5 DAYS RWANDA AND NGORONGORO SAFARI

5-Day Rwanda & Ngorongoro Safari Adventure

Embark on an unforgettable 5-day journey through the heart of Africa, blending the rare experience of mountain gorilla trekking in Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park with a thrilling Big 5 safari in Tanzania's iconic Ngorongoro Crater. Witness the awe-inspiring natural beauty and cultural history of these two countries as you travel from Kigali to Arusha, observing lush plantations, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant homesteads along the way.

Detailed Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali & Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Upon your arrival at Kigali International Airport, a friendly representative from Uganda Next Safaris will greet you at the designated pickup location. After a warm welcome, enjoy a refreshing beverage while your guide briefs you on the upcoming adventure.

Begin your Rwandan journey with a Kigali city tour, where you’ll explore historical and cultural landmarks. Highlights include a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, where you'll learn about the poignant history of the 1994 genocide and its impact on the nation. You’ll also have a chance to visit local art galleries and vibrant markets that showcase Rwanda’s rich artistic heritage.

After lunch, depart for Volcanoes National Park—a 2-3 hour scenic drive through Rwanda’s rolling hills, lush green plantations, and charming rural villages. Upon arrival, check into your lodge, where you'll enjoy a delicious dinner and a comfortable overnight stay.

Accommodation: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel (Midrange) / La Palme Hotel (Budget)

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Start your day early with a hearty breakfast at your lodge before heading to the park headquarters. After a safety briefing from park rangers, you’ll set off for a once-in-a-lifetime mountain gorilla trekking experience. Accompanied by expert trackers, you’ll hike through dense forest terrain in search of the last known location of a gorilla family. Along the way, you might encounter other wildlife, including birds, primates, and unique flora.

Once you locate the gorillas, you will have one hour to observe and photograph these majestic creatures. Watch the silverbacks protect their group while mothers tend to their playful young. The duration of the trek can vary (2 to 8 hours), depending on the gorillas’ movements.

After your trek, enjoy a packed lunch in the forest and return to your lodge for some relaxation. In the evening, you can choose to participate in additional activities, such as cultural encounters with local communities.

Accommodation: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel (Midrange) / La Palme Hotel (Budget)

Day 3: Transfer to Arusha, Tanzania
After breakfast, bid farewell to Rwanda as you embark on your journey to Arusha, Tanzania. This day will primarily be for travel as you cross borders and enter Tanzania. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to stop at various viewpoints and take in the beautiful safari landscapes.

Lunch will be provided en route, with additional stops to break up the drive. Once in Arusha, your guide will provide a detailed briefing about the Ngorongoro Crater safari planned for the next day. Check into your lodge for a well-deserved dinner and rest.

Accommodation: Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge (Midrange) / Rhino Lodge (Budget)

Day 4: Full-Day Game Drive in Ngorongoro Crater
After an early breakfast at the lodge, head out for a full-day game drive in the Ngorongoro Crater—the world's largest inactive volcanic caldera. The crater is home to an extraordinary concentration of wildlife, offering prime opportunities to spot the Big 5: lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos. Additionally, you may see wildebeests, zebras, warthogs, hyenas, and a variety of antelope species.

Lunch will be enjoyed in the park during a break in the game drive, with stunning views of the crater. In the afternoon, continue your exploration, keeping an eye out for more wildlife as you traverse this unique ecosystem. As the sun sets, head back to the lodge for dinner and a peaceful night’s rest.

Accommodation: Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge (Midrange) / Rhino Lodge (Budget)

Day 5: Departure
After breakfast, check out from your lodge and enjoy a relaxed morning. Depending on your flight schedule, you’ll have time for additional activities or simply savor the peaceful surroundings before being transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport in Arusha for your departure.

Price Inclusions:

• Gorilla trekking permits for Volcanoes National Park
• Park entrance fees for Ngorongoro Crater and Volcanoes National Park
• Accommodation on a full-board basis (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
• All activities as mentioned in the itinerary
• 4WD safari vehicle with a professional English-speaking guide
• Bottled drinking water during transfers and game drives
• All local government taxes and service charges

Price Exclusions:

• Visa fees for Rwanda and Tanzania
• Personal travel insurance
• Alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, and extra meals not included in the itinerary
• Personal belongings such as souvenirs, laundry services, etc.
• Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, and lodge staff

This adventure offers a perfect mix of Rwanda’s lush mountain landscape and Tanzania’s vast savannah, promising unforgettable wildlife encounters and cultural discoveries. Whether you're fascinated by the majestic mountain gorillas or eager to see the Big 5 in their natural habitat, this safari will provide you with memories to last a lifetime.