This is the condensed alternative to our 12-day Rwanda-Tanzania route — a single, unhurried gorilla trek, then a direct flight to the Serengeti for a focused migration stay, skipping Nyungwe and Ngorongoro to fit within nine days.
Detailed Itinerary
DAY 1
Arrival at Kigali International Airport, then a drive to Kinigi at the base of the Virunga volcanoes.
Arrive Kigali, Transfer to Kinigi
Accommodation Options
BudgetKinigi Guest House
Mid-rangeMountain Gorilla View Lodge
LuxuryVirunga Lodge
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
DAY 2
A full day tracking a habituated mountain gorilla family through the Virunga volcanoes.
Gorilla Trekking, Volcanoes National Park
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 3
A transfer to Kigali, flying via Kilimanjaro or Arusha directly into the Serengeti.
Fly to Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Accommodation Options
Mid-rangeSerengeti Serena Safari Lodge
LuxuryFour Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4
A full day across the Serengeti’s plains for lion, leopard and, seasonally, the migration.
Full Day Serengeti Game Drives
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5
A further day exploring different sectors of the park, following your guide’s read on current herd positions.
Second Serengeti Game Drive Day
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6
An additional full day in the Serengeti, with the flexibility to chase specific sightings your guide has tracked.
Third Serengeti Game Drive Day
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7
A further day in the Serengeti, giving genuinely unhurried time with the migration if the herds are in the area.
Fourth Serengeti Game Drive Day
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 8
A drive down to Arusha, with the afternoon free to relax or shop for curios.
Transfer to Arusha
Accommodation Options
Mid-rangeHatari Lodge
LuxuryRivertrees Country Inn
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 9
Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward international flight.
Departure
Meals: Breakfast
Permits & Costs
| Rwanda gorilla permit | $1,500 per person |
| Serengeti park entry | ~$82 per person per day |
| Regional flight, Kigali to Serengeti area | Quoted separately |
Who This Itinerary Suits
Travellers with nine days rather than twelve who still want both a genuine gorilla trek and multiple full days on the migration, without Nyungwe or Ngorongoro diluting the focus.Tour Includes
- All ground transport in a 4×4 safari vehicle
- Regional flight segment
- Professional English-speaking driver-guides in each country
- All accommodation per itinerary
- Meals as specified
- Gorilla permit & park entry fees
Tour Excludes
- International flights
- Visas
- Tips & gratuities
- Travel insurance