You will have a private transfer waiting for you at Kilimanjaro Airport to take you to the lovely Kahawa House lodge located 6 km southwest of the center of the town of Arusha. This premium accommodation is an ideal rest stop for visitors getting ready to begin their safari. The property’s facilities include a swimming pool as well as a beautiful deck with a pool view where guests will enjoy dinner.
Have a day to get over jet-leg or take an excursion to the Arusha Cultural Heritage Centre - recognized as East Africa’s largest art gallery and serves as a hub for preserving and showcasing Tanzanian and African artistic traditions.
Key Features and Visitor Information:
Exhibits: The center houses extensive collections of Makonde wood carvings, Tingatinga paintings, tribal artifacts, and rare Tanzanite gemstones.
Today we drive through Lake Manyara National Park and head to Ngorongoro Farm House Valley.
OPTION: You could add a wonderful cultural activity at the impressive Engaruka English Medium Primary (EEMP) School Project before crossing over to the fertile coffee plantation area of Karatu.
The Farm House Valley was built on a 500 acre plantation with a main central building with a restaurant and leisure area. Every afternoon a fire is lit and drinks and snacks are available for guests whilst they share their experiences of the day and compare the different animals they have seen in the park.
The whole hotel has been conceived to offer the maximum comfort and a touch of luxury in an impressive scene. The ideal place to relax, have a swim in the pool, go jogging or let yourself be tampered after a day of adventures.
At any of our Tanganyika Wilderness Camps we have a strong bond with the local communities. And we are happy to share our ties with your guests should they be interested.
Unique opportunity to visit to the Wahadzabe, Wadatoga who live around the Lake Eyasi lake and the Wairaqw tribes.
note the possibility to upgrade here to the beautiful Ngorongoro Serena Lodge, perched on the top of the crater with a magnificent view.
Today we will get an early start to Ngorongoro Crater for a day on safari. We will enjoy a picnic lunch down in the crater at a special spot.
The Ngorongoro Crater, often referred to as the "Eighth Wonder of the World," is a breathtaking natural wonder nestled in the highlands of Tanzania. Formed over two million years ago, this ancient volcanic caldera spans about 100 square miles and boasts one of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet. The crater's steep walls create a natural enclosure for a wide variety of wildlife, including the Big Five—lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros—making it a prime destination for wildlife enthusiasts.
The Ngorongoro Crater is also home to a significant population of Maasai people, who coexist harmoniously with the area's wildlife. Their presence adds a rich cultural dimension to the natural beauty of the region. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Ngorongoro Crater offers visitors a unique opportunity to witness the intricate balance of nature and human history in one of the most stunning settings in the world.
After breakfast, head out to Ndutu area - located in the southern Serengeti and within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, is a hidden gem in Tanzania's vast wilderness. Known for its seasonal lakes and lush acacia woodlands, Ndutu is a haven for wildlife, particularly during the calving season of the Great Migration. This region becomes a vibrant nursery for thousands of wildebeest and zebras, attracting predators and offering unparalleled opportunities for witnessing the raw beauty of nature in action.
Ndutu’s open plains provide a unique safari experience, where you can get remarkably close to the wildlife in a serene and less crowded environment.
We will stay in Ndutu Under Canvas, a seasonal mobile camp strategically situated in south Serengeti from December to March. Ideal for exploring the extensive south of Serengeti and witness the migration.
The camp offers comfortable accommodation together with the unique opportunity to enjoy a real safari experience on a camp. In its comfortable tents one will feel completely immersed in the surroundings and one can enjoy the rich animal life and vegetation of the area. An original form of accommodation which resembles the old camps of the first explorers in Africa, with all the commodities of today.
This tented camp allows guests to be in the proximities of the Great Migration and to explore remote areas and the beautiful settings of Serengeti with a large quantity of resident wildlife. The camp has only eleven tents and 1 family tent which ensures intimacy and exclusivity from this intense experience.
Enjoy a full day on safari.
or, perhaps enjoy a Hot Air Balloon ride over the Serengeti this morning?
Start the day on a high note by soaring above the plains in a hot-air balloon. As the sun rises, watch the herds of elephants from above and admire the unspoilt landscape.
Hot-air balloon rides are at an additional cost and are weather dependent.
The flight length varies between 50 to 90 minutes, all depending on the weather conditions. Bush breakfast after landing.
Enjoy a full day on safari.
After breakfast we will transfer to the Central Serengeti.
Kati Kati is a mobile camp strategically situated in central Serengeti, making it ideal for exploring the extensive Serengeti plains. The camp offers comfortable accommodations alongside the unique opportunity to enjoy a true safari experience. In its comfortable tents, guests will feel completely immersed in the surroundings, and can revel in the rich animal life and vegetation of the area.
It offers an original form of accommodation that resembles the old camps of Africa's first explorers while including all the comforts of modern-day living. Located two hours from the Olduvai Museum and the Grumeti River, both must-visit sites for any traveler to Tanzania, the camp provides accessibility to spectacular locations. The design of the camp minimizes its environmental impact, as all infrastructure is mobile, adhering to the company philosophy of leaving nothing behind.
The tents are situated at ground level and feature a private porch with views of the savannah. They are spacious and comfortable, with an option for one double bed or two twin beds. Each tent is equipped with a bathroom that includes a bucket shower.
Enjoy your safari day in the Seronera area, located in the heart of the Serengeti National Park and one of Tanzania’s most renowned wildlife regions. The Central Serengeti is a popular region in the Serengeti National Park known for its abundant wildlife and diverse habitats. It includes the Seronera Valley, which supports a wide variety of resident wildlife such as elephants, giraffes, impalas, waterbucks, hippos, topis, reedbucks, buffaloes, and baboons.124 These resident animals attract large populations of predators, including lions, hyenas, leopards, and cheetahs, making it a prime location for observing big cats.
Today you leave the Serengeti for Rwanda. This flight schedule will not be determined until the booking is confirmed. It's likely that this flight may have to go to Arusha first and then Kigali.
You will be met upon arrival at Kigali International Airport and transferred to Hotel des Mille Collines.
Overnight: Hôtel des Mille Collines
Hôtel des Mille Collines is perfectly nestled in the heart of Kigali, Rwanda, within walking distance of the city centre. The hotel features 112 elegant rooms and suites with air conditioning, safes, TVs, workspaces, and toiletries. Guests can kickstart the day with breakfast on-site. Facilities and services include a gym, a swimming pool, a spa, restaurants, bars, and Wi-Fi.
Day Itinerary
Depart after breakfast to Mountain Gorilla View Lodge close to Volcanoes National Park. Drive 3-4 hours.
City Tour and Kigali Genocide Memorial en-route with lunch in the city
Kigali Genocide Memorial & Museum
Located just outside of Kigali City Centre in the Gasabo district, Kigali Genocide Memorial & Museum was created by a joint partnership of the Kigali City Council and the UK-based Aegis Trust. The centre is an extremely moving, challenging, educational and ultimately inspiring as well as a great place to understand the cause, tragedy and successful rebuilding post-genocide. The memorial hosts a tour which is transparent and educational but very sombre and humbling when guests realise that over 250,000 deceased are buried on the site of the memorial.
Volcanoes National Park
Bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo in Rwanda and set high on the jungle-covered slopes of the volcanic Virunga Mountains, the Volcanoes National Park is best known as a sanctuary for the region’s rare mountain gorillas. Visitors flock here to experience face to face encounters with these intriguing creatures. Regulated treks through the reserve allow visitors to spend an hour at a time with these incredible primates in their natural habitat. While the gorillas are without a doubt the main drawcard, visitors can also look forward to exploring a network of scenic hiking trails, with the beautiful day hike to the crater lake on Mount Bisoke being a particular highlight. Make sure to visit the fascinating Karisoke Research Centre and the tomb of the world-famous Dian Fossey.
Overnight: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Located very close (about 15 minutes) from the main headquarters of Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park (Parc National de Volcans), this is a very handy base from which to explore the area.
The 30 individual cottages have been built on 4 acres of land on the slopes of Mt Sabinyo. The stone and thatch cottages each have en-suite facilities, a small lounge with a fire place and a private veranda. The cottages are of a good size and are well positioned to give them privacy from each other. Being at altitude, it can get cold therefore each cottage has a fireplace in the room.
The lodge grounds are very well maintained and afford fantastic views of the volcanoes and surrounding area. Every evening a local dance group gathers to perform traditional dancing on the lawn. Take a stroll around the gardens and you are likely to see a lot of wildlife, from numerous species of birds to monkeys jumping between the trees.
https://www.volcanoesnationalparkrwanda.com/
The main attraction for guests to Mountain Gorilla View is of course the trek to see the mountain gorillas. There are currently 12 habituated gorilla families in Rwanda that visitors can visit, ranging in distance from a short 30-minute trek to a longer hike lasting several hours. Conditions in the Virunga Mountains can become quite muddy, but the lodge can provide guests with gloves and gaiters if needed; they also provide a complimentary boot cleaning service once you return.
In addition to the mountain gorillas, a number of alternative activities are possible in and around Volcanoes National Park. Many people choose to spend a morning tracking the golden monkeys that also call the Virungas home – an excursion that also helps with acclimatization. For those looking for a little more physical exertion you can arrange to trek up to the grave of Dian Fossey or even to summit Mount Karisimbi and peer down into the huge caldera below. It is also possible to go canoeing near the twin lakes of Lake Burera and Lake Ruhondo; chat to us for more details.
With spacious cottages, friendly staff and a great location, it has something of the flavour of an old-style ski lodge. Don’t come here expecting luxury, but if you are looking for a relaxed lodge that won't break the bank, it's a good choice.
Day Itinerary - Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
After an early morning briefing with National Parks’ personnel, you will be taken to the start of your Gorilla trekking hike. Your walk to the gorilla family may take anything from 30 mins to several hours – following your guide through the beautiful forests. Along the way you may encounter golden monkeys, as well as a range of birdlife and other forest dwellers.
Once you reach the Gorilla family, you will be privileged to spend an hour watching them as they interact with each other: sleeping, eating, grooming or playing. It’s a humbling experience to sit amongst our ‘cousins’. Be sure to enjoy the experience fully, and not just through the lense of your camera - as the hour goes by so fast!
Day at leisure to enjoy some optional extra activities in the area, or just relax in the peaceful tranquility of the lodge (2nd day of Gorilla viewing may be arranged but permits are $1500 per time going out).
How about Golden Monkey Tracking today? USD 100 per person / Must be arranged in advance
Located in Volcanoes National Park, Golden Monkey Tracking offers visitors a unique experience of catching a glimpse of the endangered Golden Monkey. These striking primates with their bright orange fur contrasting the green rainforests of the Virunga Mountains is a photographers dream. The Golden Monkey can be found in very few places outside of Volcanoes National Park, and their vibrant colours, energetic demeanour, and sizeable troupes of up to 30 individuals are indeed a sight to behold.
After a relaxing breakfast, you will have a private transfer back to Kigali International Airport for your flight home.
