This extraordinary 18-day journey takes you through the heart of East Africa and across the Indian Ocean to Madagascar, merging the thrill of primate tracking, Big Five safaris, and tropical island discovery. The adventure begins in Rwanda, where you’ll explore the vibrant capital of Kigali and trek through the misty highlands of Volcanoes National Park to encounter the legendary mountain gorillas.
From there, you’ll cross into Tanzania, home to the iconic Serengeti, the wildlife-rich Ngorongoro Crater, and the flamingo-dotted shores of Lake Manyara. After your safari, fly to Madagascar, a world-renowned biodiversity hotspot unlike any other.
You’ll explore the rainforest of Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, home to the Indri. Indri the largest living lemur and then continue on to the beaches of Nosy Be, where palm-fringed shores, coral reefs, and laid-back island culture await. This itinerary is a carefully curated mix of adventure, wildlife, culture, and coastal relaxation, ideal for experienced travelers, wildlife enthusiasts, and honeymooners seeking a once-in-a-lifetime journey.
Throughout the safari, you’ll enjoy a combination of expert-guided activities, high-quality eco-lodges, scenic domestic flights, and seamless ground logistics. Whether it’s listening to the call of a
gorilla echoing in the Virunga Mountains, watching lions stalk prey across the Serengeti, or snorkeling in crystal-clear waters off Nosy Be, each day brings unforgettable moments in some of the planet’s most treasured natural environments.
Safari Highlights
- Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.
- Visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial and cultural markets.
- Big Five safari experiences in Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.
- Witness the Great Migration (seasonal) in Tanzania
- Game viewing and flamingo sightings at Lake Manyara National Park.
- Cultural insights from Maasai communities and local Tanzanian guides.
- Lemur tracking and night walks in Madagascar’s Andasibe rainforest.
- Encounters with endemic wildlife including Indri Indri, chameleons, and exotic birds.
- Beach relaxation and water sports on the paradise island of Nosy Be.
- Flexible pace with private guides, comfortable lodges, and domestic flights for convenience.
Day by Day Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali, Rwanda
Arrive in Kigali, Rwanda’s clean and vibrant capital. Meet your local guide and transfer to your hotel. Depending on arrival time, take an optional city tour to visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, artisan markets, and local cafes. Kigali is a calm, safe city and serves as a perfect introduction to East Africa. Settle in, enjoy dinner, and rest for the journey ahead. Overnight in Kigali.
Day 2: Kigali to Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, depart for Volcanoes National Park, located in the Virunga Mountains. Along the scenic 2.5-hour drive, you’ll pass terraced hills, villages, and misty highlands. Upon arrival, check into your lodge near the park. Spend the afternoon at leisure or visit the Dian Fossey Museum in Musanze. Prepare for the incredible gorilla trekking experience the next day. Overnight near Volcanoes National Park.
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Today is a major highlight mountain gorilla trekking. After a briefing at park headquarters, hike through bamboo forests with expert guides to meet a gorilla family. Spend up to one hour observing them in their natural habitat a profound and humbling wildlife encounter. Trek duration varies (2–6 hours). Return to your lodge to relax and share stories. Optional cultural visit to Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village in the afternoon. Overnight at lodge
Day 4: Transfer Back to Kigali – Fly to Tanzania
After breakfast, transfer back to Kigali for your outbound flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport, Tanzania. Upon arrival, clear customs and meet your Tanzanian guide. Depending on your flight schedule, either transfer directly to Arusha for an overnight stay or continue to Serengeti via domestic flight if timing allows. Overnight in Arusha or Serengeti (depending on arrival time).
Day 5: Flight or Transfer to Serengeti National Park
Fly or drive into Serengeti National Park, Tanzania’s most iconic wildlife area. Begin your first game drive en route to your lodge or tented camp. The Serengeti is home to the Great Migration, vast lion prides, cheetahs, leopards, and endless plains teeming with wildlife. Enjoy your first full immersion into the Tanzanian wilderness. Dinner and overnight in Serengeti.
Days 6–7: Full-Day Game Drives in Serengeti
Spend two full days exploring different regions of the Serengeti. Witness predators on the hunt, wildebeest herds, elephants, hyenas, and large groups of giraffes and zebras. Depending on the time of year, you may catch the migration river crossings or calving season. Enjoy sunrise and sunset drives with picnic lunches in the bush or return to camp for meals. Overnight in Serengeti on both nights.
Day 8: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
After a morning game drive, depart Serengeti and travel to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stop at Olduvai Gorge, the famous paleoanthropological site, en route. Arrive at your lodge on the crater rim by evening, with stunning views of the Ngorongoro Crater. Relax and enjoy the cooler highland climate. Dinner and overnight at a lodge near the crater.
Day 9: Game Drive in Ngorongoro Crater
Descend early into the Ngorongoro Crater, one of Africa’s most remarkable wildlife habitats. This collapsed caldera hosts nearly all of the Big Five, including a healthy population of endangered black rhinos. The crater floor is home to lakes, forests, grasslands, and a dense animal population. Enjoy a picnic lunch before ascending back to the rim. Overnight at your lodge on the crater rim.
Day 10: Ngorongoro to Lake Manyara National Park
Depart for Lake Manyara, a compact but wildlife-rich park nestled along the Great Rift Valley escarpment. Known for its flamingos, tree-climbing lions, and lush groundwater forest, it offers varied game viewing in a short time. Take an afternoon game drive followed by a sundowner at the lake. Optional visit to Mto wa Mbu village for a guided cultural tour. Overnight at lodge near Lake Manyara.
Day 11: Transfer to Arusha – Flight to Madagascar
After breakfast, drive back to Arusha, Tanzania’s safari capital. Stop for souvenirs or a leisurely lunch before transferring to Kilimanjaro International Airport. Catch your flight to Antananarivo, Madagascar. Upon arrival, meet your guide and transfer to a hotel in the capital. Rest and prepare for your island exploration. Overnight in Antananarivo.
Day 12: Antananarivo City Tour – Travel to Andasibe
In the morning, take a short city tour of Tana including the Queen’s Palace, local markets, and historical sites. Then drive east to Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, one of Madagascar’s most accessible and biodiversity-rich rainforests. Check into your lodge and enjoy an evening night walk, where you may spot nocturnal lemurs, chameleons, and frogs. Dinner and overnight near the park.
Day 13: Lemur Trekking in Andasibe-Mantadia
Explore Andasibe National Park on foot with a professional guide. This is home to the largest lemur species – the Indri Indri, known for its haunting calls. You’ll also see sifakas, bamboo lemurs, and a variety of bird species. Walk through mossy forests and discover Madagascar’s unique ecology. After lunch, visit Vakona Reserve, known for close-up lemur encounters. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 14: Andasibe to Antananarivo – Flight to Nosy Be
After breakfast, return to Antananarivo and catch a short flight to Nosy Be, Madagascar’s premier beach destination. Upon arrival, transfer to your seaside lodge or resort. Settle into the laid-back island atmosphere, surrounded by turquoise waters and lush palm forests. Enjoy an afternoon swim or beach walk. Overnight at a beachfront resort.
Day 15–17: Beach Relaxation and Optional Activities
Spend your last three days unwinding on the beaches of Nosy Be. Take part in optional activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, or a day trip to Nosy Komba or Nosy Tanikely, small islands with pristine coral reefs. Visit local ylang-ylang plantations or hike to volcanic craters and waterfalls. Enjoy fresh seafood and warm hospitality. Each night, return to your resort for a peaceful overnight stay.
Day 18: Departure from Madagascar
After a relaxed morning, transfer to Nosy Be Airport for your return flight to Antananarivo and onward international connection. Reflect on the diversity of your journey from gorillas in Rwanda to lions in Tanzania and lemurs in Madagascar. This unique multi-country itinerary leaves you with unforgettable memories of East Africa and the Indian Ocean islands.
Inclusions
- All airport transfers and ground transport in Rwanda, Tanzania, and Madagascar.
- Accommodation in mid-range to luxury lodges, tented camps, and beachfront resorts (double/twin sharing basis).
- All meals as per itinerary (typically full board on safari, half board in Madagascar, & in cities).
- Domestic flights:
1. Kigali → Kilimanjaro/Arusha
2. Arusha → Serengeti (if applicable)
3. Arusha → Antananarivo
4. Antananarivo → Nosy Be and return
- All park entry and conservation fees (Volcanoes, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Manyara, Andasibe, etc.).
- Gorilla Trekking Permit per person in Volcanoes National Park.
- Professional English-speaking driver-guides in each country.
- Game drives in 4×4 safari vehicles with pop-up roof in Tanzania.
- Boat safari in Lake Manyara (if included).
- Guided nature walks and night walks in Madagascar.
- Bottled drinking water during safari drives.
- Emergency medical evacuation cover (AMREF or Flying Doctors Service).
Exclusions
- International flights to/from Africa (home country to Kigali, and from Nosy Be or Antananarivo).
- Visas for Rwanda, Tanzania, and Madagascar (can be obtained online or on arrival in most cases).
- Travel insurance (highly recommended for all travelers).
- Optional activities not specified in the itinerary (e.g., balloon safaris, scuba diving, Maasai village visits).
- Tips and gratuities for guides, porters, and hotel staff.
- Personal expenses such as drinks, laundry, souvenirs, and telephone calls.
- PCR tests, vaccinations, or other health-related requirements (if applicable).