Ultimate Rwanda and Tanzania

Combine the wildlife thrills of tracking gorillas in Rwanda and watching big game in the Serengeti with the sandy beaches of vibrant Zanzibar. An ideal honeymoon or special celebration trip for true wildlife enthusiasts.

Virunga Volcanoes, Serengeti and Zanzibar
11 nights private tour from $22,000 per person
Ultimate Rwanda and Tanzania
Journey highlights
  • Ultimate wildlife experiences including gorilla tracking, watching big cats in the Serengeti, and during some months even seeing the Great Migration

  • Unwind after your safari adventures on the soft sandy beaches of Zanzibar

  • A truly special trip – ideal for celebrating a honeymoon, special birthday or anniversary

  • Travel July – October for your best chances of seeing a much-sought-after river crossing of the migration herds in the Serengeti

  • Ultimate itinerary:A harmonious blend of authenticity and superlative luxury, our Ultimate Journeys are designed for the discerning traveller, providing unparalleled insider access and exclusive luxury private experiences
Our tailor made journeys include:
  • Your dedicated Travel Consultant who will take care of arrangements
  • Private international airport transfers in destination
  • Your own private, English-speaking local guides
  • Unique experiences, hand-picked by our Journeys team
  • Entrance to must-see local sites
  • Dedicated 24/7 team providing in-country support and guidance
  • Complimentary access to My Scott Dunn – industry-leading travel app providing pre-departure information and in-journey support

When to visit

  • J
  • F
  • M
  • A
  • M
  • J
  • J
  • A
  • S
  • O
  • N
  • D
Best time to visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit

Rwanda has a moderate temperature year-round, and the Virunga Volcanoes where you'll be staying to visit the mountain gorillas have their own micro-climate. The rainforest which blankets the volcanoes sees rainfall year-round so the rainy season will have little affect on your visit as it can rain any and every day of the year. Temperatures are often cool at night due to the altitude here.

In northern Tanzania, the seasons are split between rainy and dry seasons. The main long dry season runs from June until October, and the short rains (short sharp rainfalls often accompanied by thunderstorms, every two or three days) come in November. December to March are hotter and more humid, with occasional rain spells, and the long rains occur in April and May and we recommend avoiding travel during these months as many roads and airstrips are impassable.

Situated only 6° south of the equator, Zanzibar enjoys ideal vacation weather. Temperatures average between 24°C and 27°C throughout the year with 7-9 hours of sunshine per day.

There are 2 rainy seasons: Acute, brief showers, lasting about an hour in the morning occur for a couple of weeks during November. The rains last slightly longer in April and May, but even then it does not rain every day. These rains replenish the Island and are often referred to as the “Green Season”.

Itinerary

Fly into Kigali
Day 1-2

Kigali, Kigali and central Rwanda, Rwanda

Upon arriving into Kigali you will be met off the plane and transferred to the VIP lounge while a member of the team organizes your entry documents and collects your luggage.  Spend a night in Kigali to relax and unwind while sampling modern African cuisine at one of Kigali’s most popular restaurants, Heaven which is attached to your boutique hotel.

Accommodation: The Retreat by Heaven ( 1 night )
Day 2-5

Virungas, Rwanda

Begin your safari in Rwanda, traveling to the foot of the Virunga Volcanoes, home to the mountain gorillas and the original base of Dian Fossey during her time researching these great apes. Spend one day trekking through the dense forest, battling your way through bamboo and stinging nettles to reach your allocated gorilla family – the journey is worth every minute of exertion. You have one precious hour to spend watching the gorillas interact with each other, watching silverbacks put younger troublemakers in their place, or babies clambering up spindly branches in play. Another day is spent in the lower slopes watching a smaller primate, the golden monkey, found in troops of around 60 individuals, and highly entertaining to watch and learn about from your guide. Your three-night stay will give you a fantastic introduction into Rwanda’s rich and colorful cultural heritage.

Accommodation: Volcanoes Virunga Lodge ( 3 nights )
Day 5-8

Serengeti, Northern Tanzania

From Rwanda, fly over into the Serengeti national park in northern Tanzania, and marvel at the vast wilderness. The views out over the savannah seem never-ending, perfectly reminiscent of scenes from Out of Africa or the Lion King, or any number of documentaries. It may feel difficult to tear yourself away from that view, but you must, for some of Africa’s best wildlife awaits to be uncovered by you and your guide on exhilarating game-drives. Watch out for the flick of a leopard’s tail in a tree to give away its shady hiding spot, watch a cheetah sit sentry on a termite mound in search of her next prey, or marvel at a herd of elephants gathering at a waterhole to drink. From July until October, the migration herds of some two million wildebeest, zebra and gazelle congregate and the lucky few may even see a famed river-crossing.

Accommodation: Lamai Serengeti ( 3 nights )
Day 8-12

Zanzibar, Tanzania

For your final stop you will fly onto the Tanzanian archipelago of Zanzibar. Expect turquoise waters, coral reefs and soft white sandy beaches.  You’re in charge of the pace of this part of the trip – either totally disconnecting and recharging your batteries in the sunshine or fill your days with activities. Enjoy a plethora of waters sports from snorkeling and diving trips to traditional dhow sunset cruises, and we can recommend any number of great daytrips to explore this renowned spice island.  A trip to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Stone Town is a must, here you can explore the narrow “bazaar” streets in search of antiquities and souvenirs or marvel at the exquisitely carved ‘Zanzibar doors’.

Accommodation: Xanadu Villas ( 4 nights )
Fly from Zanzibar
We design each itinerary around you, so this suggested itinerary is a starting point that we can tweak or transform into something completely bespoke to you.
Call us on 212 660 0228 to start planning your holiday.

Price Guide: (per person based on double occupancy and excludes international flights)

Departing Price from*
  • Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
  • Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
  • Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
Deposit from * Enquire
November 2024 $22,000 $5,500 plan your trip
December 2024 $25,600 $6,400 plan your trip
January 2025 $29,200 $7,300 plan your trip
February 2025 $29,200 $7,300 plan your trip
March 2025 $29,200 $7,300 plan your trip
April 2025 $22,000 $5,500 plan your trip
May 2025 $22,000 $5,500 plan your trip
June 2025 $22,000 $5,500 plan your trip
July 2025 $29,200 $7,300 plan your trip
August 2025 $29,200 $7,300 plan your trip
September 2025 $29,200 $7,300 plan your trip
October 2025 $22,000 $5,500 plan your trip
  • November 2024
    Price from *
    • Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
    • Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
    • Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
    $22,000
    Deposit from*
    $5,500
  • December 2024
    Price from *
    • Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
    • Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
    • Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
    $25,600
    Deposit from*
    $6,400
  • January 2025
    Price from *
    • Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
    • Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
    • Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
    $29,200
    Deposit from*
    $7,300
  • February 2025
    Price from *
    • Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
    • Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
    • Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
    $29,200
    Deposit from*
    $7,300
  • March 2025
    Price from *
    • Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
    • Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
    • Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
    $29,200
    Deposit from*
    $7,300
  • April 2025
    Price from *
    • Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
    • Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
    • Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
    $22,000
    Deposit from*
    $5,500
  • May 2025
    Price from *
    • Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
    • Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
    • Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
    $22,000
    Deposit from*
    $5,500
  • June 2025
    Price from *
    • Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
    • Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
    • Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
    $22,000
    Deposit from*
    $5,500
  • July 2025
    Price from *
    • Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
    • Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
    • Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
    $29,200
    Deposit from*
    $7,300
  • August 2025
    Price from *
    • Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
    • Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
    • Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
    $29,200
    Deposit from*
    $7,300
  • September 2025
    Price from *
    • Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
    • Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
    • Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
    $29,200
    Deposit from*
    $7,300
  • October 2025
    Price from *
    • Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
    • Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
    • Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
    $22,000
    Deposit from*
    $5,500
  • plan your trip

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