14 Day safari itinerary for Rwanda Gorilla trekking, Serengeti and Zanzibar
The 14 day Rwanda gorilla trekking, Serengeti safari & Zanzibar covers Rwanda, Tanzania & Zanzibar Island. The 14 day East African safari itinerary starts with an ultimate Mountain Gorilla trekking in Rwanda‘s Volcanoes National Park, Big Five(5)Wildlife Safari in Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, before flying to Zanzibar to enjoy a full day at leisure by the beach or choose from a range of optional activities. You could explore the rich cultural history of Stone Town, visit a spice plantation, or indulge in water activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, or a sunset dhow cruise.
Highlights:14 Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking, Serengeti & Zanzibar Beach Itinerary
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: Fly from Kigali to Serengeti, Tanzania
Day #6: Full-Day Big Five(5) Safari in the Serengeti
Day #7: Morning Game Drive & Transfer to Ngorongoro Crater
Day #8: Ngorongoro Crater Safari
Day #9: Fly from Serengeti/Ngorongoro to Zanzibar
Day #10: Relaxing on Zanzibar’s Beaches
Day #11: Stone Town & Spice Tour (Optional)
Day #12: Jozani Forest and Dolphin Tour (Optional)
Day #13: Full Day at Leisure in Zanzibar
Day #14: Departure from Zanzibar
Detailed 14 day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking, Serengeti Safari & Zanzibar Beach Itinerary
Day #1: Arrival in Kigali, Rwanda
Activities: Arrive at Kigali International Airport, where you will be transferred to your hotel. After check-in, you can rest or explore Kigali, with optional visits to the Kigali Genocide Memorial or a local craft market.
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, drive 2-3 hours through the scenic Rwandan countryside to Volcanoes National Park, home of the endangered mountain gorillas. After checking into your lodge, you can relax or take an optional visit to the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village to learn about Rwandan traditions.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Bisate Lodge (Luxury) or Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel (Mid-range)
Day #3: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Activities: After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing on gorilla trekking. You will then embark on a guided trek through the dense forest in search of one of the gorilla families. Once you locate the gorillas, spend an hour observing and photographing them. Return to your lodge for a relaxing afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Bisate Lodge or Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
Day #4: Golden Monkey Trekking or Optional Activities
Activities: On this day, you can choose to go trekking again, this time to see the Golden Monkeys, or take a hike to Dian Fossey’s grave and research center. Alternatively, you can enjoy a relaxing morning at the lodge, taking in the stunning views of the volcanoes.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Bisate Lodge or Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
Day #5: Fly from Kigali to Serengeti, Tanzania
Activities: After breakfast, transfer to Kigali Airport for a flight to Serengeti National Park via Kilimanjaro Airport. Upon arrival in the Serengeti, you’ll be transferred to your lodge or tented camp. In the afternoon, head out for your first game drive in this iconic park, known for its vast plains and abundant wildlife.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti (Luxury) or Kubu Kubu Tented Camp (Mid-range)
Day #6: Full-Day Big Five(5) Safari in the Serengeti
Activities: Spend the day on a full-day game drive in the Serengeti, exploring the park’s diverse ecosystems, including open plains, rivers, and woodlands. Look out for the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino) as well as cheetahs, zebras, wildebeests, and more. Depending on the season, you may also witness the Great Migration.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti or Kubu Kubu Tented Camp
Day #7: Morning Game Drive & Transfer to Ngorongoro Crater
Activities: Enjoy a final morning game drive in the Serengeti before transferring to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, home to the famous Ngorongoro Crater. Along the way, take in the breathtaking scenery and stop for a picnic lunch. Upon arrival, relax at your lodge with views of the crater.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Ngorongoro Crater Lodge (Luxury) or Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge (Mid-range)
Day #8: Ngorongoro Crater Safari
Activities: Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, often called “Africa’s Garden of Eden.” The crater floor is teeming with wildlife, including lions, elephants, zebras, and hippos. The seasonal lake in the crater often attracts flamingos. After a full morning of exploring, return to the lodge for lunch and an afternoon at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Ngorongoro Crater Lodge or Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge
Day #9: Fly from Serengeti/Ngorongoro to Zanzibar
Activities: After breakfast, transfer to the nearest airstrip for a flight from the Serengeti to Ngorongoro area to Zanzibar. Upon arrival in Zanzibar, transfer to your beach resort. Spend the rest of the day relaxing on the beautiful white sandy beaches of Zanzibar.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Accommodation: Zuri Zanzibar (Luxury) or The Z Hotel (Mid-range)
Day #10: Relaxing on Zanzibar’s Beaches
Activities: Enjoy a full day at leisure by the beach or choose from a range of optional activities. You could explore the rich cultural history of Stone Town, visit a spice plantation, or indulge in water activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, or a sunset dhow cruise.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Accommodation: Zuri Zanzibar or The Z Hotel
Day #11: Stone Town & Spice Tour (Optional)
Activities: Take an optional guided tour of Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to explore its winding streets, vibrant markets, and historical landmarks such as the House of Wonders and the Old Fort. In the afternoon, visit one of Zanzibar’s famous spice plantations to learn about the island’s history as the “Spice Island” and sample exotic spices like cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Accommodation: Zuri Zanzibar or The Z Hotel
Day #12: Jozani Forest and Dolphin Tour (Optional)
Activities: Another optional activity includes a visit to Jozani Forest, where you can spot the endangered red colobus monkeys. Alternatively, head to Kizimkazi on Zanzibar’s southern coast for a dolphin-watching excursion, where you can swim alongside these friendly creatures.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Accommodation: Zuri Zanzibar or The Z Hotel
Day #13: Full Day at Leisure in Zanzibar
Activities: Spend your final full day in Zanzibar soaking up the sun by the beach or pool. This is your day to unwind, enjoy a spa treatment, or simply take in the beauty of the island.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Accommodation: Zuri Zanzibar or The Z Hotel
Day #14: Departure from Zanzibar
Activities: Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy some free time in the morning before transferring to Zanzibar International Airport for your onward flight. If time allows, you can do some last-minute shopping or enjoy a final stroll along the beach.
Meals: Breakfast.
Safari Cost and Inclusions:
Included:
All accommodations as specified
All meals as specified
Domestic flights (Kigali to Serengeti, Serengeti/Ngorongoro to Zanzibar)
Gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda
Game drives and park entrance fees in Serengeti and Ngorongoro
Airport transfers and ground transportation
Professional English-speaking guides throughout the trip
Excluded:
International flights to and from Africa
Travel insurance
Optional activities (Stone Town tour, dolphin tour, etc.)
Personal expenses (souvenirs, gratuities, etc.)
