An 11-day Journey from Gorillas to Grass Savannahs
This remarkable itinerary combines two of East Africa’s most iconic wildlife experiences into one seamless journey, from the mist-covered forests of Rwanda to the vast plains of Northern Tanzania.
Designed for travellers seeking both intimacy and spectacle, it offers the rare opportunity to track mountain gorillas and chimpanzees before witnessing the drama of Serengeti National Park.
Beginning in Kigali, Rwanda’s vibrant and welcoming capital, the journey quickly moves into the Virunga Mountains, where ancient rainforest cloaks the slopes of dormant volcanoes. Here, a once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking experience awaits. From Rwanda, travel east to the remote shores of Lake Victoria and the wild forests of Rubondo Island, before concluding in the northern Serengeti, where vast herds and predators define one of Africa’s greatest wildlife theatres.
Each destination offers a distinct ecosystem and pace, creating a beautifully balanced safari that blends primate encounters, remote wilderness and classic East African game viewing.
- Availability: 16 January – 31 March & 1 June – 31 December 2026
- Duration: 11-days
- Locations: Rwanda – Kigali, Volcanoes National Park. Tanzania – Rubondo Island National Park, Serengeti National Park
- Start: Kigali International Airport (KGL), Rwanda
- End: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), Tanzania
Itinerary Details
- Arrive Kigali International Airport
- Transfer to The Retreat by Heaven
- Overnight at The Retreat by Heaven
On arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be met and transferred to The Retreat by Heaven, a stylish boutique hotel set within a tranquil garden oasis in the heart of the city.
Depending on your arrival time, there may be an opportunity to explore Kigali, known for its clean streets, vibrant culture and poignant history. Alternatively, relax at the hotel and enjoy the peaceful surroundings ahead of your journey into the mountains.
- Road transfer to Volcanoes National Park
- Gorilla trekking and forest experiences
- Overnight at Volcanoes Virunga Lodge
After breakfast, depart Kigali by road for Volcanoes National Park, a scenic drive of approximately 2.5 hours through Rwanda’s rolling countryside, often referred to as the “Land of a Thousand Hills”.
Perched high on a ridge with sweeping views of the Virunga volcanoes and surrounding lakes, Virunga Lodge provides a dramatic base from which to explore this extraordinary region.
Gorilla trekking is the highlight of your stay. Accompanied by expert guides and trackers, venture into the dense forest in search of one of the habituated gorilla families. The trek can vary in duration and difficulty, but the reward is unforgettable – an hour spent observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat.
Additional activities may include guided walks, cultural visits to local communities, and time to simply take in the breathtaking scenery from the lodge.
- Road transfer to Kigali Airport and fly to Rubondo Island
- Chimpanzee tracking, forest walks and boat safaris
- Overnight at Rubondo Island Camp
After breakfast, return by road to Kigali International Airport for your onward flight to Rubondo Island National Park, set within the vast expanse of Lake Victoria.
On arrival, you will be met and transferred to camp, where your island adventure begins. Rubondo offers a truly unique safari experience, combining forest, lake and wildlife in one remote and little-visited destination.
Chimpanzee tracking is a key highlight, with experienced guides leading you into the forest in search of the island’s habituated groups. While sightings are never guaranteed, the process of tracking through this pristine environment is both thrilling and rewarding.
Other activities include game drives across the island, birdwatching, and boat excursions along the lakeshore, where sightings of hippo, crocodile and a variety of birdlife are common. The island’s sense of isolation and discovery makes for a deeply immersive experience.
- Fly to the Serengeti National Park
- Game drives and Great Migration viewing
- Overnight at Sayari Camp
After breakfast, transfer to the airstrip for your flight to the northern Serengeti. On arrival, you will be welcomed by your guide from Sayari Camp and transferred to camp, enjoying your first game drive along the way.
Located close to the Mara River, Sayari Camp offers access to one of the most sought-after wildlife spectacles in Africa. Between roughly July and October, the Great Migration passes through this region, with dramatic river crossings as vast herds of wildebeest and zebra attempt to navigate crocodile-filled waters.
Outside of the migration season, the area still boasts exceptional year-round wildlife viewing, including large prides of lion, elephant, giraffe and a wealth of plains game. Game drives depart in the early morning and late afternoon, maximising time in the field when wildlife is most active. The open plains, river systems and rocky outcrops create a diverse and visually stunning landscape to explore.
Depending on the time of the year, additional activities such as guided walking safaris or hot air balloon safaris may be available.
- Fly to Kilimanjaro International Airport
- Connect to onward travel
After a final morning in the Serengeti, transfer to the airstrip for your scheduled flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport, where your journey comes to an end.
Rates: Classic
1 x The Retreat by Heaven, Kigali, Rwanda
3 x Volcanoes Virunga Lodge, Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
3 x Rubondo Island Camp, Rubondo Island National Park, Tanzania
3 x Sayari Camp, Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Currency
Prices are per person, based on two adults travelling together, and exclude international flights to/from East Africa but include all other arrangements outlined in the itinerary.
