Kigali * Volcanoes National Park * Rubondo Island * Serengeti National Park
This wonderful tour combines some of the best aspects of two very contrasting destinations: Rwanda and Tanzania. Experience the magic of encountering the majestic great apes of Africa, including Gorillas, Chimpanzees and Golden Monkeys, AND witness the spectacular wildlife of the Serengeti.
It combines some 3 night stays with scenic road and air transfers so that you get to see some of the beautiful landscapes and people of Rwanda and Tanzania. This relaxed pace means that you can add in optional excursions and activities to suit your interests.
This safari begins with a stay at The Retreat by Heaven, a luxury hotel in the lively city of Kigali. From there, you head to the Volcanoes National Park, home to the endangered Mountain Gorilla, and enjoy the stunning views from Virunga Lodge. You will also trek to visit the forest-dwelling Golden Monkeys, a rare, colourful, playful species.
Your next destination is Rubondo Island, a paradise in Lake Victoria. Here you can enjoy fishing, boating, bird watching, and game drives. You will also embark on a fantastic trek in search of the chimpanzees, our closest relatives. This safari culminates with a flight to the majestic Serengeti National Park, home to the great wildebeest migration, where you'll stay 3 nights at Ubuntu Migration Camp. This cosy and mobile camp follows the wildebeest migration as it moves with the seasons. You will be amazed by the sight of hundreds of thousands of wildebeest and zebra on the move across the plains.
As with all our sample safaris, this itinerary can be adjusted to suit your particular interests. Chat to us!
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On arrival in Kigali, you are met and transferred to your hotel. Subject to availability, one complimentary 30-minute welcome massage per person is included, plus a fresh fruit basket and a snack bar.
Nestled in the heart of Kigali, the hotel is a luxurious contemporary boutique haven of tranquillity, offering easy access to the sights and sounds of the city. The on-site Fusion Restaurant merges diverse international culinary tastes and flavours. Dishes are created with a local twist, using produce from the local farming community.
Scenic road transfer (2.5 hours) to Volcanoes National Park.
Nestled high on an emerald-green hill with spectacular views towards the Virunga Volcanoes, this sensational and luxurious lodge will be your haven of style and Rwandan Afro-chic. The accommodation comprises ten elegant bandas with a private patio overlooking the stunning landscapes, which will be your oasis of splendid hospitality and locally inspired cuisine, all accompanied by your butler.
After settling into your banda, you can spend some quiet time in the fascinating and informative Dian Fossey Map Room, a permanent exhibition in the property exploding with unique and valuable historical information about this dynamic region.
Today you will hike through the enchanting bamboo forest on the slopes of the Virunga Volcanoes. After a climb of one to three hours, you will spend one hour in the company of the majestic and gentle mountain gorillas before returning to the lodge for a late lunch. Some gorilla families can be more elusive, and tracking can take a full day, especially if wet and muddy.
Return to the lodge for a late lunch and some relaxation time in the afternoon
Return to Kigali and enjoy a short city tour and visit to the Genocide Memorial followed by lunch. A VIP departure assistance service at Kigali Airport has been arranged before your flight to Rubondo Island. On arrival at Rubondo Island on Lake Victoria, you will be met and transferred to the lodge.
Rubondo Island
This barefoot luxury lodge offers seven romantic cottages that overlook the beach, constructed using traditional methods and local materials. Every cottage has an en-suite bathroom providing hot running water and flushing toilets. You can unwind on your private veranda, sipping coffee in the mornings or reading a book in the afternoons while taking in the stunning and tranquil views of the lake.
Their homemade food includes bread, cakes, biscuits, and sorbets. Breakfast is served on the deck overlooking the lake, lunch is a light buffet, and dinner is enjoyed communally under the glittering stars.
Chimpanzee tracking – you will be taken by your private guide to track chimpanzees for the day. Depending on where the chimps are situated and their visibility, you may need to take a game drive or boat ride and then venture on foot to find them.
Besides the unforgettable chimpanzee trekking expedition, we offer plenty of other activities, including boating safaris, forest walks, catch-and-release fishing, birding, game drives, or simply relaxing at the pool.
Fly onto Serengeti National Park and transfer to your safari camp. Ubuntu Migration Camp relocates seasonally to follow the best of the wildebeest Great Migration herds.
From January to March, Ubuntu is in Kusini, the southern Serengeti, moving to the Lamai Wedge in northern Serengeti for the river-crossing season from June to November. In December, the camp relocates to Kusini in the southern Serengeti.
After settling into your large and comfortable traditional tent, lunch will be served overlooking the endless sweeping savannah plains. Lion and cheetah typically linger about, attracted by the enormous herds of potential prey. A quiet and restful siesta period may be just what you need, followed by tea and cake, before departing on an exciting safari in a customised open Land Cruiser that stretches into the evening hour.
Start your days with an early wake-up call, accompanied by tea and coffee. Enjoy a delightful breakfast after your safari, or we can send a picnic breakfast with you if you prefer. Return for lunch, a relaxing siesta and then head out again, after tea and cake, onto the plains, exploring the savannah grasslands for more wildlife adventures.
Return to camp to refresh and enjoy a few favourite beverages around the fire before indulging in a delicious lantern-lit dinner beneath the magnificent Milky Way.
This is a set tour using specific camps. However many tours can be adapted. Chat to us about your options. It excludes international flights but includes an estimate for all domestic or regional flights within the tour.
Meals and accommodation as specified in the proposal, all Transfers and Tours as shown, All internal flights until Kilimanjaro, All park fees and government taxes
EXCLUDESOptional tours such as Golden Monkey trekking, Passport and visa fees, Driver-guide gratuities, Personal travel, baggage and medical insurance, Meals other than mentioned, Any items of a personal nature
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