14-Day Luxury Safari: Gorilla Trekking, Serengeti & Victoria Falls

Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport

Upon landing at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be warmly welcomed by your Engabi Tours and Travel driver who will assist with your luggage and drive you to your hotel in Arusha. Once you’ve checked in, take the rest of the evening to unwind and prepare for the adventures ahead in northern Tanzania.

Accommodation option: KIA Lodge / Mt Meru Hotel

Meal Plan: Bed and Breakfast

Day 2: Journey to Tarangire National Park and Game Viewing

After an early breakfast, you’ll set off for Tarangire National Park, a scenic drive that takes you through the Maasai plains and rural northern Tanzania. Once you arrive at the park gate, you’ll immediately begin your first game drive, exploring the open savannahs and iconic baobab-dotted landscapes. Tarangire is especially famous for its massive elephant herds home to over 3,000 individuals as well as its healthy populations of lions, leopards, giraffes, and buffalo. You’ll enjoy a packed picnic lunch in the heart of the bush, surrounded by incredible views and wildlife. In the late afternoon, you’ll make your way to your lodge for a relaxed evening, dinner, and overnight stay.

Accommodation option: Lemala Mpingo Ridge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3: Scenic Drive to Serengeti and Afternoon Wildlife Viewing

After breakfast, you’ll depart Tarangire and journey through the breathtaking Ngorongoro Conservation Area en route to the central Serengeti. As you travel, you’ll notice a dramatic shift in the scenery from wooded highlands to the sweeping grasslands that define the Serengeti ecosystem. Arriving in the Seronera region by midday, you’ll enjoy a picnic lunch before setting out on your first game drive in this world-renowned park.

The Serengeti is one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations, home to over three million animals and famous for its role in the Great Migration. As you explore, expect to encounter large herds of wildebeest and zebra, alongside predators such as lions, cheetahs, and leopards. After a rewarding afternoon in the bush, you’ll continue to your luxury camp for check-in, a freshly prepared dinner, and an overnight stay surrounded by the sounds of the wild.

Accommodation option: Four Seasons Safari Lodge / Mapito by Marriott

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4: Sunrise Game Drive and Optional Balloon Safari in Serengeti

Wake up early for a sunrise game drive across the vast Serengeti plains, one of the best places in Africa to spot wildlife in action. The cool morning hours bring predators and prey into the open, offering an incredible opportunity to witness lions on the hunt, elephants moving through the grasslands, and herds of zebra and wildebeest grazing peacefully. After a rewarding morning, return to your camp for lunch and a bit of rest. Later in the afternoon, head back out as the wildlife becomes more active again with the changing light. For a truly unforgettable perspective, you can opt for a hot air balloon safari at dawn, drifting silently over the plains as the sun rises and animals roam below.

Accommodation option: Four Seasons Safari Lodge / Mapito by Marriott

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5: Full Day Exploration of Ngorongoro Crater

After an early breakfast, leave the Serengeti behind and travel to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Once at the crater’s rim, you’ll descend into this natural amphitheater formed by a collapsed volcano. Known as Africa’s “Garden of Eden,” the Ngorongoro Crater supports some of the highest densities of wildlife in Africa, including all members of the Big Five. You’re likely to spot black rhinos, lions, massive herds of buffalo, and maybe even elusive leopards. A stop at Lake Magadi offers the chance to see flamingos, hippos, and other aquatic life. After a full day of wildlife viewing, you’ll return to your lodge on the crater rim for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation option: Melia Ngorongoro / Ngorongoro Lions Paw by Karibu Camps and Lodges

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 6: Flight to Kigali, Rwanda via Kilimanjaro Airport

After breakfast, you’ll be driven back to Kilimanjaro International Airport to board your flight to Kigali. Depending on your schedule, there’s time for optional stops in Arusha to visit local art galleries, souvenir shops, or explore the Tanzanite Experience a museum and showroom dedicated to the rare gemstone found only in Tanzania. On arrival in Kigali, you’ll be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel to relax after the journey.

Accommodation option: Serena Hotel Kigali / Marriott Hotel Kigali 

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 7: Kigali City Tour and Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Start the day with a cultural and historical tour of Kigali. Visit key landmarks including local markets, craft shops, and the Kigali Genocide Memorial—an emotional but important tribute to the lives lost during the 1994 genocide. After lunch, your journey continues across the scenic Rwandan countryside and through the Katuna border into Uganda, making your way to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.

Accommodation option: Kiho Gorilla Safari Lodge / Bwindi Lodge / Buhoma Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 8: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing before you begin your trek into the misty, rugged terrain of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The hike can take anywhere from one to several hours depending on the location of the gorilla family assigned to you, but the reward is unforgettable. Once you find them, you’ll spend one magical hour observing their behavior as they feed, play, and care for their young. This is one of the most powerful wildlife encounters on Earth. After the trek, return to your lodge for a warm meal and well-earned rest.

Accommodation option: Kiho Gorilla Safari Lodge / Bwindi Lodge / Buhoma Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 9: Lake Bunyonyi Excursion and Transfer to Kigali

This morning, drive to the scenic Lake Bunyonyi, known for its serene waters and lush, terraced hillsides. The lake is dotted with 29 small islands, each with its own unique story. You’ll enjoy a canoe boat excursion exploring some of the more iconic islands, such as Punishment Island and Bwama Island, all while taking in the calm beauty of the surroundings. Later in the afternoon, you’ll return to Kigali.

Accommodation option: Kigali Serena Hotel / Marriott Hotel Kigali

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 10: Flight to Harare, Zimbabwe – Hotel Transfer and Overnight Stay

After breakfast, you will transfer to Kigali International Airport for your onward flight to Harare. Upon landing at Harare International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by a representative from Engabi Tours and Travel. After a short briefing, you’ll be transferred to your luxury hotel in Harare where you can check in, unwind, and enjoy your first night in Zimbabwe.

Accommodation option: Holiday Inn Harare

Meal Plan: Bed and Breakfast

Day 11: Morning Flight to Victoria Falls and Sunset Cruise on the Zambezi

After breakfast at your Harare hotel, you’ll be transferred back to Harare International Airport to board a domestic flight with Fast Jet Airlines to Victoria Falls. Upon arrival, a representative from Engabi Tours and Travel will meet you and escort you to your luxury lodge or hotel near the falls.

In the late afternoon, you’ll be welcomed aboard the Lady Marilese, an upscale river cruise on the Zambezi. This elegant vessel is designed for comfort and exclusivity, with wide open decks, a sophisticated upper lounge, and luxurious seating that allows you to fully take in the river’s breathtaking scenery. As the sun begins to dip over the horizon, you’ll enjoy close-up views of hippos, crocodiles, and elephants along the riverbanks, while exotic birdlife fills the skies overhead.

During the cruise, gourmet canapés ranging from smoked salmon and artisan cheeses to delicately prepared finger foods are paired with an impressive selection of wines, handcrafted cocktails, and refreshing non-alcoholic drinks. The tranquil setting, paired with rich flavors and the golden hues of sunset, offers a perfect start to your African adventure. After the cruise, you’ll return to your accommodation for a restful overnight stay.

Accommodation option: Victoria Falls Safari Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 12: Guided Victoria Falls Tour and Cultural Boma Experience

Your day begins with a guided walking tour of Victoria Falls, taking you through the lush rainforest that surrounds this Natural World Wonder. Along the way, you’ll witness breathtaking views of the falls from several vantage points, including Livingstone’s statue and the iconic Cataracts. The mist, roar, and rich biodiversity including birds and rare plants make this an unforgettable nature encounter.

After lunch and some relaxation back at the lodge, your evening continues with the Boma Dinner and Drum Show. This is more than just a meal, it’s a full cultural immersion. You’ll enjoy a four-course feast of traditional Zimbabwean cuisine, from barbecue specialties to local delicacies like mopani worms and hunter’s stews. The evening is brought to life with traditional dance performances and interactive drumming, creating a vibrant, communal celebration of Zimbabwean heritage.

Accommodation option: Victoria Falls Safari Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 13: Leisure Morning in Victoria Falls and Afternoon Flight to Harare

This morning is yours to enjoy at a relaxed pace. You can choose to sleep in, take a refreshing dip in the lodge pool, or unwind as you soak up the tranquil atmosphere. For those craving a bit more adventure, there are several optional activities available. You might opt for a scenic helicopter flight over Victoria Falls for a bird’s-eye view of the dramatic gorge and cascading waters, or try adrenaline-filled experiences like bungee jumping, white-water rafting on the Zambezi, or abseiling.

In the afternoon, you’ll be transferred to Victoria Falls Airport to board your Fast Jet flight to Harare. Upon arrival, a representative will be waiting to take you to your hotel where you can settle in for the night.

Accommodation option: Holiday Inn Harare

Meal Plan: Bed and Breakfast

Day 14: Departure

Depending on the time of your international flight, you’ll have the morning to relax before being transferred to Harare International Airport for your outbound journey.

Meal Plan: Breakfast