This once-in-a-lifetime experience combines some of the best game viewing opportunities in all of Africa. Follow the rhythm of the endless plains of Serengeti, Tarangire and Lake Manyara national parks in Tanzania. Descend into Ngorongoro Crater and travel west beyond Lake Victoria to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda to witness the peaceful power of the endangered eastern mountain gorilla families that reside in this mystical setting. This is a combination of experiences few people in this world are lucky enough to have. Travelers must be at least 12 to join chimpanzee treks and 15 to join mountain gorilla treks.

• Explore the vast grasslands of Serengeti National Park, scout Tarangire National Park for its large herds of elephants and rare tree climbing lions and descend Ngorongoro Crater in search of the rare black rhino.

• Experience Olduvai Gorge and learn about the site’s significance to the understanding of prehistoric history in this part of the world. 

• Visit a local Tanzanian school we've supported for years to learn about challenges area schools face and the steps the community is taking to help local and tribal children get a better education.

• Track and view the endangered eastern mountain gorilla families in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.

Day 1: Arrive in Tanzania!

Arrive in the evening at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to your hotel for a delicious welcome dinner and a good night’s rest.

Overnight: Hotel in Arusha

Day 2: Explore Arusha 

Learn about Tanzanian culture, visit a local market, tour a coffee farm and spend some time at Jobreas School, which Off Cape Experiences has helped support since the school was started in 2009 (a portion of the proceeds from your trip will help pay for the school’s new dormitory, tuition for children from local Chagga, Wambulu and Maasai tribes school supplies and teacher salaries.)

Overnight: Hotel in Arusha

Day 3: Tarangire National Park 

Get an early start and head west into the savanna to Tarangire National Park to begin your first safari! Tarangire is known for its large elephant herds and ancient baobab trees. Tarangire is also home to more than 500 different species of birds. Settle into your beautiful camp for sunset beverages and a delicious meal.

Overnight: Luxury tent camp

Day 4: Tarangire to Ngorongoro

The first morning waking up in your tent camp is always a memorable feeling, hearing the birds chirp from your comfortable bed as excitement builds for the day ahead. After a delicious breakfast, head out for a morning game drive, soaking in what the animals and morning have to offer. Get ready to ascend the Great Rift Valley, making your way to the breathtaking Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. En route, we will explore a local market.

Overnight: Luxury tent camp or lodge on the crater rim

Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater

Rise in the morning to a view from a storybook, looking out over the crater. Drink your morning coffee and enjoy your breakfast as wildlife roam in the distance. Climb aboard your now quite familiar 4x4s and descend 2,000 feet to the crater floor for one final game drive in the densest population of big game in Africa. This will also be your best chance to catch a glimpse of the rare and endangered black rhinoceros!

Overnight: Luxury tent camp or lodge on the crater rim

Day 6: Ngorongoro to the Serengeti

Continuing deeper into the savanna, we will make our way into the endless plains of the mighty Serengeti. En route, visit Olduvai Gorge, one of the most important paleoanthropological sites in the world, where you’ll get the true sense of the vastness of this one-of-a-kind ecosystem. You’ll also stop by a Maasai village where you’ll learn more about the local culture.

Overnight: Luxury tent camp in the park

Days 7 and 8: Explore the Serengeti plains

The wilderness and rhythm of the wildlife will dictate the course of our days as we traverse the gravel and two-track roads winding through the vast grass plains, woodland forests, kopjes (boulder fields) and wetlands to look for cheetahs, leopards, lions, cape buffalo and other incredible wildlife that inhabit the Serengeti plains. There will also be an optional sunrise hot air balloon ride available for an additional charge.

Overnight: Luxury tent camp in the park

Day 9: Serengeti and flight to Kigali

This will be our last morning in the vast plains of the Serengeti, one of the more memorable experiences in many people's lives. As we bid our friends at our camp a fond farewell, we will pack up our things and make our way to a nearby airstrip where a chartered flight will fly us to the neighboring country of Rwanda. On a clear day, there is a good chance of spectacular views of Lake Victoria! Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, the group will be met by our local team and transferred to our hotel.

Overnight: Hotel in Kigali

Day 10: Kigali to Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast at the hotel, visit Kigali Genocide Memorial, which commemorates the 1994 Rwandan genocide, as part of a tour of Kigali. Depart on a scenic drive northwest through beautiful terraced hillsides with views of Rwanda’s scenic landscapes. Arrive at Ruhengeri, the base for gorilla trekking at the Parc National des Volcans (Volcanoes National Park). The town itself is located only 25km from Uganda border and is relatively a small city of about 70,000 people. The rhythm of this town is unique and quite remarkable. It has great views of the surrounding volcanoes. People are friendly, and although it’s a former Belgian colony (and thus French-speaking), many people speak English. Enjoy dinner at the lodge.

Overnight: Luxury lodge in the park

Day 11: Mountain gorilla trekking 

Rise early and head to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters to begin another one of the most memorable days of your life. After being briefed by the park rangers and your trackers, we will drive to the trailhead for the start of your amazing mountain gorilla trekking adventure. 

• Porters may be hired for the trek to carry your backpack and gear. The cost is $10 USD per person/day. We advise that you use this service.

Your trek again starts in the cultivated foothills of the Virunga Mountains, a chain of volcanoes, offering stirring views in all directions. When entering the national park, trekkers will immerse in the mysterious intimacy of the rainforest, alive with colorful bird calls and chattering golden monkeys. Keep an eye out for signs of the elusive buffalo and elephant.

Through gaps in the canopy, see the magnificent peaks, which are among the highest in Africa. Weaving through overhanging vines, moss-covered hagenia trees and giant lobelia flowers that thrive in the tropical climate, our experienced trackers who have spent their entire lives in or close to this forest, soon bring us up close with one of the gorilla families.

You will stay with the gorillas for one magical hour as they go about their daily life, feeding, playing, resting and raising their young. Coming face to face with a giant silverback must truly be one of the greatest wildlife experiences on earth! After the trek, head back to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon we will visit the twin Lakes of Ruhondo and Bulera and then a local craft market, reminiscing about the once-in-a-lifetime experience from earlier that morning.

Overnight: Luxury lodge in the park

Day 12: Depart Kigali

Depart from foothills of the Virunga Mountains and head south past banana plantations on a scenic drive back to Kigali, appreciating Rwanda’s fertile green hills. Transfer to Kigali International Airport for your onward journey.

*Itinerary days and activities are subject to change without notice due to unforeseen circumstances or events. See full terms and conditions for more information.

Some notes on Gorilla tracking:

• Gorilla trekking can be a strenuous activity and being reasonably fit is a benefit. However, there are a number of different accommodations/routes available to assist those who would prefer a less strenuous endeavor and still get the most of this incredible experience! This must be arranged at the time of booking.

• Minimum gorilla tracking age is 15 years.

• Minimum chimpanzee tracking age is 12 years

• Anyone with signs of communicable diseases will NOT be allowed to track. 

• While possession of a gorilla permit is a guarantee of trekking and sighting the gorillas, the quality/difficulty of the gorilla trekking cannot be guaranteed.

• Maximum time allowed with the gorillas will NOT exceed one hour.

It is important to know what you’re getting into before setting out on a gorilla trek. The good news is, this isn’t Everest Basecamp. The hike through the forest can be challenging and tough-going for some (your guides will often have to machete a path through the ferns that clog the undergrowth), but it’s within reach for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness. You will get muddy and sweaty. Beneath the forest canopy the humidity is very high and hydration is important.

All overnight accommodation while on safari will be in luxury tent camps/lodges in or abutting Tarangire, Serengeti and Volcanoes national parks and Ngorongoro Crater. All nights in Arusha and Kigali will be spent in nice hotels.

• Checked luggage should be a duffle bag. Large square suitcases may not fit in the back of safari vehicles. A few notes:

  • We recommend packing for your trip in a duffel bag. Rolling duffel bags are fine.

  • Some travelers bring a second, empty, lockable bag folded into the main luggage. You can use this to carry home some of the things you acquire along the way. Also, when traveling with a friend, you can “bag swap” or pack two outfits of your clothing in your friend’s luggage and vice-versa, in case one bag is delayed. Up to you!

  • We will be spending a lot of time in the vehicles, sitting next to the windows and the sun can be very strong in Tanzania. Sunscreen alone will not save you from sunburn! You will want to wear clothes that are comfortable. Wearing light colored, lightweight long sleeve shirts and pants will also protect you from the sun, dust and insect bites.

  • Game drives can get very dusty so white clothing will get very dirty. Earth toned colors are recommended.

    • Note: The colors black and dark blue are known to attract tsetse flies and are not recommended.

  • Footwear is also important. You may be spending a lot of time on your feet while on game drives. The roof of your safari vehicle will have a pop top, which will allow you to stand for a better view of the animals and landscape.

  Clothes

  • Comfortable pants - 3-4 pairs

  • Jeans - 1 pair

  • Knee-length shorts - 2-3 pairs

  • T-shirts - 5 to 7 pairs

  • Long-sleeved shirts - 3 to 4 pairs, for cooler evenings/mornings, protection from flies and mosquitos and sun protection.

  • Undergarments - 1 pair for each day of your trip (laundry may not be available)

  • Fleece/hoodie or jacket, for cool mornings and evenings, it does occasionally dip into the 40s in the early morning while on safari

  • Swimsuit

  • Rain jacket

  • Sneakers / Comfortable shoes

  • Sandals or flip flops

  • Refillable water bottle 1 liter, Nalgene or CamelBak

  • Sunglasses

  • Sun Hat to guard from glare and to protect your skin. Warm hat for those cold safari mornings.

  • Headlamp with extra batteries

  • Sunscreen, the sun is much stronger in Tanzania and Zanzibar than the U.S.

  • Bug spray, 20% DEET.

  • Binoculars! Animals are often at a distance and a good pair of binoculars are essential for good animal viewing. You will want to have your own pair, if you do not have binoculars we suggest you buy or borrow a pair for your trip.

  Note: Laundry service is available at times but is often unreliable.

• Private, small group safari

• Gorilla trekking permit

• Scheduled transfer to and from scheduled arrival and departure airport

• Expert local English-speaking safari/tracking guide and drivers

• Transport in a four-wheel-drive safari vehicle (Toyota Land Cruiser or Land Rover) or carrier van.

• Tickets to national parks, reserves and conservation areas

• Accommodation and breakfast in Arusha and Kigali

• Full room and board on safari in some of the finest luxury tented camps Tanzania has to offer

• Bottled water on safari

What's Not Included

• Travel Insurance

• International flights, visa fees and COVID-19 testing

• Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks unless otherwise stated

• Personal expenses (phone, laundry, cabs, etc.)

• Optional activities such as sunrise hot air balloon safari

• Tips to hotel, lodge or tented camp staff

• End-of-safari gratuity for drivers and guides

Do I need a passport to travel to Tanzania?

Yes! You must have a passport to travel internationally. When you book your trip with Off Cape Experiences, we ask that you submit a copy of your passport in part to verify whether it’ll be valid when you travel. To travel, your passport must be valid for at least six months after you return from your trip and has at least one (and probably more) empty pages. 

Renewing a passport can take four months so if it doesn’t meet the above criteria, start the process immediately. 

• Learn more about how to renew an existing passport.

• Learn more about how to apply for a first-time passport.

• Learn more about how to expedite your passport renewal.

Make copies of your passport and keep one in a safe place not with your passport. This will come in very handy if you misplace it and need to get a new one.

Do I need a visa for travel to Tanzania?

Yes! Get a visa before travel by clicking “New Application” and filling out the online application form. Learn more by visiting the U.S. State Department website. Getting a visa before traveling will shorten the arrival process at Kilimanjaro International Airport, but is not required.

If you plan to get your visa at the airport, you must have a crisp $100 bill printed after 2006. Older bills with imperfections may not be accepted.

Travelers from outside the U.S. with other passports should review entry requirements for your home country, or get in touch (link) and we’ll help you navigate this process.

Do I need a visa for travel to Rwanda?

Yes! Get a 30-day tourist visa upon arrival at Kigali International Airport for $50 USD, which we recommend paying for in cash. Learn more by visiting the U.S. State Department website. 

What vaccines are required for travel to Tanzania?

None if traveling from the U.S. However, we recommend reviewing the CDC Traveler’s Health page for Tanzania, which recommends a number of vaccines, including childhood vaccines, Covid-19 and Typhoid. 

Tanzania requires proof of yellow fever vaccination upon arrival if you are traveling from a country with a risk of yellow fever. This does not include the U.S. See the list of countries with a risk of Yellow Fever transmission.

The CDC also recommends taking malaria prophylaxis. Please be sure to consult your doctor to decide what medicine is right for you. 

In addition to vaccines, if you take prescriptions, please bring enough for the duration of your trip. Obtaining your prescriptions in Tanzania is iffy at best. Some other prescription tips:

• Pack your prescriptions in their original, labeled containers. We suggest you pack them in your carry-on bag.

• Be sure to bring enough contact solution and personal hygiene products for the duration of your trip. Ear plugs are also a good idea to have on your flight.

• If you are prone to motion sickness be sure to pack non-drowsy Dramamine or an equivalent. We will be spending a lot of time in the safari vehicles while on game drives and roads can be quite bumpy.

• A personal First Aid kit is always a good idea to have on you when traveling abroad. 

Is there a minimum age for this trip?

Yes. Travelers must be at least 15 to participate in gorilla trekking and 12 to participate in chimpanzee trekking.

Is the water safe to drink? 

No. Drink only bottled water. Do not drink water from the tap. Your accommodations and guides will provide water for you to fill your refillable water bottles you bring from home or provide bottled water for you. Bringing a Nalgene or similar 1 Liter refillable bottle is highly recommended and promotes sustainable travel and respect for the places we are traveling.

In addition, routine hand washing before and after meals and after using the bathroom will cut down on your chances of getting sick. Although delicious and a great way to experience local culture, eating street food can also increase your chance of getting sick.

Is it safe where we’re going in Tanzania?

Tanzania is generally a safe place to travel. However, using common sense is a must. When on safari, you will be briefed by your local guides about when and where it’s safe to walk. You will be briefed upon arrival at each location.

Listen to briefings from your guides and ask questions! Do not assume.

What’s the weather like?

Tanzania is located just south of the equator so, as a general rule, expect it to be warm to hot during the day and cool in the evening. The weather can also quickly change so having a raincoat or warm layer is a good idea while on safari.

During the day on safari, the temperatures can reach into the 90s and drop as low as the 50s overnight. The temperature will fluctuate depending on cloud cover and breeze.

While in Zanzibar, you can expect a more tropical climate. Temperatures will likely be into the 80s and 90s during the day with nice weather that will drop to the 70s in the evenings.

Do I need to bring cash? How much? 

Cash is king in East Africa. Some of the bigger tourist shops and hotels will take Visa and Mastercard, but other than that, it is best to plan on using cash wherever you go. 

Some additional info about cash and money:

• Bills printed after 2009 will receive the highest exchange rate. Bills that are old, wrinkled, torn or written on will likely be given a lower rate. 100s and 50s will also bring higher exchange rates than lower denomination bills.

• ATMs are available in the cities and some hotels. However, in Tanzania, the machine might be out of cash, the electricity may be out or you might be charged high fees to use it.

• Travelers Checks are not recommended as you will receive a lower rate of exchange and may not be able to exchange them once we leave town.

• Bargaining is acceptable when buying souvenirs in Tanzania. How much you want to push it is up to you. Ask yourself what you would pay for that item at home, compare the price and find somewhere in the middle that is reasonable for both parties. Remember to keep a smile on your face and always be polite. It’s a good thing when both sides of the deal are happy.

Is tipping customary in Tanzania?

Tipping in Tanzania is similar to tipping in the U.S. Restaurant staff, safari guides and drivers highly depend on tips as a main source of income. The amount is up to you and is greatly appreciated. Standard practice at restaurants is up to 20% and for your driver and guides, $10USD per person per day is normal and usually given at the end of the Safari.

Should I bring my expensive digital camera?

Cameras are important pieces of equipment while on safari if you want to record memories to revisit later. As for what type of camera or lens to bring, it’s entirely up to you. Whichever camera you decide to bring, be sure to become familiar and comfortable using it before departing for your adventure. The wrong time to learn how to use your camera is on safari. Animals are often viewed at a long distance from your vehicle so consider a camera with good zoom and image quality. 

If you plan to use a camera other than your cell phone, you may want to consider bringing an extra battery and extra memory cards. You don’t want to run out of batteries during a game drive. Be sure to charge your batteries every night, even after game drives! The number of memory cards you bring depends on the amount of photos you’ll take. It’s better to have an extra and not need it, then to need one and not have it. Some types of memory cards are available in Tanzania, but they are expensive. There is nothing worse than filling up your only memory card, trying to scroll through your pictures to decide which ones to delete to free up space for more pictures. This normally happens while something exciting happens during a game drive. Just pick up an extra card!

Photo etiquette is very important. The etiquette of photographing most people is about the same as it would be on the streets of your hometown. Many Maasai people have particular concerns about photography. They know photographers have made money from selling pictures of them, and many will usually ask for money in exchange for their picture. Try to set a clear understanding when taking pictures of Maasai or any other people, even from a distance.

In general in East Africa, you need permission to take a close-up, as you would at home, but not for a crowd scene. Be especially polite if you want to photograph a woman wearing a veil. If you want to shoot a portrait, show interest in your subject, and try to have a bit of interaction first. Then use sign language to inquire if a picture is OK. Your driver-guides can help.  

In addition to cameras, we also recommend bringing binoculars. While on safari, animals are often at some distance. You won’t want to miss camouflaged leopards in a tree, a lion lounging in the grass or a beautiful bird at a distance. A decent pair of binoculars will help bring the action closer to you! If you don’t own a pair of binoculars, it’s worth it to consider buying or borrowing a set. Check out this article about the best binoculars for safari if you need a place to start. I’ve found that 8x or 10x magnification usually does the trick.

Will my phone work in Tanzania?

Probably, if you pay for it. Check with your provider for roaming rates and international data packages before traveling. These rates can pile up very quickly and be extremely expensive.

If you have a travel phone or a phone with a slot for an extra SIM card, you can buy a local SIM card with data for the duration of your stay. This usually ends up being the cheapest option, though not always the most convenient.

Do I need a power adapter to charge my devices?

Yes. It will be important to charge your devices each day when returning to your accommodation for the evening, especially your camera. You can find universal adapters or adapters specifically for the Type G outlet used in Tanzania at online retailers. Adapters now come with USB ports and more than one outlet for charging multiple devices at once. Click here to learn more.

How will we get around in Tanzania?

Good question! The answer is in style! Toyota Land Cruisers and Land Rovers are the go-to vehicles while on Safari. Upon arrival in Tanzania, your safari team will be waiting to welcome you at the airport. These vehicles are set up with large windows for optimal viewing and a raisable roof for an unobstructed 360 degree view of your surroundings. Perfect for capturing that photo of a lifetime.

What else do I need to know about game drives?

• Listen to your driver or guide. They know best how to keep you safe!

• Driving in the parks is allowed between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. only. 

• Do not exceed 50km/h and no more than 25km/h in Ngorongoro Crater. 

• Camping is permitted only in designated sites. 

• At Ngorongoro Crater, picnicking is allowed only at designated sites. 

• Wild animals always have the right of way. 

• Keep to the authorized tracks only. You will be fined if you are found off the main tracks.

• Do not disturb or harass the wildlife in any way. Radios and MP3 players are forbidden. Please do not imitate animal sounds, clap, hoot or pound on vehicles. Do not throw objects to attract an animal’s attention. 

• Do not litter. Keep your waste in the vehicle until it can be properly disposed of later at your lodge or camp. Litter can choke or poison animals and birds. 

• Do not smoke while on game drives and always dispose of cigarettes carefully while at camp. A burning cigarette can start a wildfire that would cause damage to vegetation and suffering to wildlife and people.

• Never feed animals at your hotel or in the wild. It will upset their diet and lead to an unnecessary dependence on people. 

• Do not pick, cut or destroy any vegetation or remove any object of biological interest, including eggs, bones and trophies.

$13,995 USD + international airfare

Pricing is per person, based on double occupancy for a group of at least 6 people. An additional charge is applied for single occupancy. A 20% deposit is required to book travel. The balance is due 90 days prior to departure, or immediately if booked within that time period. Special rates may be available for group bookings. Questions? Fill out this form.

Pricing also includes gorilla trekking permits. We request you book at least six months prior to listed or customized departure dates to secure gorilla trekking permits.