Best of Rwanda & Tanzania (14 days)
Our 14 days trip brings you the best of Rwanda and Tanzania; where the savannah meet the rainforest. Expect to see the big 5 and the other big game on the savannahs and up to 14 primate species, including gorillas and chimpanzees!!!
This trip specifically includes the most important and well known national parks of Rwanda and Tanzania: Nyungwe Forest, Volcanoes National Park, the Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti National Park and Lake Manyara National Park.
We start in Nyungwe Forest in Rwanda. This beautiful jungle is the largest rainforest in East Africa and is home to 12 primate species, including chimpanzees. Second stop we make is Volcanoes National Park, where Dian Fossey studied the Mountain Gorillas. You will never forget a meeting with the mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. We end our trip in Rwanda in Kigali, from where we fly to Tanzania.
The first national park we visit in Tanzania is Lake Manyara, one of Tanzania's most dramatically located wildlife areas, consisting of a shallow but huge soda lake, located at the foot of the Great Rift Valley's western escarpment. This park is famous for its tree-climbing lions. After that, we go to the Ngorongoro Crater, featuring one of the highest concentrations of game and arguably the densest population of predators and carnivores in Africa.
This safari will also take you to the Serengeti, a massive wilderness of 14500 square km, where every day brings a new landscape.
Highlights
- See the Chimpanzees and 11 other monkey species in Nyungwe Forest in Rwanda
- Meet the Mountain Gorillas in the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda
- Best game viewing in the world on the endless savannah plains of the Serengeti
- One of the eight Wonders of the World, the Ngorongoro Crater with outstanding wildlife
- The tree climbing lions in Lake Manyara National Park
- Good chances of seeing the big five: Elephant, Rhino, Lion, Leopard and Buffalo
- Meet the local people like the Maasai and pygmies and see their local way of living
Video
Route
Day to day program
Kigali Airport - Kigali
Arrival at Kigali Airport in Rwanda. Your guide will be there waiting for you. Pick up and proceed to your accommodation.
Included: airport transfer
Kigali - Nyungwe Forest
After breakfast we drive to Nyungwe Forest for an overnight.
Nyungwe is one of East Africa's largest forests. It is home to 13 primate species including chimpanzees. Other attractive monkeys to see: Angolan Black Colobus, Mona Monkey, Blue Monkey, L'Hoest Monkey and Owl Faced Monkey.
Nyungwe Forest
Go for Chimpanzee tracking in the morning! See them feeding, walking around and swinging the trees. The chimpanzees are our closest relatives! During this walk you are also able to see other monkey species and birds. Optional visit of a tea factory in the afternoon.
Nyungwe Forest
Today you can make the beautiful waterfall walk, search for monkeys (especially Angolan Black Colobus and Mona Monkey) or do the canopy walk (all activities optional).
Nyungwe Forest - Kibuye
Transfer to Kibuye by the shores of Lake Kivu. Relax at the shores of this beautiful lake. It is possible to make a walk along the lake or visit a vising village or make an optional boat trip on the lake.
Kibuye - Volcanoes National Park
Transfer to the Volcanoes National Park. On a clear day we can see the 3 volcanoes on the border between Uganda and Rwanda. It is possible to visit a pygmy village on the way (optional).
Volcanoes National Park is part of the Virunga Mountains, covering 3 countries: Uganda, Rwanda and Congo. Together with Bwindi this is the only place in the world to see the Mountain Gorilla's.
Volcanoes National Park - Kigali
Gorilla tracking. Transfer to Kigali in the afternoon.
The bamboo forest will drip around you as you first hear the breaking of bamboo signalling the group is near and then you will be face to face with one of the most delightful and fascinating creatures in the world. After an hour's viewing you will make the trek back.
Kigali - Flight - Arusha (Tanzania)
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Tanzania.
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport in Tanzania. Pick up and proceed to Arusha.
Arusha - Lake Manyara National Park
Transfer to Lake Manyara National Park, Tanzania's most dramatically located wildlife area, consisting of a shallow but huge soda lake, at the foot of the Great Rift Valley's western escarpment. Lake Manyara is famous for its tree climbing lions. Game drive in the afternoon.
Lake Manyara National Park - Serengeti
Today we drive to the Serengeti National park. On our way we drive through the Ngorongoro Highlands, where we have a magnificent view of the crater. On this day it is possible to visit a Maasai Boma (kraal) or Olduvai Gorge (famous and interesting place where our ancestors have been found). Both activities optional. Game drive en route and in the afternoon in the Serengeti National Park if time allows.
Serengeti
Full day safari in the Serengeti National Park. It is also possible to make a balloon safari in the morning (optional).
Serengeti National park is a massive wilderness of 14500 square km and one of the best places in the world to see the big 5!
Serengeti - Ngorongoro Crater
Game drive in the morning. Afterwards we drive to the Ngorongoro Crater. Game drive through the Serengeti en route.
The Ngorongoro Crater, featuring one of the highest concentrations of game in Africa. Here you will witness an amazing spectacle of African wildlife, inside a self-contained world teeming with animals, with very good chances of seeing the big 5.
Ngorongoro Crater
In the morning we descend into the Ngorongoro Crater. Afternoon lunch at the Hippo Pool Picnic site. In the afternoon we ascend the crater. The Ngorongoro Crater is the best place in the world to see the Big Five: Elephant, Rhino, Lion, Leopard and Buffalo.
Accommodations
Legend: BB = Bed and Breakfast / HB = Half Board / FB = Full Board
Prices 2024
Price on request, please send an email to mail@kazingatours.com
Includes
- Airport transfers
- Accommodations with meals mentioned
- Bottled drinking water
- Private 4x4 custom built safari van with knowledgeable driver/guide and fuel
- Entrance fees to the included National Parks
- Activities mentioned as included
Excludes
- Flights
- Visa
- All optional activities
- Insurances
- Meals not mentioned and beverages
- Tips and personal expenses such as laundry and communication
A certificate proving that you have received a yellow fever vaccination is obligatory. Furthermore all required inoculations must be recorded by your health practitioner on a valid vaccination certificate. You must carry this document with you throughout the tour. All visitors should take malaria prophylactic drugs. We also advise that you bring a mosquito repellent with you. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for up to date requirements, inoculations and personal recommendations!
Normally you need the following vaccinations (but please always consult a doctor):
- Yellow Fever (you must have this can even be checked on arrival, especially when flying within East Africa)
- DTP
- Hepatitis
For Malaria you need to take tablets, Malarone or Lariam. Malarone is mostly used (please always consult a doctor).
Hygiene is not at the same standard as in your home country, so we advise you to bring a disinfectant cream with you. Always drink bottled water instead of tap water.
A certificate proving that you have received a yellow fever vaccination is obligatory. Furthermore all required inoculations must be recorded by your health practitioner on a valid vaccination certificate. You must carry this document with you throughout the tour. All visitors should take malaria prophylactic drugs. We also advise that you bring a mosquito repellent with you. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for up to date requirements, inoculations and personal recommendations!
Normally you need the following vaccinations (but please always consult a doctor):
- Yellow Fever (you must have this can even be checked on arrival, especially when flying within East Africa)
- DTP
- Hepatitis
For Malaria you need to take tablets, Malarone or Lariam. Malarone is mostly used (please always consult a doctor).
Hygiene is not at the same standard as in your home country, so we advise you to bring a disinfectant cream with you. Always drink bottled water instead of tap water.
On arrival on the airport our guide will be there waiting for you. During safari we use custom made safari vehicles, custom made for an optimal view of the wildlife. Safari vehicles (and small aircrafts) provide limited space for luggage. It is therefore recommended to travel with light bags since bulky suitcases will overload and might be difficult to be taken on board.
The Rwandan authorities made their Visa one of the easiest to get.
- All Visitors Going to Rwanda can get Visa on arrival at the Immigration desk at $30
Some nationalities (like Americans and Germans) do not require a visa, please check this in advance.
It is your own responsibility to inform yourself about the visa procedures (as the information given above can change at any time) and to arrange your visa(s) correctly and timely, but if anything is unclear of course we will be glad to assist you.
Note: This information is subject to change! Always consult the Rwandan embassy in your country if you are not sure.
Visa - for those who require one - can be purchased in advance through the Tanzanian embassy or consulate in your home country. Visa can also be obtained upon arrival at Kilimanjaro / Dar es Salaam International Airport or at any overland border. The price for a single entry visa is USD 50 per person.
It is your own responsibility to arrange your visa(s) correctly and in time, but if anything is unclear of course we will be glad to assist you.
Note: This information is subject to change! Always consult the Tanzanian embassy in your country if you are not sure.
In most of the cities it is possible to withdraw money from an ATM. Travelers Cheques are not widely accepted and it is very difficult or impossible to pay by credit card outside the cities. The US dollar is traditionally the hard currency of preference. We advise to bring some Dollars for daily expenses and tips.
Dollar bills should not be older than 10 years.
The unit of currency is the Rwandan Franc. Please check the latest exchange rates before you go to your destination. This will be a guideline. Please note you will get a better exchange rate in the bigger cities.
The unit of currency is the Tanzanian Shilling. Please check the latest exchange rates before you go to your destination. This will be a guideline. Please note you will get a better exchange rate in the bigger cities.
We advise you to apply for a Flying Doctors membership. The membership provides a quick and reliable air evacuation and medical care if needed.
AMREF Flying Doctors offers 2 covers (Annual and Short Term). You can choose between the Maisha Silver (Kenya, Tanzania and Zanzibar), Maisha Gold (Kenya, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi) or Maisha Platinum (Kenya, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan and Ethiopia).
Please check out the AMREF Flying Doctors website for more information and to become a member.
The official languages of Rwanda are French and English, the local language is Kinyarwanda.
The national language of Tanzania is Kiswahili but English is widely spoken and is the main language in the tourist areas.
Rwanda is a tropical country, with higher temperatures at lower altitudes (Akagera).
Areas around Nyungwe, Lake Kivu and Volcanoes National Park are generally cooler.
Rwanda can be visited at any time throughout the year. But please keep in mind that mountain hikes, gorilla tracking and other forest walks are more challenging during the rainy seasons (March - May and October - November).
For birders the rainy season is considered to be the best time to visit Rwanda.
Rainy season means it rains more often, but not every day and not the whole day.
Tanzania is a tropical country, with high temperatures along the coast and at lower altitudes (especially in the Southern Part). The Northern part is at higher altitudes (except for Lake Natron and Tarangire).
Areas around the Ngorongoro Crater, Mt. Kilimanjaro, Mt. Meru and Arusha are generally cooler.
Daytime temperatures are generally warm to hot, so bring lots of light clothing. Evenings are cooler, especially at high altitudes (areas around Volcanoes National Park and the Virungas), so carry a couple of sweaters too.
Those who intend to do mountain hiking will be exposed to alpine temperatures and should pack accordingly. Solid walking shoes and sturdy clothing are ideal for forest walks.
When you are doing gorilla tracking some gardeners gloves are handy because of the thick vegetation and thorns.
Do not forget to bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and a waterproof jacket. During safaris we advise to avoid black and dark blue clothes (because they can attract tsetse flies).
If you are planning on doing a community walk or visit the local people, we advise you to wear appropriate clothing. For example women putting on long skirts and a top that covers the shoulders. We also advise you not to wear purple clothes. Rwanda has “adopted” purple as the official color of mourning after the Genocide of 1994.
Daytime temperatures are generally warm to hot, so bring lots of light clothing. Evenings are cooler, especially at higher altitudes, so carry a couple of light sweaters too.
Those who intend to do mountain hiking will be exposed to alpine temperatures and should pack accordingly.
Don’t forget to bring a hat, sunglasses and a waterproof jacket. During safaris we advise to avoid black and dark blue clothes (because they can attract tsetse flies). For hiking and walking safaris Solid walking shoes and sturdy clothing are ideal for forest walks.
If you are planning on doing a community walk or visit the local people, we advise you to wear appropriate clothing. For example women putting on long skirts and a top that covers the shoulders.
A valid passport is mandatory (passport must be valid for at least 3 months after re-entry) and visa requirements for all countries you are planning to visit should be checked before you travel.
To make the most of your visit to the game reserves and national parks, we advise you to carry binoculars and field guides.
Photographers will need a zoom lens for wildlife (70-300 or more). Please make sure to carry enough memory cards with you. Toiletries and other essentials can be bought in the cities.
A torch (flashlight) can proof to be very useful
We advise you to take an international adapter with you for your electric equipment. The system used in Rwanda is the Western European system. In most lodges it is possible to charge your batteries.
We advise you to take an international adapter with you for your electric equipment. The system used in Tanzania is the British system. In most lodges it is possible to charge your batteries.
Driving in Rwanda is on the right-hand side.
Visitors without experience of African roads are advised to travel with a 4x4 vehicle driven by a knowledgeable driver/guide, rather than self-drive.
All our guides are well trained in "Defensive Driving".
Driving in Tanzania is on the left-hand side.
Visitors without experience of African roads are advised to travel with a 4x4 vehicle driven by a knowledgeable driver/guide, rather than self-drive.
All our guides are well trained in "Defensive Driving".
Please mind that washrooms along the road are sometimes not to European standards, for example squatting toilets, no flushing toilets or no toilet paper available. Like the locals say: T.I.A. This Is Africa.
Bathroom facilities and accommodations can be more basic when traveling on a medium to low budget. In the eco lodges mind that the water reserves are limited and in most cases there are no sockets in the room, but you can always charge your devices at the reception.
Tipping will always be appreciated. It is normal to tip 5-10% in hotels and restaurants. Guides, drivers and carriers should always be tipped. Indication: for carriers USD 1-3 and for your driver/guide USD 5-15 per day, depending on the group size, number of days and your satisfaction.
The Bradt Travel Guide is the most detailed guidebook for Rwanda. The Lonely Planet produces another guidebook (Lonely Planet East Africa). For wildlife, the best guidebook is ‘Watching Wildlife East Africa’ from the Lonely Planet. For birding, the best guidebook is ‘birds of East Africa’. It is advisable to get the most updated copy.
The Lonely Planet and Bradt Travel Guide are the most detailed guidebooks for Tanzania. For wildlife, the best guidebook is ‘Watching Wildlife East Africa’ from the Lonely Planet and The Bradt ‘East African Wildlife’. For birding, the best guidebook is ‘birds of East Africa’. It is advisable to get the most updated copy.
