18-Day Rwanda Primates, Tanzania & Kenya Safari
Safari Overview
This 18-day safari is the ultimate East African adventure, combining Rwanda’s extraordinary primate experiences with the legendary wildlife of Tanzania and Kenya . From tracking endangered mountain gorillas in the misty Volcanoes National Park to witnessing the Great Migration across the endless plains of the Serengeti and Masai Mara, this journey delivers the full spectrum of Africa’s most sought-after wildlife encounters. You will trek chimpanzees in Nyungwe’s ancient rainforest, search for tree-climbing lions, descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, and experience the rich cultures of the Maasai people. Expertly designed and operated by Serengeti Wildlife Safari, this 18-day safari is the perfect choice for travelers seeking depth, diversity, and unforgettable moments across three of East Africa’s most iconic nations .
Safari Highlights
Chimpanzee Tracking in Nyungwe Forest National Park – one of Africa’s oldest rainforests
Golden Monkey Tracking in Volcanoes National Park – playful primates in bamboo forests
Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park – a life-changing encounter with mountain gorillas
Extensive Game Drives – Big Five safaris in Serengeti, Masai Mara, and Tarangire
Ngorongoro Crater – descend 600 meters into Africa’s Eden
Guided Walking Safaris – close encounters with nature and wildlife
Maasai Tribe Visit – immersive cultural experiences
Large Elephant Herds – Tarangire National Park’s iconic pachyderms
Great Migration (seasonal) – witness nature’s greatest wildlife spectacle in Serengeti and Masai Mara
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Transfer to Nyungwe & Canopy Walk
Your adventure begins with a 7:00 AM pickup from your hotel in Kigali by your Serengeti Wildlife Safari driver-guide. After a short safari briefing, embark on a scenic drive through Rwanda’s rolling hills to Nyungwe Forest National Park, with lunch en route. Nyungwe is one of Africa’s oldest rainforests, a biodiversity hotspot home to chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, and over 300 bird species. In the afternoon, experience the thrilling canopy walk – a suspended bridge offering breathtaking views of the forest from above . Dinner and overnight at your lodge.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water
Day 2: Chimpanzee Tracking in Nyungwe Forest
After breakfast, proceed to the park headquarters for a briefing before entering the forest in search of chimpanzees. The trek usually takes about 3 hours as you follow the trail of these active, playful primates through the dense rainforest. Chimpanzees are relatively easy to spot as they jump from tree to tree, chattering and laughing . Nyungwe is home to over 500 chimpanzees, along with 12 other primate species including the large troops of Rwenzori colobus monkeys. Return to the lodge for lunch and relax for the rest of the day. Dinner and overnight.
Meals: All meals included, Drinking water
Day 3: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, begin your journey north to Volcanoes National Park in the Virunga Mountains. The drive takes you through Rwanda’s stunning countryside, often called the “Land of a Thousand Hills” . Stop for lunch en route and continue to Musanze, the nearest town to the park. Check into your lodge and spend the evening relaxing, surrounded by the majestic volcanic peaks. Dinner and overnight.
Meals: All meals included, Drinking water
Day 4: Golden Monkey Tracking
After an early breakfast, head out for a golden monkey tracking experience. This activity is conducted in the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park, home to the endangered golden monkeys. The trek follows the same format as gorilla trekking – you’ll be guided by expert rangers through the forest in search of these striking primates with their distinctive golden-orange fur. Once located, you’ll spend time observing their playful antics as they leap through the bamboo . Return to the lodge for relaxation. Dinner and overnight.
Meals: All meals included, Drinking water
Day 5: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
This is the highlight of your Rwandan adventure. After an early breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters with your packed lunch and drinking water for a 7:00 AM briefing by the ranger guides. Accompanied by expert trackers, enter the volcanic slopes in search of a habituated mountain gorilla family. The trek can take anywhere from 2 to 8 hours depending on the movement of the gorillas . Once located, you will spend one unforgettable hour observing the silverback, mothers nursing their young, and playful juveniles – a profound and life-changing experience . Return to your lodge to refresh and relax. In the evening, you may choose an optional community tour around Ruhengeri for a Rwandan cultural experience. Dinner and overnight.
Meals: All meals included, Drinking water
Day 6: Transfer to Kigali – Flight to Tanzania
After breakfast, check out and transfer to Kigali International Airport (approximately 4 hours) for your flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport, Tanzania. Upon arrival, you will be met by your Tanzanian driver-guide and transferred to your hotel. Dinner and overnight.
Meals: All meals included, Drinking water
Day 7: Transfer to Tarangire National Park – Game Drive
After breakfast, depart for Tarangire National Park, beginning your wildlife viewing experiences in Tanzania. Tarangire is famous for its massive elephant herds – up to 3,000 elephants concentrated along the Tarangire River during the dry season – and its iconic baobab trees. After checking in at your lodge and enjoying lunch, head out for an afternoon game drive. Look for lions, giraffes, leopards, buffalos, wildebeests, elands, cheetahs, impalas, and a variety of bird species. Tarangire is also the only national park in Tanzania to offer night drives and walking safaris. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Meals: All meals included, Drinking water
Day 8: Ngorongoro Crater Drive & Walking Safari
After breakfast, drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Descend approximately 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater for a game drive on the crater floor. The crater is one of the most densely crowded African wildlife areas in the world, home to an estimated 30,000 animals including some of Tanzania’s last remaining black rhino . Look for elephants, lions, buffalo, rhinos, cheetahs, hippos, antelopes, kudu, zebras, impalas, and gazelles. Visit Lake Magadi, where you’ll see flamingos along the shores. After a picnic lunch in the wild, embark on a crater rim walking safari for an opportunity to come up-close with nature and wildlife, guided by a ranger. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Meals: All meals included, Drinking water
Day 9: Transfer to Serengeti National Park – Game Drive
After an early breakfast, prepare for your transfer to Serengeti National Park – the “endless plains” and one of the world’s most famous wildlife destinations. Enjoy an en route game drive through the open savannah plains, spotting wildlife along the way. The Serengeti is home to the Big Five and over 500 bird species. The kopjes (granite outcrops) scattered across the plains provide excellent vantage points for spotting lions, leopards, and other predators. Arrive at your camp in time for dinner and overnight.
Meals: All meals included, Drinking water
Day 10: Full Day Central Serengeti Game Drive
Today is dedicated to exploring the Serengeti’s central Seronera River Area – a hotspot for wild cats and predator-prey sightings. The Seronera River provides a year-round water source, attracting a rich diversity of wildlife. Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives with a picnic lunch in the park. Search for the Big Five – lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino – along with giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and hyenas. The Serengeti offers some of the best game viewing on Earth. Return to camp for dinner and overnight .
Meals: All meals included, Drinking water
Day 11: Transfer to Masai Mara National Reserve
After breakfast, depart for Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya via the Isebania border. Complete immigration formalities and meet your Kenyan driver-guide. Continue your journey into the Masai Mara, enjoying game viewing en route. The Masai Mara is Kenya’s finest wildlife sanctuary, home to the Big Five and over 450 bird species. During the Great Migration season, you may witness the dramatic river crossings. Arrive at your camp for dinner and overnight .
Meals: All meals included, Drinking water
Day 12: Game Drives in Masai Mara & Maasai Cultural Tour
Wake up to a morning game drive in the Masai Mara after breakfast. Search for the Big Five animals, including lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos. The Mara is also home to cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, and numerous bird species. Enjoy your lunch in the wilderness, then head out for a cultural interaction with the Maasai tribe. Learn about their semi-nomadic lifestyle, cattle herding traditions, and vibrant culture. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight .
Meals: All meals included, Drinking water
Days 13 & 14: Full Days in Masai Mara & Maasai Cultural Tour
Spend two full days exploring the plains of Masai Mara in search of wildlife. The reserve is renowned for its exceptional populations of lion, leopard, cheetah, and other big cats. During the Great Migration season (July to October), witness the dramatic river crossings where wildebeest and zebras brave crocodile-infested waters . Enjoy picnic lunches in the bush, observing hippos and crocodiles in the Mara River. In the evenings, you will have the opportunity to visit the Maasai tribe and learn more about their culture and way of life. Dinner and overnight at your camp.
Meals: All meals included, Drinking water
Day 15: Drive to Lake Nakuru National Park – Game Drive
After breakfast, check out of your lodge and journey across the Rift Valley escarpment to Lake Nakuru National Park. Enjoy en route game viewing, spotting giraffes, rhinos, gazelles, buffalo, antelopes, reedbucks, elands, and impalas. Lake Nakuru is famous for its spectacular flocks of flamingos – up to two million seasonally – along with over 400 bird species. The park is also a rhino sanctuary, home to both black and white rhinos. After a picnic lunch, enjoy an afternoon game drive around the lake and visit the flamingo-filled shores. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Meals: All meals included, Drinking water
Day 16: Drive to Amboseli National Park
After breakfast, check out of your lodge and drive to Amboseli National Park via Nairobi, with a stopover for lunch. Amboseli is famous for its large elephant herds and stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro – the highest mountain in Africa. Enjoy en route game viewing as you approach the park, spotting herds of elephants along the way. Arrive at your lodge in the late afternoon, check in, and enjoy views of Kilimanjaro’s snow-capped peak (on clear days). Dinner and overnight.
Meals: All meals included, Drinking water
Day 17: Full Day in Amboseli National Park – Walking Safari
Start your full day of exploration with breakfast, then head out for morning and afternoon game drives. Amboseli is one of Kenya’s most popular spectacular displays of wildlife – lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, cheetahs, buffalo, and a host of plains game. The snows of Mount Kilimanjaro form a majestic backdrop, creating Kenya’s most sought-after photographer’s paradise . Enjoy lunch and a guided walking safari for another wildlife viewing experience and photography, catching sight of the beautiful sunset with the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Meals: All meals included, Drinking water
Day 18: Departure
On the final day of your safari, enjoy breakfast before checking out of the lodge. Your driver-guide will drive you to Nairobi and drop you off at the airport or your preferred location in Nairobi, bringing your 18-day East African safari to an end.
Meals: Breakfast, Drinking water
Package Includes
Airport transfers
All accommodation as per itinerary
Meals as indicated (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Private 4×4 safari vehicle with experienced English-speaking driver-guide
Park entrance fees and conservation levies
Gorilla trekking permit in Volcanoes National Park
Golden monkey tracking permit in Volcanoes National Park
Chimpanzee tracking permit in Nyungwe Forest
Game drives as per itinerary
Canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest
Crater rim walking safari in Ngorongoro
Guided walking safari in Amboseli
Maasai cultural visit
All applicable taxes and VAT
Bottled drinking water in the vehicle
Package Excludes
International flights
Regional flights (Rwanda to Tanzania)
Entry visas (including East Africa Tourist Visa)
Travel and medical insurance
Tips and gratuities for guides and staff
Personal expenses (drinks, souvenirs, laundry, etc.)
Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
Porters for trekking
Hot air balloon safaris
