Take part in this 10-day Rwanda Gorillas and Kilimanjaro Hike Safari, which will take you to the beautiful Land of a Thousand Hills to visit the mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. This experience enables visitors to spend an hour in their presence, capturing memorable photos and videos. Also, take part in hiking Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, enjoying the true wilderness of Tanzania.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania and Transfer to Moshi Town
Arrive at the airport and meet the assigned driver guide who will brief you about this great adventure safari. Head directly to the booked hotel in Moshi Town for an overnight stay.
Day 2: Transfer to Machame Gate and Hike to Shira Camp
After breakfast, transfer to Machame Gate where you will receive all necessary information for hiking to Uhuru Peak and back. After registration and acquiring hiking gear, begin the hike to Shira Camp under the guidance of an expert park ranger, with porters carrying additional luggage. Pass through rainforests along ridges, taking 4 to 6 hours. Spend the night at Shira Camp.
Day 3: Shira Camp through Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Enjoy a hearty breakfast and ascend to higher areas of the mountain, experiencing different vegetation zones of Mount Kilimanjaro. Barranco Camp, at 13,000 meters above sea level, is your next stop. Connect to Shira Plateau via Lava Tower in the southern part of the mountain. Spend another night at Barranco Camp.
Day 4: Barranco to Karanga Camp
Start the day with a delicious breakfast and immediately begin hiking to Karanga Camp, situated at an elevation of 13,100 meters above sea level. This hike takes about 4 to 5 hours through alpine deserts offering excellent photography opportunities. Cross Karanga Bridge to reach the camp and enjoy a campfire in the evening.
Day 5: Karanga to Barafu Camp
Begin another day of busy hiking with an early morning breakfast. This 4 to 6-hour hike will take you to Barafu Camp, meaning “ice” in Swahili, indicating the onset of freezing conditions. Enjoy views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks during the 5 to 6-hour hike.
Day 6: Barafu to the Summit and Descent to Mweka Hut
Start hiking around 02:00 with warm jackets and torches as it will still be night. Use the Stella Route to trek to Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point and the world’s fourth highest. Have breakfast at Stella Point with stunning mountain views. Descend to Barafu Camp for refreshments and then to Mweka Camp for overnight rest.
Day 7: Mweka Camp/Mweka Gate and Transfer Back to Moshi
Wake up to a hot shower, followed by tea or coffee. Descend further to Mweka Gate to sign out and return hired equipment. Your driver guide will transfer you to a hotel in Moshi Town for another great night. Optional massage available to relieve fatigue.
Day 8: Fly to Kigali and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Head to the airport for your flight to Kigali International Airport. Meet our tour representative for a briefing on the remaining itinerary and transfer to Volcanoes National Park. Home to endangered mountain gorillas, rare golden monkeys, and more, the 3 to 4-hour road trip offers breathtaking scenery. Arrive and check in at the lodge for an overnight stay.
Day 9: Gorilla Trekking, Optional Visit to Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village
Enjoy a delicious breakfast and head to the park offices for a briefing on trekking rules, mountain gorilla behavior, and park attractions. Trek through the forest to search for gorillas, discovering plants, primates, and bird species. Spend an hour in the presence of a gorilla family, capturing memories. Flash photography is not allowed. Return to the lodge for lunch and consider an optional visit to Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village for entertaining music and dances.
Day 10: Transfer Back to Kigali, Short City Tour, and Airport Drop-off
Start the day with breakfast and transfer to Kigali for a short city tour, including visits to Kigali Genocide Memorial, local markets, and art galleries. After lunch, head to the airport, marking the end of the 10-day safari in Mt. Kilimanjaro and Volcanoes National Park.
