
Your driver will warmly welcome you to the "Land of a Thousand Hills" of Rwanda following your arrival at Kigali International Airport. After accompanying you through customs and immigration, your driver will take you to the hotel, where you have reservations for dinner and an overnight stay.If time permits, it is advisable to contemplate an elective visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a sombre testament to the history of Rwanda. Spend the remainder of the afternoon taking advantage of the amenities of your lodging.
Accommodation: Kigali Serena Hotel
Meal Plan: Bed and Breakfast
At approximately 8 a.m., meet your Halisia Afrika guide at your hotel. Have a short trip briefing, then depart on a scenic drive through Rwanda's beautiful terraced hillsides to Musanze, the gorilla tracking base. After checking in at your accommodation and having lunch, spend the afternoon enjoying your accommodation’s facilities.
In the evening, it’s time to join Halisia Afrika’s joint dinner event to learn more about conservation in Rwanda, from the past to the present. Prepare yourself for the next-day gorilla adventure.
Accommodation: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge (or similar)
Meal Plan: Lunch and dinner are included.
After an early breakfast, we transfer to Volcanoes National Park headquarters for a briefing on gorilla trekking rules and safety guidelines. The park ranger will meet us there and guide us through the dense jungle to find the assigned gorillas. With only 12 gorillas habituated to humans in this park, 49 permits are available each day for visitors to track them. Therefore, early booking is essential to secure a spot on the trek.
Gorilla tracking does not present a serious physical challenge, but it does require a moderate level of fitness. The trek can last anywhere from 2 to 6 hours, depending on the location of the gorilla family we are tracking. Along the way, we may encounter other wildlife, such as golden monkeys, forest elephants, and a variety of bird species. It is important to follow the park ranger's instructions and guidelines to ensure the safety of both the gorillas and ourselves during this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
After the trek, return to your accommodation for lunch and spend the rest of your afternoon at leisure, or take an optional tour of the new Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.
Accommodation: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge (or similar)
Meal Plan: Lunch and dinner are included.
After breakfast, we will embark on the last gorilla-tracking adventure before returning to Kigali. We will spend the morning exploring the beautiful forests, accompanied by our experienced guide and ranger, as we search for the incredible mountain gorilla family. Once we locate them, we'll have the amazing chance to witness them in their natural environment, appreciating their stunning appearance and fascinating actions from a close distance.
After the trek and lunch, we will bid farewell to the gorillas and head back to Kigali, reflecting on the incredible experience we just had. Take advantage of the remaining evening to unwind or take a stroll in Kigali.
Accommodation: Kigali Serena Hotel
Meal Plan: Breakfast, and dinner
Following an enjoyable breakfast, we set off for Kigali Airport, ensuring we got in time for our flight to Serengeti National Park. This renowned wildlife sanctuary is truly a gem in Tanzania's collection. Upon arrival, indulge in a thrilling game drive as you make your way to your accommodation, where a delicious lunch awaits.
The Maasai people named this park 'Siringet', meaning 'endless plains', and it is widely considered one of the most stunning and varied in Africa. Imagine the vast expanse of the savannah, with its majestic acacia trees and abundant wildlife. The immense expanse of the Serengeti is truly breathtaking, and one cannot help but be filled with a sense of amazement and anticipation as they embark on their safari journey in this legendary place.
After you arrive, take the rest of the day to relax and make the most of the amenities at your accommodation. Before dinner, we set off on a late afternoon game drive and enjoyed a refreshing drink while watching the sunset before indulging in a delicious meal.
Accommodation: Serengeti Pioneer Camp (or simila hotel)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Set off bright and early for an exhilarating balloon-flying experience in Serengeti. As the sun rises above the expansive savannah, the hot air balloon gracefully ascends, providing awe-inspiring vistas of the expansive terrain below. Quietly gliding through the sky, you catch sight of groups of wildebeests and giraffes wandering without constraint. The only thing that disrupts the experience's peaceful calm is the occasional burst of flames from the balloon's burner that propels you higher into the sky. As you soar majestically over the Serengeti, you can't help but be filled with a sense of awe and amazement at the breathtaking beauty of this unspoiled wilderness.
Following a delightful balloon ride and a satisfying breakfast, embark on an exhilarating game drive through the captivating landscapes of the national park. Witness the majestic sight of lions basking in the cool shade, observe elephants indulging in refreshing baths at watering holes, and marvel at the serene scene of zebras peacefully grazing. You will receive a picnic lunch and proceed.
We can also opt for two-session game drives, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. This allows you to experience the incredible variety of wildlife at different times throughout the day.
Accommodation: Serengeti Pioneer Camp (or simila hotel)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Following breakfast, we will drive from Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater. The journey will take us through breathtaking landscapes and wildlife habitats, offering numerous chances to spot incredible wildlife throughout the trip.
Following check-in, there will be a game drive and an opportunity to visit the Maasai community that lives within the park. Visiting the Maasai community will provide us with an opportunity to gain insights into their traditional way of life and immerse ourselves in their vibrant culture.
Accommodation: The Manor at Ngorongoro (or simila hotel)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Following breakfast, we will commence our journey to the Ngorongoro Crater, which is widely recognised as one of the most remarkable natural wonders in Africa. We will encounter breathtaking landscapes and a wide array of wildlife as we venture into the crater. Stay alert for the presence of lions, elephants, and flamingos as we venture into this extraordinary ecosystem.
The ancient volcano formed Ngorongoro Crater, a natural enclosure for a diverse range of animal species. With a rich history dating back over two million years, the caldera is home to an impressive population of over 25,000 animals, making it a truly remarkable wildlife area. The abundant grasslands and freshwater springs within the crater create an ideal environment for a diverse range of wildlife, offering visitors the opportunity to witness some truly remarkable animal encounters.
Be on the lookout for a variety of wildlife, including rhino, wildebeest, zebra, gazelle, eland, and predators like lion, hyena, jackal, cheetah, and leopard, as well as over 400 resident and migratory bird species. Additionally, this caldera is home to the endangered black rhino and African wild dog.
Accommodation: The Manor at Ngorongoro (or simila hotel)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Following a morning meal, we will depart from the hotel and proceed to Arusha to catch our scheduled flight to Zanzibar. The delightful tropical air and breathtaking vistas of the Indian Ocean will greet you upon arrival in Zanzibar. Our driver will transport you to your beachfront resort, where you will unwind and immerse yourself in the idyllic island destination's serene beaches and lively local culture. Anticipate the opportunity to discover the wonders of Zanzibar, with its pristine waters and picturesque beaches.
After several days of safari, enjoy a tranquil evening of relaxation and anticipate the exciting activities that await you on the island. Prepare yourself for an array of water sports, indulging in delicious local cuisine, delving into the rich history of Stone Town, and a plethora of other exciting activities that await you on the island.
Accommodation: Riu Palace (or simila hotel)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks
Take advantage of these three nights to unwind and enjoy the various activities available at Spice Farm, Stone Town, Horseback Riding, Turtle Aquarium, and Safari Blue. With all these activities on your to-do list, get ready for an incredible and exciting adventure in Zanzibar.
After breakfast, you set off for the airport to catch your next flight, signalling the conclusion of your 13-day adventure through Rwanda, Tanzania, and Zanzibar. Contemplating the remarkable experiences and cherished memories from the journey, one cannot help but appreciate the chance to discover these stunning countries.
Explore the vast savannahs of East Africa on a safari customized to your preferences, whether it's encountering the Big Five in Tanzania's famous wildlife parks, or visiting the Rhino sanctuaries of Kenya.