Two Weeks in Tanzania and Rwanda – A guide for first time Visitors.
Exploring East Africa for the first time is a life-changing adventure. The region combines incredible wildlife encounters, breathtaking landscapes, warm hospitality, and rich cultural heritage. If you’re dreaming of an unforgettable safari and Gorilla Trekking experience, a two- week trip through Tanzania and Rwanda is the perfect introduction. This itinerary blends the iconic Serengeti plains and Ngorongoro Crater with the misty forests of Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, offering a seamless journey through some of Africa’s most awe-inspiring destinations.
Why Tanzania and Rwanda?
Tanzania is globally recognized for its iconic safaris, think Serengeti plains, the Ngorongoro Crater, and the beaches of Zanzibar. Rwanda, often referred to as the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” is famed for its mountain gorillas and its remarkable post-genocide recovery, making it one of the safest and cleanest countries in Africa.
Combining both in a two-week itinerary gives you the best of East Africa: wildlife, landscapes, cultural insights, and adventure.14-Day Itinerary
Days 1–2: Arrival in Arusha, Tanzania
Day 1 of the 14 Days Tanzania and Rwanda Safari will start with a pick up from Arusha by our professional driver guide who will brief you about the 14 Days Tanzania and Rwanda Safari. From there, you’ll transfer to your hotel where you can rest and recover from your journey.
Spend your first full day exploring Arusha. Visit the Cultural Heritage Centre, local markets, or take a short hike to Mount Meru Waterfalls. Arusha offers a gentle introduction to East Africa’s culture and scenery before diving into the wilderness.
Location: Arusha Accommodation Option:
Mid-Range/Luxury | Arusha Serena Hotel or Similar |
Meals Plan: Full Board
Days 3–5: Tarangire National Park and Lake Manyara
Have an early breakfast and start your safari with Tarangire National Park known for its large elephant herds and ancient baobab trees. This park provides excellent wildlife viewing. You’ll likely spot elephants, giraffes, zebras, and various bird species.
Next, drive to Lake Manyara National Park, famous for its tree-climbing lions and flamingos. The park’s mix of woodlands, plains, and lake habitats offers diverse photographic opportunities.
Spend the nights at a safari lodge overlooking the Rift Valley escarpment and enjoy sundowners as you watch the sunset over the savannah.
Location: Tarangire National Park and Lake Manyara Accommodation Option:
Mid-Range /Luxury | Manyara Wildlife Safari Camp or Similar |
Meals Plan: Full Board
Days 6–8: Serengeti National Park – The Heart of Safari
No trip to Tanzania is complete without the Serengeti, one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations. Covering nearly 15,000 square kilometers, this UNESCO World Heritage Site teems with wildlife year-round.
Depending on the season, you may witness the Great Migration — millions of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles crossing the plains in search of greener pastures. Even outside migration months, the Serengeti promises thrilling encounters with lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, and hyenas.
Spend your days on game drives, and perhaps include a sunrise hot air balloon safari for an unforgettable aerial view of the plains.
Location: Serengeti National Park Accommodation Option:
Mid-Range /Luxury | Serengeti Serena Lodge or Similar |
Meals Plan: Full Board
Days 9–10: Ngorongoro Crater – Nature’s Wonderland
After breakfast, journey to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, one of Africa’s most remarkable wildlife sanctuaries. The crater, a collapsed volcanic caldera, shelters more than 25,000 large animals in a self-contained ecosystem.
Descend 600 meters to the crater floor for a full-day game drive. Expect to see black rhinos, buffaloes, lions, and flamingos wading in the soda lake. The scenery — green highlands surrounding a wildlife-filled basin is simply breathtaking. Dinner and Over Night Stay.
Location: Ngorongoro Crater Accommodation Option:
Mid-Range/Luxury | Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge or Similar |
Meals Plan: Full Board
Day 11: Flight from Arusha to Kigali, Rwanda
After your experience in Tanzania, fly from Arusha or Kilimanjaro Airport to Kigali, Rwanda’s clean and vibrant capital. Kigali surprises many visitors with its modern infrastructure, friendly people, and safety. Spend the afternoon visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a sobering yet essential site for understanding Rwanda’s past and resilience. Dinner and Overnight Stay.
Location: Kigali Accommodation Option:
Mid-Range /Luxury | Kigali Serena Hotel or Similar |
Meals Plan: Full Board
Days 12–13: Volcanoes National Park – Gorilla Trekking Adventure
Early in the morning, depart Kigali for Volcanoes National Park located about two and a half hours away in the northwest of Rwanda. This is one of the most magical places in Africa — home to the endangered mountain gorillas.
After a briefing at the park headquarters in Kinigi, you’ll embark on a gorilla trekking expedition. Accompanied by rangers and trackers, you’ll hike through lush bamboo forests until you find a
gorilla family. Spending one precious hour observing them up close is a humbling and emotional experience.
On the following day, you may opt for a second trek to visit golden monkeys or take a cultural tour to the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, where you’ll learn about traditional Rwandan life, music, and dance.
Location: Volcanoes National Park Accommodation Option:
Mid-Range /Luxury | Mountain Gorilla View Lodge or Similar |
Meals Plan: Full Board
Day 14: Return to Kigali and Departure
After breakfast, drive back to Kigali with a stop at local markets or handicraft centers to buy souvenirs. Depending on your flight schedule, you can enjoy a city tour or a relaxed lunch before heading to the airport for your departure flight — filled with unforgettable memories from East Africa. END.
The Safari Package Includes:
- Accommodation on a mid-range basis
- Meals as per the itinerary
- Park entry fees
- All activities
- Professional English-speaking driver/guide
- Transport in a 4×4 safari vehicle
The Safari Package Excludes:
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Tips and personal expenses
- Drinks not mentioned in the itinerary