This superb 16-day East Africa Safari itinerary combines some of Rwanda’s and Tanzania’s most luxurious and exclusive accommodations with bucket-list safari adventures, ensuring a once-in-a-lifetime safari experience. Immerse yourself in some of the world’s most spectacular national parks, teaming with majestic wildlife, including the Big 5 and endangered mountain gorillas.
Our Ultimate East Africa Safari has been carefully curated by our luxury safari travel specialists to offer the very best safari experience, ensuring memories that will last a lifetime.
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Ker & Downey® Africa > Trips > Ultimate East Africa Safari
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 andBeyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge. This opulent lodge is located on the rim of the famed Ngorongoro Crater and is divided into three camps each with its own sitting and dining areas for an exclusive stay. During your stay, you can enjoy direct access to the ancient caldera floor, home to endangered black rhinos, giant tusked elephants, lions, and flamingos that crowd the soda lakes. Other activities include meeting the Maasai and Hadzabe bushmen, guided walks, and twice-daily game drives. For guests with a keen interest in wildlife conservation, we recommend an experience with the KopeLion team. Here, you will gain a deeper understanding of what it is like for the Maasai to live alongside wildlife and discover how the team are fostering lion-people coexistence in Ngorongoro.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Like what you see? Each and every trip we create at Ker & Downey® Africa is tailored to suit you. Get in touch with our LuxVenture® Designers and let us create a unique adventure with experiences tailored to your precise liking.
The best safari experience in Africa depends on what you’re looking for, but East Africa is renowned for offering some of the most iconic wildlife experiences.
Some of the best safari experiences can be found in Tanzania’s Lake Manyara National Park or the Serengeti National Park, which is famous for the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest and zebras move across the plains.
Kenya’s Maasai Mara is another must-visit, known for its incredible predator sightings and vibrant Maasai culture.
Uganda and Rwanda are perfect for those seeking intimate encounters with mountain gorillas in lush rainforests.
For those interested in luxury, Botswana’s Okavango Delta offers exclusive, game-rich safaris, while Zambia and Zimbabwe’s Lower Zambezi and Hwange National Parks provide incredible walking safaris and more off-the-beaten-path experiences.
No matter what your dream safari looks like, East Africa offers diverse landscapes and wildlife experiences that cater to all types of adventurers.
Get in touch with Ker & Downey® Africa to tailor a safari that will create memories that last a lifetime. Whether it’s tracking the Big Five or witnessing the Great Migration, we’re here to help plan your perfect African adventure!
The best country to visit in East Africa depends on your interests, but Tanzania is often considered the top choice for a comprehensive safari experience. With its iconic parks like the Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire National Park, Tanzania offers incredible wildlife, including the Great Wildebeest Migration and the Big 5. Additionally, Tanzania is home to the Zanzibar archipelago, a stunning coastal destination nestled in the Indian Ocean with pristine, white sand beaches and rich cultural heritage.
For those seeking gorilla trekking, Rwanda is a standout, offering the rare opportunity to see Mountain Gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. Rwanda is also known for its eco-friendly tourism and lush landscapes.
Kenya is another top contender, especially for those interested in the Masai Mara, where wildlife experiences are exceptional.
Ultimately, each country offers unique attractions, but Tanzania stands out for its diversity of experiences, from safaris to beaches.
East Africa is home to some of the world’s most iconic and diverse national parks. Key highlights include:
Famous for the Great Wildebeest Migration, the Serengeti offers unparalleled wildlife viewing, including the Big 5 (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino).
Both of these lush parks are known for their incredible gorilla trekking experiences, providing visitors a rare opportunity to see endangered Mountain Gorillas in their natural habitat.
A UNESCO World Heritage site, this vast caldera hosts an incredible density of wildlife, including rare species like black rhinos.
Part of the Serengeti ecosystem, the Mara is renowned for its wildlife and is one of the best places to witness the Great Migration.
Famous for its large elephant herds and diverse birdlife, the Tarangire National Park is less crowded but equally stunning.
Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa, towering above Mount Kilimanjaro National Park. Highlights of an East Africa safari include the opportunity to climb the dormant volcano and explore the surrounding national park, which boasts lush rainforest inhabited by Colobus Monkeys.
The best time to visit East Africa depends on what you’re hoping to experience, but overall, the dry season (June to October) is the most popular for safaris. Here’s a breakdown of the best months for different experiences:
Kenya & Tanzania (June – October): Perfect for the Great Migration in the Maasai Mara (Kenya) and Serengeti (Tanzania). The dry season also means animals gather around water sources, making wildlife sightings easier.
Uganda & Rwanda (June – September): The dry months are ideal for trekking gorillas in Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda) and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Uganda). The trails are less muddy, making trekking more comfortable.
Botswana (May – October): The dry season is best for game viewing in the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park, as animals congregate around waterholes.
Zanzibar (June – October): For beach lovers, the dry months are perfect for enjoying the pristine beaches, diving, and exploring the island’s culture.
The rainy season (November – May) is less crowded and offers lush landscapes, but wildlife can be harder to spot.
There are many destinations across the African continent that can be explored year round, contact Ker & Downey Africa® to curate your ideal African escape, or explore the best destinations by month.
Ker & Downey® Africa’s curated East African safari includes stays at some of East Africa’s most exclusive lodges and luxurious tented camps. Accommodations include:
Each property offers unique, luxurious amenities such as private plunge pools, spa services, and breathtaking views.
The best way to book an East Africa safari is to work with a leading luxury travel company like us. We excel at creating incredible safari experiences in some of the best destinations in East Africa. Our team boasts unparalleled knowledge of the African continent and the most exclusive safari experiences. We also work to ensure every one of our clients leaves a positive, lasting legacy in Africa by only working with operators that adhere to the very highest standards of conservation and sustainability. Contact us today to book your bespoke luxury safari in East Africa.
