Gorilla Trekking, Ngorongoro Crater & Serengeti Safari

On arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, a Ker & Downey Africa representative will welcome you and transfer you to Arusha Coffee Lodge. Nestled on the outskirts of town within a lush coffee plantation, the lodge provides the perfect introduction to Africa and will be your base for the evening.

After check-in, take time to unpack and settle in, relax by the swimming pool, or enjoy a rejuvenating session at the spa. In the evening, savor a pre-dinner drink before dining alfresco on the lodge’s verandah, soaking in the serene surroundings and the first taste of African hospitality.

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at Arusha Coffee Lodge before meeting your guide for the journey to Ngorongoro. Along the way, enjoy a scenic game drive through Lake Manyara National Park, with a picnic lunch surrounded by wildlife.

Continue to Entamanu Ngorongoro, your base for the next two nights. Perched on the crater rim, this intimate camp offers sweeping vistas and a serene setting to relax after your travels.

Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater with your private guide to explore the mineral-rich plains below. Home to one of the densest wildlife populations in Africa, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers excellent chances to spot the Big Five. Return to camp in the evening for a chef-prepared dinner, either in the main dining area or in a private setting overlooking the crater rim.

Today, embark on the iconic Ngorongoro Crater descent, one of Africa’s Seven Natural Wonders. Explore the mineral-rich plains, teeming with wildlife, and enjoy countless photographic opportunities as you search for the Big Five and other remarkable species.

After your morning adventure, return to Entamanu Ngorongoro for some downtime, relaxing and taking in the crater views. In the late afternoon, join your guide for an optional Crater rim walk, exploring the surrounding natural landscapes on foot.

Conclude the day back at the lodge with pre-dinner drinks and snacks, watching the sun set over the crater for a truly unforgettable experience.

After a morning game drive and hearty breakfast, transfer to Manyara Airstrip for a short 45-minute flight to the Serengeti. On arrival at Seronera Airstrip, a lodge representative will escort you to Nyaruswiga Safari Camp, a luxurious tented retreat set in the heart of the park.

Framed by the Nyaruswiga Hills, the camp features a lounge, bar, dining area, plunge pool, jacuzzi, and astral observation deck. Each of the 14 canvas tents offers a spacious bedroom, indoor lounge, and ensuite bathroom, blending comfort with the beauty of the Serengeti wilderness.

Spend the afternoon on your first Serengeti game drive, seeking the Big Five, cheetahs, giraffes, hyenas, hippos, and more. If traveling between July and September, witness the awe-inspiring Great Migration. Return to camp for a sunset drink followed by a gourmet dinner under the stars.

Start your day with an optional sunrise hot air balloon safari over the Serengeti — a once-in-a-lifetime experience offering breathtaking views of the plains and wildlife below. After landing, return to camp for a hearty breakfast, or opt for a breakfast in the wild for a truly immersive experience.

In the afternoon, join your expert guide on a walking safari, exploring the Serengeti’s trails and encountering its incredible wildlife up close. Complement the day with a revitalizing treatment at the camp’s spa before enjoying your final dinner at Nyaruswiga. End the evening on the astral observation deck, marveling at the vast African night sky.

Begin with an optional sunrise hot air balloon ride over the Serengeti for stunning views of the plains and wildlife. Land and return to camp for a hearty breakfast, or enjoy a breakfast in the wild.

In the afternoon, embark a guided walking safari, getting up close to the Serengeti’s wildlife. Relax with a spa treatment before your final dinner at Nyaruswiga, then end the evening on the astral observation deck, taking in the vast African night sky.

Start your morning with an early game drive through Singita Grumeti Reserve, spotting wildlife from cheetah and lion to Masai giraffe and wildebeest. If visiting between January and March, witness the spectacular wildebeest calving season. Return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast.

Later, visit the local villages, learning about Singita’s community programs supporting education, water management, and conservation. In the afternoon, embark a guided walking safari, exploring the bush up close and discovering the reserve’s flora and fauna. Stop by Singita’s OP7 anti-poaching post to meet the scouts and observe their vital work. Finish the day with a sunset drink in the African bush before returning to the lodge for dinner.

After a final breakfast at Singita Faru Faru, your driver will transfer you to Sasakwa Airstrip for your scheduled flight to Entebbe International Airport, Uganda. On arrival, a representative will meet you and transfer you to the Protea Hotel Entebbe for a comfortable overnight stay.

Wake up to a hearty breakfast before a short transfer to the airport for your light aircraft flight (just over two hours) to Kihihi Airstrip. On arrival, a lodge representative will transfer you to Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, a secluded luxury retreat set deep within Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Spend the afternoon at leisure, relaxing in your forest-facing tent or browsing the on-site gift shop, which features locally crafted handicrafts.

The following day, set out on the first of your two unforgettable gorilla treks. After an early breakfast, transfer to park headquarters for a pre-trek briefing. At 08:00, begin your guided walk into the forest to find a habituated gorilla family. Spend a magical hour observing these gentle giants before returning to the lodge for a well-earned lunch.

In the afternoon, enjoy a guided forest walk to Muyanga Waterfalls (approximately three hours), offering a rewarding immersion in Bwindi’s rich scenery and biodiversity.

Wake up to a hearty breakfast before setting out on your second day of gorilla trekking with your expert guide in search of the rare Silverback Mountain Gorilla. The trek can be demanding, with steep slopes and dense forest, so a good level of fitness is recommended. A valid trekking permit is required, as visits are strictly limited to eight guests per gorilla family each day to protect these endangered primates.

The length of your trek will vary depending on how long it takes to locate the gorillas. The moment you encounter them is unforgettable — spend a privileged hour quietly observing their social interactions and gentle behavior in their natural habitat. After your trek, return to the lodge for a well-deserved lunch.

In the afternoon, enjoy a visit to Buhoma Village, where you’ll gain insight into local life and observe traditional agricultural practices on nearby farms.

Day 13 marks the final day of your Tanzania and Uganda gorilla trekking safari. After a hearty breakfast and a smooth check-out from Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, your driver will transfer you to Kihihi Airstrip for your flight to Entebbe and your onward journey home, bringing your unforgettable safari adventure to a close.