This Grand Expedition wildlife tour in Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda will allow you to explore East Africa’s most stunning wilderness areas and some of nature’s greatest wildlife spectacles. Experience a journey of contrasts from the hidden wonders of the Maasai Mara to the unique Ngorongoro Crater and the world-renowned Serengeti National Park. More than almost any other destination Kenya and Tanzania form a region of the most memorable wildlife safaris as wildebeest stampede across the plains, hippos jostle for space in muddy waterways, elephants wander along seasonal migration routes and chimpanzees swing through the treetops. Throughout Kenya & Tanzania you will find unparalleled opportunities to experience endless natural beauty and adventure. A trip to Eastern Africa can never be complete without the unique opportunity to encounter mountain gorillas in their in Volcanoes Mountains in Rwanda. This magnificent creature holds particular fascination and is the real king of the jungle. To see these impressive beasts in their natural habitats is a unique experience that is both unforgettable and life changing.
Arrival Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. After Ministry of Health medical formalities, Immigration procedures and Customs, collect your checked in luggage and proceed to International Arrivals Area. You will be cheerfully greeted by our Customer Service Representative and transferred in a private vehicle to Hemingways Hotel in the beautiful and exclusive suburb of Karen for arrival refreshments and check in to your luxurious room. Hemingways is located South West of Nairobi in the outskirts of city. Its generally believed that the suburb was named after Karen Blixen, the Danish author of Out of Africa.
This 5 star luxury boutique is considered to be one of the finest hotels in Africa. Staff at Hemingways comprise of a dedicated team of hotel and hospitality professionals who all share the same vision, to be the best luxury hotel in Africa. Its set between Nairobi National Park and the foot of the Ngong Hills. A short distance from Hemingways is a well-regarded elephant orphanage managed by the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. Among other popular destinations frequented by visitors in Nairobi include Karen Blixen Museum and Giraffe Centre and Kazuri Beads Factory.
Hemingways Nairobi 
Breakfast at leisure. Then embark on a guided sightseeing tour of Nairobi that will include visits to Karen Blixen Museum, Daphne Sheldrick's Wildlife Orphanage and Giraffe Centre. Later proceed to Nairobi National Park for whole afternoon game drive. In addition to its urban core, the City of Nairobi boasts of the Nairobi National Park which is a large game reserve known for breeding endangered black rhinos and home to giraffes, antelopes zebras and lions. Nairobi National Park was established in 1946. It's fenced on three sides, whereas the open southern boundary allows migrating wildlife to move freely between the park and the adjacent Kitengela Plains. Nairobi National Park is a pretty special phenomenon. During the afternoon game drive, you will get a chance to view critically endangered rhinos against a backdrop of downtown city skyscrapers, or spot giraffes, antelopes and even the rhino from your window seat. The park offers a worthwhile introduction to the country’s animal and birdlife. For those passing through the capital, the park is an opportunity to get a taste of the wild without ever leaving the city limits.
Hemingways Nairobi 
Early breakfast and drive into the Great Rift Valley for whole day game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park.
Lake Nakuru is located in the central part of Kenya on the floor of the Rift Valley is characterized by woodlands as well as grasslands which act as habitat for the different wildlife species which can be seen during game viewing experiences in the park. Lake Nakuru national park boasts of very scenic landscapes consisting of steep rocky escarpments, dense forests as well as hills which act as viewpoints during game viewing experiences.
Lake Nakuru is world famous for its enormous flocks of flamingo and over 400 species of birds found there. It is a soda lake on the floor of the Rift Valley and at times the flamingos number in millions which is a very spectacular sight. They are so numerous that from a distance the lake appears to be ringed in pink. The lake has recently earned reputation as an important haven for endangered species particularly the Rothschild giraffe and the black and white rhino. Tree-climbing lions, zebra, gazelles, water-buck, buffalo and baboons are all residents here.
Sarova Lion Hill Lodge 
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Wilson Airport_Nairobi to board your scheduled flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport in Arusha. At JRO, connect another scheduled flight to Lake Manyara Airstrip. Road transfer in 4x4 safari vehicle to Lemala Ngorongoro Camp for your overnight stay. Lemala Ngorongoro is the best choice for those seeking to explore the incredible Ngorongoro Crater. The camp is intimately set in a delightful ancient acacia forest close to the rim of the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater. It is located next to the quiet Lemala crater access road on the eastern side which is a key advantage of staying at here because of the quick and easy drive down on to the crater floor in the morning. Accommodation consists of canvas spacious tents all positioned to one side of the mess tent. They comprise of ensuite bathrooms, a dressing area and a large safari shower and ensure intimacy and minimal impact on the pristine forest environment. The mess tent comprises of a lounge, dining area, and bar, complete with large comfortable sofas and bookshelves. In the evening, guests gather around the campfire before dinner dinner. Meals are served al fresco or inside the mess tent and all guests are invited to sit together at dinner time.
Lemala Ngorongoro Camp 
Awake before the crack of dawn for early breakfast and drive down to the floor of Ngorongoro Crater and enjoy whole day crater safari. Ngorongoro Crater is the largest intact caldera in the world and shelters one of the most beautiful wildlife havens anywhere on earth. This magnificent Ngorongoro crater forms part of a chain of volcanoes stretching along the western side of the Great Rift Valley which creates the Ngorongoro Highlands and contains large animal population throughout the year. Birdlife is prolific with flocks of flamingo on the crater lake. The semi-nomadic Maasai people with their big herds of cattle live alongside wildlife in the highlands around the crater. The crater is often referred to as the "Eighth Wonder of the World" and hosts the most unique ecosystem on earth with over 20,000 large grazing mammals and the largest concentration of predators. It is the best place in Tanzania to see all the "Big 5" and is one of the world’s most astonishing and renowned natural wonders. Ngorongoro is home to a large assortment of animals including zebra, buffalo, warthog, wildebeest, hippo and elephants; and an amazing population of predators of the savannah such as lions, hyenas, jackals, cheetahs and the elusive leopard.
Lemala Ngorongoro Camp
This morning you will be transferred back to Lake Manyara Airstrip for your scheduled flight to Central Serengeti. Upon arrival and with a game drive on the way, you will be transferred to Serengeti Pioneer Camp for check in to your luxurious tent. Located in South Central Serengeti, Serengeti Pioneer Camp is ideally situated to offer superlative access to the Great annual migration and the ‘Big 5’ experience with sweeping views overlooking Moru Kopjes, Lake Magadi and endless plains. Serengeti Pioneer Camp is nestled up against a rocky outcrop overlooking across the expanse of the central Serengeti. This region enjoys complete privacy with great game viewing just around camp. Capturing the traditional Elewana hospitality, Serengeti Pioneer Camp comprises of twelve-tented suites all of which have en-suite facilities including a flushing toilet, vanity basin and showers. The tent interiors are designed to evoke the very best of an era long-gone but certainly not forgotten. The camp is beautifully set overlooking the African savannah providing what must be one of the best views in Africa continent. The vast and spacious tents are dotted along the hillside with varying levels of elevation in the bush.
Serengeti Pioneer Camp 
Whole day in Serengeti with game drives guided by your dedicated safari driver-guide. Serengeti is internationally renowned for the greatest wildlife spectacle on the planet. Located north west of Tanzania and bordering Maasai Mara Game Reserve in Kenya, Serengeti is the ultimate ‘wildlife show’ on earth and best known for its unequalled natural beauty and diverse wildlife. As such it offers the most complex and least disturbed ecosystem on this planet. Serengeti’s unique combination of diverse habitats enables it to support more than 30 species of large herbivores and nearly 500 different species of birds. Its landscape originally formed by volcanic activity has recently been sculptured by the concerted action of wind, rain and sun. It now varies from open grass plains in the south, savannah with scattered acacia trees in the centre, hilly, wooded grassland in the north, to extensive woodland and black clay plains to the west. Small rivers, lakes and swamps are scattered everywhere and it's particularly famous for its predators that include lion, cheetah and leopard and others such as serval cats, wild dogs, jackals and spotted hyenas.
Serengeti Pioneer Camp
Scheduled flight to Northern Serengeti. Arrival transfer to Sayari Camp which is located north of Serengeti National Park with a prime location to witness thousands of wildebeest crash across the Mara River as part of the Great Migration.
Sayari is set overlooking golden plains and comprises of spacious tented suites with walk-in showers, al fresco tubs and verandas where guests can laze away the afternoon with a cold drink. The rooms are cleverly designed in a way that allows the breeze in during the heat of the day. They are tastefully decorated with simple colours that reflect the surrounding wilderness and equipped with simple furniture that is both elegant and robust.
Set right up on the Mara River, Sayari is definitely the perfect choice of those looking to experience the Great migration herds from July to October when the herds mingle around this area. Dining at Sayari Camp is always a delightful experience. Breakfast can be taken in camp or out in the bush with a choice between Continental or a full English. Lunch is light buffet with a main course, salads and fresh bread. Dinner is three-course with a choice of several dishes.
Asilia Sayari Camp 
Today enjoy game drives in the Serengeti which is internationally renowned as one of the most famous wildlife areas in the world and home to incredible herds of wildebeest and other grazing animals. Serengeti in Maasai language means “endless plains". Located in north west of Tanzania, Serengeti is the ultimate ‘wildlife show’ on earth and best known for its unequalled natural beauty and diverse wildlife. It supports a magnificent diversity and abundance of animals from the Big 5: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and black rhino to giraffe, impala, kongoni, topi and eland. Serengeti’s unique combination of diverse habitats enables it to support more than 30 species of large herbivores and nearly 500 species of birds. Its landscape originally formed by volcanic activity has been sculptured by the concerted action of wind, rain and sun. It now varies from open grass plains in the south, savannah with scattered acacia trees in the centre, hilly wooded grassland in the north to extensive woodland and black clay plains to the west. Small rivers, lakes and swamps are scattered throughout. It's most famous for its predators that include lion, cheetah and leopard and others such as serval cats, wild dogs, jackals and spotted hyenas.
Asilia Sayari Camp 
Whole day in Northern Serengeti with more game drives. Northern Serengeti is home to a remarkable number of species including all the big mammals and more than 500 bird species. Visit Mara River where thousands of wildebeest and zebra are attacked by crocodiles as they attempt to cross this mighty river during the annual "Great Migration" between Tanzania and Kenya. The migration is today one of the natural world’s most astonishing phenomena. Each year nearly two million wildebeest and accompanying large numbers of zebra, and smaller numbers of Grant's gazelle, Thompson's gazelle, eland and impala trek from the Serengeti to the Maasai Mara and back again in search of fresh grazing. Following on their heels are the predators of the savannah: lion, cheetah, wild dog, jackal, hyena and vultures. The migration involves over 1.5 million animals arriving in July and departing in November. Viewing these vast herds on the move is always unforgettable sight. This experience is rated as one of the most spectacular natural events.
Asilia Sayari Camp 
Direct scheduled from Northern Serengeti via Mwanza to Kigali. Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be transferred to Kigali Serena for check in to your room. The elegant Kigali Serena Hotel is perfectly situated within one of Kigali city’s most vibrant boulevards. Just a few minutes’ drive from Kigali International Airport in the commercial heart of Rwanda, the hotel comprises of relaxed and elegant rooms and luxury suites that serve as the most ideal launching pad for adventures throughout Kigali and Rwanda. All the guest rooms feature air conditioning, Wi-Fi connectivity, a satellite television and a lovely ensuite bathroom.
Wonderful selection of dining options are available, from the Milima Restaurant that overlooks the sparkling swimming pool to the Sokoni Restaurant that has become a popular meeting place for both locals and travellers alike. In the evenings retreat to the hotel’s lounge where two bars areas await.
The ‘Maisha’ Mind Body and Spirit Spa in the hotel presents a range of rejuvenating amenities with a state-of-the-art fitness centre, aerobics studio, a landscaped pool amid tropical gardens, a steam room and sauna, beauty salon and separate spa areas for men and women. This luxury hotel provides a restful location to take a break before embarking on an exciting gorilla trekking trip in the Volcanoes National Park.
Kigali Serena Hotel 
After breakfast, enjoy morning city tour of Kigali that will include a visit to the Genocide Museum. Thereafter depart for Volcanoes Mountains arriving Gorilla's Nest in the afternoon. One&Only Gorilla's Nest is a new charming resort in the foothills of the Virunga volcano range that offers an idyllic base from which to encounter the region’s mountain gorillas. Built in traditional style with thatched Rwandese roofing, all impeccable suites here will entertain guests with unparalleled views of the lush blue-green eucalyptus forest and charming villages. With just 21 rooms and suites, this treehouse-style boutique hotel is never crowded. Surrounded by swaying eucalyptus trees, Gorilla’s Nest awakens a wild spirit of adventure and it's a place that encourages you to gaze into the mirror through encounters with majestic mountain gorillas. From the moment you arrive, fragrant fauna and flora greet you. Pamper yourself with a visit to the spa and if you're looking for recreational opportunities you'll find an outdoor swimming pool and a fitness centre. Cuisine here is incredible with the main restaurant focusing on local and organic food and hot food cooked on order. There's a large terrace with fireplace and The Nest Bar serves traditional cocktails with a modern twist incorporating rose water and eucalyptus.
One&Only Gorilla's Nest 
After early breakfast, your safari driver-guide will transfer you to Volcanoes National Park gate for trekking briefing session. Here, you will be given a short lecture on the ‘Dos’ and ‘Don'ts of gorilla trekking and how you should behave after sighting gorillas. It’s important to note that we use specially trained local guides to make sure all gorilla treks are authorized, safely regulated and within boundaries set by various wildlife foundations and the government. The Gorilla trek can last between 30 minutes to 7 hours depending on the location of mountain gorilla family on that particular day. The hike through the forest is challenging but within reach for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness. It requires navigating uphill and downhill through thick tangles of vines, thorns and roots. The hiking trails can be slippery when it rains therefore a pair of waterproof hiking boots is required as well as long trousers and shirts. Upon finding the gorillas, you will be allowed one hour with them while observing their behaviour and taking photographs. Gorilla trekking experience is unforgettable, magical and life-changing worth every penny despite some discomfort. Thereafter, head back to the Park Headquarters to collect your certificate before heading back to Gorilla's Nest.
One&Only Gorilla's Nest 
Mountain gorillas are the largest species of primates that are ground dwelling and are predominantly herbivores. Their social groups are complex and their behaviour is highly sophisticated and truly remarkable to witness.
Securing permission to run gorilla safaris is a long and difficult process. As a reputable safari company, we believe in a non-invasive, selective form of tourism that involves creating a magnificent holiday experience around permitted trekking into the gorillas’ habitat. Access is heavily regulated to interfere as little as possible with the gorillas’ natural way of life. We use specially trained local guides to make sure all gorilla treks are authorized, safely regulated and within boundaries set by various wildlife foundations and the Government of Rwanda. Africa Safari Classics supports preservation of gorilla habitats and we are happy to operate sanctioned, carefully planned gorilla treks to see one of nature’s most eminent animals in its natural home.
After breakfast, drive back to Kigali arriving in the afternoon. After late lunch, you will be dropped at Kigali International Airport to board your onward departure flight.
KIGALI DEPARTUREPrices are per person sharing in USD and this trip is available all year round. Current price is based on accommodation as indicated above and is subject to availability at the time of booking.
Pls contact us by email, telephone or whatsapp for an exact quotation and itinerary based on your requirements, preferences, travel dates, international flights, special offers and availability.
