Explore Rwanda Gorillas

Menu

8 Days Rwanda Uganda Gorillas & Serengeti Ngorongoro Crater Safari

8 Days Rwanda Golden Monkeys, Uganda Gorillas & Serengeti Ngorongoro Crater Safari Itinerary

This 8-day safari adventure covers three of East Africa’s most renowned wildlife and cultural destinations across Rwanda, Uganda, and Tanzania. The itinerary includes visits to Volcanoes National Park for the Golden Monkeys in Rwanda, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park for the mountain gorillas in Uganda, and the legendary wildlife-rich landscapes of Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania. This safari offers diverse experiences such as primate tracking, cultural immersion with local communities, and thrilling game drives through the heart of East Africa’s wildlife sanctuaries.

Overview

  • Countries Visited: Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania
  • National Parks: Volcanoes National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater
  • Duration: 8 Days, 7 Nights
  • Accommodation: Budget, Midrange, Luxury, and Upmarket options
  • Group Size: Private safari for 2 people (customizable)
  • Activities: Golden Monkey trekking, Gorilla trekking, Cultural experiences, Game drives, Great Migration viewing
  • Highlights: Gisozi Genocide Memorial, Iby’wacu Cultural Experience, Golden Monkeys, Mountain Gorillas, Serengeti’s Big Five, Ngorongoro Crater Wildlife

Itinerary Outline

  • Day 1: Pick up from Kigali and transfer to Volcanoes National Park with city tour to Gisozi Genocide Memorial
  • Day 2: Golden Monkey trekking and Iby’wacu Cultural Experience
  • Day 3: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Uganda
  • Day 4: Gorilla Trekking and Batwa Pygmies experience
  • Day 5: Return to Kigali for flight to Arusha; overnight in Arusha
  • Day 6: Transfer to Serengeti National Park, evening game drive
  • Day 7: Full-day Great Migration drive in Serengeti
  • Day 8: Ngorongoro Crater wildlife excursion and transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport for departure flight

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Pick Up from Kigali and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park with Gisozi Genocide Memorial City Tour

Your adventure begins in Kigali, Rwanda, where you’ll be picked up by your guide and driven to Volcanoes National Park. Along the way, visit the Gisozi Genocide Memorial to learn about Rwanda’s history and pay tribute to the lives lost during the 1994 genocide. Afterward, continue the scenic drive to Volcanoes National Park at the foothills of the Virunga Mountains.

Upmarket: Gorilla Nest One & Only/ Super Luxruy -Bisate/ Sabyinyo/  Midluxury – Sabyinyo/ Virunga Spa & Resort/Engagi Lodge/ Luxury – Five Volcanoes/ Tiloreza/Midrange – Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge/ Budget – Kinigi Guest House/ Virunga Hotel

MEAL PLAN: Lunch and Dinner

Day 2: Golden Monkey Trekking and Iby’wacu Cultural Experience

Today, embark on an exciting Golden Monkey trekking adventure in Volcanoes National Park. After a briefing from the park guides, set off into the forest in search of these playful and endangered primates. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the local culture with the Iby’wacu Cultural Experience, where you’ll learn about traditional Rwandan customs, dances, and crafts. Dine and rest at your lodge.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Uganda

After breakfast, your journey continues as you cross the border from Rwanda into Uganda. Travel through lush landscapes to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, home to over half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the Virunga Mountains as you approach Bwindi. Travel Time: 4-5 hours

UpMarket – Mt Gahinga Gorilla Lodge, Bwindi Lodge, Clouds Mountain Lodge/ Midluxury -Four Gorilla Cousins Lodge, Gorilla Leisure Lodge, Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge/ Luxury- Lake Mulehe, Uchumbi Gorilla Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Haven Lodge/ Midrange – Rushaga Gorilla Haven Lodge/ Budget – Rushaga Gorilla Haven Lodge/  Broadbill

MEAL PLAN: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Gorilla Trekking and Batwa Pygmy Experience

Prepare for an unforgettable day of gorilla trekking. After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing, then begin your trek into the dense forest in search of a mountain gorilla family. Once you find them, you’ll spend an hour observing their behavior and interactions. In the afternoon, visit the Batwa Pygmy community, where you’ll learn about their ancient traditions and way of life.

MEAL PLAN: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Return to Kigali for Flight to Arusha, Overnight in Arusha

After breakfast, drive back to Kigali for your flight to Arusha, Tanzania. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel for the night, ready for the next phase of your safari in the Serengeti.Travel Time: 4-5 hours (to Kigali), 1-hour flight to Arusha

Budget: Arusha Tourist Inn/Midrange: Planet Lodge Arusha/ Luxury: Arusha Coffee Lodge/ Upmarket: Elewana Arusha Coffee Lodge

MEAL PLAN: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 6: Transfer to Serengeti National Park and Evening Game Drive

This morning, travel from Arusha to Serengeti National Park. Upon arrival, enjoy an exciting evening game drive as you begin your exploration of the vast Serengeti plains. Look out for elephants, lions, zebras, and more as the sun sets over this iconic African landscape. Travel Time: 6-7 hours (drive)

Budget: Serengeti Wildebeest Camp/ Midrange: Serengeti Heritage Camp/ Luxury: Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge/ Upmarket: Four Seasons Serengeti

MEAL PLAN: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7: Full-Day Great Migration Drive in Serengeti National Park

Spend a full day in the Serengeti, witnessing one of nature’s most spectacular events—the Great Wildebeest Migration. Depending on the season, you’ll track the massive herds as they cross the plains, followed by predators like lions and cheetahs.

MEAL PLAN: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8: Ngorongoro Crater Wildlife Excursions and Transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport for Departure

On the final day of your safari, drive to the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy a morning game drive within the crater, home to a dense population of wildlife including rhinos, elephants, and lions. Afterward, transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport for your departure flight, marking the end of your incredible adventure. Travel Time: 3-4 hours to Ngorongoro, 3-4 hours to Kilimanjaro Airport

MEAL PLAN: Breakfast & Lunch

END OF SAFARI

This 8-day journey takes you through some of the most exciting wildlife destinations in East Africa. From the forests of Rwanda and Uganda to the open savannahs of the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, you’ll experience primate trekking, cultural encounters, and thrilling game drives. Tailored accommodation options and expert guides ensure your safari is both comfortable and memorable. Whether you’re tracking gorillas or following the Great Migration, this itinerary offers a perfect blend of adventure, wildlife, and culture.