The 9 Days Gorillas, Mara & Tanzania Safari takes you through some of East Africa’s most remarkable destinations filled with wildlife and natural beauty. You will explore the remote areas of Rwanda, Kenya, and Tanzania, where each destination offers a unique adventure.
In Rwanda, you will trek the endangered mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. In Kenya, you will enjoy exciting game drives in Masai Mara National Reserve, home to the Big Five and the Great Migration. In Tanzania, your journey will continue to the Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara National Park, known for their rich wildlife and breathtaking landscapes.
Trip Highlights
- Track the mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
- Visit the beautiful capital city of Kigali before flying to Nairobi
- Enjoy morning and evening game drives in Masai Mara National Reserve
- Cross from Kenya into Tanzania to explore the Serengeti National Park
- See the Big Five and witness herds of wildebeests and zebras
- Visit the Ngorongoro Crater, one of the world’s largest calderas
- Spot wildlife in Lake Manyara National Park including tree-climbing lions
- Travel through three East African countries on one safari adventure
Gorillas, Mara & Tanzania Safari Highlights
- Day 1: Kigali to Volcanoes National Park
- Day 2: Gorilla tracking safari
- Day 3: Transfer to Kigali and fly to Nairobi
- Day 4: Nairobi to Masai Mara
- Day 5: Masai Mara – Full day
- Day 6: Masai Mara to Serengeti National Park
- Day 7: Game drive in Serengeti National Park
- Day 8: To Ngorongoro Crater, evening game drive
- Day 9: Return to Arusha and departure flight
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Kigali to Volcanoes National Park
On arrival at Kigali International Airport, meet your professional safari guide and drive to Volcanoes National Park. The journey takes about two and a half hours.
On arrival, check in at your lodge, relax after the drive, and enjoy lunch. Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure, making use of the lodge’s amenities such as the swimming pool, souvenir shop, or Wi-Fi to connect with your loved ones.
Day 2: Gorilla Tracking Safari
After an early breakfast, drive to the park headquarters for a briefing on gorilla trekking rules and guidelines.
Begin your trek through the forested slopes of the Virunga Mountains, which are covered in bamboo and home to the mountain gorillas. The trek can take several hours depending on the location of the gorillas.
Once you find them, spend one hour observing their behavior, taking photos, and watching them interact. Return to the lodge in the afternoon for lunch and relaxation.
Day 3: Transfer to Kigali and Fly to Nairobi
After breakfast, drive back to Kigali International Airport (about two and a half hours). Catch your flight to Nairobi, Kenya.
Upon arrival, meet your Kenyan guide and transfer to your hotel. Check in, enjoy a local buffet lunch or dinner, and relax as you take in the views of the city.
Day 4: Nairobi to Masai Mara
After breakfast, check out and begin your journey to Masai Mara National Reserve. The drive takes about five hours.
On arrival, check in at your lodge and have lunch. In the afternoon, go for a guided game drive in the northern section of the park to see animals such as wildebeests, giraffes, warthogs, leopards, and elands. Return to the lodge at sunset for dinner and overnight.
Day 5: Masai Mara – Full Day
Enjoy a cup of coffee at dawn and head out for a morning game drive in the central Masai Mara. Look for prides of lions, herds of elephants, and other wildlife across the savannah.
After lunch, continue with an afternoon game drive in the Mara Triangle, where you may spot birds, antelopes, and more big cats. In the evening, return to your lodge for dinner and rest.
Day 6: Masai Mara to Serengeti National Park
After breakfast, cross into Tanzania and continue to Serengeti National Park. The journey takes about eight to nine hours, with game viewing opportunities along the way.
If you arrive early, explore the northern Serengeti and look for rhinos, buffaloes, cheetahs, and impalas. Later, check in at your lodge, enjoy a refreshing drink, and relax.
Day 7: Game Drive in Serengeti National Park
After breakfast, go for a full-day game drive in Serengeti National Park.
In the morning, explore the plains with your ranger to spot wildebeests, lions, leopards, elephants, and other species. Return to the lodge for lunch and continue with an afternoon drive in the central Serengeti.
Watch for jackals, servals, and hyenas before returning to your camp in the evening for dinner and relaxation.
Day 8: To Ngorongoro Crater – Evening Game Drive
After breakfast, drive to Ngorongoro Crater, one of the world’s largest calderas.
Enjoy scenic views and wildlife sightings, including elephants, zebras, flamingos, and buffaloes. After lunch, take another game drive in the conservation area where you may see leopards, jackals, hippos, and spotted hyenas.
Return to your lodge in the evening for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 9: Return to Arusha – Departure Flight
After breakfast, pack your belongings and drive back to Arusha (about three to four hours).
On arrival, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight, marking the end of your 9 Days Gorillas, Mara & Tanzania Safari.
