The Ultimate Kilimanjaro And Rwanda Gorilla Trek Itinerary
Combining a Mount Kilimanjaro climb in Tanzania with gorilla trekking in Rwanda is a popular and feasible East African adventure, often done on 12-day safaris that connect the two experiences. This multi-country trip requires domestic flights between Tanzania and Rwanda and involves significant physical activity for both the summit attempt on Africa’s highest peak and the trek through Rwanda’s forests to find mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. The best time to combine these activities is during the dry seasons in both countries, which generally fall from June to August and December to early March.
Commence an extraordinary expedition across East Africa, beginning with Kigali’s dynamic culture and the stunning Volcanoes National Park, habitat of the elusive mountain gorillas. Embark on a journey through verdant woods for a unique gorilla experience, ascend the renowned slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, and traverse the boundless plains of the Serengeti abundant with wildlife. Conclude your Kilimanjaro And Rwanda Gorilla Trek Itinerary at the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater, where breathtaking vistas coincide with exceptional wildlife observation.
Kilimanjaro And Rwanda Gorilla Trek Itinerary Highlights
- Day 1: Arrival at Kigali International Airport and Transfer to Your Hotel
- Day 2: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
- Day 3: Mountain Gorilla Trek in Volcanoes National Park
- Day 4: Transfer to Kigali and Fly to Kilimanjaro International Airport/Transfer to Arusha
- Day 5: Mount Kilimanjaro Day Hike
- Day 6: Tarangire National Park
- Day 7: Masai Visit, Mto wa Mbu Market Visit & home hosted lunch
- Day 8: Game enroute to Serengeti National Park
- Day 9: Full day Serengeti National Park
- Day 10: Ngorongoro Crater
- Day 11: School Visit & Endoro Nature Walk
- Day 12: Drive Back to Arusha / Depart
A Complete Kilimanjaro And Rwanda Gorilla Trek Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival at Kigali International Airport and Transfer to Your Hotel
Welcome to Rwanda, the nation of a thousand hills! Upon your arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be welcomed by your knowledgeable driver-guide, who will be holding a customised welcome sign. Upon finalising immigration procedures and retrieving your luggage, proceed to a smooth transfer to your pleasant lodging in Kigali. Rejuvenate for an exhilarating voyage ahead, commencing at the lively hotel where cordial welcome is assured.
Day 2: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Commence your day with a relaxed breakfast prior to touring the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a significant and uplifting homage to Rwanda’s legacy of resistance and peace building. Following an emotional and enlightening encounter, traverse Rwanda’s scenic hills to Volcanoes National Park, pausing for a delectable lunch at Sooko Restaurant. Upon arrival, investigate the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, an exceptional conservation facility committed to gorilla preservation. Conclude your day at the lodge, where outstanding service and stunning vistas prepare you for the forthcoming adventure.
Day 3: Mountain Gorilla Trek in Volcanoes National Park
Embark on an extraordinary journey into the depths of Volcanoes National Park to observe elusive mountain gorillas. Accompanied by trained rangers, explore the verdant rain-forest, traversing challenging terrain to observe these gentle giants in their native environment. This remarkable wildlife encounter, among the planet’s finest, immerses you in the harmonious realm of gorillas. Revert to the lodge, unwind, exchange narratives, and contemplate this remarkable experience.
Day 4: Transfer to Kigali and Fly to Kilimanjaro International Airport/Transfer to Arusha
Depart from Volcanoes National Park as you return to Kigali, appreciating the breathtaking landscapes en route. Arrive at Kigali International Airport for your subsequent trip to Kilimanjaro, where a fresh adventure awaits. Upon arrival, your driver will transport you to Airport Planet Lodge, an ideal sanctuary to ready yourself for the subsequent phase of your East African expedition. Enjoy the tranquilly and comfort of the lodge, signalling the commencement of another memorable safari adventure.
Day 5: Mount Kilimanjaro Day Hike
Commence your day with an early breakfast before to starting on an extraordinary expedition to the Londorossi Gate at an elevation of 2,100 meters. This journey traverses picturesque landscapes and lively settlements as you near the verdant tropical montane forests of Mount Kilimanjaro, which harbour a variety of species, including colobus monkeys, crested turacos, and migratory elephants from Kenya’s Amboseli National Park. From this point, rise almost 1,000 meters to the stunning Shira Plateau, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located at an elevation of 3,400 meters. Commence your trek to Shira 1 Camp, via the captivating Lion Gorge and admiring the striking Shira Pinnacles.
Take a moment to relish a picnic lunch amidst the breathtaking scenery before returning to Arusha for a leisurely dinner and overnight accommodation.
Day 6: Tarangire National Park
Following breakfast in Arusha, proceed to Tarangire National Park, renowned as Tanzania’s elephant sanctuary, traversing picturesque landscapes and savannas adorned with baobab trees. Upon arrival, partake in an exhilarating game drive while your safari guide serves a Hot Hamper lunch, as you observe herds of elephants, giraffes, and predators such as lions and leopards. The park hosts a variety of wildlife, encompassing more than 500 avian species, while the Tarangire River draws other animals, providing excellent photographic prospects. At day’s conclusion, return to your lodge for a leisurely dinner and overnight accommodation, contemplating a remarkable safari experience.
Day 7: Masai Visit, Mto wa Mbu Market Visit & home hosted lunch
Commence your day with breakfast before to visiting a Maasai community, where you will engage with the rich culture of one of Africa’s most renowned tribes. Interact with the residents, get knowledge of their customs, and partake in daily activities such as milking cows and donning traditional garments. Subsequently, proceed to Mto wa Mbu, a cultural amalgamation including over 120 tribes, where you may traverse the market, engage with artists, and sample fresh local fruits. Conclude the day with a genuine Tanzanian meal at a local residence, immersing yourself in the region’s flavours and warmth before returning to your lodge for supper and overnight accommodations.
Day 8: Game enroute to Serengeti National Park
Following breakfast, commence your picturesque journey from Karatu to the renowned Serengeti National Park, with views of the breathtaking Ngorongoro Highlands and the vast Serengeti plains. Appreciate the evolving landscapes as you approach one of Africa’s most renowned wildlife sanctuaries. Upon arrival at the campground, register at your campsite and partake in lunch. In the afternoon, participate in an exhilarating game drive in the Serengeti, where you will have an excellent opportunity to observe the Big Five and other species, rendering this safari experience very remarkable.
As the day concludes, return to camp for dinner and unwind, contemplating an incredible commencement to your forthcoming Serengeti expedition.
Day 9: Full day Serengeti National Park
Following breakfast, go on an exploration of the Serengeti, one of Africa’s premier wildlife parks. This extensive excursion is expected to be the pinnacle of your visit, as the marvels of the Serengeti unfold. Explore the park’s emblematic fauna on the morning Game Drive. If you are interested, you may seize the opportunity to partake in an optional balloon expedition, culminating in a champagne breakfast amidst the grasslands.
Observe the Serengeti “Kopjes,” substantial granite boulders amidst a vast expanse of grass, offering refuge to a diverse array of flora and fauna.
You will return to the camp for lunch and subsequently depart for an afternoon game drive at approximately 15:00. As twilight approaches, you will return to the Camp for dinner and overnight accommodations.
Day 10: Ngorongoro Crater
Commence an expedition post-breakfast with a picnic lunch, proceeding to the renowned Ngorongoro Crater, referred to as “Eden’s Garden.” Venture almost 600 meters into this natural marvel located in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where wildlife and communities coexist in harmony. Experience an afternoon wildlife drive in the Ngorongoro Highlands, observing antelope, elephants, and predators such as lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas. Be vigilant for the elusive black rhino; with fortune, you may observe one or two. Following the game drive, you will ascend from the Crater and proceed to the lodge in Karatu for supper and overnight accommodation, contemplating a fantastic day in Tanzania’s natural beauty.
Day 11: School Visit & Endoro Nature Walk
Commence your day by visiting a local school to engage with pupils and acquire insights into the Tanzanian education system, providing a distinctive cultural experience. Subsequently, proceed to Lake Eyasi with a gourmet lunch, discovering this ancient lake, recognised as the oldest on Earth and inhabited by millions of crustaceans that attract flamingos. Encounter the Hadzabe and Datoga tribes, where you will discover their ancestral hunting methodologies and their egalitarian, communal way of life. Return to your lodge for lunch, subsequently enjoying leisure time at the bar or in your room prior to dinner.
Day 12: Drive Back to Arusha / Depart
Following breakfast at the lodge, savour your final moments in Northern Tanzania while driving back to Arusha. During the journey, you may have the opportunity to visit a school and gain insights into the educational system in Tanzania while interacting with teachers and students.
You will arrive in Arusha in ample time for lunch at Arusha Coffee Lodge. Following lunch, you will participate in the SHANGA Tour, a social company that employs individuals with disabilities to produce distinctive, high-quality handmade items such as glassware and homewares from recycled materials. These products are available in the Shanga shop in Tanzania and globally, with proceeds reinvested to provide additional employment opportunities for those with disabilities. Subsequent to the adventure, you will proceed to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your return flight home.
End of the 12 Days Kilimanjaro And Rwanda Gorilla Trek Itinerary
