Tanzania Safari & Gorilla Encounter

On arrival into Kilimanjaro Airport, you'll be greeted by a local representative and taken by transfer to your hotel. Located on the foothills of Mount Meru lies the vibrant town of Arusha. And, it's here, hidden amongst Tanzania's largest coffee plantations, that you'll find Arusha Coffee Lodge. 

A haven of relaxation, here you can relax and unwind after your long flight as you prepare for the adventure ahead.

Overnight in Arusha Coffee Lodge

After breakfast, you'll travel by road to Karatu, arriving at your lodge in time for lunch. This afternoon, there'll be several activities for you to join (payable locally). Take a horse trek around the manor's surrounding hill for spectacular views across the estate, adding in a delicious picnic lunch, prepared by the lodge, for an extra-special touch. 

Or, if you would prefer to relax and unwind, then we'd suggest booking a relaxing massage at the lodge, before enjoying a sundowner cocktail as you gaze across the coffee-laden hills.

Overnight at The Manor at Ngorogoro

Today, you have a full day of exploring in Ngorogoro Crater, so a picnic lunch will be provided to ensure you make the most of your time on safari.

Due to the nature of the landscape, the crater is blessed with an abundance of natural wildlife and has the highest lion pride per capita in the world. The crater is home to all of the 'Big 5', including 30 black rhinos, which can be seen up close. Besides big game, the Ngorogoro Crater has over 500 bird species, thanks to its vegetation distribution and fresh, alkaline water. The most common birds are ostrich, flamingos and the great white pelican, amongst many others.

After your day in the crater, you'll return to the lodge for dinner, before relaxing at your leisure. 

Overnight at The Manor at Ngorogoro

After breakfast, you'll transfer to the Lake Manyara airstrip for your flight to the Serengeti. On arrival, your driver will meet you and take you to your camp in the Serengeti.

Depending on the time of year, you'll stay at one of two lodges located within the National Park. These lodges are located in the north west (Migration Camp) and south central (Pioneer Camp) regions of the park, to ensure maximum coverage of the wildebeest migration, offering the best game viewing possible year-round. These camps are 'zero-footprint' and allow you to be fully immersed in nature, whilst still offering a luxurious glamping experience. 

Overnight in Serengeti Pioneer or Serengeti Migration camp

Today, you'll head out into Serengeti National Park for a full day of safari. Rise early to catch the sunrise and enjoy a champagne breakfast. Then, your experienced guide will take you on a thrilling journey through the park, using only their eyes and ears to track even the most elusive of animals.

Pre-book to enjoy a delicious picnic lunch on a private, hill-top site, offering stunning views over the Serengeti plains. After a full day of exploring, head back to the camp for sunset cocktails, followed by dinner under the expansive African skies. 

Overnight in Serengeti Pioneer or Serengeti Migration camp

After breakfast, a final game drive through the park will take you to the airstrip, where you'll catch a flight north to Kigali, Rwanda.

On arrival, you'll be taken straight to your lodge in Ruhengeri, arriving just in time for lunch. In the foothills of the Virunga Massif lies Wilderness Sabyinyo, a community-inspired, luxury lodge. You'll be staying in a charming stone cottage, boasting epic views over the volcanoes.

This afternoon, you're free to enjoy the lodge. Or, if you'd rather, you can join a guided visit to the local community village (payable locally), or explore the Sabyinyo property on a guided nature trail.

Overnight at Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge

After an early breakfast at the lodge, you'll be taken to Volcanoes National Park HQ for your briefing. Park staff decide daily which group of gorillas visitors will get to meet, with only 96 permits available each day. A maximum of 8 trekkers are allowed to visit any one group of gorillas at a time, making for a safe and personal experience. 

Trekking can take between two and six hours depending whether the gorillas have moved overnight, so guides will stop for regular breaks, allowing you to snap a photo of the breath-taking landscape. Once the you find the gorillas, you'll be given time to observe and take pictures as they interact in their family groups. This close encounter is one of the most unique wildlife experiences in the world, a once in a lifetime adventure.

After a late lunch, you'll take a transfer back to Kigali.

Overnight at Serena Kigali

After breakfast at the lodge, you'll take the five-hour drive back to Kigali to connect with your onward journey.

You can experience more of Rwanda with a stay in Lake Kivu, or a safari in Akagera National Park. Or, for a relaxing beach stay at the end of your trip, head over to the beautiful island of Zanzibar.