This 20 Days Rwanda, Tanzania and Kenya Wildlife Safari is one of our tailor-made combined safaris to East Africa. Main highlights of this 20 Days Rwanda, Tanzania and Kenya wildlife tour includes gorilla and golden monkey trekking in Rwanda, 8 days Mount Kilimanjaro hiking tour, and wildlife viewing in Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Serengeti and Masai Mara national parks. This tour begins in Kigali city, Rwanda and ends in Nairobi, Kenya.
Highlights for 20 Days Rwanda Safari, Tanzania safari and Kenya Wildlife Safari.
Day 1: Pick up from Kigali and Transfer to Ruhengeri
Day 2: Gorilla trekking and Iby’iwacu Culture
Day 3: Golden Monkeys and transfer back to Kigali.
Day 4: Morning Flight to JRO (Kilimanjaro International Airport)
Day 5; Lemosho Glades to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp
Day 6: Mti Mkubwa to Shira Camp 1
Day 7: Shira Camp 1 to Shira 2 to Moir Hut
Day 8: Moir Hut to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Day 9: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Day 10: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Day 11: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut
Day 12: Mweka Camp and Transfer to Arusha
Day 13; Transfer to Tarangire national park (Approximately 2 hours’ drive)
Day 14: Transfer to Lake Manyara national park
Day 15: Drive to Ngorongoro conservation area for Crater Drive
Day 16: Drive to Serengeti national park
Day 17: Full day Serengeti national park
Day 18: Drive to Isebania Border and Transfer to Masai Mara (About 6 hours’ drive)
Day 19: Maasai Mara National Reserve
Day 20: Drive back to Nairobi
Detailed Itinerary for 12 Days Rwanda Gorillas, Tanzania and Kenya safari
Day 1: Pick up from Kigali and Transfer to Ruhengeri
You will be met by our guide who will pick you up from your hotel to transfer to Kigali city for a short city tour where you will visit the genocide memorial site. Later in the afternoon, you will transfer to Ruhengeri town for dinner and overnight stay at Virunga Resort Inn & Spa Hotel (Luxury)/ Da Vinci Lodge (Midrange)/ Muhabura Hotel (Budget)
Day 2: Gorilla trekking and Iby’iwacu Culture
Early in the morning after breakfast and a briefing from the RDB officials, set off for the gorilla trekking. This experience of gorilla trekking is a once in a life time adventure. The rangers will lead you deep into the forest in search of the Gorillas.
You will move up and down the rugged terrain until you finally meet these harmonious creatures whose company you will cherish for 1 hour. The activity in Rwanda can take 3-5 hours depending on the movement of the gorillas. In the afternoon you may go for an optional village tour for a cultural experience with a resident local guide. Return for dinner and overnight stay at as above
Day 3: Golden Monkeys and transfer back to Kigali
Wake up to a good breakfast in the misty volcanoes forest and drive to the park headquarters where you will be briefed. After your briefing will embark on a guided trek in search for golden monkeys in the forest and this can take between 3-6 hours or more depending on their location. Once you have located a group, you will be given an hour with the primates and then have your packed lunch and later head back to base. You will then reconnect with your driver guide and drive back to Kigali with drop off at your hotel.
Dinner and overnight stay at Step Town Hotel (Budget)/ Onomo Hotel (Midrange)/ Kigali Marriott Hotel (Luxury)
Day 4: Morning Flight to JRO (Kilimanjaro International Airport) at your own cost.
After having your breakfast in the morning, you will drive to Kigali international airport for a flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport (at your own cost).
You will be dropped off at the airport for your late night flight from Kigali to Moshi. You will be met by our company representative from Explore Rwanda Tours upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport. You will then transfer to your hotel where you will check in and relax for the rest of the evening as you prepare for your hike to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Keys Hotel (Budget)/ Kibo Palace Hotel Moshi (Midrange)/ Pink Flamingo Hotel (Luxury)
Day 5; Lemosho Glades to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp
Elevation (ft): 6,825ft to 9,100ft
Distance: 7 km
Hiking Time:3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
We depart Moshi for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead (another hour to reach the trailhead). Upon arrival at trailhead, we eat lunch, then commence through undisturbed forest which winds to the first camp site.
DAY 6: Mti Mkubwa to Shira Camp 1
Elevation (ft): 9,100ft to 11,500ft
Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time 5-6 hours
Habitat: Moorland
We continue on the trail leading out of the forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 camp. The view of Kibo from across the plateau is amazing.
DAY 7: Shira Camp 1 to Shira 2 to Moir Hut
Elevation (ft): 11,500ft to 13,800 ft
Distance: 14 km
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Moorland
We explore the Shira plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east toward Kibo’s glaciered peak, across the plateau which leads to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream. Then we continue to Moir Hut, a little used site on the base of Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira is one of the highest plateaus on earth.
DAY 8: Moir Hut to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Elevation (ft): 13,800ft to 13,000ft
Distance: 7 km
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Semi Desert
From the Shira Plateau, we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth.” Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000ft. We now continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 13,000ft. Here we rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight. Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.
DAY 9: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Elevation (ft): 13,000ft to 13,100ft
Distance: 5km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite. This is a short day meant for acclimatization.
DAY 10: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Elevation (ft): 13,100ft to 15,300ft
Distance: 4 km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
After breakfast, we leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position.
DAY 11: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut
Elevation (ft): 15,300ft to 19,345ft (and down to 10,000ft)
Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent
Habitat: Arctic
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.
At Stella Point (18,600 ft), you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting). From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all they way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit.
From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
DAY 12: Mweka Camp and Transfer to Arusha
Elevation (ft): 10,000ft to 5,400ft
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).
From the gate, you continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to hotel in Arusha.
Dinner and overnight stay at Burka Coffee Lodge (Budget)/ Tulia Boutique Hotel (Midrange)/ Serena Hotel (Luxury)
Day 13; Transfer to Tarangire national park (Approximately 2 hours’ drive)
After having your breakfast, your driver guide will be waiting for you and you will continue your drive to Tarangire national park which begins your wildlife viewing experiences in Tanzania. After checking in at your lodge in the national park, you will prepare to have your lunch before heading out into the wilderness of the national park.
During your game drive, you will see different wildlife species grazing and roaming in the national park such as lions, giraffes, antelopes, giraffes, lions, leopards, buffalos, wildebeests, elands, elephants, cheetahs, impalas and a variety of bird species can also be seen especially around the Tarangire national park. As you enjoy the sunset and scenery around you, your guide will dive you back to your lodge for dinner and overnight at Manyara Safari Lodge (midrange)/ Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Luxury Tented Camp/Twiga Lodge (Budget)
Day 14: Transfer to Lake Manyara national park
Breakfast will be served at your lodge before checking out of the lodge and continuing your journey Lake Manyara National Park. About two thirds of the national park is covered by Lake Manyara which is a significant attraction in the national park which attracts a variety of wildlife species as well as different bird species. You will be driven by your guide to your lodge where you will have your lunch.
After lunch, you will have a game drive to search for wildlife species in this national park such as elephants, gazelles, buffalos, hippos, antelopes, waterbucks, hartebeests, warthogs, hyenas, giraffes, elands, impalas among others. You will also see various bird species during your game drive in Lake Manyara national park. You will return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay same as above.
Day 15: Drive to Ngorongoro conservation area for Crater Drive
After breakfast at your lodge in Serengeti national park, you will check out of your lodge and proceed for an en route game drive on your way to Ngorongoro conservation area. Your lunch will be served before you descend to the Ngorongoro crater to see different attractions such as Lake Magadi which is found at the center of the crater.
As you explore the Ngorongoro crater, you will also see flamingos along the shores of Lake Magadi in big numbers as well as other bird species. You will also look out for wildlife species in the crater area such as elephants, buffalos, rhinos, zebras, waterbucks, antelopes, hyenas, gazelles, kudus, predators such as lions, leopards, cheetahs. You will also enjoy beautiful views of the scenery around you as you explore the Ngorongoro conservation area. You will then proceed to your lodge for dinner and overnight at Eileen’s tree inn Lodge (Budget)/ Hhando Coffee Lodge (Midrange)/ Ngorongoro Serena Hotel (Luxury)
Day 16: Drive to Serengeti national park
You will have an early breakfast at your lodge as you prepare for your transfer to Serengeti national park. You will see different wildlife species during your en route game drive in the open savannah plains on the way to your lodge. You will have lunch at your lodge as you prepare for an afternoon game drive.
During your game drive in the national park, you will enjoy the beautiful scenery such as the kopjes where lions can be seen as they watch their prey. You will also search for various wildlife species such as elephants, buffalos, warthogs, hyenas, giraffes, wildebeests, antelopes, impalas among others during your game drive. You will proceed to your lodge for dinner and overnight at Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge (Luxury)/ Central Serengeti Bush Camp (Midrange)/ Tukawone (Budget)
Day 17: Full day Serengeti national park
You will have breakfast at your lodge as you prepare for morning game drive in the savannah plains of Serengeti national park to see various wildlife species which are very active in the morning and can easily be spotted as you also enjoy the sunrise.
Your lunch will be served at your lodge after your morning game drive. Later in the evening, you will engage in another game drive to see wildlife species such as the big five like lions, leopards, buffalos, rhinos and elephants. You will also see other wildlife and bird species which include wildebeest, waterbucks, antelopes, zebras, kudus, hippos, buffalos among others. You will return to your lodge after your evening game drive for dinner and overnight at Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge (Luxury)/ Central Serengeti Bush Camp (Midrange)/ Tukawone (Budget)
Day 18: Drive to Isebania Border and Transfer to Masai Mara (About 6 hours’ drive)
After breakfast at your lodge, you will check out of the lodge and transfer to Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya via the Isebania border taking approximately 6 hours’ drive. You will have packed lunch enroute to your lodge in Masai Mara. Upon your arrival in Masai Mara, you will check into your lodge and rest for a while before heading out in the evening for a game drive in the park. Dinner and overnight at Mara Serena lodge (Luxury)/ Sekenani Tented Camp (Midrange)/ Sentrim (Budget)
Please Note: In case you are not comfortable with the drive from Serengeti NP to Masai Mara, you can choose to fly directly to Masai Mara from Serengeti National Park.
Day 19: Maasai Mara National Reserve
Today we will spend the day on a full day safari looking for the Big 5 and other rare game not previously seen. We will head to the Mara River for a Walking tour of the river to see the hippo and crocodile families as well as the migration routes. Picnic lunch will be served at the river or at the picnic spots with great views of the plains. Take time at the river front for a chance to witness the migration. Head back to the lodge while making stops to view game not previously seen. Spend the evening relaxing and spend your night at Mara Serena lodge (Luxury)/ Sekenani Tented Camp (Midrange)/ Sentrim (Budget)
Day 20: Drive back to Nairobi
Begin this day with an optional balloon ride over the Mara River and get a rare chance to see the migration from the skies. Later drive back to Nairobi to your hotel as you will advise or to Jomo Kenyatta airport for your flight back home.
End of 20 Days Rwanda, Tanzania and Kenya Wildlife Safari
