10 Days Rwanda and Tanzania Safari
Trip Summary: Mountain Gorillas Trekking in Rwanda,Wildlife Safari in Tanzania
Group size: Small (No more than 6 people per vehicle; but more people per group when on gorilla tracking tour)
Schedule Dates: Depart any day (due to limited number of gorilla permits, its highly recommended to book well in advance)
Combine Rwanda Gorillas trekking and Tanzania Wildlife safari. You will start in Rwanda for Gorillas trekking in volcanoes national park. You will then fly to Tanzania offering the best opportunities for wildlife viewing including big five mammals. You will visit Lake Manyara, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire National Park in Northern Tanzania.
Itinerary at a Glance
- Day 1ARRIVAL IN KIGALI-RWANDAUpon arrival at Kigali International Airport, KGL, you will be me and transfer to hotel in Kigali for overnight at Kigali Serena Hotel or Similar. Meals Plan: BBMeals: Breakfast
- Day 2VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARKAfter an early breakfast at your hotel, you'll proceed directly to the Volcanoes National Park's headquarters to meet your guides. After completing the briefing, you'll embark on the once in a lifetime experience of tracking the enigmatic mountain gorillas. There is no guarantee how long or difficult your tracking experience will be as it depends on where the family of gorillas is and on weather conditions, It can take anywhere from two up to six hours of trekking through the mountain forest at relatively high altitudes. Fitness is definitely recommended for those wishing to undertake the excursion. One of the most memorable experiences you're likely to ever have, you'll be allowed an hour of close contact with the gorillas once you've found them. You'll be privileged enough to come within mere metres of a family of these rare and beautiful animals, observing their family dynamics and getting to learn a bit about each gorilla's distinct personality in serene silence. After your hike is complete, you'll return to your lodge to relax. Meals plan: B, L, DMeals: B,L,D
- Day 3KIGALI-ARUSHA(TANZANIA)You'll return to Kigali in time for lunch in the Rwandan capital before participating in a complimentary city tour including the Genocide Memorial, the Presidential Palace Museum, and the local craft markets. The opportunity to have lunch at the famous Mille Collines Hotel (Hotel Rwanda) is also a highlight of your day. You’ll fly to Tanzania's Kilimanjaro Airport in the afternoon/early evening and overnight in Arusha.Meals: L, D
- Day 4ARUSHA-LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARKYou'll depart from Arusha after breakfast for the drive to Lake Manyara National Park. The journey takes approximately two hours, but we'll pass through the market town of Mto Wa Mbu along the way. This agricultural and fresh produce market is a melting pot of local cultures and a souvenir hunter's paradise. After a brief stop at the village market, you'll enter Lake Manyara National Park. The park is truly a photographer's playground and offers some of the best game viewing in the world. You can expect to see many of Africa's most well-known animals, with the tree-climbing lions a particular treat. These proud predators lounge in acacia trees practically begging to be photographed. Bird-watchers will find Lake Manyara is an absolute delight, with a huge variety of birds on display in the park. Even the novice can expect to be amazed by large flamingo flocks, circling birds of prey, and the brightly coloured lilac breasted roller. You'll then retire to your chosen accommodation for dinner and a good night's rest.Meals: B,L,D
- Day 5LAKE MANYARA -SERENGETI NATIONAL PARKWe'll take an early breakfast, as we've got a big day of exploration and adventure ahead of us! We'll begin the day with the scenic drive towards the Serengeti. Along the way, we'll pass through the mist-shrouded rainforests of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area where you might be lucky enough to glimpse cape buffalo, baboons, or even elephants and leopards in the dense undergrowth. It's a nearly four-hour drive to the Serengeti park gates, but you can choose to break up the drive with one or both of the below optional activities: Oldupai Gorge Museum: Sometimes known as the Cradle of Mankind, the Oldupai Gorge Museum commemorates some of the oldest evidence of human habitation ever found. Here you can see some of the oldest fossil evidence in the world of human habitation, visit the Oldupai Gorge Museum to learn more about the human journey, and take in the stunning views of this stark gorge country.Maasai boma visit: Pay a visit to one of the famous Maasai bomas, where you'll have the opportunity to witness (and participate in) traditional Maasai dance, tour an authentic Maasai village, and even do a little souvenir shopping at the local market. Both of the above activities attract an additional cost. Speak with your safari expert about adding them to your itinerary. After a delicious lunch at the Serengeti National Park picnic area, it’s time to explore the Serengeti itself. Witness Africa’s iconic savannah landscape and be amazed by the sheer number of animals that roam these grassy plains. Dinner and overnight in the heart of the Serengeti National Park according to the standard and the type of accommodation requested from our optionsMeals: B,L,D
- Day 6-7SERENGETI NATIONAL PARKWe start your day early by getting up before dawn to embark on a sunrise game drive. Accompanied by the melodic singing of the birds, you'll spend your morning searching for leopards and lions hunting for their morning meal and spying the contrastingly calm hippos returning to their watery homes with their families. You may also wish to include a sunrise hot air balloon safari and champagne breakfast in your safari. Consult your safari expert on how to make this happen. After your morning meal, you'll set out with a packed lunch to continue your exploration of the park. Your driver will select the best possible route based upon the time of year and the kind of animals you'd like to see, catering your day so that your opportunities to see the Serengeti's diverse wildlife are maximized. Dinner and overnight in the heart of the Serengeti National Park according to the standard and the type of accommodation requested from our options.Meals: B.L.D
- Day 8SERENGETI-NGORONGORO CONSERVATION AREAAfter breakfast, we get right on the road back towards the Ngorongoro Crater National Park. Our drive takes us back through the Serengeti via a different route, offering plenty of opportunities to spot the animals that eluded you on day two. As far as the eye can see, you’ll spot thousands upon thousands of animals in herds; wildebeests and zebras migrating together, tall and graceful giraffes, jumping antelopes and gazelles, the powerful African elephant and the most respected group of animals: the predators. You will have the chance to spot lean cheetahs and shy leopards, foraging hyenas, and last but not least, the king himself; the lion. Dinner and overnight on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater or in nearby Karatu Town according to the standard and the type of accommodation requested from our optionsMeals: B,L,D
- Day 9NGORONGORO CRATERAfter breakfast, you'll depart for Ngorongoro Crater; considered by some to be the Eighth Wonder of the World. When you get your first glimpse of this vast, verdant caldera from the panoramic viewpoint, you'll soon understand why it has earned such a lofty reputation. Home to over 120 species of mammal including the fabled Big Five, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is one of the most sought-after safari destinations in the world. It's a particularly good place to see the endangered black rhinoceros enjoying a lonely meal out on the grass plains, as well as a place to see large numbers of hippopotamus enjoying the cool water. From the comfort of your open-top vehicle, you'll be able to observe and photograph some of Africa's most recognisable faces. The crater is home to a large number of predators including lions, leopards, cheetahs, jackals, and hyenas, as well as a large population of wildebeest, zebras, antelope, cape buffalo, and more. It is truly one of Africa's premier safari destinations. After the thrills and excitement of the day, you will have a picnic lunch by the park's famous hippo pool. You'll return to your Karatu accommodations for the evening for dinner and rest.Meals: B,L,D
- Day 10TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK-ARUSHAYou'll depart your accommodations early for the drive south to Tarangire, where you'll spend your day driving through Tanzania's most underrated national park. Once inside the park, you'll see the eponymous Tarangire river lined with acacia and Baobab where game amble to and fro throughout the day. During the dry season, thousands of animals from the Masai steppe migrate to the Tarangire region looking for water so you can see dozens of different species in a small amount of time. Exclusive to the park are endangered animals such as the Greater Kudu, Fringe-Eared Oryx, and the Ashy Starling. Enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the park's picnic areas and take in an unparalleled view of the Tarangire River. Keep an eye on your food though, as the local monkey population will be only too happy to make off with a tasty treat if given the opportunity! You'll return to Arusha late in the after for your airport transferMeals: B,L
| People | Green Season (1st April To 31st May) | Should Season (1st Nov – 14th Dec & March) | Peak Season (1st June – 30 Oct & 15th Dec-28th Feb) |
|---|---|---|---|
2 | $ 6578 | $ 6578 | |
4 | $ 5915 | $ 5915 | |
6 | $ 5753 | $ 5753 |
FAQS
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HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR SAFARI
Preparing for East Africa safari can be a daunting prospect at first glance.
Figuring out when to visit, which parks to include, where to stay, and how long to spend in each location can be a stressful task, but we’re here to help!
PASSPORTS AND VISAS
It is first aspects for Preparation of safaris. All travelers will need a current passport with an expiration date of at least six months from the time of entry into Tanzania. Tanzania tourist visas can be purchased in advance through the nearest Tanzanian embassy, or upon arrival at the airport or border crossing.
VACCINATIONS
Proper health preparations for the trip are your responsibility. You may be able to get your vaccinations from your own physician, but a travels clinic will be more familiar with the necessary vaccines and can also provide other helpful information. Be sure to also discuss malaria prevention with the travel clinic.
TRAVEL AND MEDICAL INSURANCE
East Africa Choice Safaris does not provide insurance for travelers. Speak with your travel agent or airline about options for travel insurance to cover personal accident, medical expenses and medical evacuation, repatriation, trip cancellation and loss of personal effects.
CLOTHING
The weather may vary considerably throughout your trip, or even throughout the day, so plan on clothing that can be layered if it’s cool, or removed if it’s warm. Choose separates that can be mixed and matched, and avoid fabrics that require special care. Neutral colors are good for safari; avoid black and blue clothing as tsetse flies are attracted to those colors. Accessorize with modest jewelry. To respect cultural norms, avoid sleeveless blouses and short shorts or skirts.
Depending on your itinerary, consider a pair of sturdy closed-toe shoes in case of mud or rough terrain. Sandals will be appropriate for safari. Most days will be sunny, so bring appropriate sun protection: hat (wide-brim is best to protect the neck and ears), sunscreen, sunglasses.
MONEY ON SAFARI IN EAST AFRICA.
While all of our Friends of Africa Family Safaris itineraries cover the important things such as accommodation, meals, park entry fees, and game drives – there are always additional costs that might pop up.
Things such as alcoholic beverages, souvenirs, snacks, laundry, and tips for your driver are examples of a few additional costs that might arise during your safari.
Tanzania uses the US Dollar for tourism. We recommend budgeting around $30 – $50 USD per day for incidental expenses and tips.
TIPPING IN EAST AFRICA
Tipping is customary.
We recommend tipping $20 USD per day to your safari driver (per group, not per person), $10 – $15 USD per day to your safari cook (when camping), $20 USD per day to your Kilimanjaro climbing guide, and $10 – $15 USD per day to your Kilimanjaro climbing porters.
You can pay this all at once at the conclusion of your safari or Kilimanjaro climb.
WHAT TO PACK FOR YOUR SAFARI:
Packing for your first safari can be a bit daunting. What do you bring? What don’t you need? Below you’ll find our recommended list of things to bring along with you when you’re on safari.
- A backpack;
- Comfortable clothing for daily wear;
- A warm sweater or light fleece;
- A windbreaker or waterproof jacket;
- Walking shoes or boots;
- A dress shirt and trousers or dress for wearing to dinner;
- Sunglasses;
- Hat;
- Sunscreen and lip balm;
- Insect repellent;
- Camera and charger;
- Binoculars;
- A flashlight or headlamp;
- Guide books;
- Phone and charger.
You may also wish to bring your own first aid kit. While all of our Friends of Africa Family Safaris vehicles have their own on board first aid kit, it never hurts to be prepared.
- Anti-malarial medication;
- Painkillers;
- Antihistamines for allergies and insect bites;
- Cold and flu medication;
- Anti-Diarrheal medication;
- Medicines for rehydration after diarrhea or sunstroke;
- Sunscreen and lip balm;
- Eye drops;
- Moisturiser for treating sunburn;
- Antiseptic lotion;
- Rubbing alcohol;
- Bandages and plasters;
- Scissors.
You may also wish to bring along water purification tablets and any medications you take for any existing medical conditions.
Don’t let the above list daunt you. Many of these items are only necessary in extreme cases, but it’s better to have something and not need it than it is to need something and not have it!
Any Questions?
Have we missed anything?
Don’t hesitate to Contact Us if you have any questions or if you’re ready to make your safari dream a reality.
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