This 20-day “Epic” safari is the pinnacle of East African travel. It combines the intimate intensity of mountain gorilla trekking in Rwanda with the vast, open-plains drama of Tanzania’s Great Migration. After two weeks of high-adventure wildlife tracking, the journey concludes with a six-day luxury retreat on the spice island of Zanzibar, offering total rejuvenation by the Indian Ocean.
This 20-day “Epic” safari is the pinnacle of East African travel. It combines the intimate intensity of mountain gorilla trekking in Rwanda with the vast, open-plains drama of Tanzania’s Great Migration. After two weeks of high-adventure wildlife tracking, the journey concludes with a six-day luxury retreat on the spice island of Zanzibar, offering total rejuvenation by the Indian Ocean.
Route
- Kigali – Volcanoes – Arusha – Ngorongoro – Serengeti – Tarangire – Moshi – Zanzibar
Pick up in Kigali for a city tour visiting the craft market, Gisozi genocide memorial, and local museums. After lunch, drive to the park.
Stay: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
Enter the tropical rainforest to find the mountain gorillas. Spend one hour observing their daily life and family dynamics.
Stay: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
Return for a second encounter with a different gorilla family. In the afternoon, visit the Iby’iwacu Culture Village to experience traditional Rwandan life.
Stay: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
Track the rare Golden Monkeys (1–3 hours). After lunch, drive back to the capital.
Stay: Governor’s Residence or Kigali Serena Hotel
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Kilimanjaro (JRO). Meet your Tanzanian guide and visit the Cultural Heritage Centre in Arusha.
Stay: Luxury Lodge in Arusha
Drive through Maasai country toward the highlands. Enjoy a guided nature walk along the crater rim forest.
Stay: Ngorongoro Crater Lodge / Serena (Full Board)
Descend 600m into the crater for a spectacular wildlife arena. Look for black rhinos and "Big Tuskers." Visit a Maasai boma in the evening.
Stay: Ngorongoro Highlands Lodge (Full Board)
Fly or drive to the Western Serengeti. Focus on the Grumeti River to see crocodiles and lions on the kopjes. Catch the golden light on dawn and dusk game drives.
Stay: Serengeti Luxury Camp (Full Board)
Dawn and dusk game drives to catch cats on the move. Between drives, choose a guided nature walk (where permitted) or relax at camp with views over the plains. Keep your ears out at night for the sounds of whooping hyena and grunting wildebeest.
Stay: Serengeti Luxury Camp (Full Board)
After a final Serengeti sunrise, transfer east to Tarangire (via flight or road). Relax by the pool and enjoy the baobab-studded views.
Stay: Tarangire Safari Lodge / Mpingo Ridge (Full Board)
Explore the river loops and Silale Swamp, a magnet for elephants, buffalo, and big cats.
Stay: Tarangire Safari Lodge (Full Board)
A final exploration of Tarangire's diverse birdlife and mammals before transferring to the town of Moshi.
Stay: Luxury Lodge in Moshi
Enjoy a scenic day trip at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro, exploring the local foothills and waterfalls.
Stay: Luxury Lodge in Moshi
Transfer to JRO for your flight to Zanzibar. Upon arrival, continue to your beach hotel to begin your coastal retreat.
Stay: Zanzibar Beach Hotel (Full Board/All-Inclusive)
Spend your first full day relaxing on white-sand beaches or swimming in the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. Simply enjoy the laid-back island life.
Optional: Sunset Dhow Cruise.
Choose to visit Stone Town for a walking tour through historical alleys or head to a Spice Farm to learn about the island's famous cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
Stay: Zanzibar Beach Hotel
Head out for an optional snorkelling excursion at the Mnemba Atoll, one of the most vibrant coral reefs in the region, or relax by the resort pool.
Stay: Zanzibar Beach Hotel
Continue your beach stay with a morning walk along the shore. Optional activities include visiting the Jozani Forest to see the endemic Red Colobus monkeys.
Stay: Zanzibar Beach Hotel
A final full day to enjoy the island. Take a last dip in the ocean or visit a local village to experience the coastal Swahili culture before your departure.
Stay: Zanzibar Beach Hotel
Enjoy a final leisurely breakfast by the ocean before your transfer to the airport for your onward journey.
Included
- Park fees (For non-residents)
- Gorilla permits (One per person, non-resident)
- All activities (Unless labelled as optional)
- All accommodation (Unless listed as an upgrade)
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation (Unless labelled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
- Round-trip airport transfer
- Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
- Drinks (As specified in the day-by-day section).
Excluded
- International flights (From/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
- Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- The government imposed an increase in taxes and/or park fees
