Speak to an Africa Destination Specialist
Experience the best of Tanzania's parks and trek with mountain gorillas in Rwanda
Days: 11 | From: $17,250/per person
- Includes accommodations at luxury camps and lodges perfectly situated for the best possible migration experience
- Expert naturalist guides and custom-built safari vehicles
- A range of unique, optional safari activities included at each lodge
- Experience four world class safari destinations for ultimate game viewing
- Come face to face with the world's last remaining mountain gorillas
Embark on the ultimate African journey, where you'll traverse the iconic landscapes of the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti, and encounter the majestic mountain gorillas in Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park—all in unparalleled luxury and style.
We tailor itineraries to your dates and interests, adjusting hotels, excursions and length as desired
Outstanding Service and Quality
Find out why our travelers rate us 5-stars
OVERVIEW
Arusha
1 night: Discover the gateway to safari, nestled in the shadow of Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru
Tarangire National Park
2 nights: Experience some of Tanzania's best game viewing of baobabs and Elephant amidst the varied flora & fauna
Ngorongoro Crater
2 nights: Descend the steep walls of this ancient caldera to experience the exceptional game viewing below and the lush green highlands above
Serengeti National Park
3 nights: Experience some of the best safari on earth, including the annual Great Migration from your exclusively positioned camp
Kigali, Rwanda
1 nights: Explore Kigali with a private guide including a historical tour of the genocide memorial
Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
2 nights: Get up close and personal with the world's last remaining mountain gorillas in their natural habitat
All itineraries are fully customizable. We will send you a personalized variation that reflects your interests and travel dates at no extra cost. Call to discuss your travel plans with one of our Specialists who know this region firsthand.
DETAILED ITINERARY
DAY 1: WELCOME TO TANZANIA
Arrive at Arusha
A bustling city and the gateway to some of the continent’s best safari destinations. Your private guide will be waiting to transfer you to your boutique hotel for the evening.
ACCOMMODATION:
ARUSHA COFFEE LODGE
Featuring 30 charming Plantation Houses scattered amidst lush coffee fields, Arusha Coffee Lodge embodies the essence of relaxation, inspired by the original landowner's residence dating back to the early 1900s.
The main Plantation House hosts an 'a la carte' restaurant, a cozy café bistro, and a welcoming lounge, each adorned with crackling open log fires to ward off the evening chill.
Featuring an enclosed swimming pool, a charming garden terrace, and sprawling coffee plantations,
INCLUDES: DINNER
DAY 2: FROM ARUSHA TO TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK
Set out from Arusha with your private guide to Tarangire National Park, where open grasslands, acacia trees, and the Tarangire River paint the wild landscape.
Spend the afternoon on a game drive in search of eland, oryx, wildebeests, zebras, and a large elephant population. Keep your eyes trained for hartebeests, gazelles, and exotic birds like the bateleur and martial eagle.
In the evening, return to your lodge for a welcome dinner.
ACCOMMODATION:
TARANGIRE TREETOPS LODGE
2 NIGHTS
Nestled within a private game reserve bordering Tarangire National Park and the Maasai Steppe, Tarangire Treetops offers a secluded retreat with breathtaking views of Lake Manyara, Mount Kilimanjaro, and the stunning Rift Valley wall. The 20 treehouses, uniquely furnished with a blend of natural materials and modern décor, boast expansive private balconies providing magnificent vistas. Each sumptuous suite features an ensuite bathroom with a double shower, and private balcony.
INCLUDES: BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND DINNER
DAY 3: TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK
Explore Tarangire National Park in your private safari vehicle. Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives. Your private guide will use their years of experience to locate the most exotic species.
ACCOMMODATION:
TARANGIRE TREETOPS LODGE
INCLUDES: BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND DINNER
DAY 4: NGORONGORO HIGHLANDS
As you cross the Great Rift Valley, make a stop for a market visit in Mto wa Mbu, where stalls brim with vibrant local produce. Then, experience the village from a different perspective as you "Ride Like a Local" on a tuk-tuk, observing the local community and rice fields as you go.
Later, arrive at the natural amphitheater of Ngorongoro Crater, a 2,000-foot-deep caldera. This crater is a fascinating microcosm of East African wildlife, including buffalo, flamingos, lions, and leopards. Climb the outer wall, passing through dense vegetation until you reach a breathtaking view across the crater floor. Upon arrival at your tented lodge, nestled on the crater rim with easy access to the crater floor, take the afternoon to relax on your veranda and enjoy the panoramic natural wonderland.
ACCOMMODATION:
MELIA NGORONGORO LODGE
2 NIGHTS
Nestled amidst the stunning landscapes of Tanzania's Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Meliá Ngorongoro Lodge offers a serene escape surrounded by natural beauty. Perched on the rim of the iconic Ngorongoro Crater, the lodge provides breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness.
Drawing inspiration from both modern elegance and traditional African design, the lodge's architecture creates a welcoming ambiance. The spacious rooms and suites blend contemporary comforts with elements reflecting the region's cultural heritage.
INCLUDES: BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND DINNER
DAY 5: EXPLORE THE NGORONGORO CRATER
Descend the steep walls of the Ngorongoro Crater in your private safari vehicle. This spectacular caldera is almost three million years old and was formed as the result of a gigantic explosion that caused the original volcano to collapse in on itself, creating the massive crater we see today. Twelve miles wide and approximately 2,000 feet deep, the journey from the edge of the rim to the bottom of the floor takes roughly 45 minutes by vehicle.
The crater floor has an abundance of wildlife, all taking advantage of the fertile grazing and roughly 25,000 animals call this place home. Flocks of flamingos, crowded hippo pools, herds of buffalo, giant tusker elephants, solitary predators, and even a few very rare black rhino make this one of the most interesting safari landscapes on earth.
ACCOMMODATION:
MELIA NGORONGORO LODGE
INCLUDES: BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND DINNER
DAY 6: SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK
Depart for the fabled Serengeti National Park and settle into your lodge. Then, set out on the boundless Serengeti, one of the oldest and least changed ecosystems on earth, where the circle of life plays out every day, as it has for eons. It is home to one of the world’s largest concentrations of wildlife, with lions, hyenas, and leopards all endemic. The region also hosts the spectacular Great Migration, when a flurry of wildebeests and zebras arrive in search of grass and water. It is an epic spectacle you may witness, depending on your choice of departure.
This evening, as the equatorial sun hangs low over the plains, take a moment to sip a cocktail and reflect on the majesty of Africa during a relaxing Scenic Sundowner experience.
ACCOMMODATION:
FOUR SEASONS SERENGETI
INCLUDES: BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND DINNER
DAY 7: SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK
Rise with the sun to venture out on morning and afternoon game drives in the protected Serengeti refuge, where flowing rivers support a plethora of species. In addition to the “Big Five” (lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinos), keep your camera handy for a cheetah bolting after a fleet of gazelle. Enjoy ideal game viewing during your time in the bush as your highly experienced driver-guide strives continually to keep you in the heart of the action. Tonight, gather for a memorable farewell dinner.
ACCOMMODATION:
FOUR SEASONS SERENGETI
INCLUDES: BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND DINNER
DAY 8: FLY TO KIGALI
Take off for Kigali, the capital of Rwanda and gateway to the jungle forests of the endangered mountain goriillas.
Queen & York representatives will greet you on landing and provide transfer to your hotel
ACCOMMODATIONS:
KIGALI SERENA HOTEL
Nestled on a charming boulevard in the heart of Kigali, just a brief stroll from the central business district. Offering a fusion of Rwandan heritage and contemporary luxury.
INCLUDES: DINNER
DAY 9: KIGALI TO VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK
Begin with a city tour of Kigali, including a visit to the Genocide Memorial site. Learn about Rwanda’s history from pre-colonial times to the 1994 genocide and how Rwanda has dealt with that past. Continue the tour and witness the new developments in Rwanda; the recovery has been incredible, a testament to humankind’s resilience.
In the afternoon, drive to Musanze in the northwest part of Rwanda, the main base town for Gorilla tracking. The drive is through beautiful rolling hills and majestic scenery
Volcanoes National Park is one of the oldest in Africa, receiving its first protections in 1925. Framed by the stunning backdrop the Rwenzori Mountain Range and five of the eight Virunga volcanoes, entering this park feels like going back in time. This park was also famously the base of American naturalist Dian Fossey from 1967, as she conducted vital research on the gorillas of the region. She is widely credited with saving species from extinction by shining a light on their plight at the time, making this park a true conservation success story.
ACCOMMODATION:
AMAREMBO LODGE
A place where the wild beauty of nature converges with unmatched luxury. Set amidst the lush greenery and majestic mountains of the Virunga region, this lodge presents an extraordinary opportunity to immerse yourself in both the wonders of untamed landscapes and the comforts of contemporary hospitality.
INCLUDES: BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER
DAY 10: GORILLA TREKKING
Trek into the jungle After your morning wake-up call and breakfast, you will transfer by road in a 4WD Land Cruiser and report to the park headquarters for gorilla trekking formalities and a briefing by the Volcanoes National Park guides on gorilla etiquette. Park rangers have already departed to locate the habituated gorilla groups accessible to visitors. You will be assigned to a specific group of gorillas, with a maximum of 8 visitors per gorilla family.
There are no words to describe the thrill of recognition attached to staring deep into the liquid brown eyes of these gentle giants, which share some 97% of their genes with humans. After locating your assigned Gorilla group, you will spend one hour in their company before retracing your steps back down the volcano slopes. Lunch will be served at your lodge.
In the afternoon, it's customary for travelers to pay a visit to Gorilla Guardians Village, a cultural hub primarily run by former poachers turned conservationists.
ACCOMMODATION:
AMAREMBO LODGE
INCLUDES: BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER
DAY 11: FAREWELL TO AFRICA
Enjoy a final morning at your lodge before the scenic drive back to Kigali for your departing flights
- Choose from a selection of carefully curated lodges and safari camps to ensure this trip fits your exact travel style
- Consult with your Queen & York Destination Specialist and expand your trip with another safari destination in either country for the most in-depth experience
- Enhance your journey by spending some time in neighboring Tanzania, where you can explore the iconic Serengeti, the majestic Ngorongoro Crater, and the towering Mount Kilimanjaro
- Engage with local communities in an authentic and culturally sensitive way with a visit to a local project or village and see the benefits of tourism first hand
- Arrange a hot air balloon flight over the plains of the Maasai Mara for a completely unique game viewing experience, and touch down to a champagne breakfast in the bush
- Add a beach extension and spend some relaxing downtime on the pristine white sand of the Indian Ocean. The Kenyan coast, Zanzibar, and Seychelles are all a short flight away
Contact us to learn about more options for designing and customizing your trip
- A fully customized itinerary based on your interests and schedule
- 24/7 in-destination support from our local office
- All accommodation stays, tours and transfers for scheduled activities are covered, unless otherwise listed in the itinerary
- A private driver for tours and transfers (in some countries our local private guides also act as your driver – your Destination Specialist will discuss with you if applicable)
- Local private guides or shared tours that take you through your itinerary highlights and experiences, your final itinerary will confirm the type of tour
- A greeting at the airport or at your accommodation from one of our representatives – your Destination Specialist will confirm your meet and greet location with you
- Breakfast each morning at your hotel, plus any meals indicated in the itinerary
- One suitcase and one carry-on per person for trip transfers
- Your international airfare – please do let your Destination Specialist know if you’d like to receive pricing from us
- Travel insurance, which we offer and can be purchased after you’ve booked your tour
- Visas (unless noted)
- Tips for services and experiences
- Lunches, dinners and drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), unless specified in the itinerary
- Excess baggage charges, and where applicable, baggage not included in your fare
- Personal charges such as laundry, phone calls, SIM cards or room service
- Early check-in or late check-out from hotels (unless otherwise specified)
- Additional sightseeing, activities and experiences outside of your itinerary
- Optional enhancements like room or flight upgrades, or local camera or video fees
- Passport fees, immunization costs, and local departure taxes (when applicable)
Packing for a trip to Tanzania and Rwanda requires consideration of various factors, including the duration of your stay, the activities you plan to engage in, and the season. Here’s a list of essential items you might need:
- Clothing:
- Lightweight and breathable clothing (shorts, T-shirts, lightweight pants) for hot weather.
- Long-sleeved shirts and pants for protection against mosquitoes and sunburn.
- Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots.
- Sandals or flip-flops.
- Hat or cap for sun protection.
- Swimwear if you plan to visit beaches or swimming pools.
- Safari clothing (neutral colors for blending in with the environment).
- Outerwear:
- Lightweight rain jacket or poncho for unexpected showers.
- Fleece or sweater for cooler evenings, especially if you’re visiting higher altitudes.
- Health and Personal Care:
- Sunscreen with high SPF.
- Insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin.
- Basic first aid kit including any prescription medications.
- Antidiarrheal medication and rehydration salts.
- Hand sanitizer or wet wipes for hygiene.
- Personal toiletries.
- Documentation:
- Passport with at least six months validity.
- Visa (if required).
- Travel insurance documents.
- Copies of important documents (passport, travel insurance, itinerary) stored electronically and in hard copy.
- Electronics:
- Camera or smartphone for capturing memories.
- Portable power bank for charging devices on the go.
- Adapter plug if needed (Kenya uses Type G sockets).
- Miscellaneous:
- Money belt or secure pouch for carrying valuables.
- Backpack or daypack for day trips.
- Water bottle with a filter or purifier.
- Binoculars for wildlife viewing.
- Flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries.
- Travel guidebook or maps.
- Optional Items:
- Travel pillow and blanket for long journeys.
- Snacks for long drives or hikes.
- Choose from a selection of carefully curated lodges and safari camps to ensure this trip fits your exact travel style
- Consult with your Queen & York Destination Specialist and expand your trip with another safari destination in either country for the most in-depth experience
- Enhance your journey by spending some time in neighboring Tanzania, where you can explore the iconic Serengeti, the majestic Ngorongoro Crater, and the towering Mount Kilimanjaro
- Engage with local communities in an authentic and culturally sensitive way with a visit to a local project or village and see the benefits of tourism first hand
- Arrange a hot air balloon flight over the plains of the Maasai Mara for a completely unique game viewing experience, and touch down to a champagne breakfast in the bush
- Add a beach extension and spend some relaxing downtime on the pristine white sand of the Indian Ocean. The Kenyan coast, Zanzibar, and Seychelles are all a short flight away
Contact us to learn about more options for designing and customizing your trip
- A fully customized itinerary based on your interests and schedule
- 24/7 in-destination support from our local office
- All accommodation stays, tours and transfers for scheduled activities are covered, unless otherwise listed in the itinerary
- A private driver for tours and transfers (in some countries our local private guides also act as your driver – your Destination Expert will discuss with you if applicable)
- Local private guides or shared tours that take you through your itinerary highlights and experiences, your final itinerary will confirm the type of tour
- A greeting at the airport or at your accommodation from one of our representatives – your expert will confirm your meet and greet location with you
- Breakfast each morning at your hotel, plus any meals indicated in the itinerary
- One suitcase and one carry-on per person for trip transfers
- Your international airfare – please do let your expert know if you’d like to receive pricing from our Air Team
- Travel insurance, which we offer and can be purchased after you’ve booked your tour
- Visas (unless noted)
- Tips for services and experiences
- Lunches, dinners and drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), unless specified in the itinerary
- Excess baggage charges, and where applicable, baggage not included in your fare
- Personal charges such as laundry, phone calls, SIM cards or room service
- Early check-in or late check-out from hotels (unless otherwise specified)
- Additional sightseeing, activities and experiences outside of your itinerary
- Optional enhancements like room or flight upgrades, or local camera or video fees
- Passport fees, immunization costs, and local departure taxes (when applicable)
Packing for a trip to Kenya requires consideration of various factors, including the duration of your stay, the activities you plan to engage in, and the season. Here’s a list of essential items you might need:
- Clothing:
- Lightweight and breathable clothing (shorts, T-shirts, lightweight pants) for hot weather.
- Long-sleeved shirts and pants for protection against mosquitoes and sunburn.
- Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots.
- Sandals or flip-flops.
- Hat or cap for sun protection.
- Swimwear if you plan to visit beaches or swimming pools.
- Safari clothing (neutral colors for blending in with the environment).
- Outerwear:
- Lightweight rain jacket or poncho for unexpected showers.
- Fleece or sweater for cooler evenings, especially if you’re visiting higher altitudes.
- Health and Personal Care:
- Sunscreen with high SPF.
- Insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin.
- Basic first aid kit including any prescription medications.
- Antidiarrheal medication and rehydration salts.
- Hand sanitizer or wet wipes for hygiene.
- Personal toiletries.
- Documentation:
- Passport with at least six months validity.
- Visa (if required).
- Travel insurance documents.
- Copies of important documents (passport, travel insurance, itinerary) stored electronically and in hard copy.
- Electronics:
- Camera or smartphone for capturing memories.
- Portable power bank for charging devices on the go.
- Adapter plug if needed (Kenya uses Type G sockets).
- Miscellaneous:
- Money belt or secure pouch for carrying valuables.
- Backpack or daypack for day trips.
- Water bottle with a filter or purifier.
- Binoculars for wildlife viewing.
- Flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries.
- Travel guidebook or maps.
- Optional Items:
- Travel pillow and blanket for long journeys.
- Snacks for long drives or hikes.
Need More Inspiration?
Contact us to start planning your journey today
Contact us to start planning your journey today
Speak to one of our Africa Destination Specialists to start planning a personalized journey. Every part of your journey can be customized to suit your preferences, including the activities, accommodations, the length of your stay, and the destinations you wish to explore
Why Travel with Queen & York?
Bespoke Tailored Journeys
Every itinerary we craft is as unique as you are. Experience travel that's meticulously tailored to your preferences, ensuring your journey is nothing short of extraordinary
Guided by Local Experts
Our local guides aren't just knowledgeable: they offer deeper insights and encounters in every locale
Hassle-Free Expert Planning
Leave the planning to us and focus on what matters most - enjoying your adventure. We handle all the details, ensuring a flawless and memorable trip
24/7 support
Each booking includes 24/7 support, in case anything comes up
