DAY 01-ARUSHA | KILIMANJARO AIRPORT
Complete the Immigration department’s formalities followed by a 90 minutes road transfer to the town of Arusha. From Arusha proceed to travel through the scenic Maasai Steppe area as you drive to Tarangire National Park which is about 90 minutes away. This is Tanzania's sixth largest national park and it is unique and famous for its huge numbers of Elephants herds, ancient and magnificent Baobab trees and tree climbing African pythons as well as countless numbers of different and beautiful bird species. You will enjoy a half day game drive within the park before driving out to a private concession that lies adjacent to the park..
Dinner overnight at Kudu Lodge
DAY 02: TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK
After breakfast, enjoy another full day game drive this time in the other parts of this big park while looking for the resident game and the other attractions. You will have a spectacular full day game drive with picnic lunch held out in the wild again before returning to the lodge early this evening to enjoy the beautiful views and environment at the vicinity of the lodge. Later you will have dinner and overnight at Kudu
DAY 03: NGORONGORO
After breakfast drive with picnic lunch boxes to the Ngorongoro Crater . A brief stop is made at Ol Duvai Gorge and museum, the site of the remains of prehistoric man. Continue to Ngorongoro . Dinner and overnight at Gibbs farm
DAY 04 & 05 : SERENGETI
After an early breakfast drive to the world famous Serengeti National Park via the Ngorongoro Conservation Area arriving in time for lunch. Enjoy a late afternoon game-drive in this magnificent wildlife heaven. Dinner and overnight at Gibbs Farm
DAY 06 – ARRIVAL KIGALI
Rwanda’s capital rests in a hilly valley in the shadow of Mount Kigali, which stands 1850 meters above sea level. As Rwanda’s cultural and commercial center, Kigali receives visitors via an international airport and offers a wide variety of sights and experiences once you’re on foot. Considered one of the most beautiful and safest cities in Africa, it is home to bustling markets, stunning galleries and museums, enlightening historical sites, and much more
Arrive in Kigali and transfer at the airport. Then we’ll spend the night at the top range, five-star Kigali Serena Hotel, bed & breakfast.
Day 07 – KIGALI/NYUNGWE FOREST
In the morning, we will depart from Kigali and head south. En route, we will visit Rwanda’s historic towns of Nyanza and Butare and their attractions. The country’s history and culture can be explored at sites like the King’s Palace and Museum, featuring both traditional and colonial architecture. Strolling the grounds, one might spot the inyambo, or sacred cattle. The creatures are docile, despite the intimidating size of their massive horns. Lunch will be served at a Butare hotel. In the afternoon, we will proceed further south and then west to Nyungwe Forest.
Overnight on Full-board basis at the top-range, five-star
Nyungwe House.
Day 08 - NYUNGWE FOREST – Full Day
The Nyungwe Forest National Park will offer a full day of sights and activities. Spanning 1,000 square kilometers, this mountain haven is home to 75 species of mammal, including chimpanzees and the black and white colobus. We will trek through the rainforest to see these creatures and others. Over 300 bird species make their nests in the trees, so keep a sharp eye out during the canopy hike and birding walk. We can also explore the picturesque tea plantations that surround our lodgings.
Overnight on Full-board basis at the top-range, five-star
Nyungwe House.
Day 09 – NYUNGWE FOREST/CENTRAL LAKE KIVU SHORES
In the morning, we will depart the Nyungwe Forest region and drive north, parallel to Lake Kivu shores, to the central Lake Kivu town of Kibuye. Upon arrival, we’ll check-in for lunch at the lodge. We’ll have some down time that afternoon, allowing everyone to rest or enjoy some optional activities. One may go for a hike or biking excursion, take a coffee tour, or visit with the children of the local orphanage.
Overnight on full-board basis at the top-range, five-star
Cormoran Lodge.
Day 10 – CENTRAL LAKE KIVU-KIBUYE/NORTH LAKE KIVU-GISENYI/VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK
Everyone may enjoy the morning at their leisure, or participate in the shore’s optional activities. By mid-morning, we will depart and drive to the North Lake Kivu town of Gisenyi for lunch at the Lake Kivu Serena Hotel. After lunch, we’ll drive eastward to the base of the Volcanoes Mountains.
Overnight on full-board basis at the top-range, five-star
Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge.
Day 11 – VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK
This morning, we embark on the ultimate adventure: the mountain gorilla trek, followed by lunch at the lodge. The Volcanoes National Park serves as a secluded hideaway for several families of mountain gorillas. The resting Virunga Mountains are now covered in lush jungle, with hiking trails running throughout the slopes. The guided trek up to find these glorious creatures, including regal silverbacks, may take anywhere between 45 minutes to three hours, depending on where the families are residing at the time.
Upon our return we may spend the afternoon at leisure. This is the perfect time to relax at the lodge or visit the nearby cultural village that supports the families of former gorilla poachers.
Overnight on full-board basis at the top-range, five-star
Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge.
Day 12 – VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK/KIGALI
In the morning, we shall take a second trek up the mountain in search of gorillas as well as golden monkeys, the only other member of the primate species that lives in the Volcanoes Forest. We’ll then come back down for lunch and check-out. That afternoon, we’ll drive back to Kigali for the evening.
Overnight on bed & breakfast basis at the top-range, five-star Kigali Serena Hotel www.serenahotels.com
Day 13 – KIGALI/CITY TOUR/DEPART
In the morning, we will take a tour of Kigali City, taking in the local culture. We will also visit the Genocide Memorial & Liberation museums (2-3 hours). We’ll then have lunch in the city.
Later, your driver/guide will transfer you to the airport for an evening outbound flight.
Credits:
Mwendo Adventures