Ideal For
Nature & Landscapes
Wildlife & Safaris
Itinerary Summary
Day
Place
Hotel Opts
1 – 2
Arusha
Highlights: Stunning Views of Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru, Bike Rides, Walking Tours, Weekly Markets
Highlights: Stunning Views of Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru, Bike Rides, Walking Tours, Weekly Markets
2 – 4
Manyara & Ngorongoro
Highlights: Migrating Flamingos and Lakeside Sunsets;, Ngorongoro Crater, Fossils at Olduvai Gorge
Highlights: Migrating Flamingos and Lakeside Sunsets;, Ngorongoro Crater, Fossils at Olduvai Gorge
4 – 7
Central Serengeti
Highlights: Savanna Landscapes, Balloon Rides and Walking Safaris, High Concentration of Game, Wildebeest Migration
Highlights: Savanna Landscapes, Balloon Rides and Walking Safaris, High Concentration of Game, Wildebeest Migration
7 – 9
Itinerary Details
Day 1 – 2
International Arrival
Transfer to Arusha (1 hr)
1 Night
Arusha
With commanding views of magnificent Mount Kilimanjaro, Arusha is nestled in the shadow of Mount Meru, and an ideal launchpad to reach the country’s most renowned game reserves. Looming over Arusha, the dramatic 4556 meters peak of Mount Meru is a great alternative to Mount Kilimanjaro for fit hikers as it is less crowded and less likely to engender altitude sickness.
Hotel options
The African Tulip – Opt 1
Room
Deluxe
Meals
Breakfast
Style
Boutique
Rivertrees Country Inn – Opt 2
Room
River Cottage
Meals
Breakfast
Style
Boutique
Day 2 – 4
Drive to Lake Manyara & Ngorongoro (3-4 hrs)
2 Nights
Manyara & Ngorongoro
Nestled at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment, Lake Manyara National Park is stunningly beautiful. You might spot a famous tree-climbing lion stretched on the branches of a flat-topped acacia tree, whilst lake views are made lovelier with a 400-strong bird species, including pelicans. Journey further to the Ngorongoro Crater, which has one of the highest wildlife densities on earth with antelopes, wildebeest, zebra and the Big Five. One of the natural wonders of the world, the wildlife of Ngorongoro co-exists peacefully with the local Maasai people and their cattle. Surrounding foothills offer lush green landscapes dotted with small villages and picturesque coffee and tea plantations that you can explore by bicycle or on foot.
Included activities
Game drive in Manyara National Park
Witness tree climbing lions, a rare sight if ever there was one, at northern Tanzania’s Manyara National Park. Manyara National Park occupies a vast area, spread over 330 square kilometers, and has a lake covering 200 square kilometers of this area. Explore the landscape and the rich flora and fauna at the park. Marvel at the African elephant, a zebra, or a majestic cheetah in pursuit of prey. Also train your sights on giraffes, impalas, baboons, buffaloes and monkeys. Observe hippos and crocodiles at the lake habitat. Enjoy some bird watching and catch cormorants and storks in flight. The months between July and October mark the dry season that is ideal for spotting mammals. Visit between November and June for birdwatching.
Game drive in Ngorongoro Crater
Drive down to the Ngorongoro Crater floor, with some of the most fertile and richest grazing grounds in Africa that has in turn engendered one of the highest density of top predators in the continent! Expect some of the best game viewing opportunities here, with herds of zebras, wildebeests, large prides of lions, hyenas and rhinos, among many more animals and birds. Experience breath-taking sightings of massive herds of wildlife set against the volcanic crater and surrounding highlands of Ngorongoro. Enjoy thrilling game drives in this Unesco World Heritage Site, awash in otherworldly aqua shades. Break for a much deserved picnic lunch amid a magical landscape. Relish a generous and scrumptious luncheon spread, before heading back. (Half Day; Time of Day: Morning; Meal included: Picnic lunch; Fitness Level: Easy; Please bring sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, binoculars and don’t forget your cameras).
Manyara & Ngorongoro – Private Vehicle & Driver Guide
Your chauffeur guide will drive you in a private vehicle.
Hotel options
Farm House Valley – Opt 1
Room
Standard Room
Meals
Full Board
Style
Lodge
Kitela Lodge – Opt 2
Room
Suite
Meals
Full Board
Style
Lodge
Day 4 – 7
Drive to Central Serengeti (4-5 hrs)
3 Nights
Central Serengeti
The Central Serengeti is the heart of the sprawling Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, the world’s best-known wildlife sanctuary. A prime wildlife viewing spot, this area is packed with predators such as lions, cheetahs, and leopards. The Seronera River carves out a verdant valley here, making it one of the richest ecosystems in the Serengeti. See the rocky granite outcrops known as kopjes, a favorite hideout of the Big Cats. At Moru Kopjes, you might chance upon the last of the elusive black rhinos in their natural habitat. The ancient rock art paintings of Gong Rock and Lake Magadi with its pink flamingos are nearby. Don’t miss the Retina Hippo Pool located at the confluence of two rivers. The Serengeti is best known for the unique annual spectacle known as the Great Migration, where vast numbers of wildebeest, zebras and gazelles travel across the park in a pattern. In April and November, the Central Serengeti turns into a hotspot of wildebeest sightings. Hot air balloon safaris are an excellent way to view wildlife here.
Included activities
Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge: Morning & Evening game drives
Explore the stunning beauty, diverse landscapes and amazing wildlife of the Serengeti on morning, afternoon and full day game drives.
Dunia Camp: Morning & Evening game drives
Get close to the fine detailing on the canvas of central Serengeti on game drives that offer a spectacular combination of wildlife viewing and bird watching. Setting out twice a day from Dunia camp, these game drives give you a chance to immerse yourself in the African wildlife and experience the serenity among the multitude of animals. Guides with sound expertise will accompany you and give you insights into animal behaviour, without compromising on basic creature comforts. You can watch lions and cheetahs, smaller game, as well as the rare black rhino on a lucky day.
Central Serengeti – Private Vehicle & Driver Guide
Your chauffeur guide will drive you in a private vehicle.
Hotel options
Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge – Opt 1
Room
Tent
Meals
Full Board
Style
Camp
Dunia Camp – Opt 2
Room
Tented Suite
Meals
Full Board & Drinks
Style
Camp
Day 7 – 9
You will be transferred from your hotel to Central Serengeti airstrip
Flight to Kigali (4 hrs)
Drive to Volcanoes (2-3 hrs)
2 Nights
Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park, part of the Virunga Mountains, is a protected area home to endangered mountain gorilla and golden monkey. Well known for the gorilla treks, picture yourself sitting face to face with a 160kg silverback in the impenetrable rainforest. It is a once in a lifetime experience and is certainly one of the highlights of every animal lover’s trip to East Africa. A group of trackers and a ranger will guide you up the slopes of the volcanoes until you reach your assigned gorilla family. Depending on the movements of the gorillas, this can take anywhere from 1 – 3 hours to reach the family. Once you have navigated your way through the thick rainforest which can be slippery, steep and uneven, you will simply observe the gorilla family in their natural habitat for a full hour. For the golden monkeys, it is a similar program, however it is more of a walk with slippery conditions in some areas and the monkeys are a lot more playful and move around a lot. Both offer wonderful displays within the rainforest.
Included activities
Visit the Dian Fossey Exhibition / Karisoke Research Center
Explore the state-of-the-art Karisoke Research Center nestled in the heart of mountainous Musanze, your gateway to the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Armed with a naturalist guide, learn about the endangered mountain gorillas and their natural habitat, thanks to the longest-running field study of primates here! Get an insight into the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International that continues facilitating research practices, tracking, and conservation efforts including anti-poaching patrols for gorillas across the region. Browse the excellent showcase spread across seven sections, which celebrates the life and work of Dian Fossey through historic photographs, notes, and original artifacts from her cabin. See nose prints, footprints, handprints, and skulls of gorillas, listen to gorilla vocalizations and watch several videos from the project's timeline. Also, view the Virtual Virungas – an interactive 3D model that projects satellite imagery of Virunga mountains on a bed of sand. Interacting with the staff, stroll about, and expect to spot several other animals in the center's forested surroundings. (Duration: 30-60 mins; Private activity; Shared transfer. Group size: max 8 ppl; Entry fees included; Fitness level: easy.)
Volcanoes National Park – Private Vehicle & Driver Guide
Your chauffeur guide will drive you in a private vehicle.
Gorilla Trekking
No other wildlife encounter in Africa matches the astounding experience of spending time face-to-face with some of the few remaining wild mountain gorillas. For a gorilla trek you need to be fairly fit for the humid, muddy conditions of a rainforest with high altitude hike. Even in the dry season, the rainforest is a challenging environment: it is humid, wet and muddy with some steep slopes and thick vegetation. If needed, you can hire a porter who carries luggage and assists you during steep or muddy terrain at a fee. It is absolutely worth the effort to spend time with gorillas in the wild, but be prepared to exert yourself on the trek. Your professional guide and tracker lead you into the forest’s secret paths, looking for a habituated gorilla family. Once found, approach the gorillas quietly and settle down to observe them from between 7 and 10m away. You will spend up to one hour with the gorillas, watching the adults forage and groom each other while the babies tumble and play. You will be under the watchful gaze of the great silverback patriarch whose soft brown eyes constantly sweep over his family protectively. Witnessing gorillas express typically human gestures and emotions is a truly profound experience! (Duration: half or full day; Time: morning suggested; Shared activity & transfer. Group size: max 8 ppl; Entry fees included; Fitness level: easy; Min. age: 15.)
Hotel options
Tiloreza Volcanoes Eco Lodge – Opt 1
Room
Deluxe Room
Meals
Full Board
Style
Boutique
Virunga Lodge – Opt 2
Room
Standard Room
Meals
Full Board
Style
Lodge
Day 9 – 9
Drive to Kigali (2-3 hrs)
Kigali
As Rwanda’s capital and its geographical heart, Kigali is an important business center and port. Spread across four hills, the city retains a garden feel, with a satisfyingly organic shape dictated by the verdant slopes over which it sprawls. The compact, low-rise center surrounds a busy, colorful market, and is studded with souvenir stalls displaying a wide range of local crafts. The Muslim quarter is well worth a visit, and you can explore the network of leafy avenues that wind into the surrounding residential suburbs.
International Departure
Price & Inclusions
Prices are in USD and exclude international flights. This trip price is based on low season rates for accommodation and other applicable services, and may change depending on availability, currency fluctuations and number of people traveling together. For high season prices, please contact us with your exact travel dates and preferences.
Price Includes
- Accommodation and meals, as specified in the itinerary
- Activities and excursions, as specified in the itinerary
- Transportation services, as specified in the itinerary
- Your Trip Coordination Team: Dedicated support throughout your journey, with a primary, personal point of contact. Plus, in case of emergencies while you’re traveling, our trip coordination team are available 24/7 by phone
Not Included
- Entrance fees and meals, unless mentioned in the itinerary description
- Tips and personal expenses
- Visa and tourism fees
- Travel, health, and cancellation insurance
- International airfare
What Our Guests Say
From the advice we got from Peter when we booked our trip to the excellent execution of the details that Cyprian did, there was not a hitch. We were met by professionals who ushered us through customs and checked us into our flights. The itinerary was packed with memorable experiences of seeing animals, getting to know the people at the tent camps who were more attentive than we could have imagined. The tents were exceptionally clean, beds comfortable, the food outstanding and our overall experience was beyond our expectations. We could not have imagined going on this trip without Enchanting Travels and consider ourselves fortunate that we chose you.
Joan McCumby
USA
Every single detail of this trip was perfect and taken care of by the outstanding staff of Enchanting Travels. They made us feel like royalty.
Michaela June
USA
From the moment we first started planning the trip to the moment we got on the plane to go home, we felt so cared for. Our trip coordinator, Cyprian, was the best!!! We always knew what was going on, and he was never more than a call or text away. The game drives were unreal and we got so close to the animals. The food was delicious and the chefs were top notch. The servers at every lodge, who were mostly young men, were so kind and wonderful. All the staff were warm and welcoming. The sun downers were amazing. It’s an unexplainable feeling to watch elephants walking by while sipping on a cocktail. All the guides were so knowledgeable. We always felt safe, secure, and happy. The lodges were in nature, but contained every necessity required to feel luxurious. The experiences, such as visiting and feeding Baraka, the blind rhino, will last a lifetime. This was the most amazing trip ever!
Jessie Sabino
USA
We booked with Enchanting Travels because they were attentive, and took the time to understand what we wanted in a vacation! We felt confident the entire team would work as hard as the sales staff, and we were right – they did!! From the moment we made our 1st payment to the moment we walked off the plane at home, we felt confident in our decision to book with Enchanting!
Peter Loeppky
Canada
The best travel experience we’ve ever had. Great itinerary, superb staff. Looking forward to our next trip with Enchanting Travels.
William Schaefer
USA
We thoroughly enjoyed working with Enchanting, our coordinators made planning and enjoying our once-in-a-lifetime African safari adventure so easy and effortless.
Anish Khanorkar
USA
Itinerary Details
Day 1 – 2
International Arrival
Transfer to Arusha (1 hr)
1 Night
Arusha
With commanding views of magnificent Mount Kilimanjaro, Arusha is nestled in the shadow of Mount Meru, and an ideal launchpad to reach the country’s most renowned game reserves. Looming over Arusha, the dramatic 4556 meters peak of Mount Meru is a great alternative to Mount Kilimanjaro for fit hikers as it is less crowded and less likely to engender altitude sickness.
Hotel options
The African Tulip – Opt 1
Room
Deluxe
Meals
Breakfast
Style
Boutique
Rivertrees Country Inn – Opt 2
Room
River Cottage
Meals
Breakfast
Style
Boutique
Day 2 – 4
Drive to Lake Manyara & Ngorongoro (3-4 hrs)
2 Nights
Manyara & Ngorongoro
Nestled at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment, Lake Manyara National Park is stunningly beautiful. You might spot a famous tree-climbing lion stretched on the branches of a flat-topped acacia tree, whilst lake views are made lovelier with a 400-strong bird species, including pelicans. Journey further to the Ngorongoro Crater, which has one of the highest wildlife densities on earth with antelopes, wildebeest, zebra and the Big Five. One of the natural wonders of the world, the wildlife of Ngorongoro co-exists peacefully with the local Maasai people and their cattle. Surrounding foothills offer lush green landscapes dotted with small villages and picturesque coffee and tea plantations that you can explore by bicycle or on foot.
Included activities
Game drive in Manyara National Park
Witness tree climbing lions, a rare sight if ever there was one, at northern Tanzania’s Manyara National Park. Manyara National Park occupies a vast area, spread over 330 square kilometers, and has a lake covering 200 square kilometers of this area. Explore the landscape and the rich flora and fauna at the park. Marvel at the African elephant, a zebra, or a majestic cheetah in pursuit of prey. Also train your sights on giraffes, impalas, baboons, buffaloes and monkeys. Observe hippos and crocodiles at the lake habitat. Enjoy some bird watching and catch cormorants and storks in flight. The months between July and October mark the dry season that is ideal for spotting mammals. Visit between November and June for birdwatching.
Game drive in Ngorongoro Crater
Drive down to the Ngorongoro Crater floor, with some of the most fertile and richest grazing grounds in Africa that has in turn engendered one of the highest density of top predators in the continent! Expect some of the best game viewing opportunities here, with herds of zebras, wildebeests, large prides of lions, hyenas and rhinos, among many more animals and birds. Experience breath-taking sightings of massive herds of wildlife set against the volcanic crater and surrounding highlands of Ngorongoro. Enjoy thrilling game drives in this Unesco World Heritage Site, awash in otherworldly aqua shades. Break for a much deserved picnic lunch amid a magical landscape. Relish a generous and scrumptious luncheon spread, before heading back. (Half Day; Time of Day: Morning; Meal included: Picnic lunch; Fitness Level: Easy; Please bring sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, binoculars and don’t forget your cameras).
Manyara & Ngorongoro – Private Vehicle & Driver Guide
Your chauffeur guide will drive you in a private vehicle.
Hotel options
Farm House Valley – Opt 1
Room
Standard Room
Meals
Full Board
Style
Lodge
Kitela Lodge – Opt 2
Room
Suite
Meals
Full Board
Style
Lodge
Day 4 – 7
Drive to Central Serengeti (4-5 hrs)
3 Nights
Central Serengeti
The Central Serengeti is the heart of the sprawling Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, the world’s best-known wildlife sanctuary. A prime wildlife viewing spot, this area is packed with predators such as lions, cheetahs, and leopards. The Seronera River carves out a verdant valley here, making it one of the richest ecosystems in the Serengeti. See the rocky granite outcrops known as kopjes, a favorite hideout of the Big Cats. At Moru Kopjes, you might chance upon the last of the elusive black rhinos in their natural habitat. The ancient rock art paintings of Gong Rock and Lake Magadi with its pink flamingos are nearby. Don’t miss the Retina Hippo Pool located at the confluence of two rivers. The Serengeti is best known for the unique annual spectacle known as the Great Migration, where vast numbers of wildebeest, zebras and gazelles travel across the park in a pattern. In April and November, the Central Serengeti turns into a hotspot of wildebeest sightings. Hot air balloon safaris are an excellent way to view wildlife here.
Included activities
Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge: Morning & Evening game drives
Explore the stunning beauty, diverse landscapes and amazing wildlife of the Serengeti on morning, afternoon and full day game drives.
Dunia Camp: Morning & Evening game drives
Get close to the fine detailing on the canvas of central Serengeti on game drives that offer a spectacular combination of wildlife viewing and bird watching. Setting out twice a day from Dunia camp, these game drives give you a chance to immerse yourself in the African wildlife and experience the serenity among the multitude of animals. Guides with sound expertise will accompany you and give you insights into animal behaviour, without compromising on basic creature comforts. You can watch lions and cheetahs, smaller game, as well as the rare black rhino on a lucky day.
Central Serengeti – Private Vehicle & Driver Guide
Your chauffeur guide will drive you in a private vehicle.
Hotel options
Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge – Opt 1
Room
Tent
Meals
Full Board
Style
Camp
Dunia Camp – Opt 2
Room
Tented Suite
Meals
Full Board & Drinks
Style
Camp
Day 7 – 9
You will be transferred from your hotel to Central Serengeti airstrip
Flight to Kigali (4 hrs)
Drive to Volcanoes (2-3 hrs)
2 Nights
Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park, part of the Virunga Mountains, is a protected area home to endangered mountain gorilla and golden monkey. Well known for the gorilla treks, picture yourself sitting face to face with a 160kg silverback in the impenetrable rainforest. It is a once in a lifetime experience and is certainly one of the highlights of every animal lover’s trip to East Africa. A group of trackers and a ranger will guide you up the slopes of the volcanoes until you reach your assigned gorilla family. Depending on the movements of the gorillas, this can take anywhere from 1 – 3 hours to reach the family. Once you have navigated your way through the thick rainforest which can be slippery, steep and uneven, you will simply observe the gorilla family in their natural habitat for a full hour. For the golden monkeys, it is a similar program, however it is more of a walk with slippery conditions in some areas and the monkeys are a lot more playful and move around a lot. Both offer wonderful displays within the rainforest.
Included activities
Visit the Dian Fossey Exhibition / Karisoke Research Center
Explore the state-of-the-art Karisoke Research Center nestled in the heart of mountainous Musanze, your gateway to the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Armed with a naturalist guide, learn about the endangered mountain gorillas and their natural habitat, thanks to the longest-running field study of primates here! Get an insight into the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International that continues facilitating research practices, tracking, and conservation efforts including anti-poaching patrols for gorillas across the region. Browse the excellent showcase spread across seven sections, which celebrates the life and work of Dian Fossey through historic photographs, notes, and original artifacts from her cabin. See nose prints, footprints, handprints, and skulls of gorillas, listen to gorilla vocalizations and watch several videos from the project's timeline. Also, view the Virtual Virungas – an interactive 3D model that projects satellite imagery of Virunga mountains on a bed of sand. Interacting with the staff, stroll about, and expect to spot several other animals in the center's forested surroundings. (Duration: 30-60 mins; Private activity; Shared transfer. Group size: max 8 ppl; Entry fees included; Fitness level: easy.)
Volcanoes National Park – Private Vehicle & Driver Guide
Your chauffeur guide will drive you in a private vehicle.
Gorilla Trekking
No other wildlife encounter in Africa matches the astounding experience of spending time face-to-face with some of the few remaining wild mountain gorillas. For a gorilla trek you need to be fairly fit for the humid, muddy conditions of a rainforest with high altitude hike. Even in the dry season, the rainforest is a challenging environment: it is humid, wet and muddy with some steep slopes and thick vegetation. If needed, you can hire a porter who carries luggage and assists you during steep or muddy terrain at a fee. It is absolutely worth the effort to spend time with gorillas in the wild, but be prepared to exert yourself on the trek. Your professional guide and tracker lead you into the forest’s secret paths, looking for a habituated gorilla family. Once found, approach the gorillas quietly and settle down to observe them from between 7 and 10m away. You will spend up to one hour with the gorillas, watching the adults forage and groom each other while the babies tumble and play. You will be under the watchful gaze of the great silverback patriarch whose soft brown eyes constantly sweep over his family protectively. Witnessing gorillas express typically human gestures and emotions is a truly profound experience! (Duration: half or full day; Time: morning suggested; Shared activity & transfer. Group size: max 8 ppl; Entry fees included; Fitness level: easy; Min. age: 15.)
Hotel options
Tiloreza Volcanoes Eco Lodge – Opt 1
Room
Deluxe Room
Meals
Full Board
Style
Boutique
Virunga Lodge – Opt 2
Room
Standard Room
Meals
Full Board
Style
Lodge
Day 9 – 9
Drive to Kigali (2-3 hrs)
Kigali
As Rwanda’s capital and its geographical heart, Kigali is an important business center and port. Spread across four hills, the city retains a garden feel, with a satisfyingly organic shape dictated by the verdant slopes over which it sprawls. The compact, low-rise center surrounds a busy, colorful market, and is studded with souvenir stalls displaying a wide range of local crafts. The Muslim quarter is well worth a visit, and you can explore the network of leafy avenues that wind into the surrounding residential suburbs.
International Departure
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