This 10-day Rwanda Gorillas and Kilimanjaro Hike Safari combines two of East Africa’s top travel experiences. The safari starts in Tanzania with a guided hike on Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain. After the hike, the safari continues to Rwanda, known as the Land of a Thousand Hills, for mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.
This safari is ideal for travelers who want adventure, nature, wildlife, and culture in one trip. You will hike through different mountain zones on Kilimanjaro, then later spend one hour with endangered mountain gorillas in their natural forest home.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania and Transfer to Moshi Town
Arrive at the airport in Tanzania and meet your assigned driver guide. After a short briefing about the safari, drive to Moshi Town, located near Mount Kilimanjaro.
Check in at the hotel and rest after your journey. Dinner and overnight stay in Moshi Town.
Day 2: Transfer to Machame Gate and Hike to Shira Camp
After breakfast, drive to Machame Gate for registration and briefing by park officials. You will receive information about the hike, safety rules, and equipment.
Begin the hike through forest trails with the support of a ranger guide and porters. The hike takes about four to six hours. Reach Shira Camp in the afternoon. Dinner and overnight stay at the camp.
Day 3: Shira Camp to Lava Tower and Barranco Camp
Have breakfast and start hiking toward higher ground. Pass through open areas and rocky sections as you move toward Lava Tower. This part of the hike helps the body adjust to altitude.
Continue to Barranco Camp, located below the Barranco Wall. The day’s hike lasts about six to seven hours. Dinner and overnight stay at Barranco Camp.
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
After breakfast, begin hiking up the Barranco Wall. This section requires careful steps but no technical climbing skills.
Continue to Karanga Camp, crossing the Karanga Valley along the way. The hike takes about four to five hours. Spend the afternoon resting and preparing for the next day. Dinner and overnight stay at Karanga Camp.
Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Enjoy an early breakfast and begin hiking toward Barafu Camp. This section takes about four to six hours.
Barafu Camp is the final stop before the summit attempt. Spend the afternoon resting, eating, and preparing warm clothing and headlamps for the night hike. Dinner and early rest at Barafu Camp.
Day 6: Summit Day and Descent to Mweka Camp
Start hiking around 2:00 am toward Stella Point and then continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro.
After reaching the summit, take photos and rest briefly. Descend back to Barafu Camp for refreshments, then continue down to Mweka Camp. Dinner and overnight stay at Mweka Camp.
Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate and Transfer to Moshi
After breakfast, continue the descent to Mweka Gate. Sign out and receive hiking certificates.
Meet your driver guide and transfer back to Moshi Town. Check in at the hotel and enjoy a hot shower. Optional massage services may be available. Dinner and overnight stay in Moshi.
Day 8: Fly to Kigali and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Kigali, Rwanda.
Upon arrival at Kigali, meet the tour representative and drive north to Volcanoes National Park. The drive takes about three to four hours through rural areas and hills.
Arrive at the lodge, check in, and rest. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 9: Gorilla Trekking and Optional Cultural Visit
Enjoy an early breakfast and drive to the park headquarters for a briefing by park rangers. Learn about gorilla trekking rules and safety guidelines.
Enter the forest with a ranger guide to track a gorilla family. The trek can take one to several hours depending on the location of the gorillas. Once found, spend one hour observing their behavior.
Return to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, you may choose an optional visit to the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village to learn about local traditions, music, and daily life. Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge.
Day 10: Transfer to Kigali, City Tour, and Departure
After breakfast, drive back to Kigali. Enjoy a short city tour including a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local markets, and craft centers.
After lunch, transfer to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight. This marks the end of your 10-day Rwanda Gorillas and Kilimanjaro Hike Safari.