The Serengeti Plains & Great Ape Safari
10 nights • 5 Destinations • From $11,020
Your adventure begins in the Ngorongoro Crater; a World Heritage Site, huge volcanic caldera and Serengeti ecosystem all wrapped into one place. Set off from here onto the animal-rich Serengeti Plain in search of masses of migrating wildebeest. Your grand finale is a jungle trek in Rwanda for a close encounter with the endangered mountain gorillas.
10 Nights
5 Destinations
Full Trip Itinerary
Day 1-2 Kilimanjaro & Arusha, Tanzania | Machweo
Day 2-4 Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania | Lemala Ngorongoro Tented Camp
Day 4-7 Serengeti National Park, Tanzania | Lamai Serengeti
Day 7-8 Kigali, Rwanda
Day 8-11 Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda | Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
Day 11 Departure Kigali, Rwanda
Highlights
Experience the fabled Serengeti’s migrating wildebeest migration (June-July)
Descend into an imploded volcano and search for black rhino
Stay in beautifully appointed tented camps and fall asleep under canvas to the sounds of the African bush
Hike the Virunga Mountains with experts until you find rare mountain gorillas
Travel Itinerary: Day 1-2
DESTINATION
Kilimanjaro & Arusha, Tanzania
This is a coffee country dotted with charming plantation guests’ houses! While Arusha is the gateway town to Tanzania’s northern safari circuit and for treks to the top of Mt Kilimanjaro, there are things to see here. Arusha National Park’s mascot is the black and white colobus monkey; this park is known more for prolific birdlife and smaller game such as blue monkey, bushbuck, giraffe, and flamingo. The prominent volcano Mt Meru dominates the near vicinity, with the majestic, snow-capped Kilimanjaro in the distance.
ACCOMMODATION | 1 NIGHT
Machweo
Come to Machweo to relax and rejuvenate before or after a Tanzanian safari or Kilimanjaro climb. Garden cottages and honeymoon suites are wonderfully private, but who can resist plunging into the outdoor Jacuzzi and floodlit swimming pool, with lawn bar.
Travel Itinerary: Day 2-4
DESTINATION
Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
Within this famous caldera lies a ‘Garden of Eden’, where thousands of animals remain without migration. Maasai coexist and manage their cattle alongside predators and prey; you can see all of The Big Five here, and much more. Giant-tuskers, black-mane lions, herds of wildebeest, black rhinos, cheetahs, and flamingoes all await. Game drives descend from the rim in the morning and will last all day, with a delicious picnic lunch set up for you so you don’t miss a thing.
ACCOMMODATION | 2 NIGHTS
Lemala Ngorongoro Tented Camp
The advantage of this crater-rim forest camp, is a fast descent into the Ngorongoro Crater, catching the best morning light for photography. Cultural exchanges with Maasai is a highlight, with dancing and talks on their unique culture and traditions.
Travel Itinerary: Day 4-7
DESTINATION
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
This is the scene you’ve been waiting to behold! Follow thousands of wildebeest, gazelles, and zebras making their way across the veldt in search of greener grasslands. Of course, you’ll find the predators in tow. Behold the Great Migration from 4x4 or hot air balloon!
ACCOMMODATION | 3 NIGHTS
Lamai Serengeti
Tucked into this boulder-strewn outcrop, this lodge allows you to survey the wildlife panorama and decide on your next move; stay put in the swimming pool, or head out to the Mara River in case the wildebeest migration is crossing.
Travel Itinerary: Day 7-8
DESTINATION
Kigali, Rwanda
Many visitors use Kigali for a one-stop on their way to a gorilla trek and see only the airport or their overnight hotel. If you venture out, you will be rewarded with the cleanest and most progressive city in Africa, where there is a complete ban on plastics and monthly community clean-ups. Artistic expression by local craftspeople and artists is abundant in a blast of African color, with art galleries, designer shops, and excellent restaurants and cafes.
ACCOMMODATION | 1 NIGHT
Kigali Serena Hotel
On one of Kigali's most charming boulevards, this five-star hotel showcases Rwandese cultural art, creating a relaxed yet elegant feel, attractive to international visitors, diplomats, and executives. It's a lush city retreat with pool, restaurants, spa, concierge, and business services.
Travel Itinerary: Day 8-11
DESTINATION
Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
The world’s last remaining gorillas inhabit the forested peaks of the Virunga Mountain. One of Africa’s most enriching and memorable wildlife encounters entails procuring a coveted permit, then trekking 2 to 6 hours into the jungle in order to meet the gorilla face to face on their home turf. Living amongst the area’s extinct volcanoes are also golden monkeys, bush duikers, and buffaloes.
ACCOMMODATION | 2 NIGHTS
Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
From this colonial-style lodging with breathtaking views you will be trekking through the Virunga mountains for a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with highly endangered mountain gorillas. Please note walking fitness is required for your trek.
Travel Itinerary: Day 11 | Departure City Kigali, Rwanda
The Serengeti Plains & Great Ape Safari
10 nights • 5 Destinations • From $11,020
Accommodation & Pricing Information
Your custom safari is always tailored to your preferences, which is why we offer three tiers of accommodation. Location, amenities, game viewing opportunities, dining experiences, property size, and service levels are all factors to consider when planning your safari. Pricing is per person, double occupancy.
Classic
From $11,020
Offers stylish authenticity and includes all your basic comforts (clean sheets, private bathrooms, delicious food, and a hot shower) so that you can experience nature without roughing it.
Classic Plus
From $15,588
Adds a higher level of luxury so you can enjoy all your creature comforts in premier accommodation. Adventure by day and comfort by night. By industry standards, this is generally 5-star in coveted locations.
Premier
From $21,477
The ultimate 6-star experience in the most sought-after locations for the ultimate wildlife sightings. Expect daily gastronomic delights produced by top chefs, attentive staff, and the most knowledgeable professional guides.
INCLUSIONS Domestic African airfare, accommodations, game drives, meals on safari, park entrance fees, naturalist guides, porterage of one soft-sided bag, medical evacuation insurance.
EXCLUSIONS International airfare, personal expenses, excess baggage fees, gratuities, airport departure and security tax, passport and visa fees, trip cancellation insurance.
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