The ultimate Rwanda Gorilla trekking, Mt Kilimanjaro Climbing and Zanzibar
Visit three of Africa’s top destinations Volcanoes National Park, Mount Kilimanjaro National Park & Zanzibar on this ultimate 14 day Rwanda Gorilla trekking, Kilimanjaro trekking & Zanzibar safari. The two week Rwanda, Tanzania & Zanzibar starts in Rwanda for Mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, and fly to Mount Kilimanjaro National Park for a 7 day Kilimanjaro trekking via Machame route to Uhuru Peak. Finally, end your two week trip in Zanzibar for epic leisure activities like; relaxing at the white sandy beaches or opt for snorkeling, scuba diving, a spice tour, or exploring Stone Town – a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Brief Itinerary for 14 Day Rwanda Gorilla trekking, Kilimanjaro & Zanzibar
Day #1: Arrival in Kigali, Rwanda
Day #2: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Day #3: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Day #4: Golden Monkey Trekking or Optional Activities
Day #5: Return to Kigali and Fly to Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Day #6: Kilimanjaro Climb – Machame Route (Day 1)
Day #7: Kilimanjaro Climb – Machame Route (Day 2)
Day #8: Kilimanjaro Climb – Machame Route (Day 3)
Day #9: Kilimanjaro Climb – Machame Route (Day 4)
Day #10: Summit Day (Uhuru Peak) and Descent
Day #11: Descend to Mweka Gate and Transfer to Moshi
Day #12: Fly from Kilimanjaro to Zanzibar
Day #13: Zanzibar Beach Relaxation
Day #14: Departure from Zanzibar
Detailed 14 Day Rwanda Gorilla trekking, Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing & Zanzibar
Day #1: Arrival in Kigali, Rwanda
Activities: Arrive at Kigali International Airport and transfer to your hotel. Rest after your flight or explore Kigali’s vibrant culture with a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial or local markets.
Meals: Dinner at the hotel.
Accommodation: Kigali Serena Hotel (Luxury) or Heaven Boutique Hotel (Mid-range)
Day #2: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Activities: After breakfast, take a scenic 2-3 hour drive to Volcanoes National Park. Upon arrival, settle into your lodge and enjoy stunning views of the volcanic mountain range. Optional cultural visit to the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village in the afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Bisate Lodge (Luxury) or Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel (Mid-range)
Day #3: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Activities: Start the day with an early breakfast and head to the park headquarters for a briefing on gorilla trekking protocols. Set off on your guided trek through the dense forests in search of the endangered mountain gorillas. Once you locate them, you’ll have one magical hour to observe and photograph these gentle giants. Return to your lodge to relax.
Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Bisate Lodge or Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
Day #4: Golden Monkey Trekking or Optional Activities
Activities: Choose to go on another exciting adventure like trekking to see the Golden Monkeys, a visit to Dian Fossey’s Grave, or a nature walk. You may also opt for a leisurely morning at the lodge.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Bisate Lodge or Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
Day #5: Return to Kigali and Fly to Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Activities: After breakfast, drive back to Kigali, have lunch in the city, and then take a short flight from Kigali to Kilimanjaro International Airport, Tanzania. Transfer to your hotel in Moshi at the base of Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Aishi Machame Hotel (Pre-trek accommodation in Moshi)
Day #6: Kilimanjaro Climb – Machame Route (Day 1)
Activities: Begin your trek up Kilimanjaro’s Machame Route, known for its stunning scenery and good acclimatization opportunities. After breakfast, drive to Machame Gate and start the hike through the rainforest to Machame Camp.
Distance: 11 km
Time: 5-7 hours
Altitude: 1,800 m to 3,000 m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Machame Camp (Camping)
Day #7: Kilimanjaro Climb – Machame Route (Day 2)
Activities: Trek out of the rainforest and into the moorland zone, with panoramic views of Kilimanjaro’s peaks. You’ll camp at Shira Plateau, one of the most beautiful campsites on the mountain.
Distance: 5 km
Time: 4-6 hours
Altitude: 3,000 m to 3,840 m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Shira Camp (Camping)
Day #8: Kilimanjaro Climb – Machame Route (Day 3)
Activities: Ascend toward the Lava Tower (4,630 m) before descending to Barranco Camp. This is a key day for acclimatization, as you’ll “climb high, sleep low” to adjust to the altitude.
Distance: 10 km
Time: 6-8 hours
Altitude: 3,840 m to 4,630 m (Lava Tower), and down to 3,960 m at Barranco Camp.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Barranco Camp (Camping)
Day #9: Kilimanjaro Climb – Machame Route (Day 4)
Activities: Climb the Barranco Wall, an exciting yet non-technical scramble, and traverse the Karanga Valley before reaching Barafu Camp. This is your base camp for the final push to the summit.
Distance: 8 km
Time: 7-8 hours
Altitude: 3,960 m to 4,640 m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Barafu Camp (Camping)
Day #10: Summit Day (Uhuru Peak) and Descent
Activities: Begin your summit attempt at midnight, trekking to Stella Point (5,730 m) and onward to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa. After reaching the summit, descend to Mweka Camp.
Distance: 5 km ascent to Uhuru, 12 km descent to Mweka
Time: 12-16 hours total (summit day)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Mweka Camp (Camping)
Day #11: Descend to Mweka Gate and Transfer to Moshi
Activities: Complete your descent through the rainforest to Mweka Gate. Celebrate your achievement with a certificate and a meal at the hotel.
Distance: 10 km
Time: 3-4 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Aishi Machame Hotel
Day #12: Fly from Kilimanjaro to Zanzibar
Activities: After breakfast, fly from Kilimanjaro to Zanzibar. Upon arrival, transfer to your beach resort to begin your relaxing island experience. Spend the rest of the day at leisure by the beach.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Zuri Zanzibar (Luxury) or The Z Hotel (Mid-range)
Day #13: Zanzibar Beach Relaxation
Activities: Enjoy a full day at leisure on Zanzibar’s white sandy beaches. Optional activities include snorkeling, scuba diving, a spice tour, or exploring Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Accommodation: Zuri Zanzibar or The Z Hotel
Day #14: Departure from Zanzibar
Activities: Depending on your flight time, you may have some free time in the morning to relax by the beach or go on a final excursion. Later, transfer to Zanzibar International Airport for your onward flight.
Meals: Breakfast.
Safari Cost and Inclusions:
Included:
All accommodations as listed
All meals as specified
Domestic flights (Kigali to Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro to Zanzibar)
Gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda
Kilimanjaro trekking permits, guides, and equipment
Ground transportation and airport transfers
National park entrance fees for all locations
Professional guides throughout the trip
Excluded:
International flights to and from Africa
Travel insurance
Optional activities (extra gorilla trek, diving, etc.)
Personal expenses (souvenirs, gratuities, etc.)
