Tanzania Big Five Safari & Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari: Tanzania-Rwanda Adventure 6-Day Safari
Discover the thrill of Africa’s vast wilderness and cultural treasures on this expertly crafted Tanzania-Rwanda Adventure 6-Day Safari through Tanzania and Rwanda, hosted by Saso Uganda Safaris Ltd. This adventure combines the best of East Africa’s most iconic wildlife and landscapes, offering you an immersive experience like no other. From the game-filled savannas of Tanzania’s national parks, teeming with the famous Big Five, to the misty volcanic slopes of Rwanda, home to the endangered golden monkeys, this safari delivers unparalleled encounters with nature and culture.
The Tanzania-Rwanda Adventure 6-Day Safari journey begins in Tanzania with game drives in the spectacular Lake Manyara National Park, known for its unique tree-climbing lions and vast flocks of flamingos. From there, venture into the world-famous Serengeti National Park, where you’ll witness Africa’s quintessential safari scenes of endless plains dotted with herds of wildebeest, zebras, and predators on the hunt. After experiencing the best of Tanzania, you’ll fly to Rwanda, where the dramatic landscape of Volcanoes National Park awaits. Here, you’ll not only track the playful golden monkeys but also engage in authentic cultural experiences at the Iby’Iwacu cultural village.
This Tanzania-Rwanda Adventure 6-Day Safari offers a perfect blend of wildlife adventure and cultural discovery, with luxurious accommodations and expert guides ensuring that each moment is memorable and enriching. Whether it’s the majesty of a Serengeti sunset or the warmth of a Rwandan village welcome, this Tanzania-Rwanda Adventure 6-Day Safari itinerary is packed with once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Tanzania-Rwanda Adventure 6-Day Safari Highlights
- Day 1: Arrival in Arusha and Transfer to Lake Manyara National Park for an Evening Game Drive
- Day 2: Full-Day Game Drive in Lake Manyara National Park
- Day 3: Transfer to Serengeti National Park – Afternoon Game Drive
- Day 4: Morning Game Drive in Serengeti and Flight to Kigali, Rwanda
- Day 5: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park – Visit Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village
- Day 6: Golden Monkey Tracking in Volcanoes National Park and Transfer to Kigali for Departure
Detailed Tanzania-Rwanda Adventure 6-Day Safari
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha and Transfer to Lake Manyara National Park for an Evening Game Drive
Upon arrival in Arusha, Tanzania’s safari capital, you will be warmly greeted by your Tanzania-Rwanda Adventure 6-Day Safari guide from Saso Uganda Safaris and transferred to Lake Manyara National Park, a scenic drive through Tanzania’s verdant landscapes. Known for its striking diversity of ecosystems, Lake Manyara offers dense forests, grassy plains, and alkaline shores that draw an abundance of wildlife.
Once you arrive at your lodge, you’ll set off for an evening game drive, where the park’s unique biodiversity begins to reveal itself. The park’s centerpiece is the vast soda lake, often colored pink by thousands of flamingos. As you traverse the park’s varied landscapes, keep an eye out for its famous tree-climbing lions, a rare sight that makes Manyara special. These lions are often spotted lounging in the branches of acacia trees, avoiding the heat and flies of the forest floor.
Other animals frequently seen here include elephants, giraffes, hippos, and large troops of olive baboons. The park is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 400 species of birds. As the sun sets, the park transforms, and the nocturnal creatures begin to stir, creating an atmosphere that is both serene and exhilarating. After the game drive, you’ll return to your lodge for dinner and relaxation, surrounded by the sounds of the African night.
Day 2: Full-Day Game Drive in Lake Manyara National Park
Today is dedicated to a full-day exploration of Lake Manyara National Park. After a hearty breakfast, you’ll set out for a game drive that allows you to fully immerse yourself in the park’s natural beauty and abundant wildlife.
The park’s diverse habitats support a rich variety of animals. You’ll likely encounter herds of elephants, known for their peaceful nature and close proximity to the safari vehicles, allowing for exceptional photographic opportunities. The park’s forests, which are fed by underground springs, provide a lush haven for animals such as bushbucks, blue monkeys, and hornbills. As you drive towards the grassy plains, you may spot buffalo, wildebeest, and zebras grazing in the open fields, often followed closely by predators such as lions and leopards.
The day offers ample time to explore the different ecosystems, from the evergreen groundwater forests to the open acacia woodland and the swamps on the lakeshore. A highlight is witnessing the interactions between hippos in the water and the wading flamingos, with the backdrop of the Rift Valley Escarpment looming in the distance. After a rewarding day of wildlife viewing, you’ll return to your lodge to relax and share stories from the day’s adventures.
Day 3: Transfer to Serengeti National Park – Afternoon Game Drive
You will depart from Lake Manyara and drive to the legendary Serengeti National Park, a journey that takes you through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and offers stunning views of the African countryside. The Serengeti is one of the most celebrated wildlife reserves in the world, and its vast, open plains are home to Africa’s most iconic species.
Upon arrival at your camp or lodge, you’ll embark on an afternoon game drive, where the Serengeti’s endless horizon stretches before you. This is the land of the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles make their annual journey in search of greener pastures. Depending on the time of year, you may witness vast herds on the move, often followed by predators like lions, cheetahs, and hyenas.
The Serengeti is also home to leopards, elephants, giraffes, and a diverse range of birdlife, including the striking secretary bird and Kori bustard, the heaviest flying bird in Africa. As the sun dips below the horizon, the sky explodes in shades of orange and purple, offering the perfect ending to a thrilling day of game viewing. You’ll return to your camp for dinner and an evening spent around the campfire, listening to the distant roars of lions and the calls of the night.
Day 4: Morning Game Drive in Serengeti and Flight to Kigali, Rwanda
The day begins with an early morning game drive in the Serengeti, taking advantage of the cooler temperatures when predators like lions and leopards are most active. The morning light also makes for incredible photography, casting a golden hue over the plains and highlighting the beauty of the wildlife.
After a morning of adventure, you’ll return to the lodge for breakfast before transferring to the airstrip for your flight to Kigali, Rwanda. As you soar above the Serengeti, you’ll reflect on the incredible wildlife encounters you’ve had and look forward to the next chapter of your safari in Rwanda. Upon arrival in Kigali, you will be met by your Tanzania-Rwanda Adventure 6-Day Safari guide and transferred to your hotel for an evening of relaxation.
Day 5: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park – Visit Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village
Day five begins with a scenic drive from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park, one of Rwanda’s most famous wildlife reserves, located in the Virunga Mountains. The park is not only home to Rwanda’s endangered golden monkeys and mountain gorillas but also offers stunning views of the towering volcanic peaks that define the region.
On the way, you’ll visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, where you’ll gain deep insights into Rwandan traditions and culture. This immersive experience allows you to interact with the local community, who will share stories of their history, customs, and way of life. You’ll witness traditional dances, drumming, and even have the opportunity to participate in the activities, such as preparing local foods or learning how to shoot a bow and arrow.
This cultural experience is designed to provide visitors with an authentic understanding of Rwandan culture while supporting community-based tourism initiatives that benefit local residents. After your visit, you’ll check into your lodge near Volcanoes National Park, where you can relax and prepare for the golden monkey tracking adventure the following day.
Day 6: Golden Monkey Tracking in Volcanoes National Park and Transfer to Kigali for Departure
Your final day begins with an early start as you set out to track the golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park. These playful and energetic primates are unique to the region and are known for their distinctive golden fur. Accompanied by an experienced Tanzania-Rwanda Adventure 6-Day Safari guide, you’ll hike through the park’s lush bamboo forests, listening for the rustling of leaves and the chattering of monkeys.
The golden monkeys are typically found in groups, leaping from tree to tree in search of food. Observing them up close is a joyful experience, and your guide will provide valuable insights into their behavior and the conservation efforts in place to protect them. The hike is moderate in difficulty and offers stunning views of the forest and volcanic landscape.
After spending time with the golden monkeys, you’ll return to the lodge for lunch and then transfer back to Kigali. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for a brief city tour or shopping for Rwandan crafts before your departure. As you bid farewell to East Africa, you’ll carry with your memories of extraordinary wildlife encounters, cultural exchanges, and the beauty of Tanzania and Rwanda.
Tanzania-Rwanda Adventure 6-Day Safari Inclusions and Exclusions
Safari Inclusions:
- Accommodation in luxury lodges and camps.
- Professional and experienced safari guides.
- All national park fees and permits, including golden monkey tracking permits.
- Game drives in a 4×4 safari vehicle.
- Internal flight from Serengeti to Kigali.
- Cultural visit to Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village.
- All meals as specified in the itinerary.
- Drinking water during game drives.
- Airport transfers.
Safari Exclusions:
- International flights to and from East Africa.
- Rwanda gorilla trekking permits (optional).
- Personal expenses such as souvenirs, tips, and laundry.
- Travel insurance.
- Any additional activities not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Alcoholic beverages.

