning. Use this time to observe, learn and take photos of these gentle giants. You will then return to meet your guide to drive back to the lodge. In the afternoon, you may go for a cultural experience to the Gorilla guardians’ village or go for sightseeing to the twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo. Overnight at Tiloreza Volcanoes Eco lodge. (Breakfast, lunch & dinner)
Day 4: Golden monkey tracking and transfer back to Kigali
In the morning, you will again assemble at the park headquarters for briefing and then proceed to trek the golden monkeys. Unlike the previous trek, this one is a bit easier and shorter as these monkeys are mostly easier to find compared to gorillas and they dwell on the lower slopes of the park. You will later return to have lunch and transfer back to Kigali. Overnight at Kigali Serena hotel. (Bed & breakfast)
Day 5: Morning transfer to the airport for flight to JRO and transfer to Arusha.
Upon arrival, you will be picked and transfer to Arusha (1.5 hours). Stay at African Tulip (Bed & Breakfast)
Day 6: Depart Arusha at 08:00. Transfer to Tarangire National Park (2.5 hours).
Arrive for morning game drive 10:30-13:00. Picnic lunch & relaxation, then afternoon game drive 14:30-17:00. Stay at Tarangire Safari lodge. (Full Board)
A night game drive can be arranged by the lodge at an extra cost and depending on the weather.
Day 7: Depart after breakfast at 08:30 for transfer to Ngorongoro crater.
Enjoy another day of game drives in Tarangire. You can go for an optional guided bush walk in the morning (subject to extra fees), or transfer to Esilalei Village located near Lake Manyara for a Maasai Boma visit to interact with this indigenous tribe of East Africa (extra fees apply). In the afternoon, transfer to Ngorongoro Crater Rim for relaxation and overnight stay. Dinner and Overnight Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge – FB
Day 8: Morning game drive at the to Ngorongoro Crater floor and transfer to Central Serengeti.
This three million years old ancient caldera is home to some of the most beautiful havens on earth, surrounded with soaring walls and sheltering forests. The floor is dominated by grasslands, fresh springs and swampy fields. Enjoy a morning game drive on the crater floor. After a picnic lunch, depart at 14:00 and transfer to Serengeti National Park, home to the big five mammals. (3 hours drive to the gate). Stay at Cherero Camp (Full Board)
Day 9: Morning game drive in Central Serengeti and transfer to the north. (4-5 hours).
In the morning, you will embark on a game drive to the hippo pool in the Seronera valley and proceed to drive to northern Serengeti. If time allows, you will do a game drive around Kogatende area before retiring to your lodge. Stay at Aurari Camp (Full Board)
Day 10-11: Full days of game drives in Northern Serengeti by the Mara River, for a chance to catch the Great Wildebeest Migration.
(Optional hot air balloon ride one morning at an extra cost of US$600 per person).
The period between June and October brings the great wildlife migration to life. You may be stunned by the mass movement of about 2 million wild animals making their trip across the mara river into Kenya’s Masai Mara national park. Stay at Aurari Camp (Full Board)
Day 12: Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Kogatende Airstrip with an en-route game drive, arriving at 09:00 to check in for flight out of the Serengeti. ETD 09:45-10:15. Arrive back at JRO Airport at 12:30-13:00.
Safari cost inclusions
• Gorilla permits
• Park Ranger Fees
• Relevant Government Taxes
• Full Board Accommodation
• Full-time English speaking Driver/Guide
• Ground Transportation by a 4×4 safari vehicle
• Airport transfer, as long as your flight is on the same day on which the safari ends.
Exclusions
• Airfares
• Visa Fees
• Personal Insurance
• Expenses of personal nature such as; drinks, tips, laundry, telephone, cigarettes, accommodation & meals not indicated in the itinerary and optional activities.
Safari Lodges and Vehicles
