11 Days Rwanda Safari & Zanzibar Beach Extension
Safari Overview
This 11-day Rwanda Safari & Zanzibar Beach Extension combines the thrill of mountain gorilla trekking and chimpanzee tracking with relaxation on the pristine white-sand beaches of Zanzibar . It is the perfect bush-and-beach itinerary for honeymooners, couples, and travelers seeking both adventure and leisure.
The program blends Rwanda’s lush rainforest ecosystems with the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, offering a seamless transition from wildlife encounters to tropical paradise . Begin your journey in the misty mountains of Volcanoes National Park, trek through the ancient rainforests of Nyungwe, then fly to the spice island of Zanzibar for five days of pure relaxation.
Safari Highlights
-
Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park – A life-changing encounter with endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat
-
Chimpanzee Tracking in Nyungwe Forest – Trek through one of Africa’s oldest rainforests in search of our closest relatives
-
Nyungwe Canopy Walk – Soar 70 metres above the forest floor on East Africa’s first canopy walkway
-
Kigali City Tour – Visit the Genocide Memorial and explore Rwanda’s vibrant capital
-
Zanzibar Beach Relaxation – Unwind on white-sand beaches, swim in turquoise waters, and enjoy dhow sunset cruises
-
Stone Town Cultural Tour – Explore the UNESCO-listed historic heart of Zanzibar
Why This Safari is Worth Taking
-
Two Iconic Primate Experiences – Track both mountain gorillas and chimpanzees in Rwanda’s world-famous parks
-
Seamless Bush-to-Beach Transition – Fly directly from Kigali to Zanzibar for a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation
-
Exclusive Gorilla Permits – Only 96 permits are issued daily, ensuring an intimate and unforgettable encounter
-
Nyungwe Canopy Walk – Experience the rainforest from a unique perspective on East Africa’s only canopy walkway
-
Luxury Accommodation – Stay in handpicked lodges and beachfront resorts that blend comfort with authentic African charm
Brief Itinerary
Day 1: Kigali arrival
Day 2–3: Volcanoes (Gorilla trekking)
Day 4–5: Nyungwe (Chimpanzees)
Day 6: Transfer to Zanzibar
Day 7–10: Beach relaxation
Day 11: Departure
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your Serengeti Wildlife Safaris representative. After a brief safari orientation, you will be transferred to your hotel in Kigali .
Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy an optional Kigali city tour. Highlights include the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a powerful and moving tribute to the victims of the 1994 genocide, as well as visits to local craft markets where you can browse traditional Rwandan art and souvenirs .
Settle into your accommodation and enjoy dinner while preparing for the adventure ahead.
Meals: Dinner | Drinking water included
Day 2: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, depart Kigali for Volcanoes National Park, located in the northern Musanze District. The drive takes approximately 2.5 hours through Rwanda’s legendary hills, passing terraced farmlands, picturesque villages, and roadside markets alive with local color .
The Virunga volcanoes gradually emerge on the horizon, their misty peaks signaling your arrival in gorilla country. Upon arrival, check into your eco-lodge, designed to blend harmoniously with the natural environment. The lodge offers panoramic views of the volcanoes and warm Rwandan hospitality .
Optional Afternoon Activity: Visit the Gorilla Guardians Village (formerly Iby’Iwachu Cultural Village), a community-based project where former poachers share their experiences and you can engage with local traditions through drumming, dancing, and traditional crafts .
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Drinking water included
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
This is the highlight of your Rwandan safari. Wake early for breakfast, then proceed to the park headquarters at Kinigi for a detailed briefing by Rwanda Development Board rangers . The briefing covers trekking guidelines, safety measures, and behavioral protocols to ensure respectful interactions with the gorillas. You will be assigned to a specific gorilla family and begin your trek with experienced trackers. The hike traverses dense bamboo forests, volcanic slopes, and lush vegetation. Along the way, you may spot birds, small mammals, and signs of gorilla activity, heightening anticipation .
When you encounter the gorilla family, you will spend one unforgettable hour observing them in their natural habitat. Watch the silverback lead with quiet authority, mothers groom their infants, and juveniles tumble through the vines. The gorillas’ intelligence, social dynamics, and gentle curiosity leave a profound and lasting impression . After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch. The afternoon is reserved for rest and reflection, allowing you to absorb the experience and enjoy the lodge’s serene surroundings .
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Drinking water included
Day 4: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park
After breakfast, depart Volcanoes National Park for Nyungwe Forest National Park – one of Africa’s oldest and most biologically rich rainforests, with origins dating back millions of years . The drive takes approximately 5–6 hours and offers stunning views of Rwanda’s rolling hills, tea plantations, and rural villages .
En Route: Stop at Lake Kivu for a brief rest and photo opportunity. The serene waters, bordered by lush hills and palm trees, provide a peaceful pause before the forest adventure ahead . Upon arrival at Nyungwe, check into your forest lodge, nestled within the rainforest. The lodge harmoniously blends comfort with nature, offering an immersive forest experience .
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Drinking water included
Day 5: Chimpanzee Tracking & Canopy Walk in Nyungwe Forest
Morning – Chimpanzee Tracking
After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing by park rangers . Nyungwe Forest is home to over 500 chimpanzees, with several groups habituated for tourism . These intelligent primates live high in the forest canopy and are known for their energetic and social behaviour.
The trek involves following chimpanzee calls, footprints, and feeding remains through dense rainforest terrain . Tracking time can range from 1 to 4 hours, depending on the chimpanzees’ movements. Once located, you will spend up to one hour observing them in their natural habitat – feeding, grooming, calling, and moving rapidly through the trees . Unlike gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking is more active and physically demanding, as chimpanzees are fast-moving and often climb high into the trees . Porters are available to assist visitors who may need extra support during the trek .
Afternoon – Nyungwe Canopy Walk
After lunch, experience the Nyungwe Canopy Walk – one of the most iconic attractions in East Africa . Suspended 70 metres above the forest floor and stretching 160 metres in length, the walkway offers breathtaking panoramic views across treetops, valleys, and distant ridge lines .Walking above the rainforest canopy provides a unique perspective on the ecosystem, with opportunities to spot monkeys, birds, and butterflies at eye level . This thrilling experience is suitable for adventurous travellers and photographers alike . Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight .
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Drinking water included
Day 6: Transfer to Kigali – Flight to Zanzibar
From the Rainforest to the Indian Ocean
After breakfast, begin your scenic drive back to Kigali International Airport . Enjoy one last view of Rwanda’s rolling hills and tea plantations along the way. Arrive in Kigali in time for your scheduled flight to Zanzibar. Several regional airlines operate direct flights between Kigali and Zanzibar, making the transition smooth and convenient . Upon arrival at Zanzibar International Airport, you will be met by a local representative and transferred to your beach resort. The atmosphere shifts dramatically – instead of misty mountains and dense forests, you are welcomed by palm trees, warm ocean air, and the scent of spices .
Check into your beachfront accommodation and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure .
Meals: Breakfast | Drinking water included
Days 7–10: Zanzibar Beach Relaxation
Spend these four days enjoying the ultimate beach escape on Zanzibar’s stunning coastline . The island offers a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and culture.
Activities Available (at additional cost):
Snorkeling & Scuba Diving: Explore vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life. Popular spots include Mnemba Atoll, where you can swim with dolphins and sea turtles .
Dhow Sunset Cruises: Sail the Indian Ocean on a traditional wooden dhow, enjoying breathtaking views of the sunset over the turquoise waters .
Stone Town Cultural Tour: Explore the UNESCO-listed historic heart of Zanzibar, with its narrow alleyways, carved wooden doors, and rich Swahili, Arab, Indian, and European influences .
Spice Plantation Tour: Visit one of Zanzibar’s famous spice farms and learn about the cultivation of cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla, and other aromatic crops that shaped the island’s history .
Jozani Forest Visit: Explore this nature reserve to see the endemic red colobus monkeys, which are found nowhere else on earth .
Swimming & Beach Relaxation: Simply unwind on the white-sand beaches, swim in the warm Indian Ocean, and soak up the tropical sun .
Popular beach areas include Nungwi and Kendwa on the northern coast, known for their stunning sunsets and luxury resorts, and Paje on the east coast, ideal for water sports such as kitesurfing .
Meals: Breakfast | Drinking water included
Day 11: Departure from Zanzibar
After a final breakfast, transfer to Zanzibar International Airport for your onward international flight . Depending on your schedule, you may choose to spend your last morning exploring Stone Town or simply relaxing at the resort.
Your 11-day Rwanda safari and Zanzibar beach adventure comes to an end, but the memories of gorillas in the mist, chimpanzees in the canopy, and turquoise waters lapping at white-sand shores will stay with you forever.
Meals: Breakfast | Drinking water included
End of Tour
Inclusions
-
Airport transfers in Rwanda and Zanzibar
-
All accommodation as described in the itinerary
-
Gorilla trekking permit for Volcanoes National Park ($1,500 value)
-
Chimpanzee tracking permit for Nyungwe Forest
-
Nyungwe Canopy Walk experience
-
All meals as indicated (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
-
Private 4×4 safari vehicle with English-speaking driver-guide in Rwanda
-
Kigali city tour (time permitting)
-
Park fees and government taxes
-
Bottled drinking water during game drives and transfers
-
Kigali–Zanzibar domestic flight
Exclusions
-
International flights
-
Rwanda and Tanzania visa fees
-
Travel and medical insurance
-
Tips and gratuities for guides and lodge staff (suggested $10–$15 per person per day)
-
Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, phone calls, etc.)
-
Optional activities in Zanzibar (snorkeling, diving, dhow cruises, spice tours, Stone Town tours, Jozani Forest visit)
-
Alcoholic and soft drinks
-
Meals not specified in the itinerary
