The Ultimate Gorillas Great Migration And Zanzibar Itinerary

Experience Africa’s remarkable wonders on this Gorillas Great Migration And Zanzibar vacation, commencing in the fog-laden slopes of Rwanda, where you will hike through forests in pursuit of endangered mountain gorillas. Proceed to the Serengeti, where, if your timing is optimal, you will observe the Great Migration before travelling south for a visit to the Ngorongoro Crater, the biggest complete caldera on the planet. The plume in your safari hat? Your Gorillas Great Migration And Zanzibar adventure concludes on the secluded island of Pemba in the Indian Ocean, which is part of the Zanzibar Archipelago.

A Detailed Gorillas, Great Migration And Zanzibar Itinerary

1 Night in Kigali

The gateway to Rwanda’s treasures

Kigali has transcended its tumultuous history to emerge as one of the most remarkable and secure cities in Africa, embodying the pride of Rwanda. Verdant hills ascend to winding roads and thoroughfares teeming with individuals in this urban centre. Kigali, situated in the geographical centre of Rwanda, serves as a gateway to the nation’s numerous natural attractions. The lively shopping malls in the city core, featuring boutiques and coffee shops, exemplify the city’s contemporary character. A visit to Rwanda’s vibrant marketplaces offers an authentic experience, where visitors encounter warm smiles and vendors promoting their goods. A journey to Kigali is incomplete without experiencing the Kigali Genocide Memorial, where visitors can gain a profound understanding of the nation’s tragic history and appreciate its promising future. Kigali, despite its tropical position, possesses a temperate high-altitude temperature that protects it from the oppressive heat of the neighbouring regions. The city is conveniently located near renowned tourist attractions and is home to Kigali International Airport, rendering it the optimal gateway to the country.

2 Nights in Rwanda

The Land of a Thousand Hills

Rwanda possesses a plethora of remarkable wonders that render it a destination worthy of exploration. Primarily, trekking to observe the endangered mountain gorilla residing in the forested hillsides. Additionally, one can observe their smaller counterparts and our nearest animal relatives, the chimpanzees. In Nyungwe Forest National Park, Africa’s sole remaining mountain rainforest environment, they can be observed traversing the tree canopy. mountains National Park features magnificent mountains with lush slopes juxtaposed against the dark waters of lakes occupying their ‘dormant’ craters. A tropical beach scene may unexpectedly be found at the shores of Lake Kivu. Overall, Rwanda is an exceptional destination, offering several attractions and cultural marvels to experience. — The swamp marshes and savannah plains of eastern Rwanda transition into the ascending hills and mountains in the west. Bamboo woods ascend the inclines of dormant volcanoes, forming a refuge for the endangered mountain gorilla. Embark on an expedition through one of Africa’s remaining jungles to encounter these silverback gorillas for an unparalleled safari experience. Volcanoes National Park serves as a sanctuary for approximately 400 mountain gorillas and includes five of the eight volcanoes in the Virunga Mountains, all enveloped in rainforest and bamboo. The conical mountains contribute to Rwanda’s designation as the Land of a Thousand Hills. In addition to the gorillas, the park also accommodates the rare golden monkey, black-fronted duiker, spotted hyena, and some elephants. Nyungwe Forest National Park encompasses more than 100,000 hectares of grassland, swamps, bogs, and bamboo. The region, one of Africa’s oldest forests, boasts significant biodiversity, housing 310 bird species and the chimpanzee, a smaller relative of the gorilla. Pursue these chimpanzees as they navigate the arboreal canopy, intermittently disappearing from view while vocalizing to their peers. Located south of the park is Lake Kivu, one of the Great Lakes in the Albertine Rift Valley, characterized by its indented coastline and deep-water coves.

Highlights

• The bamboo-covered slopes of the Virunga Mountains serve as a refuge for the endangered mountain gorilla.
• Volcanoes National Park serves as a prominent hub for gorilla trekking and is home to approximately 400 mountain gorillas, in addition to the uncommon golden monkey, black-fronted duiker, spotted hyena, and several elephants.
• Nyungwe Forest National Park has Africa’s last rainforest and is home to the chimpanzee, a smaller relative of the gorilla.
• Lake Kivu is a prominent lake located in the Albertine Rift Valley, part of the Great Lakes system.

3 Nights in Greater Serengeti Ecosystem

The birthplace of man, volcanoes, and the Great Migration

The ancient pilgrimage of nature unfolds across the vast expanses of Serengeti National Park and Maasai Mara National Reserve, as more than a million wildebeest, accompanied by gazelle and zebra, advance towards superior grazing regions. Located a short distance to the south, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area encompasses the largest complete caldera globally and the renowned cradle of humanity in Oldupai Gorge. The Great Migration, occurring in Kenya and Tanzania, is recognised as one of the world’s natural marvels. It provides stunning vistas of the plains populated by substantial herds of wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle, while the rivers frequently harbour gigantic Nile crocodiles poised for ambush. The Ngorongoro Crater’s protected boundaries, abundant volcanic soil, and varied landscape have established it as a sanctuary for species. The adjacent Oldupai Gorge was the location where early hominid bones were discovered. The remnants of volcanic eruptions, early human civilisations, and the enduring ancient pilgrimage of the Great Migration offer abundant entertainment for visitors to the Greater Serengeti Ecosystem. Visitors may explore the Ngorongoro Crater, embark on a safari across the Serengeti and Maasai Mara grasslands, or trek via Oldupai Gorge, once inhabited by early humans.

Highlights

• The Greater Serengeti environment extends over Kenya and Tanzania.
• The Great Migration transpires between Serengeti National Park and Maasai Mara National Reserve.
• The Ngorongoro Conservation Area has the world’s biggest intact crater, known as the Ngorongoro Crater.
• The Oldupai Gorge provides wonderful walking and hiking opportunities.

2 Nights in Ngorongoro Crater

A flourishing basin in the Ngorongoro Crater

The Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania has been included in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, since 1973. In addition to featuring a fertile floor and a plethora of fauna, particularly the Big 5, the crater is the sole remaining entire caldera globally. It is widely theorised that prior to the eruption of Ngorongoro, it would have surpassed the formidable Kilimanjaro in height.

Highlights

• The sole intact caldera globally
• Component of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Habitat of the Big Five, including an estimated 6,000 wildebeest and numerous other species.
• Remarkable diversity of wildlife and flowers throughout the year

4 Nights in Zanzibar Archipelago

A Dazzling Chain of Island Paradises
The Zanzibar Archipelago consists of a series of islands located in the Indian Ocean, adjacent to the coast of Tanzania. Centuries ago, the island was a significant hub for the spice trade, initially with the Arab world from the eleventh century, before coming under the dominion of Arab sultans who governed the islands for several years, merging with the native Swahili population.

Highlights

• The Zanzibar Archipelago presents exquisite beaches, temperate, serene waters, and the quintessential Indian Ocean island retreat.
• The several islands within the archipelago have a diverse range of attractions distinctive to each island.
• Stone Town is acknowledged as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Navigate the intricate streets, nocturnal markets, and regional food purveyors.

End of the 12 Days Gorillas, Great Migration And Zanzibar Itinerary