Luxury Rwanda and Tanzania itinerary

Kigali, the vibrant capital of Rwanda, is often referred to as the ‘garden city’ for its rolling hills, tree-lined avenues and green parks. Renowned for its laid back atmosphere and pristine cleanliness, Kigali offers a charming and safe destination, perfect for beginning or ending a luxury family safari through Rwanda.

A relatively modern city, Kigali boasts one of the lowest crime rates in Africa, offering peace of mind for families. While its remarkable cleanliness is thanks to umuganda, a monthly community service day when residents come together to maintain public spaces and infrastructure.

Whilst often dismissed as a stopover before gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park and Big Five safaris in Akagera, Kigali offers an incredible range of experiences in its own right. From guided tours of the Kigali Genocide Memorial and exploring its thriving art scene to sampling delicious Rwandan coffee in one of its bustling cafes, there is something for families of all ages in Kigali. 

Volcanoes National Park, nestled in the northwest of Rwanda, is one of Africa’s most iconic safari destinations and home to one of only two remaining populations of endangered mountain gorillas.

Established in 1929 as Africa’s first national park, Volcanoes National Park is steeped in history and conservation significance. The pioneering work of Dian Fossey, who dedicated her life to studying and protecting mountain gorillas and was allegedly murdered by poachers in 1985, brought global attention to their plight. Her legacy lives on through the continued efforts to safeguard these incredible creatures.

Gorilla trekking is the park’s star attraction, offering a rare chance to observe these majestic primates in their natural habitat. Beyond gorillas, visitors can embark on golden monkey hikes, explore the region’s lakes and volcanic caves, or immerse themselves in Rwandan culture with a visit to Iby’Iwacu village.

Nestled in Tanzania’s northern highlands, Karatu is a charming town that serves as a gateway to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Ol Deani Volcano, this vibrant spot offers a refreshing pause for travelers exploring the region’s iconic game parks.

Karatu’s bustling marketplace and local brewery provide a taste of authentic Tanzanian culture, while guided walks through the nearby Ngorongoro Forest reveal waterfalls, caves, and lush landscapes. Visitors can also experience rural life by visiting traditional homesteads or enjoying scenic hikes and bike rides through the rolling hills.

With its blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and outdoor activities, Karatu is far more than just a stopover. Whether you’re seeking adventure, cultural immersion, or a tranquil retreat, this hidden gem in Tanzania’s highlands offers an array of experiences to enrich any safari journey.

Kendwa, located on the northwest coast of Zanzibar’s Unguja Island, is a serene tropical haven with powder-soft white sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters.

This tranquil destination offers exceptional opportunities for swimming at any time, thanks to its unique tidal patterns. Adventure seekers can enjoy scuba diving, parasailing, jet skiing, and banana boating, while culture enthusiasts can explore traditional dhow-building workshops or join village tours.

Kendwa is also renowned for its vibrant Full Moon Party, blending relaxation with excitement in paradise.

Kigali Serena Hotel offers a luxurious stopover for families embarking or concluding their Rwanda safari adventure.

Located just 10 km from Kigali International Airport and a five-minute walk from the city’s vibrant central business district, the hotel offers contemporary 5-star comfort with convenient access to Kigali’s many heritage and cultural sights. Families can unwind in the hotel’s spacious rooms or suites, with each room offering king-sized beds, large ensuites and upscale amenities.

The hotel’s sprawling tropical gardens, large pool and sundeck provide a peaceful environment for relaxation, while the vibrant Sokoni Restaurant offers world-class cuisine, live music and a children’s menu guaranteed to appeal to youngsters of all ages. It is also worth noting that children under the age of 12 eat at half price!

For a more refined experience, Milima Restaurant serves delicious local and international dishes in a stylish setting overlooking the pool. Parents can indulge in treatments at the spa, while the babysitting service ensures little ones are entertained in safe, enclosed gardens.

Nestled in the foothills of the misty Virunga Mountains, Wilderness Sabyinyo offers a luxurious base for families embarking on a safari through Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.

One of the main highlights is the opportunity to trek to see Rwanda’s iconic mountain gorillas, offering families a rare chance to get close to one of the 12 gorilla families in their natural habitat. Beyond gorilla trekking, there’s the excitement of golden monkey treks, visits to Dian Fossey’s research camp, and guided walks through the camp’s lush gardens to spot endemic bird species. Families can also visit the Sabyinyo village to learn how Rwandan crops are grown and milled, watch an energetic dance performance and gain a meaningful insight into rural Rwandan life.

The lodge itself is the first community-owned lodge in Rwanda – operated by Wilderness yet owned by the SACOLA community trust – providing not only luxurious accommodation but also supporting local communities through sustainable gorilla tourism. Families can unwind in the terracotta-tiled family cottage, complete with two separate en-suite bedrooms and a welcoming fireplace for cosy evenings.

What better way to unwind after a safari (or get ready for one!) than sitting on your private plantation-style veranda sipping a drink while looking out over verdant coffee bushes.

Elewana Arusha Coffee Lodge, on the foothills of Mt Meru near Arusha, is a great place to soak in Tanzania at its best. The atmosphere is relaxed, yet attentive, and the gardens are large. Lunch is served in these gardens every day, dinner is an a la carte dining experience, and if you’d like more flexibility, there is an all-day bistro and bar.

The lodge’s main area, built around the original landowner’s home that dates back to the 1900s, is an oasis of calm, however, should you want to make the most of it, there is plenty to do here. As well as the swimming pool, cafe and pizza area, there is a lovely collection of boutiques on the property, called Trader’s Walk a destination in itself.

Olivers Camp is a lovely tented property, situated in the remote south of Tarangire National Park, close to the Silale swamps. It is the perfect spot from which to explore this fascinating wilderness.

Olivers is a charming safari camp that’s been a long-standing feature of Tarangire and is now run by the experienced team at Asilia Africa. The surrounding swamps and baobab plains offer a captivating landscape in which to immerse oneself. In the dry season of June-October the wildlife is particularly abundant with animals migrating from miles around to the heart of the park.

Accommodation is provided in ten classic safari tents, each with its own ensuite bathroom complete with indoor and outdoor shower. One of the highlights of the camp is the expansive, two-storey deck overlooking the flood plains. Meals are served out here and it’s an excellent place to relax during the day with a book, glancing out to the passing wildlife.

Gibb’s Farm is many things at once – a working farm, a peaceful retreat, a safari base and a long-established Tanzanian hospitality institution.

A stay here is often the highlight of a trip to Tanzania, and if at all possible, we recommend at least two nights here, to really make the most of it.

With three nights, after the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater has been seen, the car can be left behind for the day and the whole family immersed in the day to day rhythms of the farm.

There are eggs to collect, cows to milk, pools to be jumped in and coffee beans to pick. Old elephant trails on the foothills of the crater can be explored, and footprints and tracks learned about.

The artists in residence welcome extra pairs of hands, and if all this sounds too busy, how about a massage or even just a good old nap in the exceptionally comfortable cottages?

Perched on a hillside, this camp is perfectly located to explore the Serengeti, and its own private concession.

andBeyond Klein’s camp is located far away from most others in this area, a far-flung corner of the Serengeti famous for lions, and much else besides. On its own private concession, one can walk and do game drives in seclusion, as well as set off to explore the national park itself. Full day drives are accompanied by picnics under thorn trees, stops on the banks of rivers and a slow drive home to see the sunset from your veranda, G&T in hand.

Klein’s Camp is owned and run by andBeyond, one of our favourite safari operators. They have the highest standards of guiding and hospitality, which means you’ll be truly spoiled. Many of the guides here are from the local Maasai villages and will be happy to teach you and your family about the traditional Maasai culture.

At the right time of year, the great migration makes its way through this part of the Serengeti, however, outside of that time the game-viewing is always consistently excellent. And with a 10,000 hectare private concession to explore, you are likely to see few other tourists.

Elewana Kilindi Zanzibar offers an idyllic escape where barefoot luxury meets the vibrant beauty of the Indian Ocean. Nestled in a lush tropical garden with a secluded beachfront, this boutique retreat invites guests to truly unwind.

The resort’s 15 domed pavilion suites are private sanctuaries, each designed with an open-plan layout that captures sea breezes and stunning ocean views. These Eastern-inspired pavilions feature spacious bedrooms, luxurious rainfall showers, and shuttered windows that open onto personal plunge pools and sun-drenched verandas. A dedicated Guest Ambassador ensures every detail of your stay is tailored to perfection.

Kilindi’s infinity pool provides a tranquil spot to watch traditional dhows drift across turquoise waters, while the spa offers indulgent treatments that blend African ingredients with modern techniques. From rejuvenating massages to invigorating body scrubs, the spa promises complete relaxation.

Kigali offers a range of vibrant experiences which both explore Rwanda’s poignant history and celebrate its thriving culture and cosmopolitan charm.

A visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, built on the hillside where over 250,000 genocide victims are buried, is a profound and essential experience. While children under 12 are not permitted due to the memorial’s sensitive content, guided tours – often led by survivors – offer deeply moving insights into this tragic chapter of Rwanda’s past. For those curious about Rwanda’s history before the genocide, the Kandt House Museum provides further context.

For cultural aficionados, Kigali boasts a burgeoning art scene with over ten art galleries showcasing local talent. At the Kigali Cultural Village, families can enjoy browsing stalls of handmade crafts, sample traditional Rwandan food, and meet artisans at work. While the city’s green parks and historic architecture provide a relaxing backdrop for an afternoon stroll, best enjoyed with a cup of Rwanda’s renowned tea or coffee from one of its trendy cafes.

As one of the only places where mountain gorillas are found, a trek through Volcanoes National Park is a once in a lifetime privilege.

Leaving Wilderness Sabyinyo early in the morning, you will drive the short distance to the park’s headquarters to   enjoy a quick cup of Rwandan coffee while you are allocated a mountain gorilla family to track.

In a small group of 6-8 people, you will embark on your trek through the dense forest. Make sure you look around to spot primates, countless birds, butterflies and many other interesting creatures.

Once you find the gorilla family, you will spend a precious hour with these majestic creatures.

Arusha town is small and picturesque cultural hub, which for its size, boasts an unusual amount of activities, and places we would recommend visiting.

It is a major diplomatic hub, being host to the East African Community, and also historically a very important city to Tanzania. Its markets are varied and vibrant, the coffee estates are well worth a visit, and if museums, art shops and galleries are for you, Arusha family safari holidays will not disappoint.

Walking safaris in Tarangire National Park offer a unique perspective on the wilderness, immersing you in its intricate details.

Guided by expert naturalists, these excursions reveal a hidden world of animal tracks, vibrant insects, and diverse flora, bringing the ecosystem to life in remarkable ways. As you tread quietly through the enormous baobabs, come face to face with large herds of elephants and wildebeest, creating an intimate connection to this untamed landscape.

A Big Five safari in the Ngorongoro Crater offers an unparalleled wildlife experience within a breathtaking natural amphitheater.

Home to thriving populations of lions, elephants, leopards, buffalo, and the elusive black rhino, the crater provides exceptional opportunities for close-up encounters.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts a dense concentration of wildlife amidst diverse landscapes, including grasslands and acacia forests.

Guided game drives unveil dramatic scenes of predator-prey interactions, making the Ngorongoro Crater a must-visit destination for any safari enthusiast.

A Great Migration safari at &Beyond Klein’s Camp offers front-row seats to one of nature’s most spectacular events, taking place from May to August every year.

Situated in a private concession bordering the Serengeti and Maasai Mara, the camp provides exclusive access to thrilling migration crossings and wildlife encounters. Witness vast herds of wildebeest and zebras navigating predator-filled plains, with lions, cheetahs, and crocodiles in close pursuit.

However, game-viewing on the private concession is consistently excellent all year round.

Snorkelling and scuba diving at Elewana Kilindi immerse guests in Zanzibar’s vibrant underwater world. Crystal-clear waters reveal thriving coral reefs teeming with tropical fish, offering breathtaking encounters for divers and snorkelers alike.

Explore the kaleidoscope of marine life, from playful dolphins to colorful reef dwellers, under the guidance of experienced instructors.