Last-minute wildebeest migration and gorilla trekking from Tanzania.

A trip that combines both witnessing the wildebeest migration in Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and gorilla tracking in Rwanda offers you a total wilderness experience. It not only brings you to sights of the wildebeest herds but also the big five and an encounter with the gentle giant apes (mountain gorillas) in the misty volcanoes of the Virunga Conservation area.

Millions of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles migrate annually throughout the Serengeti ecosystem in search of new grazing areas and water sources, a phenomenon known as the Great Migration. Hundreds of thousands of people visit the Serengeti ecosystem each year to witness this amazing event, which is one of the most important wildlife events in the world.

Gorilla tracking is a wildlife activity that involves hiking through dense forests in search for the wild gorillas that share human DNA 98%. In Rwanda, these magnificent creatures reside in the Volcanoes National Park in the northwestern province, sharing borders with Uganda and DR Congo. A gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda costs $1500.

While on this safari, expect to witness the great migration in Serengeti, and some of the big 5 in the Ngorongoro Crater. In Rwanda, engage in chimpanzee tracking and canopy walk in Nyungwe National Park, relax on the clear, cool waters of Lake Kivu, and meet the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat in Volcanoes National Park. The safari is doable as all the involved activities are carried out year-round. The safari starts in Tanzania and ends in Rwanda.

Safari Highlights: 

  • Day 1: Arrival in Arusha / Moshi and transfer to Serengeti National Park
  • Day 2: Full day game drive in Serengeti National Park
  • Day 3: Game drive from Serengeti towards Ngorongoro Crater
  • Day 4: Morning game drive –  Transfer to Arusha  for a flight to Kigali
  • Day 5: Transfer to Nyungwe National Park
  • Day 6:Chimpanzee trekking  and Canopy Walk
  • Day 7: Transfer to Lake Kivu-lake exploration, and  beach relaxation
  • Day 8: Travel to Volcanoes National Park – Gorilla Guardian Village Visit
  • Day 9: Gorilla tracking and transfer to Kigali
  • Day 10:Kigali city tour and departure.

 Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha / Moshi and transfer to Serengeti National Park

Pick up will be at 6:30 AM from your hotel in Arusha, followed by a journey towards Serengeti National Park, passing through the picturesque, elevated farmlands of Karatu and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Leaving the highlands, we make our way into the depth of Africa’s wilderness – the Serengeti National Park, which is characterized by vast plains.   We proceed to the central park area, the Seronera area, which holds most wildlife habitats in the park. This region is characterized by the Seronera River, a crucial water source that draws diverse wildlife, effectively representing a majority of the Serengeti’s species. We arrive and check into the accommodation for lunch and partake in an afternoon game drive in Serengeti National Park.

Day 2: Full day game drive in Serengeti National Park

On this full-day game drive through the Serengeti, expect to get a glimpse of predators hunting prey or feasting on their kill. The Serengeti is unparalleled in its natural splendor and scientific significance, making it the most famous wildlife sanctuary on the planet. On a game drive through the vast Serengeti plains, you may spot a pride of lions relaxing in the shade, as well as massive herds of gazelles, zebras, and wildebeest.

Day 3: Game drive from Serengeti towards Ngorongoro Crater

Start the day with an early breakfast at your lodge or camp before departing for morning game viewing in Serengeti National Park.  Later, drive towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area with a game drive. You will enjoy your picnic lunch at midday, followed by afternoon animal sightings towards the Ngorongoro Crater rim, where you will have an overnight

Day 4: Morning game drive –  Transfer to Arusha  for a flight to Kigali

After breakfast, take a 4-hour game drive inside the crater. An estimate of 30,000 animals, including some of Tanzania’s last surviving black rhinos, are found in the Ngorongoro Crater, one of the most crowded African wildlife areas in the world. This area supports a variety of wildlife, including herds of wildebeests, zebra, buffalo, wart hog, eland, hippos, and African elephants, among others. In addition is a huge population of predators, including lions, cheetahs, jackals, and the rare leopards. After a picnic lunch, drive back to Arusha/ Moshi for an evening flight to Kigali. At Kigali international airport, you will be welcomed by our driver guide who will greet you and transfer you to the lodge for an overnight at Five-to-Five Hotel

Day 5: Transfer to Nyungwe National Park

After breakfast at the hotel, you will transfer to Nyungwe National Park, the home of 13  primate species and the Canopy Walk. The journey southwest passes through the beautiful, terraced hillsides that characterize much of Rwanda’s landscapes, and enjoy a sighting of Kamegeri Rock in Ruhango District, stopover at the Nyanza King’s palace for a cultural experience. Lunch on the way and proceed with the journey. Upon arrival, check in for relaxation and enjoy the property amenities.

Optional activity: visiting Gisakura tea plantation. Expect to engage with the local people , practice tea picking,  take photos of the tea fields, and at the end of your visit taste a cup of Rwandan coffee. Dinner and overnight at Nyungwe Hill Top View Lodge

Day 6: Chimpanzee tracking and canopy walk

On this day, you will enjoy an early breakfast at your hotel, go to the park center to embark on a thrilling hike in search of chimpanzees and other primates that reside in this park. after the briefing from the park officials, you will set off into the park jungle with their lead and guidance. Be ready to hear these exciting primates before you see them, as their pant-hoots travel through the deep forest. During your hike, you may also spot migratory birdlife, including the Ross’ turaco, grey-cheeked hornbill, red-breasted sparrow hawk, and regal sunbird.  After the one hour with the chimps, return to the hotel, have your lunch, then proceed with the Canopy walk adventure and experience a suspended bridge covering 160 m through the lush montane rainforest and 70 m high from the forest floor. This extraordinary activity offers a spectacular view of the ancient forest. Later, return to the hotel for dinner and rest at Nyungwe Hill Top View Lodge.

Day 7: Transfer to Lake Kivu-lake exploration, and  beach relaxation

Have an early morning breakfast and embark on a 4-hour journey to Gisenyi. Arrival will be in the afternoon hours. Check into your accommodation for lunch and later go for a boat cruise, where you will get a chance to explore the islands as well as do birding.

Alternatively, you can relax at the beautiful beaches as you enjoy refreshing activities like swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and sunbathing.

Night fishing is also possible, where you can join the local fishermen on their traditional fishing boats.  Enjoy their traditional fishing methods under the shimmering moonlight. Its an amazing experience

Dinner and overnight at Maravilla Kivu Eco Resort.

Day 8: Travel to Volcanoes National Park – Gorilla Guardian Village Visit

Wake up for an early breakfast at your accommodation, participate in a morning boat cruise on the lake, and later transfer to Volcanoes National Park. the journey takes 2-3 hours. On arrival, check in for lunch and rest.  In the afternoon, visit the Gorilla Guardians Village (Ib’yiwachu) for an experience of Rwandan culture.  Immerse yourself in local culture, witness traditional dances, and learn about the conservation efforts supporting both gorillas and the community. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight and Davinci Gorilla Lodge.

Day 9: Gorilla trekking.

Today is a highlight of your trip – the unforgettable gorilla tracking experience. Embark on a thrilling trek through the lush, misty forests of Volcanoes National Park to encounter these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. With your packed lunch and the guidance of park guides and rangers, you will venture into the dense jungles. Once you locate the gorillas,  you will have an extraordinary moment of one hour in the presence of the gorillas. The trek may last for several hours, depending on the gorilla movements. After the lake, return to the lodge for lunch. Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure, relaxing at the lodge.

Dinner and overnight at Davinci Gorilla Lodge.

Day 10: Transfer to Kigali – city tour and departure.

On this last day of your safari,  have a relaxed breakfast, check out, and travel to Kigali.  Depending on your flight schedule, embark on a brief Kigali city tour. After lunch, transfer to Kigali International Airport

End of 10 days last-minute wildebeest migration and gorilla tracking safari from Tanzania.

Safari inclusions

  • Pick up and drop-offs at the international airports
  • Accommodation and meals on full board basis
  • Land cruise 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof.
  • Experienced English-speaking driver/guide
  • Rwanda Gorilla permit ($1500)
  • Chimpanzee permits
  • Canopy fees
  • Boat cruises on Lake Kivu
  • Bottled drinking water
  • All activities in the Itinerary

Safari excludes

  • Drinks and beverages at camps and lodges
  • Laundry at camps and lodges
  • Optional activities
  • International flight tickets and visas.
  • All things of personal nature.