11 Days Tanzania Northern Circuit & Rwanda Gorillas Overview
Embark on an unforgettable 11-day safari that blends the wild wonders of Tanzania’s legendary Northern Circuit with the profound experience of gorilla trekking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. From the vast plains of the Serengeti and the dramatic Ngorongoro Crater to the mist-shrouded forests of the Virunga Mountains, this journey offers the perfect mix of adventure, culture, and luxury. Experience Africa in its purest form — where endless savannah meets emerald rainforest.
For a private, tailor-made experience, make an inquiry and enjoy bespoke safari planning from our experts.
11 Days Tanzania Northern Circuit & Rwanda Gorillas Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha – Welcome to Tanzania
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be warmly greeted by your safari representative and transferred to your luxury lodge in Arusha, the gateway to Tanzania’s safari circuit. Depending on your arrival time, you can relax in the lodge gardens or take a short city tour.
Destination: Arusha, Tanzania
Accommodation: Arusha Coffee Lodge / Gran Meliá Arusha
Meal Plan: Dinner
Day 2: Fly to Tarangire National Park – Game Drive
After breakfast, take a scenic flight to Tarangire National Park, known for its ancient baobab trees and massive elephant herds. Enjoy your first game drive in this lesser-visited gem of northern Tanzania, where the Tarangire River attracts an array of wildlife including zebras, giraffes, buffaloes, and predators like lions and leopards.
Return to your lodge for a relaxing afternoon and a sundowner overlooking the park.
Destination: Tarangire National Park
Accommodation: Tarangire Treetops / Sanctuary Swala Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 3: Explore Tarangire National Park
Spend a full day exploring Tarangire’s rich landscapes. Its diverse ecosystems — from riverine forest to open plains — make it a haven for birdlife and wildlife alike. Capture the breathtaking contrast of wildlife silhouettes against baobab backdrops during sunrise or sunset drives.
Accommodation: Tarangire Treetops / Sanctuary Swala Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 4: Drive to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
After breakfast, depart Tarangire and journey toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s natural wonders. Stop en route at Lake Manyara National Park for a short game drive where you might spot flamingos, tree-climbing lions, and playful baboons.
Continue to your lodge on the crater rim and take in the spectacular views of the world’s largest unbroken caldera.
Destination: Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
Accommodation: Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge / The Highlands Ngorongoro
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 5: Full-Day Game Drive in the Ngorongoro Crater
Descend 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater for a full day of thrilling wildlife viewing. The crater is home to nearly all of Africa’s iconic animals — lions, elephants, hippos, zebras, wildebeest, and even the rare black rhino. The lush landscape and enclosed ecosystem provide incredible photographic opportunities.
Enjoy a picnic lunch by the hippo pool before continuing your exploration, then ascend to your lodge in the evening for dinner and a cozy night by the fire.
Accommodation: Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge / The Highlands Ngorongoro
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 6: Drive to Serengeti National Park
After breakfast, drive into the Serengeti National Park, Tanzania’s most celebrated wildlife reserve and the stage for the Great Migration. Arrive at your camp in time for lunch, followed by an afternoon game drive across the golden plains teeming with wildlife. Expect to see lions, cheetahs, elephants, and countless grazing herbivores.
Destination: Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Accommodation: Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti / Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 7: Full-Day Safari in the Serengeti
Spend a full day exploring the Serengeti, with both morning and afternoon game drives. Follow the wildlife migration routes or explore the central Seronera area, famous for its resident predators. The Serengeti offers unparalleled wildlife sightings, from towering giraffes and roaring lions to graceful gazelles and elusive leopards.
Optional: Enjoy a sunrise hot air balloon safari, followed by a champagne breakfast in the wilderness — an unforgettable highlight of your safari.
Accommodation: Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti / Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 8: Fly from Serengeti to Kigali, Rwanda
After breakfast, transfer to the airstrip for your flight to Kigali, Rwanda (via Arusha or Kilimanjaro). On arrival, you’ll be met by your Rwandan guide and transferred to your hotel in Kigali. Depending on arrival time, enjoy a short city tour, visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial and local craft markets before settling in for the evening.
Destination: Kigali, Rwanda
Accommodation: Kigali Serena Hotel / Heaven Boutique Hotel
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 9: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park – The Land of a Thousand Hills
After breakfast, embark on a scenic 2.5-hour drive north to Volcanoes National Park, home of Rwanda’s mountain gorillas. The drive passes through lush, terraced hills and small villages, offering a glimpse of rural Rwandan life. Upon arrival, check in at your luxury lodge nestled in the foothills of the Virunga Volcanoes.
Spend the rest of the day relaxing at your lodge or enjoying a guided community walk to learn about local culture.
Destination: Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Accommodation: Bisate Lodge / Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge / Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 10: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
After an early breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters for your gorilla trekking briefing. Accompanied by experienced rangers, you’ll hike through bamboo and rainforest terrain in search of a habituated gorilla family. The trek can take two to six hours depending on their movement, but once found, the encounter is magical — an hour spent observing these gentle giants as they feed, play, and interact.
Return to your lodge for lunch and a relaxing afternoon. You may opt for a guided nature walk or a visit to the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village to experience Rwandan traditions.
Accommodation: Bisate Lodge / Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge / Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 11: Return to Kigali – Departure
After breakfast, enjoy a leisurely drive back to Kigali, taking in the scenic countryside views. Depending on your flight schedule, you may stop for souvenir shopping or a visit to the Nyamirambo Women’s Centre before your transfer to Kigali International Airport for your onward flight.
Your 11-day Tanzania Northern Circuit & Rwanda Gorillas Safari ends with unforgettable memories of wild plains, volcanic peaks, and close encounters with Africa’s rarest wildlife.
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch
Tour Includes
Tour Excludes
Why Book With Us?
24/7 Support Before & During Your Safari
From the moment you inquire to the day you return home, our dedicated support team is available around the clock to assist with any questions or needs.
Trusted East African Experts
With years of experience in Uganda and Rwanda’s tourism industry, Jeisking Tours Ltd has built a reputation for organizing exceptional safari adventures — from gorilla trekking in Bwindi to wildlife drives across the savannahs of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Personalized Safari Planning
Every traveler is unique — and so is every safari we create. Our team tailors each itinerary to match your travel style, interests, and budget, ensuring a truly one-of-a-kind experience.
Professional & Passionate Team
Our experienced driver-guides and tour consultants are not just professionals — they’re passionate storytellers who know Africa’s landscapes, wildlife, and cultures deeply, offering insight and care at every step.
Guaranteed Gorilla Permits & Reliable Bookings
We handle all travel logistics — from securing gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits to arranging trusted lodges, transport, and park entries — so your adventure runs smoothly.
11 Days Tanzania Northern Circuit & Rwanda Gorillas Contact Form
Ready to explore Uganda’s wild beauty? Fill in the form below and our safari team will get back to you with expert advice, pricing, and a personalized itinerary within 24 hours.
