The 6 Days Rwanda Gorillas and Ngorongoro Safari is a short but rewarding trip that combines two top destinations in East Africa. This safari takes you to Rwanda for mountain gorilla trekking and then to northern Tanzania to explore the famous Ngorongoro Conservation Area. It is ideal for travelers who want to see gorillas in the wild and also enjoy classic wildlife viewing in a short time.
In Rwanda, the safari focuses on Volcanoes National Park, which is located in the northern part of the country near the borders of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. This park is one of the best places in Africa for mountain gorilla trekking. You will have the rare chance to spend one hour with a gorilla family in their natural forest home.
After Rwanda, you will fly to Tanzania and visit the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, home to the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera. This area supports a large number of animals and is also important for human history, with famous archaeological sites found within its boundaries.
Day 1: Transfer from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be welcomed by a company representative who will brief you about the 6 Days Rwanda Gorillas and Ngorongoro Safari. After the briefing, you will drive north to Volcanoes National Park.
The drive takes about two to three hours and passes through rural villages, tea plantations, and hills. Along the way, you will see local homes and farmland. On arrival near the park, check in at your lodge, relax, enjoy dinner, and stay overnight.
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
After an early breakfast, drive to the park headquarters for a briefing on gorilla trekking rules and safety guidelines. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda starts early in the morning.
You will be assigned a gorilla family and a park guide. Trekking can take between 30 minutes and seven hours, depending on where the gorillas are located that day. Porters are available to help carry bags if needed.
When you find the gorillas, you will be allowed to spend one hour with them. During this time, you can watch them feed, groom each other, rest, and move through the forest. After the trek, return to the lodge for rest, dinner, and overnight stay.
Day 3: Kigali City Tour and Flight to Tanzania
Enjoy breakfast at the lodge, then drive back to Kigali for a city tour. The tour includes a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, where you will learn about Rwanda’s history. You may also visit local markets, art centers, and craft shops.
After the city tour, transfer to the airport for your flight to Arusha in Tanzania. Upon arrival, meet your Tanzanian driver guide and transfer to your hotel in Arusha. Lunch, relaxation, dinner, and overnight stay in the city.
Day 4: Drive to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
After breakfast, depart Arusha and drive west to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The drive takes about three to four hours and passes through rural towns and farmland.
Ngorongoro is known for wildlife and history. It is home to Olduvai Gorge, where early human remains were discovered. Check in at your lodge near the crater, have lunch, and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater Exploration
After breakfast, descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a full day of wildlife viewing. The crater floor supports many animals all year round.
During the game drive, you may see elephants, lions, buffaloes, leopards, zebras, wildebeests, gazelles, and black rhinos. Hippos are often seen in the swampy areas, and during the rainy season, flamingos may be present at the lake.
Enjoy a picnic lunch inside the crater before continuing with the game drive. In the late afternoon, return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 6: Transfer to Arusha Airport and Departure
After breakfast, check out from the lodge and drive back to Arusha. Depending on your flight time, you may have a short city visit before being transferred to Arusha Airport for your departure flight.
This marks the end of your 6 Days Rwanda Gorillas and Ngorongoro Safari, combining mountain gorilla trekking and classic African wildlife viewing in one memorable journey.