6 Days Rwanda Gorillas and Ngorongoro Safari – This 6-day Rwanda gorillas and Ngorongoro safari will take you to Rwanda’s popular mountain gorilla destination – Volcanoes National Park, located in the northern region near the border of Uganda and Congo. You will have the opportunity to participate in mountain gorilla trekking.
Fly to Tanzania, specifically to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where the world’s largest caldera is located, and explore the thriving animal population found here. This destination is also famous for hosting two of the world’s archaeological sites.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Transfer from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park
Upon arrival at Kigali Airport, you will be welcomed by our company representative who will brief you on the 6 days Rwanda gorillas and Ngorongoro safari. Immediately transfer to Volcanoes National Park, located in the northern part of Rwanda.
Enjoy incredible views of the countryside, lush plantations, Virunga Mountains, local homesteads, and sweeping hills on the way, as Rwanda is famously known as the “land of a thousand hills.” Check-in at the lodge just outside the park.
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Rwanda is one of the three mountain gorilla destinations in the world, alongside Uganda and the D.R. Congo. Gorilla trekking starts early in the morning after a delicious breakfast. Drive to the park headquarters for a briefing session before trekking.
Trekking mountain gorillas in Rwanda can last from 30 minutes to 7 hours, depending on the movements of these great apes. If you are not physically fit to carry heavy bags, you can hire porters to assist you (approximately $10-15).
Regardless of the hours spent searching for these gorillas, visitors are granted only one hour in their presence to observe them feeding young ones, grooming each other, playing (especially the infants), and exhibiting other behaviors.
Note that Rwanda mountain gorilla permits are the most expensive, but if you are interested in a luxury gorilla trekking safari, Rwanda is worthwhile.
Day 3: Kigali City Tour and Flight to Tanzania
Enjoy a relaxed morning, have breakfast, and then the driver will pick you up from the lodge for a Kigali city tour.
Visit places including the Kigali Genocide Memorial Site, where the remains of victims from the 1994 genocide are laid to rest. Explore the former King’s Palace to gain insight into Rwanda’s monarchy, art centers and museums showcasing Rwandan art, and the Kigali Craft Market to purchase fresh fruits and local crafts.
Fly to Tanzania, and upon landing in Arusha, our Tanzanian guide will transfer you to a hotel in the heart of Arusha city for lunch and relaxation.
Day 4-5: Ngorongoro Crater Exploration
After breakfast, drive to the Ngorongoro District west of Arusha City, where the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is located. Ngorongoro is not only a sanctuary for wildlife but also renowned for hosting two archaeological sites, including Olduvai Gorge, where the skull of the first human ancestor was discovered.
Explore the nine craters within the area, including the Ngorongoro Crater, the largest one, where you can observe the Big Five animals, including endangered black rhinos, zebras, gazelles, wildebeests, elands, hartebeests, and more. During the rainy season, flamingos can be seen, and hippos inhabit the swampy areas of Ngorongoro year-round. You will explore all these attractions during your 2-day Ngorongoro tour.
Day 6: Transfer to the Airport and Departure
After breakfast at your hotel, a driver guide will transfer you to Arusha Airport for your flight back to your home country. Optionally, you can take a city tour in Arusha before departing.
