Tanzania & Rwanda’s Wildlife Wonders
From the Plains to the Peaks
This East African safari blends Tanzania’s sweeping savannas with Rwanda’s mist‑shrouded Virunga Mountains. Spot the Big Five across the Serengeti plains and Ngorongoro Crater, then embark on a once‑in‑a‑lifetime gorilla trekking experience with mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.
Itinerary
Days of Adventure
DAY 1
Arrive in Arusha, Tanzania
Your guide will meet you at Kilimanjaro International Airport via your Delta/KLM flight and escort you to tonight’s accommodations in Arusha.
As local Tanzanians, your guides know the country with unrivaled familiarity, so you’ll be in good hands from the moment you land.
OVERNIGHT
Gran Melia Arusha
Set on a landscaped coffee and tea plantation, the Gran Meliá is an oasis of serenity amidst the bustling city of Arusha. Enjoy spectacular views of Mount Meru, heated outdoor pool, gym and spa services and a private, furnished outdoor balcony.
DAYS 2–3
Eastern Serengeti Nature Refuge
Take a short, scenic flight to a private nature refuge in the Eastern Serengeti.
Walk through the refuge by day to experience the land as it was thousands of years ago, listen to a Maasai storyteller share the legends of her people and spot nocturnal wildlife by moonlight on a night drive.
OVERNIGHT
Eastern Serengeti Nyumba
Wake up to the sweeping views of the Eastern Serengeti ecosystem’s remote savanna. After a day of adventure, you’ll appreciate the comforts of the camp—and a hot shower in your en suite bathroom. Enjoy a hearty dinner prepared fresh from local ingredients, and discuss the day’s excitement with your fellow travelers and attentive staff.
DAYS 4–6
Serengeti National Park
Head for the iconic Serengeti, where acacia trees and granite kopjes dot the seas of waving grass.
The Serengeti offers everyday opportunities to spot Tanzania’s most impressive wildlife—including big cats—and witness dramatic moments in the Great Migration of wildebeest and zebras.
OVERNIGHT
Serengeti Nyumbas
These seasonal camps are strategically located across the Serengeti to place you at the center of migrating wildlife. Relax with spacious tents, comfortable beds and en suite bathrooms, as sounds of the surrounding wildlife fill your ears. And no need to worry—with eco-friendly features like solar lighting, your stay won’t harm the landscape.
DAYS 7–9
Ngorongoro Crater & Highlands
Another short flight will take you to the Ngorongoro area. Just 10 miles wide, Ngorongoro Crater was formed from a collapsed volcano.
It’s now a self-sustaining ecosystem with the densest predator population in all of Africa. Explore the highlands by day with their lush, rolling hills and indulge at Gibb’s Farm by night. One of Travel + Leisure’s Best Safari Lodges in Africa, Gibb’s Farm is an 80-year-old working coffee estate offering farm-to-table dining, luxurious rooms with private verandas, and optional spa services.
OVERNIGHT
Gibb’s Farm
Fresh food, fresh air and fresh perspectives abound at Gibb’s Farm (a three-time Travel + Leisure Top Safari Lodge in Africa). After full days of exploration, relax in your eco-friendly cottage, set amidst the farm’s lush gardens. Enjoy an outdoor shower, in-room spa treatment, farm-to-table dining, and learn about local culture from the attentive staff.
DAY 10
Kigali, Rwanda
After your safari adventure in Tanzania, a short flight brings you to Kigali, the vibrant capital of Rwanda.
Set among rolling hills, Kigali is known for its cleanliness, safety, and forward-looking spirit. The city offers a thoughtful blend of history and modern culture—visit the powerful Kigali Genocide Memorial, stroll through colorful markets, or enjoy the thriving culinary scene. It’s the perfect gateway to Rwanda’s rich landscapes and unforgettable wildlife experiences.
OVERNIGHT
Kigali Serenea
Set in the heart of Kigali, Serena Hotel offers a tranquil retreat with elegant rooms, lush gardens, and a serene pool area. This upscale hotel features Rwandan-inspired decor, excellent dining, and warm hospitality. It’s the perfect base for exploring the city, including the nearby Kigali Genocide Memorial and local markets.
DAYS 11–13
Volcanoes National PArk
Stay in the lush foothills of Rwanda’s Virunga Volcanoes, where mist-covered forests and volcanic peaks create a breathtaking backdrop. From here, set out on unforgettable treks to observe endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat—a rare and deeply moving experience.
OVERNIGHT
Virunga Lodge
Perched high on a ridge with sweeping views of the Virunga Volcanoes and twin lakes, Virunga Lodge is one of Rwanda’s most iconic eco-lodges. Combining rustic charm with modern comfort, it offers warm hospitality, spacious cottages, and stunning scenery at every turn. It’s the perfect base for gorilla trekking and immersing yourself in the natural beauty and culture of the region.
DAY 14
Depart Kigali
Head to Kigali to relax in a day room at Kigali Serena before your flight home.
Interested in this Safari?
Take advantage of a limited-time $500 savings on this itinerary.
Availability is limited—don’t miss out.
Add-On
Fly over the Serengeti
Prepare for Takeoff
Enjoy a bird’s eye view, a hearty breakfast and a glass of champagne during a morning hot air balloon tour. Your entire trip will be unforgettable, but this will bring it to new heights.
Call for current pricing. Advanced reservations required.
Limited-time offer
Save $500 Per Person on This itinerary
Call us or complete the form below to connect with a safari consultant and secure this limited-time offer before it expires on March 11, 2026.
*Offer valid for a $500 credit per person on 2027 Tembo Explorer Safari and Savannas & Silverbacks Safari departures. Offer expires 03/11/26 at 11:59 PM. Valid on new bookings only and not combinable with other offers. Prices and terms are subject to change. Additional exclusions may apply. Thomson Safaris does not control government fees, including Tanzanian value-added tax, national park fees, or other costs outside our control.
Trip Extensions
Enhance Your Safari
Zanzibar
From $2,500 per person
Zanzibar invites you to turquoise waters, white sands, and vibrant culture. Explore Stone Town’s lively markets, unwind on serene beaches, and uncover the island’s rich history.
Zanzibar
Indulge in Relaxation
Snorkel or dive in the clear Indian Ocean, or sunbathe on the white-sand beaches. Explore bustling markets in Stone Town and visit historic slave and spice trade sites.
Recommended Stay: 5 days, including 3 nights on the beach and 1 night in iconic Stone Town
From: $2,500 per person
Cape Town
Call for current pricing.
With Table Mountain as its backdrop, Cape Town offers stunning vineyards, fine dining, penguin sightings at Boulders Beach, and a visit to historic Robben Island. This vibrant city is sure to inspire.
Cape Town
Vineyards, Views and Fine Dining
Table Mountain National Park provides the dramatic backdrop to this vibrant, colorful city. Explore South Africa’s best vineyards, enjoy fine dining in town, observe penguins at the famous Boulders Beach, and visit Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela’s—and South Africa’s—struggles echo poignantly. A visit to Cape Town is sure to inspire and delight.
Call for current pricing.
Ruaha National Park
From: $4,500 per person
Journey to the remote Ruaha National Park, a hidden gem in East Africa. Track elusive wildlife by day and enjoy torch-lit dinners by the river at night.
Ruaha National Park
Track African Wildlife
Fly to the remote wilderness of Ruaha National Park, one of the least explored parks in East Africa, where tracking is as much an art form as a practical pursuit. Explore uncharted territory by day, spotting leopard, cheetah and wild dog, and savor torch-lit dinners on the banks of the river by night.
Recommended Stay: 4–5 days
From: $4,500 per person
Nyerere National Park
From: $5,500 per person
Explore the Rufiji River’s wildlife by boat, and on foot. Spot elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and rare species like Greater Kudu on the plains.
Nyerere National Park
Traverse Vast Wilderness
Take a scenic flight to one of Africa’s largest national parks (formerly Selous Game Reserve), where you’ll view the Rufiji River’s wildlife. Travel by 4-wheel drive, boat and foot and spot elephants, hippos, and crocodiles in the riverine environment, while rare species like Greater Kudu can be spotted on the plains.
Recommended Stay: 4 days
From: $5,500 per person
Mahale Mtn. National Park
From: $6,500 per person
Fly to Lake Tanganyika’s shores and take a boat to your secluded camp. Hike the Mahale Mountains to observe chimpanzees in their natural habitat.
Mahale Mtn. National Park
Encounter Playful Chimps
Fly to the shores of Lake Tanganyika, along the westernmost border of Tanzania, and take a short boat ride to your exclusive camp, a luxurious hideaway tucked along the shore. Hike the misty slopes of the Mahale Mountains in search of free-roaming chimpanzees, grooming, feeding and playing.
Recommended Stay: 4 to 5 days
From: $6,500 per person
