This itinerary takes “mountains” literally — alongside gorilla trekking, it includes a hike up Mount Bisoke, one of the Virunga volcanoes, to its crater lake summit — before a dedicated Serengeti stay for the migration in Tanzania.
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
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 demanding but rewarding hike up Mount Bisoke, roughly six to seven hours round trip, to a crater lake at the 3,711-metre summit.
Mount Bisoke Volcano Hike
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4
A rest day to recover from the volcano hike, or an optional lower-intensity golden monkey trek in the bamboo zone.
Rest Day or Golden Monkey Trekking
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5
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 6
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 7
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 8
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 9
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 10
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 11
Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward international flight.
Departure
Meals: Breakfast
Permits & Costs
| Rwanda gorilla permit | $1,500 per person |
| Mount Bisoke hiking permit | $100 per person |
| Serengeti park entry | ~$82 per person per day |
Who This Itinerary Suits
Fit, adventurous travellers who want a genuine physical challenge alongside their gorilla trek, not just wildlife viewing from a vehicle.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, hiking permit & park entry fees
Tour Excludes
- International flights
- Visas
- Tips & gratuities
- Travel insurance
- Hiking poles (available for hire locally)
