18-Day Tanzania Great Migration and Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari

Experience two of East Africa’s most extraordinary wildlife adventures on one unforgettable journey. This 18-day Tanzania and Rwanda safari combines the spectacular Great Wildebeest Migration in Serengeti National Park with mountain gorilla trekking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.

Begin your adventure in northern Tanzania, exploring Tarangire National Park, the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater and the vast plains of Serengeti National Park. Spend several days searching for the migrating wildebeest, zebras and predators before flying to Rwanda for an unforgettable encounter with endangered mountain gorillas.

Your Rwandan adventure continues through the beautiful landscapes of the Virunga Mountains, Lake Kivu and Nyungwe Forest National Park, where you can enjoy golden monkey trekking, chimpanzee tracking, canopy walks and cultural experiences.

This Tanzania and Rwanda safari package is ideal for travellers looking to combine classic African wildlife viewing with exceptional primate encounters, scenic landscapes and authentic East African experiences.

Safari Overview

• Duration: 18 days / 17 nights
• Countries: Tanzania and Rwanda
• Safari type: Private guided wildlife and primate safari
• Main destinations: Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti, Volcanoes National Park, Lake Kivu and Nyungwe Forest
• Main activities: Game drives, gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, chimpanzee tracking, canopy walk and cultural visits
• Accommodation: Safari lodges, tented camps and hotels
• Starting point: Kilimanjaro International Airport, Tanzania
• Ending point: Kigali International Airport, Rwanda

Main Highlights of the Tanzania and Rwanda Safari

• Experience the Great Wildebeest Migration in Serengeti National Park.
• Explore Tarangire National Park, famous for its elephants and baobab trees.
• Descend into the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater for Big Five wildlife viewing.
• Spend several days exploring the Serengeti in search of migrating wildebeest and predators.
• Trek through Volcanoes National Park to encounter endangered mountain gorillas.
• Enjoy golden monkey trekking in the Virunga Mountains.
• Discover Rwanda’s beautiful Lake Kivu and its surrounding communities.
• Track chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest National Park.
• Experience the famous Nyungwe Canopy Walkway above the rainforest.
• Discover Rwanda’s culture, scenery and conservation heritage.

Detailed 18-Day Tanzania and Rwanda Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania – Transfer to Arusha

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where your safari guide will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel or lodge in Arusha.

Arusha is the main gateway to Tanzania’s northern safari circuit. Located beneath Mount Meru, the city provides a convenient starting point for exploring Tarangire, Ngorongoro and Serengeti.

Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy a short city excursion or relax at your accommodation after your international flight.

In the evening, meet your safari guide for a briefing about the journey and the wildlife experiences ahead.

Accommodation: Lodge or hotel in Arusha.

Day 2: Arusha – Tarangire National Park – Karatu

After breakfast, drive to Tarangire National Park for your first wildlife experience.

Tarangire is famous for its large elephant herds, ancient baobab trees and beautiful savannah landscapes. The Tarangire River provides an important water source, attracting wildlife, particularly during the dry season.

Enjoy a game drive through the park in search of elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, buffaloes and different antelope species. Lions and leopards are also present.

In the afternoon, continue towards Karatu, a scenic highland town located near the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Accommodation: Lodge in Karatu.

Day 3: Ngorongoro Crater – Karatu

After an early breakfast, travel to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and descend into the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater for a full-day game drive.

The crater is one of Africa’s most remarkable wildlife destinations. Its grasslands, swamps, forests and seasonal water sources support a rich concentration of wildlife.

Look out for elephants, lions, zebras, wildebeest, buffaloes, hippos and hyenas. The crater is also one of Tanzania’s best places to look for the endangered black rhino.

Enjoy a picnic lunch inside the conservation area before continuing your wildlife exploration.

Later in the afternoon, return to your lodge in Karatu.

Accommodation: Lodge in Karatu.

Day 4: Karatu – Serengeti National Park

After breakfast, depart for Serengeti National Park, travelling through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and its dramatic highland scenery.

As you approach the Serengeti, the landscape opens into vast grasslands dotted with acacia trees and rocky kopjes. These plains support an extraordinary variety of wildlife, including lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, giraffes and large herds of grazing animals.

Enjoy a game drive as you proceed to your accommodation.

Your camp location will depend on the seasonal position of the Great Migration. Central Serengeti is an excellent year-round wildlife destination, while the northern and southern regions are important during different stages of the migration.

Accommodation: Tented camp or safari lodge in Serengeti.

Day 5: Full-Day Serengeti Great Migration Safari

Spend the day exploring the Serengeti in search of the Great Migration.

The migration is an extraordinary annual movement involving vast herds of wildebeest, zebras and gazelles travelling across the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem in search of fresh grazing and water.

Your guide will plan the game drive according to the season and the latest available information about herd movements.

Depending on the time of year, you may explore the southern plains, central Serengeti, Western Corridor or northern Serengeti. Each region offers different wildlife experiences.

Besides the migrating herds, look out for predators such as lions, cheetahs, hyenas and leopards.

Accommodation: Tented camp or safari lodge in Serengeti.

Day 6: Serengeti – Migration Exploration and Wildlife Viewing

Enjoy another full day in the Serengeti, giving you more opportunities to experience the migration and search for the park’s famous wildlife.

If travelling during the calving season, you may see young wildebeest being born on the southern plains, while predators patrol the surrounding grasslands.

During the northern migration season, your guide may take you towards the Mara River area in search of migrating herds and possible river crossings.

The migration is a natural event, and the exact timing and location of animal movements cannot be guaranteed. Spending several days in the park improves your opportunities to encounter the herds.

You may also choose an optional sunrise hot-air balloon safari, subject to availability and additional payment.

Accommodation: Tented camp or safari lodge in Serengeti.

Day 7: Serengeti – Ngorongoro Highlands – Karatu

After breakfast, enjoy a final morning game drive in the Serengeti before travelling towards the Ngorongoro Highlands.

Along the way, continue looking for wildlife as you leave the open plains and approach the scenic highlands.

Depending on your schedule, you may visit a Maasai community to learn about traditional lifestyles, pastoral culture and local customs. Community visits should be arranged respectfully through appropriate local providers.

Arrive in Karatu in the afternoon and relax at your lodge.

Accommodation: Lodge in Karatu.

Day 8: Karatu – Arusha – Flight to Kigali, Rwanda

After breakfast, transfer to Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport for your scheduled flight to Kigali, Rwanda. The exact departure airport and flight routing will depend on available services and your confirmed travel dates.

On arrival at Kigali International Airport, meet your Rwandan safari representative and transfer to your hotel.

Kigali is one of East Africa’s most attractive and well-organised cities, surrounded by green hills and known for its cultural heritage, welcoming atmosphere and cleanliness.

Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy a short city excursion or relax at your hotel.

Accommodation: Hotel in Kigali.

Day 9: Kigali – Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, depart Kigali for Volcanoes National Park in northwestern Rwanda.

The scenic drive takes approximately 2.5–3 hours, passing through beautiful countryside, terraced hillsides and rural communities.

Volcanoes National Park protects part of the Virunga Mountains, a chain of volcanic peaks shared by Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Its montane forests and bamboo vegetation provide habitat for endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys.

Arrive in Musanze and check in at your lodge. Your guide will brief you about the following day’s gorilla trekking experience.

Accommodation: Lodge near Volcanoes National Park.

Day 10: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Today is one of the main highlights of your Tanzania and Rwanda safari.

After an early breakfast, transfer to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters for registration and a briefing from park guides and rangers.

You will be assigned to a habituated mountain gorilla family before entering the forest with experienced trackers and guides.

The trek takes you through bamboo forests, thick vegetation and mountainous terrain in search of the gorillas. The duration varies depending on the location and movement of the assigned family.

Once you find the gorillas, you will normally be allowed one hour to observe and photograph them while following the park’s viewing rules.

Watching a mountain gorilla family feeding, grooming, resting and interacting in its natural habitat is an extraordinary experience.

After the trek, return to your lodge to relax and reflect on this unforgettable wildlife encounter.

Accommodation: Lodge near Volcanoes National Park.

Day 11: Golden Monkey Trekking and Cultural Experience

After breakfast, return to the park headquarters for a briefing before beginning your golden monkey trekking experience.

Golden monkeys are an endangered primate species found in the Virunga Mountains. They are known for their distinctive golden-orange fur and lively behaviour.

Accompanied by experienced guides, enter the bamboo forest in search of these fascinating primates. Watch as they move through the vegetation, feed on bamboo shoots and interact within their groups.

After the activity, you may visit a nearby cultural centre or community project to learn about traditional Rwandan lifestyles, local crafts and conservation initiatives.

The afternoon can be spent relaxing at your lodge or enjoying the beautiful views of the Virunga volcanoes.

Accommodation: Lodge near Volcanoes National Park.

Day 12: Volcanoes National Park – Lake Kivu

After breakfast, depart Musanze for Lake Kivu, one of Rwanda’s most beautiful natural attractions.

The journey takes you through rolling hills, villages and scenic countryside towards the lake. Depending on your chosen accommodation, you may stay around Rubavu or another lakeside location.

Lake Kivu is one of Africa’s Great Lakes and offers a peaceful contrast to the forests and wildlife destinations visited earlier in the journey.

On arrival, check in at your hotel and enjoy the afternoon at leisure. You may take a lakeside walk, enjoy the scenery or relax by the water.

Accommodation: Hotel or lakeside lodge near Lake Kivu.

Day 13: Lake Kivu – Boat Excursion and Relaxation

Enjoy a relaxed day exploring Lake Kivu and its surrounding communities.

Depending on your interests, you may take an optional boat excursion to explore the lake, visit nearby islands or enjoy the views of the surrounding hills.

You can also discover local fishing traditions, visit lakeside villages or enjoy a guided cultural experience.

For travellers seeking a slower pace, the day provides time to relax, enjoy the lake views and recover after the mountain gorilla and golden monkey trekking experiences.

Accommodation: Hotel or lakeside lodge near Lake Kivu.

Day 14: Lake Kivu – Nyungwe Forest National Park

After breakfast, depart Lake Kivu for Nyungwe Forest National Park in southwestern Rwanda.

The journey takes you through Rwanda’s beautiful countryside, with terraced hillsides, tea plantations and rural communities along the way.

Nyungwe is one of Africa’s oldest and most important montane rainforests. It protects a rich variety of wildlife, including chimpanzees, colobus monkeys and numerous bird species.

Arrive at your lodge near the forest and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Your guide will brief you about the following day’s chimpanzee tracking experience.

Accommodation: Lodge near Nyungwe Forest National Park.

Day 15: Chimpanzee Tracking in Nyungwe Forest

After an early breakfast, transfer to the designated park reception area for a briefing before entering Nyungwe Forest in search of chimpanzees.

Accompanied by experienced guides and trackers, walk through the dense rainforest while listening for chimpanzee calls and observing other forest wildlife.

Once the chimpanzees are located, enjoy the permitted viewing period as you watch them feed, groom, communicate and move through the forest canopy.

Chimpanzee tracking offers a different experience from mountain gorilla trekking, allowing visitors to observe another fascinating primate species in its natural environment.

Depending on your timing and activity arrangements, you may also enjoy a guided forest walk.

Accommodation: Lodge near Nyungwe Forest National Park.

Day 16: Nyungwe Canopy Walk and Forest Experience

Today, discover another special feature of Nyungwe Forest National Park: the famous Canopy Walkway.

The walkway is suspended high above the forest floor, offering spectacular views of the rainforest canopy, valleys and surrounding mountains.

Walk along the elevated bridge with an experienced guide and look out for birds, butterflies and monkeys moving through the forest vegetation.

You may also choose an additional guided nature walk or visit a nearby tea plantation to learn about Rwanda’s tea-growing industry.

The day provides an excellent opportunity to appreciate the biodiversity and scenery of one of East Africa’s most important forest ecosystems.

Accommodation: Lodge near Nyungwe Forest National Park.

Day 17: Nyungwe Forest – Kigali

After breakfast, depart Nyungwe for Kigali.

The drive takes you through Rwanda’s scenic southern and central regions, passing green hills, villages and agricultural landscapes.

Depending on your interests and available time, you may stop for photography, visit a local market or enjoy a short cultural experience along the way.

Arrive in Kigali in the afternoon and check in at your hotel.

If time permits, you may visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, an important place of remembrance and education about Rwanda’s history. Visitors should allow sufficient time for a respectful visit.

Accommodation: Hotel in Kigali.

Day 18: Departure from Rwanda

After breakfast, transfer to Kigali International Airport for your international departure.

This marks the end of your 18-day Tanzania Great Migration and Rwanda gorilla trekking safari, combining the extraordinary wildlife of the Serengeti with unforgettable primate encounters in Rwanda.

Best Time for the Tanzania and Rwanda Safari

This safari can be organised throughout the year, but the best travel period depends on the stage of the Great Migration you wish to experience and your preferred conditions for trekking in Rwanda.

January to March: Serengeti Calving Season

The southern Serengeti and Ndutu plains are important during the calving season, when large numbers of wildebeest give birth.

This period offers opportunities to see newborn wildlife, predators and dramatic interactions across the open plains.

Rwanda’s national parks can also be visited during these months, although rain may affect forest trail conditions.

April to June: Green Season and Forest Experiences

The migration generally moves away from the southern plains towards central Serengeti and the Western Corridor.

This period can offer beautiful green landscapes, fewer visitors in some areas and rewarding wildlife viewing, although heavier rains may affect road conditions.

July to October: Northern Serengeti and Gorilla Trekking

This is a popular period for travellers hoping to see migrating herds in northern Serengeti, including possible Mara River crossings.

Rwanda’s drier months are also generally favourable for gorilla trekking and other outdoor activities, although rain can occur at any time.

November to December: Migration Towards Southern Serengeti

As seasonal rains begin, migrating herds generally move southwards through central Serengeti towards the southern plains.

This period can offer beautiful scenery and excellent photography opportunities.

Rwanda’s forests remain open for trekking, but visitors should be prepared for occasional rain and muddy trails.

Important: The Great Migration follows rainfall and grazing conditions, so exact herd locations and river crossings cannot be guaranteed. We recommend planning your Tanzania accommodation around the expected migration location and confirming Rwanda trekking permits before finalising the travel dates.

Where to See the Great Migration in Tanzania

The Great Migration is a continuous movement across the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem rather than a single event taking place in one location.

Your safari accommodation should be selected according to the expected position of the herds.

• Ndutu and Southern Serengeti: Particularly important during the January–March calving season.
• Central Serengeti: A valuable year-round wildlife destination and an important area during migration movements.
• Western Corridor: Often visited as herds move towards the Grumeti region.
• Northern Serengeti: A key destination during the northern migration season, especially when herds gather around the Mara River.

A flexible itinerary and experienced safari guide can help you explore the most suitable region during your travel dates.

Rwanda Gorilla Trekking and Primate Experiences

Rwanda offers several outstanding primate experiences that complement Tanzania’s wildlife safari.

Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park is one of the world’s most famous mountain gorilla trekking destinations. Visitors can join guided treks through the Virunga Mountains to observe habituated gorilla families in their natural forest habitat.

Golden Monkey Tracking

The bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park are home to endangered golden monkeys. Tracking these active primates offers a different but equally rewarding forest experience.

Chimpanzee Tracking in Nyungwe Forest

Nyungwe Forest protects chimpanzees and several other primate species. Guided tracking excursions allow visitors to explore the rainforest and observe chimpanzees in their natural environment.

Nyungwe Canopy Walkway

The Canopy Walkway offers an elevated perspective of the rainforest, with spectacular views of the forest canopy, valleys and surrounding mountains.

Accommodation for the Tanzania and Rwanda Safari

Accommodation can be selected according to your budget, preferred comfort level and travel style.

Tanzania Accommodation

Possible accommodation categories include:

• Luxury safari lodges and tented camps in Tarangire.
• Mid-range lodges around Karatu and Ngorongoro.
• Luxury and mid-range tented camps in central Serengeti.
• Seasonal camps in northern or southern Serengeti, depending on migration movements.

Rwanda Accommodation

Possible accommodation categories include:

• Hotels and guesthouses in Kigali.
• Luxury and mid-range gorilla lodges near Volcanoes National Park.
• Hotels and lakeside lodges around Lake Kivu.
• Forest lodges and boutique hotels near Nyungwe.

The final accommodation selection should match your gorilla trekking location, migration season, budget and preferred level of comfort.

What Is Included in the Safari Package?

A private safari package can be arranged to include:

• Airport transfers in Tanzania and Rwanda.
• Private 4×4 safari vehicle in Tanzania.
• Professional English-speaking safari guides.
• Accommodation for 17 nights.
• Meals as specified in the final itinerary.
• Park entry and conservation fees as quoted.
• Ngorongoro Crater service fees as quoted.
• Rwanda mountain gorilla trekking permit.
• Golden monkey tracking permit, if included in the confirmed package.
• Nyungwe chimpanzee tracking permit, if included in the confirmed package.
• Nyungwe Canopy Walkway activity, if included in the confirmed package.
• Game drives in Tanzania’s national parks.
• Transfers between safari destinations.
• Regional flights specifically listed in the quotation.
• Bottled drinking water during scheduled safari activities.

What Is Not Included?

Unless specifically stated in your quotation, the following may be excluded:

• International flights to Tanzania and from Rwanda.
• Regional flights not listed in the package.
• Visa fees for Tanzania and Rwanda.
• Travel insurance.
• Optional hot-air balloon safari.
• Personal expenses, laundry and alcoholic beverages.
• Tips and gratuities.
• Optional cultural activities.
• Additional activities not included in the confirmed itinerary.

Important Travel and Booking Information

Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Permits

Gorilla trekking permits are limited and should be secured before confirming the final accommodation and travel arrangements.

Permit prices depend on the visitor category and applicable Rwanda Development Board tariff. Confirm the current price, availability and booking conditions with the relevant authorities or your licensed safari operator before making payment.

Golden Monkey and Chimpanzee Tracking

Golden monkey tracking in Volcanoes National Park and chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe require separate activity arrangements. Availability and applicable fees should be confirmed when planning your safari.

Flights Between Tanzania and Rwanda

The itinerary includes a flight from Tanzania to Kigali. Flight availability, departure airport, baggage allowance and routing depend on your travel dates.

The flight may involve a direct service or a connection, depending on the available airline schedules. Confirm the flight arrangements before finalising the safari itinerary.

Migration Viewing

The Great Migration is a natural wildlife movement influenced by rainfall, grazing and water availability. No safari company can guarantee a specific river crossing or the exact location of the herds on a particular date.

We recommend spending at least three nights in the Serengeti and selecting the camp according to the expected seasonal movement.

Travel Documents

Travellers should check passport validity, visa requirements, vaccination guidance and entry conditions for both countries before departure. Requirements depend on nationality and travel history.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I combine Rwanda gorilla trekking with Tanzania’s Great Migration?

Yes. Tanzania and Rwanda can be combined in one safari. You can explore the Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Tarangire in Tanzania before flying to Kigali for mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.

2. How many days do I need for Tanzania and Rwanda?

An 18-day itinerary provides a good balance of wildlife viewing and primate experiences. It allows several days in the Serengeti, visits to Ngorongoro and Tarangire, and time for gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking and chimpanzee tracking in Rwanda.

3. When is the best time to see the Great Migration in Tanzania?

January to March is an important period for calving in the southern Serengeti, while July to October is popular for northern Serengeti migration viewing and possible Mara River crossings. The herds move throughout the year.

4. Can I see mountain gorillas in Tanzania?

No. Tanzania is not a mountain gorilla trekking destination. Mountain gorillas are found in Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. This itinerary combines Tanzania’s wildlife safari with gorilla trekking in Rwanda.

5. How difficult is gorilla trekking in Rwanda?

Gorilla trekking can be physically demanding because trails pass through steep, dense and sometimes muddy mountain forest. Trek duration varies depending on the location of the gorilla family. A reasonable level of fitness is recommended.

6. How long do visitors spend with mountain gorillas?

Standard gorilla trekking normally allows visitors to spend one hour observing the assigned habituated gorilla family after locating it, subject to park rules.

7. Can I see the Big Five during this safari?

Yes. Tanzania’s Serengeti and Ngorongoro provide opportunities to see lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes and rhinos. Wildlife sightings depend on natural conditions and animal movements.

8. Is golden monkey tracking included in this itinerary?

Yes. The itinerary includes golden monkey tracking in Volcanoes National Park. This activity offers an opportunity to observe these endangered primates in the bamboo forests of the Virunga Mountains.

9. Can I track chimpanzees in Rwanda?

Yes. Nyungwe Forest National Park is one of Rwanda’s leading chimpanzee tracking destinations. The itinerary includes a guided chimpanzee tracking experience.

10. Can I customise the itinerary?

Yes. The itinerary can be adjusted according to your travel dates, budget, accommodation preferences and preferred migration location. You can add more time in the Serengeti, extend your stay around Lake Kivu or include additional activities in Rwanda.

11. Is this safari suitable for families?

Yes, but gorilla, golden monkey and chimpanzee tracking have age restrictions and physical requirements. Mountain gorilla trekking in Rwanda generally requires participants to be at least 15 years old. Confirm the current age requirements for all activities before booking.

12. Can I travel from Tanzania to Rwanda by road?

It is possible to organise regional overland travel, but it involves long distances and border arrangements. For this 18-day itinerary, flying from Tanzania to Kigali is generally more practical and saves valuable safari time.

13. What type of vehicle is used for the safari?

In Tanzania, a private 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof is recommended for game viewing. In Rwanda, a suitable 4×4 safari vehicle is used for transfers and travel between national parks.

Book Your Tanzania Great Migration and Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari

Experience two of East Africa’s most extraordinary wildlife destinations on one unforgettable journey. From watching thousands of wildebeest move across the Serengeti plains to standing in the presence of endangered mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, this safari brings together exceptional wildlife encounters, beautiful landscapes and authentic cultural experiences.

At Self drive Dar es Salaam, we can organise your private Tanzania and Rwanda safari, including gorilla trekking permits, Serengeti migration accommodation, park activities, regional flights and ground transportation.

Whether you prefer luxury lodges, mid-range tented camps or a more adventurous safari experience, our team can tailor the itinerary to your travel dates and budget.

Contact Self drive Dar es Salaam today to plan your 18-day Tanzania Great Migration and Rwanda gorilla trekking safari.