8-Day Rwanda & Tanzania Safari
Mountain gorillas in Volcanoes NP, the Serengeti Great Migration, the Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire's elephant herds — two countries, one epic journey.
8-Day Rwanda & Tanzania Safari
This 8-day expedition curated by Tarec Gorilla Safaris is the ultimate East African odyssey. It seamlessly blends the misty, emerald highlands of Rwanda with the iconic, golden savannas of Tanzania. From the life-changing encounter with endangered mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park to the legendary "Big Five" and the Great Migration in the Serengeti, this safari is designed for those who seek the very best of the continent's wild heart.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
From Kigali to Arusha via the Serengeti and Ngorongoro, this journey unfolds day by day. Follow the timeline below to see how each day leads into the next.
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be met by your Tarec Gorilla Safaris guide. After a briefing and a short tour of the clean, vibrant city of Kigali (including the Genocide Memorial), we begin our scenic 2.5-hour drive through the "Land of a Thousand Hills" to the base of the Virunga Mountains.
This is the day you meet the giants. After an early breakfast and briefing at the park headquarters, you will trek into the forest to spend one unforgettable hour with a mountain gorilla family. In the afternoon, visit the Iby'iwacu Cultural Village to learn about Rwandan traditions and enjoy local dance performances.
Bid farewell to Rwanda as you transfer back to Kigali for your flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) in Tanzania. Your Tanzanian guide will be waiting to whisk you away to the lush gateway town of Arusha for a relaxing evening.
Drive to Tarangire, famous for its massive herds of elephants and ancient Baobab trees. The Tarangire River is a magnet for wildlife; expect to see lions, leopards, and giraffes congregating at the water's edge.
We journey toward the "Endless Plains" of the Serengeti. En route, we pass through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, offering breathtaking views of the crater. Arrive in the Serengeti for an afternoon game drive as the sun begins to set.
Spend a full day exploring the vast Serengeti. Depending on the season, we will track the Great Migration (millions of wildebeest and zebras) and search for the apex predators — lions, cheetahs, and leopards — that follow the herds.
After a final morning game drive in the Serengeti, we head toward the Ngorongoro Crater. We will stop for a picnic lunch and enjoy the dramatic scenery as we ascend to the crater rim, one of the most beautiful natural wonders on Earth.
Descend 600 meters into the crater floor for a half-day game drive. This "Garden of Eden" is the best place in East Africa to see the Black Rhino. After a picnic lunch by the hippo pool, we drive back to Arusha or Kilimanjaro Airport for your departure flight.
Rates & Pricing
Our rates are per person sharing and vary depending on group size, season, and accommodation level. The Rwanda gorilla permit ($1,500) and all national park and crater fees are included in every rate below. The regional flight from Kigali to Kilimanjaro is quoted separately. All rates include park fees, meals, and a private 4×4 Land Cruiser with a professional English-speaking driver-guide.
| Group Size | Accommodation | Price per Person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 traveller | Budget | $6,450 |
| 2 travellers | Budget | $5,550 |
| 2 travellers | Mid-range | $4,850 |
| 2 travellers | Luxury | $7,450 |
| 4 travellers | Mid-range | $4,550 |
| 6+ travellers | Mid-range | $4,280 |
What's Included & Excluded
We believe in full transparency. Here is exactly what is included in your 8-Day Rwanda & Tanzania Safari — and what is not. If you have any questions, our team is happy to clarify before you book.
- Gorilla Trekking Permit ($1,500 value)
- All National Park entrance & Crater fees
- Professional English-speaking driver/guides
- 4×4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof
- Full-board accommodation & meals
- Bottled mineral water throughout the safari
- Iby'iwacu Cultural Village visit
- All game drives as per itinerary
- Airport transfers at Kigali and Kilimanjaro
- Fuel and vehicle maintenance
- International flights to/from Africa
- Regional flight (Kigali to Kilimanjaro)
- Rwanda & Tanzania Entry Visas
- Tips and gratuities for staff/guides
- Personal travel insurance
- Items of a personal nature (laundry, drinks)
- Optional activities not in the itinerary
- Personal items and souvenirs
Getting There
Your safari begins at Kigali International Airport (KGL) in Rwanda and ends at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) in Tanzania. Day 3 includes a regional flight from Kigali to Kilimanjaro — a short hop that saves a long overland drive. We provide complimentary airport transfers at both ends.
Meet the Tarec Gorilla Safaris Team
We are a locally owned and operated safari company based in Kampala, Uganda. Our team of experienced driver-guides, primate trackers, and travel planners is passionate about sharing the beauty of East Africa with travellers from around the world. Every safari we run is personally designed by someone who has walked the trails, tracked the gorillas, and knows the lodges by name.
Tarec Gorilla Safaris
We are a full-service safari operator offering custom itineraries, group tours, and self-drive packages. Our fleet of well-maintained 4×4 vehicles and our network of trusted lodges ensure a safe, comfortable, and unforgettable safari experience.