Itinerary
10 Days Gorilla Rwanda & Tanzania Great Migration Safari Itinerary – Full Day-by-Day Plan
Looking for the perfect East Africa itinerary 10 days long? Whether you’re dreaming of tracking endangered gorillas in Rwanda’s lush mountains or witnessing the Great Migration thunder across the Serengeti, this guide offers the ideal balance of bucket-list wildlife experiences and breathtaking landscapes.
This 10-day Rwanda and Tanzania itinerary includes an unforgettable gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park, thrilling game drives in the Serengeti during the Great Migration, encounters with elephants in Tarangire, and a journey into the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater. It’s crafted to deliver the best of East Africa’s wild wonders—all in one seamless adventure.
Day 1 - Arrival to Kigali Airport
Upon landing in Kigali, your Kilidove driver will greet you and whisk you away on a scenic ninety-minute journey to Musanze, Rwanda’s second-largest city. Nestled in the foothills of the majestic Volcanoes National Park, Musanze blends vibrant local life with striking mountain views.
If time allows, you can explore the tranquil Twin Lakes, known for their mirror-like waters, or immerse yourself in Rwandan traditions with a visit to the Iby Iwacu Cultural Village.
Accommodation:
- Mid-Luxury: Mount Meru Game Lodge
- Luxury: Lake Duluti Lodge
- High-End: Arusha Coffee Lodge
Day 2 - Volcanoes Nationla Park Gorilla Tracking
After an early breakfast at your hotel, you’ll head straight to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters to meet your expert guides. Following a detailed briefing, you’ll set off on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure—tracking the elusive and awe-inspiring mountain gorillas.
The duration and difficulty of the trek vary depending on the gorillas’ location and the weather. It may take anywhere from two to six hours, navigating through lush mountain forests at high altitudes. A good level of fitness is strongly recommended for this rewarding challenge.
When you finally encounter them, you’ll spend a magical hour in the company of these rare and gentle giants. Just metres away, you’ll witness intimate family interactions, observe playful youngsters, and appreciate the unique personalities of each gorilla—all in an atmosphere of quiet respect.
Once your unforgettable encounter concludes, you’ll make your way back to the lodge to unwind and reflect on one of the most remarkable wildlife experiences on Earth.
Accommodation:
- Mid-Luxury: Mount Meru Game Lodge
- Luxury: Lake Duluti Lodge
- High-End: Arusha Coffee Lodge
DAY 3 - Volcanoes National Park
Today is a slower-paced day, with two activities designed to let you unwind after the excitement of gorilla trekking.
In the morning, you’ll return to Volcanoes National Park for a special encounter with another of its charming residents—the playful golden monkeys. These energetic and acrobatic primates are a delight to watch as they leap through the trees. After your time with them, you’ll head back to the lodge for lunch.
In the afternoon, you’ll immerse yourself in Rwandan heritage with a visit to the Iby Iwacu Cultural Village. Run by reformed poachers, this recreated village offers an engaging introduction to Rwanda’s traditions, from local cuisine and medicinal plants to storytelling, history, and lively traditional dances.
You’ll spend the night in Musanze.
Accommodation:
- Mid-Luxury: Karatu Tented Lodge
- Luxury: Manyaras Secret Lodge
- High-End: Lake Manyara KilimaMoja Lodge
Day 4 Kigali to Arusha
You’ll travel back to Kigali in time for lunch in Rwanda’s vibrant capital before embarking on a complimentary city tour. Highlights include the moving Genocide Memorial, the historic Presidential Palace Museum, and the bustling local craft markets.
A memorable option for lunch is at the legendary Mille Collines Hotel—best known as “Hotel Rwanda”—offering both history and charm.
In the afternoon or early evening, you’ll board your flight to Tanzania’s Kilimanjaro International Airport, then transfer to Arusha for your overnight stay.
Accommodation:
- Mid-Luxury: Mount Meru Game Lodge
- Luxury: Lake Duluti Lodge
- High-End: Arusha Coffee Lodge
Day 5 - Tarangire National Park
Accommodation:
- Mid-Luxury: Gnu Migration Camp
- Luxury: Siringit Camp
- High-End: Lemala Nanyukie
DAY 6 - Ngorongoro Crater
Accommodation:
- Mid-Luxury: Karatu Tented Lodge
- Luxury: Ngorongoro Neptune Lodge
- High-End: Gibbs Farm Lodge
DAY 7 to 9 Serengeti National Park
The Serengeti National Park, world-famous as the stage for the Great Migration, offers some of the most breathtaking game drives in Africa. Your journey begins with a scenic drive up the crater highlands, pausing at the rim to admire sweeping views, before continuing into the endless plains that give the Serengeti its name—“Serengeti” means endless plains in Kiswahili.
Covering 6,900 sq. miles (18,000 sq. km), the park is home to over two million large animals, including more than a million wildebeest, hundreds of thousands of zebras, and countless Thomson’s gazelles. Lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and other predators roam these grasslands, while smaller creatures such as rock hyraxes and monkeys thrive alongside nearly 500 recorded bird species.
The following day, after breakfast, enjoy a full day in Serengeti National Park with morning and afternoon game drives. You may also choose to visit the historic Olduvai Gorge or take an unforgettable hot air balloon safari for a bird’s-eye view of the wildlife (optional, at an additional cost).
Accommodation can be upgraded to luxury options or adjusted to more budget-friendly alternatives to suit your preferences.
Our Choices include:
- Mid-Luxury: Mawe Tented Camp
- Luxury: Sametu Camp
- High-End: Lemala Nanyukie
DAY 10 Departure
You will be transferred to Arusha for your onward journey as we wind up the 10-day safari to Rwanda and Tanzania..
Itinerary
- Day 1 : Kigali, Rwanda
- Day 2 - Volcanoes Gorilla Tracking
- Day 3 - Volcanoes National Park
- Day 4 - Kigali to Arusha
- Day 5 - Tarangire National Park
- Day 6 - Ngorongoro Crater
- Day 7 - 9 Serengeti National Park
- Day 10- Departure
Why Kilidove Tours?
- Personalized Safari Experiences
- Expert Local Guides
- Commitment to Sustainability
- Exceptional Value for Money
- Diverse Range of Destinations
- Highest service
- Competitive rates