Ultimate East Africa Safari
Overview
Four legendary landscapes. One extraordinary adventure.
Why leave your heart wanting more? This Ultimate East Africa Safari lets you visit four wildlife meccas in Rwanda and Tanzania, including Volcanoes National Park, the Serengeti National Park, the Ngorongoro Crater, and the Grumeti Private Reserve. This stellar 16-day itinerary combines some of East Africa’s most luxurious and exclusive properties with bucket-list adventure. Trek through the verdant jungles of Volcanoes National Park to witness the endangered mountain gorillas, traverse Tanzania’s best national parks on foot and by safari vehicle in search of the Big 5, and witness the *Great Wildebeest Migration from above on a hot air balloon safari at sunrise.
*From July to October
Highlights
- Gorilla trekking
- Great migration
- Hot air balloon safari
- Walking safaris
Destinations
Rwanda | Tanzania
Duration
16 days
Price
From $36 932 per person
When to go
All Year Round
Itinerary Overview
Experiences off the beaten track.
Crafted for the bold + discerning.
Day 13-16
Grumeti
Grumeti is a remote corner of the Serengeti. Set along the path of the Great Migration, this private reserve offers front-row seats to dramatic river crossings, predator action, and sweeping savanna views – without the crowds.
Day 1-2
Kigali
Rwanda’s capital is a city of surprising contrasts – clean, green, and effortlessly cool. Set across rolling hills, Kigali blends vibrant markets, contemporary art, and poignant history, offering a warm and stylish welcome before your journey into the wild begins.
Day 3-5
Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park is a mist-shrouded rainforest where ancient volcanoes rise. Trek through emerald hills and bamboo forests for a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with these gentle giants in one of Africa’s most soul-stirring settings
Day 6-7
Arusha
Arusha is Tanzania’s safari gateway, nestled at the foot of Mount Meru with sweeping views of Kilimanjaro on clear days. A lively city surrounded by coffee estates and crater lakes, it offers a gentle introduction to the region’s landscapes, culture, and rhythm of life.
Day 8-10
Serengeti National Park
The Serengeti is Africa’s ultimate theatre of the wild, where golden plains stretch endlessly and predator-prey encounters unfold in real time. Home to the Great Migration, it offers front-row seats to nature’s most awe-inspiring spectacle.
Day 11 - 12
Ngorongoro Crater
Ngorongoro is a land of ancient drama, where wildlife roams freely within the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera. From lion prides to flamingo-filled lakes, the crater floor delivers unmatched game viewing in a setting as spectacular as it is surreal.
Day 13-16
Grumeti
Grumeti is a remote corner of the Serengeti. Set along the path of the Great Migration, this private reserve offers front-row seats to dramatic river crossings, predator action, and sweeping savanna views – without the crowds.
Day 1-2
Kigali
Rwanda’s capital is a city of surprising contrasts – clean, green, and effortlessly cool. Set across rolling hills, Kigali blends vibrant markets, contemporary art, and poignant history, offering a warm and stylish welcome before your journey into the wild begins.
Itinerary Breakdown
Day 1-2
Experiences
During your stay, you will have the opportunity to explore Kigali on a full-day professionally guided and exciting tour, including a visit to the informative Genocide Museum, followed by lunch at one of the oldest hotels in Rwanda, the Hotel des Mille Collines.
Day 1-2
Arrive
Kigali International Airport, Rwanda
Check-in
The Retreat by Heaven
Your Ultimate East Africa Safari starts on arrival at Kigali International Airport in Rwanda, where a Ker & Downey® Africa representative will accompany you through customs and transfer you to The Retreat. This award-winning luxury boutique hotel is located a mere 20 minutes from the airport, making it the perfect starting point for your time in Rwanda. After a seamless check-in, you can enjoy the hotel’s 5-star facilities, including the heated saltwater swimming pool, Jacuzzi, open-air fitness center, and spa. You will also have the opportunity to explore the vibrant city of Kigali and join a guided tour of the Genocide Museum, followed by lunch at one of the oldest hotels in Rwanda, the Hotel des Mille Collines. In the evening, we recommend dining at the in-house Fusion Restaurant, which offers delicious farm-to-table international cuisine, or Heaven Restaurant for an innovative African menu.
Accommodation
The Retreat by Heaven
This award-winning boutique hotel features only 12 rooms and is located 20 minutes from Kigali International Airport. Boasting 5-star facilities, guests can enjoy the hotel’s yoga studio, in-house spa, heated swimming pool, fitness center, and two on-site restaurants.
Experiences
During your stay, you will have the opportunity to explore Kigali on a full-day professionally guided and exciting tour, including a visit to the informative Genocide Museum, followed by lunch at one of the oldest hotels in Rwanda, the Hotel des Mille Collines.
Day 1-2
Arrive
Kigali International Airport, Rwanda
Check-in
The Retreat by Heaven
Your Ultimate East Africa Safari starts on arrival at Kigali International Airport in Rwanda, where a Ker & Downey® Africa representative will accompany you through customs and transfer you to The Retreat. This award-winning luxury boutique hotel is located a mere 20 minutes from the airport, making it the perfect starting point for your time in Rwanda. After a seamless check-in, you can enjoy the hotel’s 5-star facilities, including the heated saltwater swimming pool, Jacuzzi, open-air fitness center, and spa. You will also have the opportunity to explore the vibrant city of Kigali and join a guided tour of the Genocide Museum, followed by lunch at one of the oldest hotels in Rwanda, the Hotel des Mille Collines. In the evening, we recommend dining at the in-house Fusion Restaurant, which offers delicious farm-to-table international cuisine, or Heaven Restaurant for an innovative African menu.
Itinerary Breakdown
Day 3-5
Experiences
Discover Singita Kwitonda Lodge‘s on-site nursery that helps reforest and rehabilitate the natural habitat, enjoy organic farm-to-table dining, and explore the surrounding area on guided walks and village tours. A highlight of your time here will be trekking through the verdant jungle alongside trained rangers and trekkers in search of the majestic Mountain Gorilla.
Day 3-5
Transfer to
Volcanoes National Park
Check-in
Singita Kwitonda Lodge
After a refreshing breakfast at The Retreat, your guide will meet you and transfer you to Ruhengeri, the gateway to Volcanoes National Park. Your base for your gorilla trekking experience is the luxurious Singita Kwitonda Lodge. Set on the edge of Volcanoes National Park, this environmentally sensitive lodge features only eight opulent suites that look over the breathtaking scenery of the surrounding volcanoes. A highlight of your time here will be trekking through the verdant jungle of Volcanoes National Park alongside trained rangers and trekkers in search of the majestic Mountain Gorilla. Once the ranger has located the gorilla family, you will spend approximately one hour observing these giants as they eat, play, and groom in their natural habitat.
Accommodation
Singita Kwitonda
Set in the northwestern reaches of Rwanda, Singita Kwitonda Lodge is ideally positioned for travelers looking to experience gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. The lodge features eight elegant suites, each fitted with a heated private plunge pool, indoor and outdoor fireplaces, and timber-framed windows with views of the surrounding volcanoes.
Experiences
Discover Singita Kwitonda Lodge‘s on-site nursery that helps reforest and rehabilitate the natural habitat, enjoy organic farm-to-table dining, and explore the surrounding area on guided walks and village tours. A highlight of your time here will be trekking through the verdant jungle alongside trained rangers and trekkers in search of the majestic Mountain Gorilla.
Day 3-5
Transfer to
Volcanoes National Park
Check-in
Singita Kwitonda Lodge
After a refreshing breakfast at The Retreat, your guide will meet you and transfer you to Ruhengeri, the gateway to Volcanoes National Park. Your base for your gorilla trekking experience is the luxurious Singita Kwitonda Lodge. Set on the edge of Volcanoes National Park, this environmentally sensitive lodge features only eight opulent suites that look over the breathtaking scenery of the surrounding volcanoes. A highlight of your time here will be trekking through the verdant jungle of Volcanoes National Park alongside trained rangers and trekkers in search of the majestic Mountain Gorilla. Once the ranger has located the gorilla family, you will spend approximately one hour observing these giants as they eat, play, and groom in their natural habitat.
Itinerary Breakdown
Day 6-7
Experiences
Your time at Arusha Coffee Lodge includes a guided tour of the coffee plantation where you’ll learn the age-old craft of coffee growing, harvesting and roasting, as well as a half-day guided tour of Arusha. You can also unwind with a rejuvenating treatment at the in-house spa.
Day 6-7
Transfer to
Kilimanjaro Airport
Check-in
Arusha Coffee Lodge
The next leg of your Ultimate East Africa Safari takes you to Big 5 territory – Tanzania. Your guide will meet you at Singita Kwitonda Lodge and transfer you to Kigali International Airport for your onward flight to Kilimanjaro Airport (this flight price is excluded from the cost on the website and will be quoted at time of enquiry as it is based on travel dates). Here, a Ker & Downey® Africa representative will welcome you and accompany you to Arusha Coffee Lodge. Located just a short distance from Arusha, and hidden among one of Tanzania’s largest coffee plantations, Arusha Coffee Lodge offers discerning travelers an intimate and sophisticated retreat. Your time here includes a guided tour of the plantation where you’ll learn the age-old craft of coffee growing, harvesting and roasting, as well as a half-day guided tour of Arusha.
Accommodation
Arusha Coffee Lodge
Located a short distance from the vibrant town of Arusha, hidden among one of Tanzania’s largest coffee plantations, lies Elewana Arusha Coffee Lodge. The property features 30 historic Plantation Houses that overlook Mount Meru and is the perfect starting point for your East Africa safari.
Experiences
Your time at Arusha Coffee Lodge includes a guided tour of the coffee plantation where you’ll learn the age-old craft of coffee growing, harvesting and roasting, as well as a half-day guided tour of Arusha. You can also unwind with a rejuvenating treatment at the in-house spa.
Day 6-7
Transfer to
Kilimanjaro Airport
Check-in
Arusha Coffee Lodge
The next leg of your Ultimate East Africa Safari takes you to Big 5 territory – Tanzania. Your guide will meet you at Singita Kwitonda Lodge and transfer you to Kigali International Airport for your onward flight to Kilimanjaro Airport (this flight price is excluded from the cost on the website and will be quoted at time of enquiry as it is based on travel dates). Here, a Ker & Downey® Africa representative will welcome you and accompany you to Arusha Coffee Lodge. Located just a short distance from Arusha, and hidden among one of Tanzania’s largest coffee plantations, Arusha Coffee Lodge offers discerning travelers an intimate and sophisticated retreat. Your time here includes a guided tour of the plantation where you’ll learn the age-old craft of coffee growing, harvesting and roasting, as well as a half-day guided tour of Arusha.
Itinerary Breakdown
Day 8-10
Experiences
Explore the Big Cat Capital of Africa on daily game drives through the Serengeti National Park and expertly guided bush walks. Other activities include visiting the nearby Maasai village, private bush dining and world-class stargazing. A highlight of your stay here will be a hot air balloon safari.
Day 8-10
Transfer to
Seronera Airstrip
Check-in
One Nature Hotel Nyaruswiga
After breakfast overlooking Mount Meru, your driver will meet you and transfer you to Arusha airport for your light aircraft flight to Seronera Airstrip in the Serengeti National Park. On arrival, a lodge representative from One Nature Nyaruswiga will meet you and transfer you to the camp. This elegant safari camp comprises only 14 luxurious tented suites designed using eco-friendly materials. Each tent is perfectly positioned for the utmost privacy and features a large living room, private deck, and ensuite bathroom with copper freestanding bathtubs overlooking the Serengeti plains. Your time here will allow ample time to explore the Big Cat Capital of Africa where lion, cheetah, and leopard are often spotted during game drives. A highlight of your stay here will be a hot air balloon safari where, between July to October, you can witness the annual Great Wildebeest Migration from above. After exhilarating days exploring this wildlife haven, you can look forward to culinary delights at the camp’s dining tent or boma followed by stargazing at the astral observation deck.
Accommodation
One Nature Hotel Nyaruswiga
Located in the heart of the Serengeti, the ultra-luxurious One Nature Nyruswiga features only 14 canvas tents perfectly positioned to ensure privacy for guests. Guests can enjoy the camp’s intimate lounge, bar, and dining area, as well as an outdoor infinity pool, Jacuzzi, and stargazing deck.
Experiences
Explore the Big Cat Capital of Africa on daily game drives through the Serengeti National Park and expertly guided bush walks. Other activities include visiting the nearby Maasai village, private bush dining and world-class stargazing. A highlight of your stay here will be a hot air balloon safari.
Day 8-10
Transfer to
Seronera Airstrip
Check-in
One Nature Hotel Nyaruswiga
After breakfast overlooking Mount Meru, your driver will meet you and transfer you to Arusha airport for your light aircraft flight to Seronera Airstrip in the Serengeti National Park. On arrival, a lodge representative from One Nature Nyaruswiga will meet you and transfer you to the camp. This elegant safari camp comprises only 14 luxurious tented suites designed using eco-friendly materials. Each tent is perfectly positioned for the utmost privacy and features a large living room, private deck, and ensuite bathroom with copper freestanding bathtubs overlooking the Serengeti plains. Your time here will allow ample time to explore the Big Cat Capital of Africa where lion, cheetah, and leopard are often spotted during game drives. A highlight of your stay here will be a hot air balloon safari where, between July to October, you can witness the annual Great Wildebeest Migration from above. After exhilarating days exploring this wildlife haven, you can look forward to culinary delights at the camp’s dining tent or boma followed by stargazing at the astral observation deck.
Itinerary Breakdown
Day 11-12
Experiences
This lodge offers access to the Ngorongoro Crater floor for exceptional Big Five game viewing. Guests can also hike the Olmoti Crater, trek to the emerald lake in Empakaai Crater, and visit nearby Maasai communities for authentic cultural encounters.
Day 11-12
Transfer
Lake Manyara
Check-in
Asilia Highlands
Today, you will be transferred to the nearby airstrip for your light aircraft flight to Manyara airstrip. On arrival, a lodge representative will meet you and transfer you through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area to The Highlands by Asilia. Set on the forested slopes of the Olmoti Volcano, this strikingly designed lodge combines cutting-edge comfort with immersive wilderness. During your stay, enjoy access to the Ngorongoro Crater floor – home to black rhinos, lion prides, and vast herds of wildlife – as well as unique experiences like climbing Olmoti, hiking Empakaai Crater, cultural visits to local Maasai communities, and encountering conservation in action with the KopeLion team, who are working to foster coexistence between lions and people.
Accommodation
Asilia Highlands
The Highlands by Asilia is a contemporary safari lodge set on the remote slopes of the Olmoti Volcano. Its eight domed canvas-and-glass suites offer warmth, privacy, and sweeping views across the Ngorongoro highlands, blending cutting-edge design with immersive wilderness living.
Experiences
This lodge offers access to the Ngorongoro Crater floor for exceptional Big Five game viewing. Guests can also hike the Olmoti Crater, trek to the emerald lake in Empakaai Crater, and visit nearby Maasai communities for authentic cultural encounters.
Day 11-12
Transfer
Lake Manyara
Check-in
Asilia Highlands
Today, you will be transferred to the nearby airstrip for your light aircraft flight to Manyara airstrip. On arrival, a lodge representative will meet you and transfer you through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area to The Highlands by Asilia. Set on the forested slopes of the Olmoti Volcano, this strikingly designed lodge combines cutting-edge comfort with immersive wilderness. During your stay, enjoy access to the Ngorongoro Crater floor – home to black rhinos, lion prides, and vast herds of wildlife – as well as unique experiences like climbing Olmoti, hiking Empakaai Crater, cultural visits to local Maasai communities, and encountering conservation in action with the KopeLion team, who are working to foster coexistence between lions and people.
Itinerary Breakdown
Day 13-15
Experiences
Your time in the wildlife-rich Grumeti can be enjoyed on both day and night game drives, as well as expertly guided walking safaris. We also recommend visiting the local community to learn more about the upliftment programs and conservation efforts that Singita holds true to their heart.
Day 13-15
Transfer to
Singita Sasakwa airstrip
Check-in
Singita Faru Faru Lodge
Today, you will journey by light aircraft flight to the western corridor of the Serengeti, to the Grumeti Private Reserve. On arrival, a lodge representative will meet you for your first game drive to Singita Faru Faru Lodge. The luxury lodge is located on the banks of the Grumeti River and overlooks an active waterhole for a full-day safari experience. Check-in to one of the eight private suites and enjoy an afternoon at leisure at one of the two swimming pools, fitness center and spa. Your time in the Grumeti can be spent on daily game drives and expertly guided walking safaris. We also recommend visiting the local community to learn more about the upliftment programs and conservation efforts that Singita holds true to their heart.
Accommodation
Singita Faru Faru
Singita Faru Faru Lodge is located on a gently sloping hill that overlooks the Grumeti River in the Serengeti National Park. The prestigious designer lodge features eight private suites that overlook a busy waterhole, as well as a spa and wellness center, swimming pool, and tennis court, ensuring the very best in Tanzanian hospitality and service.
Experiences
Your time in the wildlife-rich Grumeti can be enjoyed on both day and night game drives, as well as expertly guided walking safaris. We also recommend visiting the local community to learn more about the upliftment programs and conservation efforts that Singita holds true to their heart.
Day 13-15
Transfer to
Singita Sasakwa airstrip
Check-in
Singita Faru Faru Lodge
Today, you will journey by light aircraft flight to the western corridor of the Serengeti, to the Grumeti Private Reserve. On arrival, a lodge representative will meet you for your first game drive to Singita Faru Faru Lodge. The luxury lodge is located on the banks of the Grumeti River and overlooks an active waterhole for a full-day safari experience. Check-in to one of the eight private suites and enjoy an afternoon at leisure at one of the two swimming pools, fitness center and spa. Your time in the Grumeti can be spent on daily game drives and expertly guided walking safaris. We also recommend visiting the local community to learn more about the upliftment programs and conservation efforts that Singita holds true to their heart.
Itinerary Breakdown
Day 16
Day 16
Departure
Transfer
Kilimanjaro International Airport, Arusha
Today marks the final day of your Ultimate East Africa Safari. Your guide will meet you and transfer you to the Sasakwa airstrip for your flight to Arusha and onward journey home.
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