Gorillas and Migration Safari: Summary
Gorillas & migration in a nutshell
Combine two of East Africa’s iconic wildlife experiences, in Rwanda and Tanzania, while staying in luxury accommodation throughout.
Travelling through Rwanda with your own vehicle and private guide, you will soon absorb the country’s history and culture, gaining a fascinating insight into daily life. Your trip starts with a guided tour of Kigali, including the Genocide Memorial, before making for the Volcanoes National Park. Here you'll stay at Bisate Lodge, on the edge of the Volcanoes National Park, in one of only six sumptuous forest villas. Explore the bamboo forest as you trek to see the playful golden monkeys, then head back to the lodge where you can enjoy guided nature walks and wine tasting with fine wines from Bisate’s extensive cellar. Over the following days, you’ll have the chance to visit two separate gorilla families, spending a memorable hour with each group as you watch them socialise and interact.
Moving on to Tanzania, your base will be Lamai Serengeti, a luxury safari lodge with a natural aesthetic, nestled amid rocky kopjes, with commanding views over the Serengeti plains. It’s only a short drive from here to the Mara River where, between June and October, vast herds gather on the short grass plains during the great wildebeest migration. With a little patience you may witness one of the dramatic river crossings – a spectacular sight for even the most seasoned safari-goer. During the rest of the year, you’ll enjoy the phenomenal resident wildlife of the northern Serengeti without the crowds.
At a glance
| Starts: | Kigali International Airport | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 night | Kigali Marriott Hotel - Kigali, Rwanda | Bed & Breakfast |
| 3 nights | Bisate Lodge - Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda | Full Board |
| 1 night | Kigali Marriott Hotel - Kigali, Rwanda | Bed & Breakfast |
| 4 nights | Lamai Serengeti - Serengeti Migration Area, Tanzania | Full Board & Activities |
| Ends: | Kilimanjaro International Airport |
Kigali Marriott Hotel
Kigali, Rwanda
Bisate Lodge
Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Kigali Marriott Hotel
Kigali, Rwanda
Lamai Serengeti
Serengeti Migration Area, Tanzania
Highlights
Our thoughts on five of the top experiences of this Gorillas and Migration Safari.
- Encountering Rwanda's mountain gorillas
- Travelling in Rwanda with your own private guide
- On safari in one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife areas
- Following the wildebeest migration by the Mara River
- Staying at luxury lodges in Rwanda and the Serengeti
Activities
Some activities which can be included in the Gorillas and Migration Safari: talk to us about those which interest you.
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Canoeing
Cultural excursion
Guided walking safari
Helicopter
Hot air ballooning
Primate trekking
Key species to see on the Gorillas and Migration Safari
Based on our travellers' observations, we’ve estimated the likelihood of seeing these species during the Gorillas and Migration Safari. Click on the animals and our wildlife surveys page for more info.
100% chance
100% chance
100% chance
100% chance
100% chance
100% chance
100% chance
100% chance
94% chance
94% chance
87% chance
78% chance
44% chance
40% chance
24% chance
14% chance
0% chance
0% chance
0% chance
Side-trips whilst on this safari
We may be able to build in some of these optional excursions from the Gorillas and Migration Safari. Talk to us: they’re usually best arranged when you book.
King’s Palace & Museum Visit
Half day
If your trip in Rwanda incorporates travelling south from Kigali, a visit to the King’s Palace and Museum gives an interesting insight into Rwanda’s cultural history and monarchy. It's also ideally placed to break up the long journey to Nyungwe Forest.
More about King’s Palace
Balloon Safari over the Serengeti
Three hours - approx. one hour flight
As the sun rises over the Serengeti National Park in Northern Tanzania, climb aboard for an extraordinary adventure. For an hour you’ll float in a hot air balloon over beautiful savannah and woodland and a diversity of plains wildlife.
More about Balloon Safari
Canoeing in Rwanda
Half day - approx. 3 hours on the water
This half-day adventure takes place through lush farmland, on the meandering Mukungwa River near Musanze town. Discovering Rwanda’s countryside in a canoe is great fun: the launch spot is just half an hour from Volcanoes National Park and you'll be guided along the shallow waterway by an expert local canoeist. Your driver-guide from Kigali will operate your transfers and introduce you to your canoe group and guide.
More about Canoeing
Mount Bisoke Trek
Full day
For something a little different, set out on a one-day hike to the summit of Mt Bisoke in the Volcanoes National Park, home to Rwanda’s famous mountain gorillas. Discover the beautiful scenery of the Virunga Mountains, spot birds and wildlife, and enjoy spectacular views from the crater lake.
More about Mount Bisoke Trek
Mount Karisimbi Trek - 2 day trek
Two days - overnight on Mt Karisimbi
Set out on a two-day hike to the summit of Mount Karisimbi, which at over 4,507m is one of the highest in Africa. This is a challenge for the adventurous! With a local guide, you’ll traverse bamboo forests and rugged terrain, then camp on the slopes of this dormant volcano before enjoying sunrise from the summit.
More about Mount Karisimbi Trek
Trek to Dian Fossey’s Grave
Half day, usually five hours
Dian Fossey is best known for her research and conservation work with the mountain gorillas in Rwanda. She dedicated her life to researching and protecting these ‘gentle giants’ from harm, however she was tragically found murdered at her research camp in 1985. Today visitors can join a local guide to trek through the tropical forest to visit her grave, and learn about the impact of her work.
More about Dian Fossey TrekLet us help you customise your trip
All of our holidays on this site are just ideas; none are fixed. All of our trips are tailor-made, so we'll always adapt them to suit you. Talk to an Expert and let us help you to work out your perfect trip.
Talk to an Expert
Call us now! We’ll match you with the Specialist in our team who is best suited to help you. Then together we can start planning your trip.
Set up your itinerary
Based on our experience and your ideas, your specialist will create a detailed, costed itinerary. We’ll refine it together, until we have a trip that you’re perfectly happy with.
Prepare for your trip
The same Specialist will make the seamless arrangements for your trip, send you detailed travel documents, and be available to answer any questions before you depart.
Travel with peace of mind
After you set off, you’ll be cared for by our partners in Africa, most of whom have worked with Expert Africa for decades. And if you ever need us urgently, we’re available 24/7.
When you return
We love to learn about your trip, and so will always be grateful if you’ve the time to give feedback to your Specialist when you return.
Other ideas for Rwanda safaris
Look at these ideas in Rwanda: then talk to us. Will will design a trip that's perfect for you.
Gorillas and Serengeti Safari
11 days • 4 locations • 2 country
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT
Combine three iconic experiences – mountain gorillas in Rwanda, and the Serengeti plains and awe-inspiring Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania.
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Mona Monkey Safari
9 days • 3 locations • 1 country
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This example of a luxury holiday explores the wildlife of Nyungwe Forest, the scenic shores of Lake Kivu and the mountain gorillas of Volcanoes National Park, all accompanied by a private guide and vehicle.
Visiting Volcanoes, Lake Kivu and 1 other area
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Gorillas and Maasai Mara Safari
9 days • 3 locations • 2 country
KIGALI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
This trip combines two of Africa's most unforgettable wildlife experiences – Rwanda's mountain gorillas and Kenya's Maasai Mara.
Visiting Kigali, Volcanoes and 1 other area
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Silverback Gorilla Safari
4 days • 1 location • 1 country
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT
Fly into Rwanda and you can be trekking to meet a family of mountain gorillas the next morning. An itinerary like this could easily be combined with a safari in Kenya or Tanzania.
Visiting Volcanoes
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Golden Monkey Safari
12 days • 5 locations • 1 country
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT
Combine four key areas of Rwanda on this excellent-value trip, for a true wildlife and cultural experience. The perfect itinerary for those who want to see all the highlights of Rwanda.
Visiting Kigali, Volcanoes and 3 other areas
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Mountain Gorilla Safari
5 days • 2 locations • 1 country
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT
Staying in great-value lodges, with a private driver-guide and 4WD, this adventure includes two treks to get up close with groups of mountain gorillas.
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L'Hoest's Monkey Safari
7 days • 3 locations • 1 country
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT
Meet three iconic primates – gorillas, chimps and golden monkeys – and explore Rwanda's fascinating culture on this excellent value privately guided adventure.
Visiting Volcanoes, Lake Kivu and 1 other area
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Gorillas and Serengeti Safari
11 days • 4 locations • 2 country
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT
Combine three iconic experiences – mountain gorillas in Rwanda, and the Serengeti plains and awe-inspiring Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania.
Visiting Kigali, Ngorongoro Crater and 2 other areas
US$12,620 - US$15,540 per person
Mona Monkey Safari
9 days • 3 locations • 1 country
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT
This example of a luxury holiday explores the wildlife of Nyungwe Forest, the scenic shores of Lake Kivu and the mountain gorillas of Volcanoes National Park, all accompanied by a private guide and vehicle.
Visiting Volcanoes, Lake Kivu and 1 other area
US$12,160 - US$19,000 per person
Gorillas and Maasai Mara Safari
9 days • 3 locations • 2 country
KIGALI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
This trip combines two of Africa's most unforgettable wildlife experiences – Rwanda's mountain gorillas and Kenya's Maasai Mara.
Visiting Kigali, Volcanoes and 1 other area
US$10,600 - US$13,500 per person
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