The 7 Days Rwanda Gorillas and Zanzibar Safari is a short but well-planned trip that combines mountain gorilla trekking in Rwanda with a relaxing beach holiday in Zanzibar. This safari is ideal for travelers who want wildlife, culture, and beach time in one journey. You will start in Rwanda for gorilla trekking and end your trip on the white sand beaches of Zanzibar in Tanzania.
Gorilla trekking will take place in Volcanoes National Park, located in northwestern Rwanda. This park is Rwanda’s main gorilla trekking destination and the oldest national park in the country. It was gazetted in 1925 and covers about 160 square kilometers. Volcanoes National Park is home to about 12 habituated mountain gorilla families that are visited by tourists each day.
After your gorilla experience, you will fly to Zanzibar, an island located along the East African coast in the Indian Ocean. Zanzibar lies about 25 to 50 kilometers from mainland Tanzania. The archipelago includes Unguja and Pemba islands and is known for its long beaches, warm waters, and rich Swahili culture. Some of the popular beaches include Nungwi, Kendwa, Paje, Jambiani, Kiwengwa, Matemwe, and Pingwe. Zanzibar is also home to the historic Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 1: Kigali City Tour and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Upon arrival in Kigali, meet your tour leader for a warm welcome and safari briefing. Afterward, enjoy a short city tour lasting about two hours. Visit the Gisozi Genocide Memorial to learn about Rwanda’s history and the 1994 genocide.
Continue to Kimironko Market, where you can see local produce and interact with residents. After lunch in Kigali, drive to Volcanoes National Park. The journey takes about two to three hours through the countryside of northern Rwanda. Arrive at your lodge in the evening, check in, enjoy dinner, and rest overnight.
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park and Cultural Visit
After an early breakfast, drive to the park headquarters at Kinigi for a briefing on gorilla trekking rules. You will be assigned a gorilla family and an experienced park guide.
The trek begins at 8:00 am and can take between two and six hours, depending on where the gorillas are found. Walk through bamboo forest and mountain slopes while following the guide. When you meet the gorillas, you will spend one full hour watching them feed, rest, and interact. Photography is allowed, but flash cameras are not permitted.
After the trek, return to the lodge for rest and lunch. Later in the afternoon, visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village to learn about traditional Rwandan life, music, dance, and community activities. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 3: Return to Kigali and Fly to Zanzibar
Enjoy breakfast, check out of the lodge, and drive back to Kigali. Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, board your flight to Zanzibar. On arrival at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, meet your driver and transfer to your beach hotel or boutique lodge. Spend the evening relaxing at the hotel.
Day 4: Zanzibar Beach Relaxation
After breakfast, enjoy a full day at leisure on the beaches of Zanzibar. Relax under palm trees, walk along the shore, or swim in the ocean. Optional activities include snorkeling, diving, or a boat ride. All meals and overnight stay will be at your beach accommodation.
Day 5: Snorkeling Tour at Nungwi Beach
After breakfast, transfer to Nungwi Beach for a snorkeling tour. Travel by traditional dhow boat to coral reefs where you can see colorful fish and other marine life. After the tour, return to the hotel for lunch and relaxation. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 6: Stone Town Tour and Spice Visit
Begin the day with breakfast, then head out for a guided tour of Stone Town. Visit historical sites such as the Sultan’s Palace, House of Wonders, Old Fort, and the former slave market. Walk through narrow streets filled with history and local life.
Later, continue to a spice plantation to learn about cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla, and other spices grown in Zanzibar. Return to your hotel in the evening for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 7: Departure from Zanzibar
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport for your flight back home or to your next destination. This marks the end of your 7 Days Rwanda Gorillas and Zanzibar Safari.