Serengeti & Rwanda: Big Cat Country to Gorilla Forests — 9 Days / 8 Nights luxury safari in Ngorongoro Crater · Central Serengeti · Volcanoes National Park, Tanzania + Rwanda
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Serengeti & Rwanda: Big Cat Country to Gorilla Forests

Ngorongoro Crater · Central Serengeti · Volcanoes National Park 9 Days / 8 Nights From $10,980 per person

Overview

The journey

A 9-day multi-country safari — one of our Tanzania safari and Rwanda gorilla trekking. A multi-country East Africa journey through Ngorongoro Crater, Central Serengeti and Volcanoes National Park. The route runs in one direction with no doubling back, and saves the best for last — a permitted hour with mountain gorillas.

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Why this safari

What makes it different

9 days across 4 camps, every sector flown, with your own guide on the ground.

  • 4 distinct ecosystems in 9 days

    Arusha · Ngorongoro Crater · Central Serengeti · Volcanoes National Park — each chosen for a different animal, landscape and light, and ordered so you never double back.

  • A tight, purposeful route with no wasted days

    Every move is planned around game movements and light, so short days still deliver full game-viewing mornings.

  • Your own 4x4 Land Cruiser and private guide

    No shared vehicles and no fixed departure times — you decide when to leave camp, how long to sit with a sighting, and where to have breakfast.

  • Every transfer flown by private charter

    You are in a game vehicle minutes after landing, with luggage handled planeside — the same route by road costs the better part of two days.

  • Ultra-Luxury is genuinely all-inclusive

    All meals, premium drinks, laundry, park and conservancy fees, private guiding and the charter flights are in the price. You should not need your wallet until you tip.

  • Priced honestly, with fees shown up front

    Park and conservation fees, taxes and levies are itemised on your proforma invoice — 50% confirms the booking and the balance is due before travel.

At a glance

Trip essentials

Best season

Jun – Oct (dry) · Year-round wildlife

Pace & difficulty

Relaxed — long stays, few moves · Easy — suitable for all ages

Group size

Private departure — 2 to 6 guests per vehicle

Game viewing

42–56 hours of guided game viewing across 7 active days

Destinations routed

Arusha National Park → Ngorongoro Crater → Serengeti National Park → Volcanoes National Park

Ideal for

First-time safari guests · Couples and small private groups · Private departures for 2–6 guests

Day by day

Detailed itinerary

Every day is planned to the hour, with the flexibility to change anything before you confirm.

Route overview
  1. 1

    Arusha National Park

    Day 1 · 1 night

  2. 2

    Ngorongoro Crater

    Days 2–3 · 2 nights

  3. 3

    Serengeti National Park

    Days 4–5–6 · 3 nights

  4. 4

    Volcanoes National Park

    Day 7 · 1 night

  5. 5

    Ngorongoro Crater

    Day 8 · 1 night

  6. 6

    Volcanoes National Park

    Day 9 · journey ends

  1. 1
    Arusha Coffee Lodge on day 1 of Serengeti & Rwanda: Big Cat Country to Gorilla Forests

    Day 1 · Arrive in Arusha

    Arusha National Park

    Arrival

    Met at Kilimanjaro International and transferred to your hotel for a relaxed evening and trip briefing with your Perch Africa specialist.

    Morning

    Arrival, immigration assistance and meet-and-greet by your Perch Africa representative

    Afternoon

    Transfer, luggage re-pack for light aircraft, and a full trip briefing with your guide

    Evening

    Welcome dinner and route walkthrough with your safari specialist

    Highlights

    • Excellent wildlife viewing year-round
    • Authentic local culture & guides
    • Curated lodges & camps in every tier

    Arusha Coffee Lodge

    Dinner

    Private airport transfer

    Visa/e-TA must be approved before departure — we send the checklist on booking

    Standard park/reserve fees apply

    Best accessed via light aircraft or 4x4 transfer

    Neutral greens and browns for game drives — avoid blue and black (tsetse flies)

  2. 2
    The Highlands on day 2 of Serengeti & Rwanda: Big Cat Country to Gorilla Forests

    Day 2 · Up to the crater rim

    Ngorongoro Crater

    Scenic flightSundowners
    Safari

    Light-aircraft charter to the airstrip to Ngorongoro Crater. Climb through highland forest to the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater for a sunset view over the caldera.

    Morning

    Dawn departure with coffee in the vehicle — visit to olduvai gorge & museum

    Afternoon

    Siesta through the heat, then maasai cultural village

    Evening

    Sundowners at a viewpoint, then a bush dinner under the stars

    Highlights

    • Black rhino sightings
    • Big Five in a single morning
    • Spectacular crater-rim sunrise descents

    The Highlands

    All inclusive

    Light aircraft + 4x4 game-drive vehicle on landing

    Scheduled light-aircraft flight

    Light-aircraft baggage limit: 15 kg per person in a soft bag, including hand luggage

    Conservation fee: USD 70.80/adult + USD 295/vehicle crater service fee

    Vehicles allowed on crater floor 06:00–16:00 only

    Soft-sided bag of 15 kg maximum per person on light-aircraft transfers

  3. 3
    The Highlands on day 3 of Serengeti & Rwanda: Big Cat Country to Gorilla Forests

    Day 3 · Ngorongoro Crater floor

    Ngorongoro Crater

    Wildlife viewing
    Safari

    Descend at dawn for a full day on the crater floor — black rhino, lion, hippo pools and flamingo lakes.

    Morning

    Dawn departure with coffee in the vehicle — maasai cultural village

    Afternoon

    Siesta through the heat, then crater-rim walks with armed ranger

    Evening

    Sundowners at a viewpoint, then a bush dinner under the stars

    Highlights

    • Black rhino sightings
    • Big Five in a single morning
    • Spectacular crater-rim sunrise descents

    The Highlands

    All inclusive

    Private 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-top roof and window seat guaranteed

    Approx. 1.5 h on the road

    Conservation fee: USD 70.80/adult + USD 295/vehicle crater service fee

    Vehicles allowed on crater floor 06:00–16:00 only

    Bring binoculars; one pair per person changes the whole safari

  4. 4

    Day 4 · Into the endless plains

    Serengeti National Park

    Scenic flight
    Safari

    Light-aircraft charter to the airstrip to Central Serengeti. Drive into the Seronera valley, the big-cat heartland of the Serengeti, for an afternoon of lion and cheetah.

    Morning

    Dawn departure with coffee in the vehicle — walking safaris in northern concessions

    Afternoon

    Siesta through the heat, then game drives across seronera, western corridor, northern serengeti

    Evening

    Sundowners at a viewpoint, then a bush dinner under the stars

    Highlights

    • The Great Migration — calving, river crossings, rutting
    • Big cat coalitions in the Seronera Valley
    • Kopjes (granite outcrops) hiding leopards & lions

    Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti

    All inclusive

    Light aircraft + 4x4 game-drive vehicle on landing

    Scheduled light-aircraft flight

    Light-aircraft baggage limit: 15 kg per person in a soft bag, including hand luggage

    Park fees: USD 82.60/adult/day (non-resident)

    Best river crossings: Aug–Oct (Mara River, north)

    A warm fleece for pre-dawn drives — it is genuinely cold before sunrise

  5. 5

    Day 5 · Seronera River & kopjes

    Serengeti National Park

    Wildlife viewing
    Safari

    Full day tracking leopard along the Seronera River and lion prides on the Moru and Simba kopjes.

    Morning

    Dawn departure with coffee in the vehicle — game drives across seronera, western corridor, northern serengeti

    Afternoon

    Siesta through the heat, then hot-air balloon safari over the plains

    Evening

    Sundowners at a viewpoint, then a bush dinner under the stars

    Highlights

    • The Great Migration — calving, river crossings, rutting
    • Big cat coalitions in the Seronera Valley
    • Kopjes (granite outcrops) hiding leopards & lions

    Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti

    All inclusive

    Private 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-top roof and window seat guaranteed

    Approx. 1.5 h on the road

    Park fees: USD 82.60/adult/day (non-resident)

    Best river crossings: Aug–Oct (Mara River, north)

    Reef-safe sunscreen, a wide-brim hat and a swimsuit for the coast

  6. 6

    Day 6 · Serengeti balloon & finale

    Serengeti National Park

    Game driveBalloon safari
    Safari

    Optional balloon at dawn over the plains, then a last long afternoon with the Serengeti's predators.

    Morning

    Dawn departure with coffee in the vehicle — hot-air balloon safari over the plains

    Afternoon

    Siesta through the heat, then mobile camping that follows the migration

    Evening

    Sundowners at a viewpoint, then a bush dinner under the stars

    Highlights

    • The Great Migration — calving, river crossings, rutting
    • Big cat coalitions in the Seronera Valley
    • Kopjes (granite outcrops) hiding leopards & lions

    Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti

    All inclusive

    Private 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-top roof and window seat guaranteed

    Approx. 1.5 h on the road

    Park fees: USD 82.60/adult/day (non-resident)

    Best river crossings: Aug–Oct (Mara River, north)

    Spare camera batteries and double the memory cards you think you need

  7. 7

    Day 7 · Up to the Virungas

    Volcanoes National Park

    Guided walkScenic flight
    Safari

    Light-aircraft charter to the airstrip to Volcanoes National Park. Climb to Musanze through terraced hills, afternoon golden monkey tracking and trek briefing.

    Morning

    Dawn departure with coffee in the vehicle — birdwatching & photography

    Afternoon

    Siesta through the heat, then walking safaris (where permitted)

    Evening

    Sundowners at a viewpoint, then a bush dinner under the stars

    Highlights

    • Excellent wildlife viewing year-round
    • Authentic local culture & guides
    • Curated lodges & camps in every tier

    Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge

    All inclusive

    Light aircraft + 4x4 game-drive vehicle on landing

    Scheduled light-aircraft flight

    Light-aircraft baggage limit: 15 kg per person in a soft bag, including hand luggage

    Standard park/reserve fees apply

    Best accessed via light aircraft or 4x4 transfer

    Neutral greens and browns for game drives — avoid blue and black (tsetse flies)

  8. 8

    Day 8 · Mountain gorilla trek

    Ngorongoro Crater

    Primate trackingGuided walk
    Safari

    Dawn trek into the bamboo forest for a permitted hour with a habituated gorilla family — the climax of the journey.

    Morning

    Dawn departure with coffee in the vehicle — crater-rim walks with armed ranger

    Afternoon

    Siesta through the heat, then crater floor game drive (half or full day)

    Evening

    Sundowners at a viewpoint, then a bush dinner under the stars

    Highlights

    • Black rhino sightings
    • Big Five in a single morning
    • Spectacular crater-rim sunrise descents

    Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge

    All inclusive

    Private 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-top roof and window seat guaranteed

    Approx. 1.5 h on the road

    Conservation fee: USD 70.80/adult + USD 295/vehicle crater service fee

    Vehicles allowed on crater floor 06:00–16:00 only

    Soft-sided bag of 15 kg maximum per person on light-aircraft transfers

  9. 9

    Day 9 · Departure

    Volcanoes National Park

    Scenic flight
    Departure

    A final morning at Volcanoes National Park, then a charter flight to connect with your onward or international flight.

    Morning

    Final sunrise game drive or a slow breakfast, then check-out and pack

    Afternoon

    Scheduled light-aircraft flight

    Evening

    Assisted check-in for your international flight home

    Highlights

    • Excellent wildlife viewing year-round
    • Authentic local culture & guides
    • Curated lodges & camps in every tier

    Accommodation confirmed on booking

    Breakfast

    Light aircraft + 4x4 game-drive vehicle on landing

    Scheduled light-aircraft flight

    Light-aircraft baggage limit: 15 kg per person in a soft bag, including hand luggage

    Standard park/reserve fees apply

    Best accessed via light aircraft or 4x4 transfer

    Bring binoculars; one pair per person changes the whole safari

You leave Arusha National Park with the sound of the plains still in your ears — and a standing invitation to come back for the season you missed.

Transparent pricing

Park & conservation fees included

DestinationTypePer adult / dayDaysPer adult
Arusha National ParkPark entry fee$601$60
Ngorongoro CraterPark entry fee$2953$885
Serengeti National ParkPark entry fee$2503$750
Volcanoes National ParkPark entry fee$1001$100
Total statutory fees per adult$1,795

Children under 12 pay 50% and infants under 3 are free. Your proforma invoice itemises 16% VAT, the 2% catering levy and the 2% service charge separately.

What's included

  • All accommodation as listed, on the meal plan shown for each day
  • Private 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-top roof, window seat guaranteed
  • Professional English-speaking driver-guide throughout
  • Scheduled light-aircraft flights on the internal legs shown in the itinerary
  • All game drives and activities named in the itinerary
  • All park, reserve and conservation fees for the routed destinations
  • Airport meet-and-greet plus all transfers in the itinerary
  • Drinking water in the vehicle and camp laundry where offered
  • Flying-doctor evacuation cover (AMREF) for the safari days
  • 24/7 in-country support line and a proforma invoice with every quote

Not included

  • International flights and airport departure taxes
  • Visa / e-TA fees and travel insurance (both mandatory)
  • Premium drinks, champagne and imported spirits
  • Optional extras: hot-air balloon, private guide, spa, diving
  • Tips for guides, camp staff and drivers (guidance provided pre-departure)
  • Personal shopping, telephone and anything not listed as included

What to pack

  • ✦Neutral safari clothing — greens, browns, khaki (avoid blue and black)
  • ✦Warm fleece and windproof layer for early-morning drives
  • ✦Wide-brim hat, polarised sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen
  • ✦Binoculars (one pair per person) and a zoom lens if you shoot
  • ✦Insect repellent with DEET, plus antimalarials as advised by your doctor
  • ✦Soft duffel bag of 15 kg per person for light-aircraft legs
  • ✦Universal adaptor and a power bank — camp power is generator-timed
  • ✦Copies of passport, insurance and yellow-fever certificate where required

Health & safety

  • ✦Malaria prophylaxis is recommended for all safari areas — confirm with your doctor
  • ✦Yellow-fever certificate required when entering from an endemic country
  • ✦Camps are unfenced: always walk with an askari escort after dark
  • ✦Never stand up or lean out of the vehicle during a sighting
  • ✦Comprehensive travel insurance including medical evacuation is mandatory
  • ✦Flying-doctor evacuation cover is included for your safari days

Good to know

  • ✦Tanzania e-visa should be applied for at least 10 days before travel
  • ✦Ngorongoro Crater descent is charged per vehicle per 6-hour period
  • ✦Serengeti fees are levied on a 24-hour basis from the time of entry
  • ✦18% VAT applies to Tanzanian park fees and is shown on your invoice
  • ✦16% VAT, 2% catering levy and 2% service charge are itemised on your proforma invoice
  • ✦Book 6–9 months ahead for July–October and the festive season
  • ✦Drones are prohibited in national parks without a written permit
  • ✦A deposit of 50% confirms your dates; the balance is due 45 days before travel

Guest reviews & credentials

Why travellers trust us with the Serengeti & Rwanda: Big Cat Country to Gorilla Forests

“Our guide read the plains like a book — we were the only vehicle at a leopard sighting twice. Every transfer, camp and park fee was exactly as quoted.”
Amelia & Tom R. · London, UK
Maasai Mara · 6 nights
“Travelling with a 6-year-old and grandparents could have been chaos. Perch planned the driving days around nap times and picked family tents with connecting rooms.”
The Okoth Family · Nairobi, Kenya
Amboseli & Tsavo · 5 nights
“The migration timing advice was spot on. When one camp went full they moved us to a better one in the same conservancy at no extra cost, same day.”
Dr. Karin H. · Munich, Germany
Serengeti & Ngorongoro · 8 nights

KPSGA silver & gold guides

Every driver-guide is Kenya Professional Safari Guides Association certified, with 8+ years in the parks on your route.

Licensed tour operator

Registered with the Tourism Regulatory Authority (Kenya) and TALA-licensed operations in Tanzania.

AMREF Flying Doctors cover

Air-evacuation cover for every guest for the full duration of the safari, included in your rate.

Vehicle & safety standards

Serviced 4x4 Land Cruisers with pop-up roofs, first-aid kits, satellite comms and daily driver check-ins.

Transparent proforma pricing

Park fees, conservancy levies, 16% VAT, 2% catering levy and 2% service charge itemised before you pay.

4.9 / 5 guest rating

Across 380+ reviewed departures, with a 62% repeat-and-referral rate from past travellers.

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

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Bespoke

Want something completely your own?

Every Perch Africa Safaris journey can be customised — combine destinations, swap accommodations, add private guides, extend with a beach. Tell us your dream.

Customise My Safari

Not every safari company. The safari company.

Planned around you. Priced in the open. Built to end on a high.

Anyone can send you a brochure. We build your journey with named stays, verified availability and every cost shown before you commit — then save the finest sighting for your final golden hour.

Build my free itinerary
  1. 01

    Built around you, never pulled from a template

    Your dates, pace, interests and budget shape the route. We order every stop logically and keep the strongest experience for the finish.

  2. 02

    A private guide and vehicle

    Your safari is not a shared departure. Leave when you are ready, stay longer at a sighting and adjust each day with your guide.

  3. 03

    Named stays and a costed day-by-day plan

    You see the proposed camps, transfers, flights, park fees, inclusions and exclusions before you decide—not just a headline price.

  4. 04

    Availability checked before we call it confirmed

    Suggested stays remain suggestions until checked. We verify the space for your dates before issuing the booking offer.

  5. 05

    Refine the trip before you commit

    Change the route, number of nights, camp level or transport until the journey fits. Nothing is booked until you approve it.

  6. 06

    One clear path from idea to departure

    The itinerary, quote and booking details stay aligned. A 50% deposit secures the approved trip, with the balance paid closer to travel.