Ultimate Tanzania and Rwanda
Tanzania Rwanda
11 days
TAILOR-MADE SAFARI | SAMPLE ITINERARY
Journey through East Africa's most iconic wildlife regions, from the Ngorongoro Highlands and Serengeti plains to the volcanic forests of Rwanda, culminating in an unforgettable encounter with mountain gorillas. Along the way, stay in a collection of distinctive lodges that reflect the character and landscapes of each destination..
Highlights
Explore the Ngorongoro Crater, one of the Natural Wonders of the World and a unique sanctuary for both predator and prey.
Discover the Serengeti plains in search of migratory herds of zebra and wildebeest, alongside the predators that follow their movement across the ecosystem.
Experience a journey of contrasts through diverse landscapes, rich wildlife regions, and distinctive lodges set in exceptional natural environments.
Enjoy that magical hour when you observe the magnificent mountain gorillas as they interact and forage in the forest.
Accommodations
1. Legendary Lodge
Tanzania, Arusha
Set in lush tropical gardens on a working coffee farm just outside Arusha, Legendary Lodge is a perfect get-away, offering peace and relaxation. The lodge features beautiful garden cottages, each with an inspiring view of Mount Meru from its own private veranda. Designed with a unique blend of African arts and old, colonial-style furnishings, the cottages offer king sized beds, air-conditioning, a separate lounge with a cozy fireplace and ensuite bathrooms with deep tubs and showers. The two-bedroom Kahawa Cottage is ideal for families, while two cozy ensuite rooms are available in the Old Farmhouse for those who prefer to be closer to the dining room and guest lounge. Guests can take advantage of personal minibars and complimentary wireless internet throughout the property. Delectable gourmet meals are served in the gracious environment of The Old Farmhouse, while the Legendary Therapies Spa offers rejuvenating treatments (at an additional cost) in the elegant therapy room or in the privacy of the guest cottages.
2. Lemala Osonjoi Lodge
Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
Lemala Osonjoi boasts some of the most spacious and airy suites in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, each featuring a king-size bed, a cozy wood stove, and heated comforts to keep you warm on cool crater rim nights. The 20 luxurious suites, including two-bedroom options for families, offer privacy and stunning views of the lush Ngorongoro highlands through large picture windows. Enjoy oversized beds, generous bathrooms, and a secret nook perfect for relaxing after a day on safari. Unique amenities include a heated indoor pool, a stylish lounge, and private catered lunches on the crater floor.
3. Laba Grumeti Art Lodge
Tanzania, Serengeti
Perched on a ridge overlooking the Grumeti ecosystem in the western Serengeti, Laba Grumeti Art Lodge combines exceptional wildlife viewing with a distinctive celebration of contemporary African art. The lodge features just 11 spacious tented suites and one family suite, each with expansive private decks and sweeping views across the plains. Thoughtfully designed with locally inspired materials and original artwork throughout, the lodge offers a unique sense of place, complemented by a spa, infinity pool, and easy access to one of the Serengeti’s most wildlife-rich regions.
4. Hemingways Retreat Kigali
Rwanda, Kigali
Set in one of Kigali’s most desirable neighborhoods, Hemingways Kigali is an elegant boutique retreat offering spacious suites and private pool villas. Guests enjoy beautifully landscaped gardens, a swimming pool, wellness facilities, a fitness center, and refined dining, providing a relaxing escape in Rwanda’s vibrant capital.
5. Singita Kwitonda Lodge
Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park
Singita Kwitonda Lodge is set in an area of exceptional natural beauty, with breathtaking views of the Sabyinyo, Gahinga and Muhabura volcanoes and the surrounding high-altitude forests. All of the suites offer uninterrupted views and have been designed as a luxurious refuge for post-trek relaxation with a cozy sitting area warmed by a fireplace. Thoughtful in-room conveniences include a well-stocked pantry and minibar and a private dining space. A private terrace with a fireplace and heated plunge pool encourages closer engagement with the surrounding landscape. The contemporary suites and villa are linked by volcanic rock pathways to the central lodge. The lodge interiors emphasize local design and handcrafted details adorn the carefully planned spaces. Layered textures and colors enhance the reflective quality of this tranquil haven and an experiential enclave offers free-flowing indoor and outdoor areas. A convivial fire pit, interactive kitchen, bar-deli and wine cellar complete the picture.
Itinerary
Day 1. Arrive Arusha, Tanzania
A warm welcome awaits on arrival in Tanzania, where VIP meet and greet assistance ensures a smooth passage through the airport. Continue by luxury vehicle transfer to your lodge set at the foothills of Mount Meru, surrounded by a working coffee estate. (D)
Legendary Lodge
Day 2. Arusha / Ngorongoro Crater
After breakfast, depart for the Ngorongoro Highlands, passing through changing landscapes of farmland and forest before reaching the crater rim. Arrive at Lemala Osonjoi Lodge in time to settle in and take in sweeping views over one of Africa’s most iconic wilderness areas. The afternoon is at leisure, with time to enjoy the lodge and its dramatic setting above the crater. (BLD)
Lemala Osonjoi Lodge
Day 3. Ngorongoro Crater
Descend early into the Ngorongoro Crater for a full-day safari within this extraordinary natural amphitheatre. The crater floor offers exceptional wildlife density, with sightings of lion, elephant, buffalo, and the endangered black rhino all possible in a single day. Return to your lodge in the late afternoon to relax as the light fades over the highlands. (BLD)
Lemala Osonjoi Lodge
Day 4. Ngorongoro Crater / Serengeti
Fly into the Serengeti and transfer to Laba Grumeti Art Lodge, overlooking the wildlife-rich Grumeti ecosystem. After settling into your suite, head out on an afternoon game drive to begin exploring this diverse landscape of open plains, woodlands, and riverine habitats. (BLD)
Laba Grumeti Art Lodge
Day 5. Serengeti
Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives in the western Serengeti, an area known for its abundant resident wildlife and varied habitats. Explore the plains and woodlands in search of elephant, giraffe, buffalo, antelope, and the many predators that thrive in this remarkable ecosystem. (BLD)
Laba Grumeti Art Lodge
Day 6. Serengeti
Continue exploring the Grumeti region on morning and afternoon game drives, with opportunities to encounter a diverse range of wildlife across the Serengeti ecosystem. Between safari activities, enjoy time at the lodge, taking in the sweeping views, relaxing in camp, and browsing the collection of contemporary African art that gives Laba Grumeti Art Lodge its distinctive character. (BLD)
Laba Grumeti Art Lodge
Day 7. Serengeti / Kigali
Enjoy an early morning game drive before transferring to the airstrip for your flight to Kigali. Arrive in Rwanda and transfer to Hemingways Retreat Kigali, a peaceful sanctuary set among the city’s green hills. The remainder of the day is at leisure. (B)
Hemingways Retreat Kigali
Day 8. Kigali / Volcanoes National Park
This morning, visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial for a moving and important insight into Rwanda’s history, followed by time exploring the city’s art galleries and local craft centers. After lunch, drive north through Rwanda’s rolling countryside toward Volcanoes National Park. En route, visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund for an introduction to ongoing gorilla conservation efforts before continuing to Singita Kwitonda Lodge at the foothills of the Virunga volcanoes. (BLD)
Singita Kwitonda Lodge
Day 9. Volcanoes National Park
Begin the day with a gorilla trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park. After a briefing, trek through dense forest and steep terrain to reach a habituated gorilla family, with time spent observing their behavior in their natural environment before returning to the lodge in the afternoon. (BLD)
Singita Kwitonda Lodge
Day 10. Volcanoes National Park / Kigali
Enjoy one last breakfast and a stroll marveling at the lodge’s commitment to reforestation. Singita Volcanoes National Park’s Akarabo Nursery, meaning “Little Flower,” supports reforestation efforts by providing local saplings grown by the Coopav Mararo cooperative. Guests can visit the nursery to plant indigenous trees or join conservationists on an informative nature walk to explore ongoing restoration projects. (B)
Hemingways Retreat Kigali
Day 11. Kigali / Depart
Enjoy a relaxed morning in Kigali before transferring to the airport with departure VIP assistance and lounge access. (B)
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences are carefully selected for their positive impact on local communities, the planet, and wildlife—while creating meaningful and immersive moments for our guests.
Pricing
Land Arrangements (Price per person)
Sample pricing shown; this fully customizable independent travel itinerary is available year-round, with pricing on request
Air Arrangements (Internal Airfare)
Tour Flights Included in Land Arrangements
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