8 Days · Tanzania · Rwanda

Days 1–2 — Ngorongoro Conservation Area

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Image slotDays 1–2 — Ngorongoro Conservation Area - Signature moment from this route - game drive, camp, or landscape

Tour Overview

A condensed Northern Circuit safari paired with mountain gorilla trekking in Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park — combining classic plains game viewing with one of Africa's most sought-after primate encounters.

Luxury Highlights

  • A focused Northern Circuit introduction: Ngorongoro and Serengeti
  • Mountain gorilla trekking with a habituated family group
  • A single connecting flight between Tanzania and Rwanda
  • Boutique lodges on both sides of the trip

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Days 1–2

Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Arrive at Kilimanjaro and transfer to the Ngorongoro highlands, with a full-day crater floor descent.

Days 3–4

Serengeti National Park

Fly into the Serengeti for two full days of game drives.

Day 5

Fly to Kigali, Rwanda

Connect via Kigali and transfer to the Volcanoes National Park region.

Days 6–7

Volcanoes National Park

Guided mountain gorilla trekking with a habituated family group, plus optional golden monkey trekking.

Day 8

Depart

Transfer to Kigali International Airport for your onward flight home.

Accommodation on This Safari

Accommodation is selected from our recommended lodge directory for each region visited, matched to your preferences on privacy, style, and budget tier during planning — see the relevant region and lodge pages for specific property options.

Meals Included

All meals are included throughout the safari portions of this itinerary; specific inclusions for any city or beach nights should be confirmed at booking, as these can vary by property.

Flights & Transfers

This itinerary crosses Tanzania, Rwanda, combining light-aircraft safari transfers with international connecting flights between countries; all internal flights are arranged as part of your itinerary.

Wildlife Expectations

Gorilla trekking success rates with habituated families are generally high, though sighting duration and viewing conditions vary by day. As with all our itineraries, we do not guarantee specific sightings.

Best Season for This Itinerary

Tanzania portion strongest in the dry season (June–October); gorilla trekking in Rwanda is workable year-round, with the shorter dry seasons (June–September and December–February) generally preferred.

Optional Experiences & Add-Ons

Hot air balloon safaris, private guided walks, cultural visits, and helicopter transfers can be added to most legs of this itinerary on request. Internal link: Experiences

Packing Guide

Neutral-toned clothing, layers for early-morning game drives, comfortable closed shoes, and a wide-brimmed hat are recommended across all legs of this itinerary. Internal link: The Tanzania Safari Packing Guide

What's Included / What's Excluded

Included: accommodation, meals as specified, park and conservation fees, private guiding, and internal transfers listed above. Excluded: international flights, visas, travel insurance, gratuities, and optional add-on experiences unless otherwise agreed.

Why Choose This Safari

A condensed Northern Circuit safari paired with mountain gorilla trekking in Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park — combining classic plains game viewing with one of Africa's most sought-after primate encounters.

Upgrade Options

Extend the Rwanda portion with a stay at Lake Kivu, or add a Zanzibar close before returning home.

FAQs

Can this 8-day itinerary be shortened or extended?
Yes — every itinerary on this page is a starting template; nights per region can be added or reduced based on your available time and interests.
Is this itinerary fully private?
Yes — all game drives and transfers on this itinerary use a private vehicle and guide rather than shared group departures, unless you specifically request a group option.

Enquire About This Safari

Start Planning

Every safari begins with a conversation

Tell us your dates, who's travelling, and what matters most — we'll build a route around it rather than around a template.