Rwanda’s Gorillas vs Serengeti vs Zanzibar Itinerary Advice

The Rwanda’s Gorillas vs Serengeti vs Zanzibar Itinerary Advice

Set out on a remarkable Rwanda’s Gorillas vs Serengeti vs Zanzibar Itinerary, where the best lodges and stunning scenery come together to form a schedule that will never be forgotten. The famous Virunga Lodge, tucked away in the foggy hills of Rwanda, is where your Rwanda’s Gorillas vs Serengeti vs Zanzibar journey starts. Enjoy close encounters with these magnificent animals while taking in the mesmerising sight of gorillas in their natural environment over the course of three nights. The lodge itself radiates rustic charm and offers a cosy retreat where luxury and unspoiled nature coexist harmoniously.

For one night of luxury, you continue your adventure to The Retreat by Heaven. This peaceful retreat provides an opportunity to relax and recharge, making it the ideal break between wildlife encounters.

Your Rwanda’s Gorillas vs Serengeti vs Zanzibar Itinerary then continues to the famous Serengeti National Park, where Sayari Camp awaits you for three exciting nights of exploration. You’ll go on thrilling game drives with Maasai trackers who tell you the tales of the wild as the African sun turns the savannah gold. Every day, with the Serengeti as your backdrop, presents a mosaic of sights and noises that strengthen your bond with Africa’s wild interior.

On the immaculate beaches of Zanzibar, where the Zawadi Hotel beckons for four nights of barefoot luxury, your adventure comes to a close. This picturesque hideaway, which is perched on a cliff with a view of the Indian Ocean, provides both thrill and leisure. Admire the island’s splendour, which includes colourful coral reefs and private infinity pools. Zawadi Hotel provides a conclusion as breathtaking as the voyage itself, whether you’re diving into the aquatic realm, experiencing local culture, or indulging in fine dining.

Highlights & Activities

What’s on offer whilst on this Gorillas vs Serengeti vs Zanzibar itinerary

  • Unforgettable gorilla & golden monkey encounters
  • An exceptional wildlife & beach combination
  • A luxury East African journey
  • Big 5 game viewing in the famed Serengeti National Park
  • Oceanfront bliss at the ‘Spice Island’, Zanzibar

Summary:

Tour Duration: 12 Days | Start: Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda | End: Tanzania

Expert Opinion:

This Rwanda’s Gorillas vs Serengeti vs Zanzibar itinerary for East Africa has been carefully planned to offer a comprehensive safari experience. It combines stays at upscale resorts with outstanding wildlife views. It provides an enlightening voyage across a variety of settings, from the hills of Rwanda to the savannahs of Tanzania and the beaches of Zanzibar, making it the perfect choice for those who value both luxury and adventure.

A Detailed Rwanda’s Gorillas vs Serengeti vs Zanzibar Itinerary

Days 1 – 3: Gorillas in the Mist | 3 Nights

Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda


Gorilla Trek at Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

You will be greeted and taken to Virunga Lodge upon your arrival at Kigali International Airport. A haven of peace and once-in-a-lifetime experiences is Virunga Lodge. The atmosphere is packed with excitement from the moment you arrive, as the sounds of rustling trees and resonant wildlife calls hint at the possibility of something very remarkable. The lodge’s cosy, rustic appeal welcomes you as the sun sets over the foggy hills, providing a sanctuary where luxury and the natural world coexist together.

As you awaken to the gentle sounds of songbirds, you will set out on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure into the fascinating realm of gorillas. You travel through the lush forests of Volcanoes National Park with knowledgeable guides, getting closer to an adrenaline-pumping experience with every step. Then all of a sudden there they are, the gentle giants of the jungle, the powerful mountain gorillas, relaxing among the leaves. When two species come together, time stops and a deep relationship is formed. The thoughtful, introspective eyes of these sentient beings reflect your own awe.

However, this is not the end of the primates’ symphony. Inquisitive monkeys watch their human guests with curiosity as they swing from branches above the lodge’s verdant grounds. Their amusing antics remind you of the interdependence of all life on Earth and generate contagious laughter and wonderful joy. The majesty of nature unfolds with a gentle familiarity at Virunga Lodge.

Day 4: An Indulgent Respite | 1 Nights

Kigali, Rwanda

Heaven will transport you from Virunga Lodge to the Retreat. For a little break from the wildlife encounters, you will stay for one night at this opulent and environmentally conscious boutique hotel. You can work out at the gym, take a sun salutation, or get treated at the spa. The hotel offers organic toiletries, solar power, and locally made furniture from a sustainable teak farm in Tanzania. Your Rwanda’s Gorillas vs Serengeti vs Zanzibar trip money counts and supports the local economy.

Days 5 – 7 : A Safari Heavy-Hitter | 3 Nights

Serengeti, Tanzania


A Journey to Sustainability

Following your final Rwandan breakfast, you will be driven back to Kigali International Airport. After that, you will take a charter flight to Kogatende Airstrip to start your safari in the Serengeti National Park.

In Sayari Camp’s close embrace, Africa’s wild essence comes to life. This wonderland in the middle of the savannah encourages you to weave your dreams into the very fabric of the nature. The camp becomes a haven of comfort and elegance that reflects the very spirit of the Serengeti as the sun sets, bathing the plains in a warm, golden glow.

At Sayari Camp, life moves in time with the land, and every second offers a chance to take in the untainted beauty of the natural world. Awakened to the sounds of the birds as they greet the dawn, their voices blending with the soft sound of leaves rustling in the light wind. As you step onto your private veranda, the vast plains in front of you appear to be a living canvas, adorned with the elegant dance of gazelles and the tracks of elephants.

Experience thrilling game drives with knowledgeable Maasai trackers as they reveal the tales of the bush preserved in the footprints and cries of its people. Retreat to the luxurious comforts of the camp as the sun sets in a riot of colour, illuminating the boundless horizon. There, the flickering light of a bonfire beneath the starry African sky provides comfort for the wonders of the day. Sayari Camp is more than just a location to visit; it’s a representation of the spirit of the Serengeti, where the sound of lions’ roar and hoofs calm you to sleep.

Days 8 – 11: Beach Bliss | 4 Nights

Tanzania

After your transfer, you will fly to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport from Kogatende Airstrip. To transport you to your ultimate destination, a private vehicle will be waiting for you.

One of Zanzibar’s top luxury hotels, the Zawadi Hotel, is the pinnacle of barefoot luxury and happiness by the sea. Situated on a cliff with a view of the Indian Ocean, the Zawadi Hotel welcomes you to experience a harmonious blend of leisure and exploration.

You are free to explore the world at your own speed at the Zawadi Hotel. Bask in the sun-kissed waters of your private infinity pool, which reflects the vast ocean in front of you. Enter the beach as the tide is low to find colourful coral reefs brimming with aquatic life, beckoning you to snorkel or plunge into a world of kaleidoscope delight.

You can also engage in exhilarating water sports, such as kayaking along the shore or taking a traditional dhow tour, while enjoying the warm embrace of the island sun. A visit to a traditional town or a spice farm, where aromatic scents and vivid hues arouse your senses, will allow you to fall under the enchantment of Zanzibar’s captivating culture as the day gives way to night.

Day 12: Farewell Africa!

You will be taken to Abeid Amani International Airport for your subsequent travel plans following a voyage that leaves you with priceless memories, bringing a little bit of Africa home with you.

End of the Rwanda’s Gorillas vs Serengeti vs Zanzibar Itinerary

What’s Included?

  • 11 nights accommodation
  • Meals:
    Volcanoes Virunga Lodge : Fully Inclusive (All Meals, Selected Beverages)
    The Retreat : Bed & Breakfast
    Sayari Camp : Enquire for confirmation
    Zawadi Hotel : Fully Inclusive Plus (All Meals, Selected Beverages, Selected Extras)
  • All necessary permits, conservancy and park fees
  • All activities specified, including morning and evening game drives each full day on safari
  • Fully inclusive accommodation
  • Local transfers and flights
  • Flight from Kigali to Serengeti
  • Game activities in the Serengeti
  • Gorilla trekking permit (for one day)
  • Golden monkey permit (for one day)
  • All transfers during your itinerary
  • 24/7 assistance and support during your trip

What’s Excluded?

  • Your international flights to and from Africa + any related taxes
  • Any travel visas you require (though we help you with this)
  • Tips
  • Personal items (eg. travel insurance, souvenirs)

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this Rwanda’s Gorillas vs Serengeti vs Zanzibar Itinerary? Essential Trip Information provides, visa info, How to get to Rwanda, Tanzania & Zanzibar the Best Time to visit – pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

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