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East Africa's Gorillas, Serengeti & Zanzibar
Embark on an extraordinary journey through East Africa, where the finest lodges and breathtaking landscapes converge to create an unforgettable itinerary. Your adventure begins at the renowned Virunga Lodge, nestled in the heart of Rwanda’s misty hills. Over three nights, you’ll be treated to the captivating spectacle of gorillas in their natural habitat, sharing intimate moments with these majestic creatures. The lodge itself exudes rustic charm, providing a warm haven where luxury seamlessly melds with the untouched wilderness.
Your journey continues to The Retreat by Heaven for a single night of indulgence. This haven of serenity offers a chance to unwind and rejuvenate, the perfect interlude between your encounters with wildlife.
Next, your expedition takes you to the iconic Serengeti National Park, where Sayari Camp awaits for three nights of adventure. As the African sun paints the savannah with hues of gold, you’ll embark on exhilarating game drives, guided by Maasai trackers who unravel the stories of the wild. With the Serengeti as your backdrop, each day offers a tapestry of sights and sounds that deepen your connection to the untamed heart of Africa.
Your journey culminates on the pristine shores of Zanzibar, where Zawadi Hotel beckons for four nights of barefoot luxury. Perched on a cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean, this idyllic retreat offers relaxation and excitement. From private infinity pools to vibrant coral reefs, you’ll bask in the embrace of the island’s beauty. Whether you’re exploring the underwater world, immersing yourself in local culture, or savoring exquisite cuisine, Zawadi Hotel promises a finale that’s as awe-inspiring as the journey itself.
Virunga was the most luxurious, as you might guess from the price. The location is great. Rooms are huge. Views are great at the very top of a hill, with lakes and mountains all around, though it tends to stay cloudy pretty much all the time. Service is very attentive. And they were nice enough to let us stay till 6 pm, as our flight left Kigali after midnight.
On arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be met and transferred to Virunga Lodge. Virunga Lodge stands as a sanctuary of tranquility and once-in-a-lifetime encounters. From the moment you arrive, the air becomes charged with anticipation, as the distant sounds of rustling leaves and echoing calls of wildlife whisper the promise of something truly extraordinary. As the sun sets over the misty hills, the lodge’s warm, rustic charm embraces you, offering a haven where luxury and nature harmoniously converge.
Awakening to the soft melodies of songbirds, you will embark on an unforgettable journey into the mystical world of gorillas. Led by expert guides, you traverse the emerald forests of Volcanoes National Park, each step a heartbeat closer to a heart-pounding encounter. Suddenly, there they are: the mighty mountain gorillas, gentle giants of the wild, lounging amidst the foliage. Eyes meet, and time stands still as a profound connection bridges the gap between species. The deep, contemplative gazes of these intelligent creatures mirror your own sense of wonder.
Yet, the primates’ symphony doesn’t end here. As you wander the lodge’s lush surroundings, mischievous monkeys swing from branches overhead, curiously observing their human visitors. Their playful antics bring infectious laughter and a sense of pure joy, reminding you of the interconnectedness of all life on this planet. At Virunga Lodge, nature’s spectacle unfolds with a tender intimacy.
Perfect base for a gorilla-trekking safari - or track golden monkeys
Panoramic views of the volcanic lakes and Virungas Volcanoes
Peaceful terraced gardens and honeymoon bandas
Environmentally-friendly design amid satisfying birding
Fully Inclusive (All Meals, Selected Beverages)
Virunga was the most luxurious, as you might guess from the price. The location is great. Rooms are huge. Views are great at the very top of a hill, with lakes and mountains all around, though it tends to stay cloudy pretty much all the time. Service is very attentive. And they were nice enough to let us stay till 6 pm, as our flight left Kigali after midnight.
If luxury in Kigali is what you are after, then The Retreat by Heaven is the perfect choice. Small and intimate, this boutique hotel was locally crafted and offers a unique twist in décor. It is also eco-friendly, offers a wellness retreat and a selection of bespoke experiences. The Fusion restaurant, which is on-site, even offers a local farm-to-table cuisine experience.
You will be transferred from Virunga Lodge to the Retreat by Heaven. You'll spend one night in this luxurious and eco-friendly boutique hotel, a short respite from the wildlife encounters. You can practice your sun salutation, be pampered at the spa or head to the gym for a workout. The hotel features solar electricity, organic toiletries, and locally-crafted furniture from a Tanzanian sustainable teak farm – your travel spend matters and helps to uplift the local community.
Premier boutique hotel with solar power
Saltwater swimming pool, spa, yoga and meditation
Activities such weaving, dancing, tennis and mountain biking
Two upscale on-site restaurants using local produce
Perfect place for pampering before or after a gorilla trek
Bed & Breakfast
If luxury in Kigali is what you are after, then The Retreat by Heaven is the perfect choice. Small and intimate, this boutique hotel was locally crafted and offers a unique twist in décor. It is also eco-friendly, offers a wellness retreat and a selection of bespoke experiences. The Fusion restaurant, which is on-site, even offers a local farm-to-table cuisine experience.
By far our FAVORITE vendor. They are just SO GOOD. It's pampering, but in a very local, authentic African style. I know there are even more expensive options, but I can't think of why you would pay more.
After a last breakfast in Rwanda, you will transferred back to Kigali International Airport. You will then be charter flown to Kogatende Airstrip and begin your Serengeti National Park safari.
The untamed spirit of Africa comes alive in the intimate embrace of Sayari Camp. Amidst the sprawling savannah, this haven of wonderment invites you to weave your dreams into the fabric of the wilderness. As the sun dips below the horizon, casting a warm, golden glow across the grasslands, the camp emerges as a sanctuary of comfort and luxury that echoes the very essence of the Serengeti.
At Sayari Camp, the rhythm of life beats to the pulse of the land, and each moment is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the raw splendor of nature. Awaken to the harmonious chorus of birds welcoming the dawn, their melodies interweaving with the rustling of leaves in the gentle breeze. Step onto your private veranda, where the sprawling plains stretch before you like a living canvas, painted with the footprints of elephants and the graceful dance of gazelles.
Venture on exhilarating game drives, guided by expert Maasai trackers, as they unveil the stories of the wilderness etched in the tracks and calls of its inhabitants. And as the sun sets in a blaze of color, casting its glow on the endless horizon, retreat to the camp’s elegant comforts, where the mysteries of the day find solace in the flickering light of a campfire under the starlit African sky. Sayari Camp is more than a destination; it’s an embodiment of the Serengeti’s soul, a place where the echo of hooves and the roar of lions lull you to sleep.
Close to the Mara River for Migration river crossings (between June and October)
Year-round game viewing with knowledgeable guides
Relax in the infinity pool after game drives
Lovely tents with huge bathtubs and separate showers
Perfect for family safari holidays
Solar-powered microbrewery in the bush
Enquire for confirmation
By far our FAVORITE vendor. They are just SO GOOD. It's pampering, but in a very local, authentic African style. I know there are even more expensive options, but I can't think of why you would pay more.
The Zawadi Hotel in Zanzibar truly exceeded our expectations. Because it was early in the season for them, there were only two other guests there for the first 3 out of 4 nights! It was so quiet and intimate and the view is stunning. The location is perfect – the beach isn’t large but you can easily swim or kayak over to the lagoon where all the tour boats take snorkelers. The coral reefs were beautiful and because of the large outer reef, free of sharks and other big, scary creatures. The food was amazing: 3-course lunches and 5-course dinners daily, beautifully prepared. The service was impeccable throughout our stay; though we didn’t try it, we felt like we could have...
You will be transferred back to Kogatende Airstrip for a flight to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport. A private vehicle will be waiting for you to take you to your final destination.
Indulge in the epitome of barefoot luxury and oceanfront bliss at Zawadi Hotel – one of the best luxury hotels in Zanzibar. Zawadi Hotel, perched atop a cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean, invites you to immerse yourself in a symphony of relaxation and adventure.
At Zawadi Hotel, the world is yours to explore at your own pace. Sink into the embrace of your private infinity pool, where the sun-kissed waters mirror the expanse of the ocean before you. As the tide recedes, venture onto the beach to discover vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life, inviting you to snorkel or dive into a realm of kaleidoscopic wonder.
In the warm embrace of the island sun, you can also partake in thrilling water sports, from kayaking along the coast to setting sail on a traditional dhow cruise. As the day turns to night, succumb to the spell of Zanzibar’s enchanting culture with a visit to a local village or a spice plantation, where fragrant aromas and vibrant colors awaken your senses.
Located on the quieter southeast coast of Zanzibar
Above an unspoiled sandy beach cove, safe for swimming and snorkelling
Learn to scuba dive at the PADI-certified dive centre
Spa offering a range of treatments and an infinity pool
Romantic retreat for couples or honeymooners
Fully Inclusive Plus (All Meals, Selected Beverages, Selected Extras)
The Zawadi Hotel in Zanzibar truly exceeded our expectations. Because it was early in the season for them, there were only two other guests there for the first 3 out of 4 nights! It was so quiet and intimate and the view is stunning. The location is perfect – the beach isn’t large but you can easily swim or kayak over to the lagoon where all the tour boats take snorkelers. The coral reefs were beautiful and because of the large outer reef, free of sharks and other big, scary creatures. The food was amazing: 3-course lunches and 5-course dinners daily, beautifully prepared. The service was impeccable throughout our stay; though we didn’t try it, we felt like we could have asked for anything and received it. The suites are just as they look in the photos – huge and beautiful with private terraces and plunge pools. We even enjoyed walking on the jogging track in their ‘backyard’ where they keep their garden and ‘pets’ (chickens, ducks and guinea fowl). We did the tour of Stone Town on our last day on the way to the airport and were glad we didn’t spend a day away from Zawadi any earlier on our stay. Lastly, the manager of Zawadi is Evelyne – a French Canadian – who was delightful and was always available to answer any questions or help us throughout our stay.
After a journey that leaves you with cherished memories, you will be transferred to Abeid Amani International Airport for your onward travel arrangements – taking a piece of Africa home with you in your heart.
| Date | Price |
|---|---|
| 2025-11-01 - 2025-11-30 | $18,300 |
| 2025-12-01 - 2025-12-31 | $21,590 |
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If you’re able to find a better quote for your itinerary let us know and we’ll match it.
This East African itinerary is thoughtfully designed to provide a well-rounded safari experience. It combines exceptional wildlife viewing with stays at top-tier lodges. Ideal for travellers who appreciate both adventure and luxury, it offers an insightful journey through diverse landscapes, from Rwanda's hills to Tanzania's savannahs and Zanzibar's beaches.
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