What You Need to Know: This 9-day private safari covers Tarangire and the Serengeti in Tanzania, then flies to Kigali for gorilla trekking and golden monkey tracking in Volcanoes National Park. It costs from US$5,938 per person for 2 travelers at mid-range lodges, including the US$1,500 gorilla permit; regional flights are quoted separately.
Is the 9-Day Serengeti and Rwanda Gorilla Safari Right for You?
A short, focused trip: the Serengeti for big cats and Rwanda for gorillas, with short drives on the Rwandan side.
| This trip suits you if… | Consider another trip if… |
|---|---|
| You want the Serengeti and gorillas in 9 days | You want the Ngorongoro Crater too: see the 10-day Tanzania and Rwanda safari |
| You prefer Rwanda's short transfers | You want a lower permit cost: see the Tanzania and Uganda safari |
| You fly home from Kigali | You want chimpanzees too: see the 14-day Tanzania and Rwanda safari |
The 9-Day Serengeti and Rwanda Gorilla Safari Route at a Glance
Four nights in Tanzania, then four in Rwanda.
| Day | Route | Travel | Overnight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrival in Arusha | Airport transfer, about 1 hour | Arusha |
| 2 | Arusha to Tarangire | Drive 2 hours, game drive | Tarangire |
| 3 | Tarangire to the Serengeti | Drive 6–7 hours with game viewing | Central Serengeti |
| 4 | Full day in the Serengeti | Full-day game drive | Central Serengeti |
| 5 | Serengeti to Kigali | Two flights, 4–5 hours in total | Kigali |
| 6 | Kigali to Volcanoes National Park | Drive 2.5–3 hours | Volcanoes National Park (Musanze/Kinigi) |
| 7 | Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes | Gorilla trek 2–6 hours | Volcanoes National Park (Musanze/Kinigi) |
| 8 | Golden monkeys and a free afternoon | Golden monkey trek 2–4 hours | Volcanoes National Park (Musanze/Kinigi) |
| 9 | Return to Kigali and departure | Drive 2.5–3 hours | — |
9-Day Serengeti and Rwanda Gorilla Safari Itinerary, Day by Day
The Tanzania half drives in and flies out of the Serengeti, which saves a long road day.
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Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
Our driver meets you at Kilimanjaro International Airport and takes you to your hotel in Arusha, about an hour away. In the evening your guide briefs you on the safari and checks your documents.
Airport transfer, about 1 hourArushaDinner -
Day 2: Arusha to Tarangire
Leave Arusha after breakfast for Tarangire National Park, about 2 hours away. Spend the day along the Tarangire River, where elephant herds gather in the dry season under giant baobabs, with a picnic lunch in the park.
Drive 2 hours, game driveTarangireBreakfast, lunch, dinner -
Day 3: Tarangire to the Serengeti
A morning game drive, then a long drive across the Ngorongoro highlands, with a stop at the crater viewpoint, and down to the Serengeti plains.
Drive 6–7 hours with game viewingCentral SerengetiBreakfast, lunch, dinner -
Day 4: Full day in the Serengeti
A full day in the central Serengeti with a picnic lunch, following lions, leopards and cheetahs around the Seronera valley. Between December and March your guide can head south to the calving herds instead.
Full-day game driveCentral SerengetiBreakfast, lunch, dinner -
Day 5: Serengeti to Kigali
A last morning game drive, then a light aircraft from a Serengeti airstrip to Kilimanjaro and a regional flight to Kigali. Your Rwandan driver-guide meets you and takes you to your hotel.
Two flights, 4–5 hours in totalKigaliBreakfast, dinner -
Day 6: Kigali to Volcanoes National Park
Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial in the morning, then drive north-west to Musanze, about 2.5 hours, with the Virunga volcanoes rising ahead. The afternoon is free at your lodge near Kinigi.
Drive 2.5–3 hoursVolcanoes National Park (Musanze/Kinigi)Breakfast, lunch, dinner -
Day 7: Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes
Meet the rangers at Kinigi at 7:00 for the briefing, then climb through farmland into the bamboo zone to find your gorilla family. You spend one hour with them, then walk back down for a late lunch.
Gorilla trek 2–6 hoursVolcanoes National Park (Musanze/Kinigi)Breakfast, lunch, dinner -
Day 8: Golden monkeys and a free afternoon
Track golden monkeys in the bamboo zone, playful and quick-moving, then rest or visit the Iby'Iwacu cultural village.
Golden monkey trek 2–4 hoursVolcanoes National Park (Musanze/Kinigi)Breakfast, lunch, dinner -
Day 9: Return to Kigali and departure
Drive back to Kigali, about 2.5 hours, with a stop at a craft cooperative on the way, for your flight home.
Drive 2.5–3 hoursDepartureBreakfast
What You Can See on the 9-Day Serengeti and Rwanda Gorilla Safari
- Tarangire: elephant herds and baobabs
- Serengeti: lions, leopards, cheetahs, and the migration herds in season
- Volcanoes National Park: mountain gorillas and golden monkeys
How Much Does the 9-Day Serengeti and Rwanda Gorilla Safari Cost?
From US$5,938 per person, for 2 travelers sharing at mid-range lodges, with the private vehicle and driver-guide, accommodation and meals as listed, park fees and permits included. This is a starting price: your final price is the one in your written quotation, worked out for your dates, group size and lodge level.
| Permit | Price per person (2026) |
|---|---|
| Rwanda gorilla permit | US$1,500 |
| Golden monkey permit | US$100 |
What changes the price
- Group size: the vehicle and guide are shared, so the price per person falls as your group grows
- Lodge level: budget lodges lower it, and luxury lodges and tented camps raise it
- Season: lodges charge more from June to October and at Christmas
- Flights: the Serengeti–Kilimanjaro light aircraft and the flight to Kigali are quoted with your trip
Park fees and permits on this route
| Park, permit or fee | 2026 rate |
|---|---|
| Tarangire National Park | About US$59 per person per 24 hours |
| Ngorongoro Conservation Area (also charged when you drive through) | US$70.80 per person per 24 hours |
| Serengeti National Park | US$82.60 per person per 24 hours |
| Volcanoes gorilla permit (Rwanda Development Board) | US$1,500 per person, including park entry |
| Golden monkey tracking (RDB) | US$100 per person |
What the 9-Day Serengeti and Rwanda Gorilla Safari Price Includes
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle and English-speaking driver-guide in each country
- 8 nights' accommodation at the level you choose, with meals as listed in the itinerary
- All park entry and conservation fees, and government taxes
- Rwanda gorilla permit, Golden monkey permit (one each per person)
- Airport pickup and drop-off
- Drinking water in the vehicle
Not included
- International flights
- Regional flights between countries (quoted with your trip)
- Visas
- Tanzania's mandatory inbound travel insurance, US$44 per adult from October 1, 2026 (we can help you buy it)
- Travel insurance with medical evacuation
- Tips for your guides, rangers and porters
- Drinks, laundry and personal items
- Porters on the trek (hired at the trailhead)
How the 9-Day Serengeti and Rwanda Gorilla Safari Compares with Our Other Trips
| Trip | Days | From (per person) | Parks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serengeti and Rwanda | 9 | US$5,938 | Tarangire, Serengeti, Volcanoes |
| Tanzania and Rwanda | 10 | US$6,420 | Adds the Ngorongoro Crater |
| Tanzania and Uganda | 9 | US$5,138 | Manyara, Serengeti, crater, Bwindi |
If you have one more day, the 10-day trip adds the Ngorongoro Crater.
How to Book the 9-Day Serengeti and Rwanda Gorilla Safari
| When you cancel | Refund |
|---|---|
| 60 days or more before arrival | 100% |
| 30–59 days | 90% |
| 15–29 days | 60% |
| 10–14 days | 25% |
| Less than 10 days, or a no-show | No refund |
What Else to Read Before You Book
In Rwanda this trip is run on the ground by trusted local partner operators. We plan and book it, send one written quotation, and stay your contact from arrival to departure.
This page covers what is particular to the 9-Day Tanzania and Rwanda Safari. The parts that work the same way on our other trips are explained once, in these guides:
- Rwanda safaris: permits, the trekking day, fitness and the rules.
- East Africa safaris: borders, flights and the East Africa Tourist Visa.
- Tanzania visa help: the eVisa and our visa application service.
- Tipping on safari: how much to give your driver-guide and lodge staff.
- Booking and cancellation terms: deposit, payment and refunds.
Common Questions About the 9-Day Serengeti and Rwanda Gorilla Safari
How fit do I need to be for gorilla trekking in Rwanda?
Moderately fit: the treks start at about 8,200 ft (2,500 m) and can last from under an hour to six hours. Rangers match groups to fitness, and porters help. The minimum age is 15.
Is there a direct flight from Kilimanjaro to Kigali?
Yes, RwandAir links Kilimanjaro and Kigali; schedules change, so we time the Serengeti flight to connect.
How much does the 9-Day Serengeti and Rwanda Gorilla Safari cost?
From US$5,938 per person for 2 travelers at mid-range lodges, with park fees and permits included. Your written quotation gives the final price for your dates, group and lodge level.
The Bottom Line
Nine days, two of Africa's great wildlife experiences: the Serengeti and Rwanda's gorillas. Reserve the permit as soon as your dates are set.
Send us your dates, the number of travelers and your lodge level through the booking form, on WhatsApp +255 678 992 599 or by email to jaynevytours@gmail.com, and we will reply with a written quotation.