1-800-935-2620 Speak to a Tour Expert

Mountain Gorilla Safari: Kenya, Tanzania & Rwanda 2024

Operator
Tauck
Days
16
From
USD $23,490

Dates & Prices

*Please Note: Internal Flights are not included in the price.
Start Date End Date OffersBrochure
Land Price
Our PriceQuote
From
Wednesday,
Jun 19, 2024
To
Thursday,
Jul 04, 2024
Deals$23,490Get Our PriceGet Quote
From
Wednesday,
Jul 31, 2024
To
Thursday,
Aug 15, 2024
Deals$23,490Get Our PriceGet Quote
From
Wednesday,
Aug 21, 2024
To
Thursday,
Sep 05, 2024
Call Us$23,490Get Our PriceGet Quote
* Internal Flights are not included in the price

Promotions

Call or submit a quote for award-winning value and service!

Itinerary

Tour Itinerary

From the Big Five to silverback Mountain Gorillas, wildlife is the draw on this 16-day safari in Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda, where game drives and a special mountain trek reward with once-in-a-lifetime encounters with animals, both endemic and endangered... highlighted by an opportunity to "meet" a gorilla family living in the wilds of Rwanda and a visit to the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund Museum, dedicated to saving the endangered mountain gorilla.Gorillas in your midst... Spend the last three nights of your 16-day African safari to Kenya and Tanzania in Rwanda, home to some of the last remaining mountain gorillas on Earth. Learn insights and observations about gorilla behavior at private lectures and during a visit to the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund Museum before your once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trek begins. A private porter will carry your provisions as an expert guide leads you into the wilderness for your gorilla encounter. Once the gorillas are located, you will have the rare opportunity to watch them interact with each other – and you if they choose! Your adventure includes talks by conservationists working to save these endangered gorillas from extinction. All departures are small groups, limited to 24 guests. Special experiences include; game drives in the national parks of Tanzania and Kenya; private lecture on famous elephants of Amboseli and anti-poaching efforts; a hot air balloon ride at dawn followed by a champagne breakfast in the bush; and a guided gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park for a one-hour gorilla family visit and a private lecture on conservation programs underway in Rwanda.

  1. Day 1
    Arrive Arusha, Tanzania

    Tour begins: Gran Meliá Arusha. A transfer is included from Kilimanjaro International Airport to the Gran Meliá Arusha Hotel in Arusha, a safari gateway city at the foot of Mount Meru.

  2. Day 2
    Birds of Lake Manyara National Park

    The vast Serengeti beckons as you begin your safari in Tanzania. Take your first game drive through Lake Manyara National Park, where you might get your first glimpse of giraffes, baboons, hippos, and elephants along with hundreds of species of birds. Arrive in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, populated by an estimated 30,000 large mammals. Your lodge for the next two nights is on the Ngorongoro Crater rim overlooking the caldera below, an excellent spot for our welcome reception and dinner.


    Meals:   Breakfast   Lunch   Dinner
  3. Day 3
    A Garden of Eden in Ngorongoro Crater

    Thought by some to be Africa's original "Garden of Eden," Ngorongoro Crater is one of the largest calderas in the world and contains a variety of ecosystems and an astounding concentration of birds and animals. Your four-wheel-drive vehicle, built exclusively for Tauck, provides an excellent mobile viewing platform when encountering massive herds of zebras, wildebeests, and gazelles. This area affords an opportunity to spot the Big Five – elephant, leopard, lion, buffalo, and rhinoceros. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the crater today.


    Meals:   Breakfast   Lunch   Dinner
  4. Day 4
    Flying to Serengeti National Park

    Today, you'll hop a morning flight from Lake Manyara to the heart of Serengeti National Park. As you do, you'll fly over Oldupai Gorge, where, over 50 years ago, archaeologists Louis and Mary Leakey discovered the fossilized remains of some of the earliest known human species, an estimated 1.8 million years old. Arrive at your Four Seasons safari lodge in the Serengeti for a three-night stay. Following an afternoon game drive in Serengeti National Park, join us this evening for a special barbecue dinner in your lodge's Boma Grill, enhanced by a Maasai traditional dance performance.


    Meals:   Breakfast   Lunch   Dinner
  5. Day 5
    Endless Plains in Serengeti Nat'l Park

    Look for wildlife in the heart of the vast savanna of the Serengeti today on both morning and afternoon game drives. Sightings might include lions, zebras, hyenas, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, hippos, buffaloes, jackals, gazelles, and giraffes. When the sunset paints the sky in the evening, watch the show from the luxury of your lodge in Serengeti National Park, and enjoy dinner tonight at your choice of restaurants at the lodge.


    Meals:   Breakfast   Lunch   Dinner
  6. Day 6
    Kenya's Amboseli National Park

    Spend another glorious day in the spectacular Serengeti as you head out into the grasslands aboard safari vehicles for game drives in the early morning as well as the afternoon. In between, you'll have free time to relax and enjoy the amenities of your Four Seasons safari lodge, where you'll dine at your choice of restaurants tonight. 


    Meals:   Breakfast   Lunch   Dinner
  7. Day 7
    On to Kenya's Amboseli National Park

    Leave the Serengeti behind as you fly to Arusha, Tanzania en route to Kenya. Dominating the skyline, majestic Mt. Kilimanjaro peaks over surrounding landscapes from more than 15,000 feet up. After landing in Arusha, enjoy an early lunch at the Cultural Heritage Center before continuing overland into Kenya to begin a two-night at your safari lodge in Amboseli National Park, where herds of free-ranging elephants and other wildlife like to roam. Enjoy a private lecture on the elephants of Amboseli and anti-poaching efforts in Kenya prior to dinner at your leisure at the lodge this evening.


    Meals:   Breakfast   Lunch   Dinner
  8. Day 8
    Private game drives and more in Amboseli

    Tauck's private safari game drives in Amboseli National Park offer ample opportunity to view the elephants, hippos and buffaloes that seek out the park's natural watering holes and the graceful antelopes that graze in the flat grasslands. An early morning visit to a Maasai village precedes a morning game drive, after which you'll return to your lodge. Spend some down time at your lodge prior to lunch, then another game drive, and time to spend as you please at the lodge in the afternoon. Dinner is at your leisure at the lodge this evening.


    Meals:   Breakfast   Lunch   Dinner
  9. Day 9
    Mount Kenya Safari Club & an animal orphanage

    Today, a morning flight brings you to your next destination - Mt. Kenya - and your home for the next two nights at the world-famous Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club, the former retreat of actor William Holden. Founded in 1959, the Safari Club, was once the playground of such illustrious members such as Winston Churchill and Bing Crosby. Your time in Mt. Kenya begins with a game drive through Ol Pejeta Conservancy, home to the largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa as well as Africa's Big Five and the last two remaining northern white rhinos. Here, enjoy Tauck's special access to visit a compound where endangered black rhino are bred. Back at your hotel, an Equatorial ceremony precedes dinner at the hotel this evening.


    Meals:   Breakfast   Lunch   Dinner
  10. Day 10
    Rhinos & chimpanzees, village crafts & more

    This morning, get a glimpse at local life on a private visit to a nearby village, where villagers spin colorful tales into their handmade wool rugs, sweaters and shawls right before your eyes. Following lunch, pay a private visit to the Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy and Animal Orphanage; this unique facility gives orphaned, injured, neglected, abused or frightened wild animals a second chance. The orphanage provides shelter and professional care with the goal to release these creatures back into the wild where they belong. Tonight, attend our private barbecue dinner held under the stars on the lush manicured lawns of the Mount Kenya Safari Club.


    Meals:   Breakfast   Lunch   Dinner
  11. Day 11
    The Masai Mara & an evening game drive

    Pack your Tauck duffle bag and fly to the Masai Mara National Reserve in southern Kenya, where you'll be welcomed by Maasai warriors. Have lunch upon your arrival at the luxurious Fairmont Mara Safari Club, where an elegant tented camp is your home for the next two nights. Spend the afternoon relaxing, swimming, taking in the views and otherwise becoming acquainted with the Safari Club and your luxury tented camp accommodations, evoking the classic safaris of yesteryear. Embark on a late afternoon game drive across the plains of "the Mara" in search of animals that make their homes here; perhaps you'll see lions, antelopes, elephants and zebras in their daily rituals. Return to camp for a briefing on tomorrow's hot air balloon flight, followed by dinner.


    Meals:   Breakfast   Lunch   Dinner
  12. Day 12
    Ballooning over the plains of the Masai Mara

    Today will be one that you'll always remember, as you arise before dawn to board a hot air balloon* and float over the Maasai Mara's awakening plains below as the sun rises. When you land, a special champagne breakfast will be awaiting you right there in the bush! Spectacular isn't quite strong enough a word to describe such an experience, a Tauck Exclusive on your Kenya safari! Back on the ground, look for lions, impalas, cheetahs, giraffes, and the other animals you've come to love as you return overland to the camp for lunch and an afternoon at leisure – and later on an early evening game drive in the bush. After returning to your tented camp, join us for dinner in the boma of the Fairmont Mara Safari Club.


    Meals:   Breakfast   Lunch   Dinner
  13. Day 13
    Fly to Kigali, Rwanda

    Fly this morning to Kigali airport in Rwanda, home to Volcanoes National Park and the forested habitat of endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. A late afternoon arrival at your Serena Hotel is followed by dinner at leisure.


    Meals:   Breakfast   Lunch   Dinner
  14. Day 14
    Kigali coffee & Dian Fossey's gorilla legacy

    Embark this morning on a drive through the countryside to the city of Musanze at the base of Volcanoes National Park, where eight ancient volcanoes watch over the wildlife that thrives here. Check into your grass-thatched traditional Rwandan lodge, nestled under the eucalyptus trees at the foothills of the Virunga Volcano range, and have lunch before visiting the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund Museum. Learn insights and observations about gorilla behavior in preparation for tomorrow's trek, as well as hear the fascinating story of Dian Fossey's unforgettable quest to save the mountain gorilla.


    Meals:   Breakfast   Lunch   Dinner
  15. Day 15
    Gorilla Trek in Volcanoes National Park

    Rise early for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity you'll not soon forget. Drive to the headquarters of Volcanoes National Park where a briefing by your expert mountain guides answers any questions you may have about your trek into the wilderness and a dance performance as you eat your boxed breakfast whets your appetite for today's gorilla adventure. Climb aboard a safari vehicle as you make your way to the trailhead where your gorilla trek begins. You will be assigned a porter who will help carry your provisions and cameras and lead you to the gorilla family you are here to meet. Once the gorillas are located, you will have the rare opportunity to watch them interact with each other, and you if they choose! When your hour-long visit is up, head back to the lodge for lunch and an afternoon at leisure. A local expert presents an informative lecture this afternoon about the endangered mountain gorillas you were privileged to see. Join us tonight for a farewell reception and dinner at the lodge.


    Meals:   Breakfast   Lunch   Dinner
  16. Day 16
    Journey Home

    Tour ends: Kigali. Depart your hotel after breakfast for your journey back to Kigali, stopping en route to visit the Genocide Memorial Museum. Pay tribute to the 800,000 Rwandans who lost their lives during the atrocities of 1994 and discover how Rwanda was able to come together, heal and move forward into the future with hope and resilience. Continue to the Kigali Serena Hotel where Tauck has reserved day rooms for you until your flight home this evening. Airport transfers are included from Kigali Serena Hotel to Kigali International Airport. Allow a minimum of three hours for flight check in at the airport.


    Meals:   Breakfast   Lunch

OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-935-2620

Inclusions

From the Big Five to silverback Mountain Gorillas, wildlife is the draw on this 16-day safari in Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda, where game drives and a special mountain trek reward with once-in-a-lifetime encounters with animals, both endemic and endangered... highlighted by an opportunity to "meet" a gorilla family living in the wilds of Rwanda and a visit to the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund Museum, dedicated to saving the endangered mountain gorilla.Gorillas in your midst... Spend the last three nights of your 16-day African safari to Kenya and Tanzania in Rwanda, home to some of the last remaining mountain gorillas on Earth. Learn insights and observations about gorilla behavior at private lectures and during a visit to the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund Museum before your once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trek begins. A private porter will carry your provisions as an expert guide leads you into the wilderness for your gorilla encounter. Once the gorillas are located, you will have the rare opportunity to watch them interact with each other – and you if they choose! Your adventure includes talks by conservationists working to save these endangered gorillas from extinction. All departures are small groups, limited to 24 guests. Special experiences include; game drives in the national parks of Tanzania and Kenya; private lecture on famous elephants of Amboseli and anti-poaching efforts; a hot air balloon ride at dawn followed by a champagne breakfast in the bush; and a guided gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park for a one-hour gorilla family visit and a private lecture on conservation programs underway in Rwanda.

  • Private Gorilla Trek in Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park to interact with endangered Mountain Gorillas
  • On-Tour Air (5 flights)
  • Intimate safari groups limited to just 24 Tauck guests; game drives in 6-passenger, open-top vehicles with window seats for everyone, led by expert guides
  • Multiple-night stays in the legendary Serengeti National Park, Maasai Mara game reserve, and Amboseli National Park, with daily game drives

Health and Safety Protocols for Tauck Tours

Traveling with Peace of Mind
Our commitment never wavers – to earn your trust by always doing the right thing. As we explore the world together again, this will be more important than ever as we adapt to living and traveling in the presence of COVID-19.

Tauck is 97-years young this year, and our ability to weather many storms over the decades is a result of our values and beliefs – as a family and as a family-owned and led company. In addition to the guiding light of these values, our extensive experience, local knowledge and global support network help to ensure your safety on every Tauck journey. Building upon our bedrock of award-winning guest care, we have worked tirelessly to prepare for your return following the COVID-19 hiatus in travel. With guidance from leading experts, including the CDC and WHO, together with our internal Global Response Team and, most importantly, with feedback from thousands of our guests, we have redefined how we will conduct our experiences as we resume travel.

Tauck is Prepared for the Unexpected
For decades, Tauck has operated in over 70 countries in all 7 continents. Over this time, our staff and network of supplier partners have always been there to support our guests and team on the road. Our guests travel with a comprehensive, built-in support system that starts with the care and local knowledge of our Tauck Directors and extends to our network of partners around the world, including hoteliers and transportation companies.

At the core of our ability to quickly and effectively respond to the unexpected is our Global Response Team - a group of over 50 employees across all departments who stand ready to spring into action around the world. This team has plenty of experience, from weather events, high and low water on rivers, earthquakes, volcanic ash, civil unrest and work stoppages. They have also dealt with past virus outbreaks including the SARS and Zika viruses.

The Tauck Travel Well Pledge
Before we operate tours and cruises, all Tauck employees, our supplier partners and our guests will take Tauck’s Travel Well Pledge.

As a company, we will follow our enhanced protocols with diligence and rigor; review them frequently as the landscape changes and always make common-sense decisions grounded in purpose and pride. We embrace these new and necessary measures to combat COVID-19 and will do our very best to provide the Tauck care we have been honored to deliver for 97 years.

OUR NEW HEALTH & SAFETY PROTOCOLS
Consistent with our commitment to the well-being of our guests, we are implementing enhanced health and safety protocols. These protocols may vary by geographic regions and will certainly evolve over time, as science and society respond to new realities:

Tauck Staff
Prior to interacting with guests, each member of Tauck’s field staff is trained in enhanced protocols and participates in a personal health screening.

Once on tour, our Tauck Directors and supporting staff are responsible for maintaining these protocols with a special focus on cleanliness and physical distancing. They will relay critical information regarding requirements, advise when protocols are mandatory – such as wearing a face covering in group settings – and help facilitate guest care through communication with appropriate parties should a guest become ill on tour. All Tauck staff will adhere to the same requirements.

Guest Responsibility
When joining a Tauck journey, every guest is responsible for their own health and, in turn, the protection of their fellow travelers, the Tauck staff, our suppliers and the places we visit. Guests will pledge to follow the direction of the Tauck staff and adhere to health and safety protocols.

Guests are expected to wear face coverings in all group settings, to wash their hands frequently and to adhere to supplier and government regulations. While supplies of face coverings, gloves, and hand sanitizer will be available, guests are asked to bring such personal items for their own comfort.

Small is BIG
For many years, Tauck has emphasized and invested in more choices of activities, resulting in smaller groups for activities like sightseeing and events. This is consistent with our mantra that “Small is Big” – small groups and smaller ships with fewer guests.

We initially focused on these elements to improve the guest experience. Yet today they take on an additional dimension; small group experiences and more personal space are critical in providing the peace of mind our guests expect. Accordingly, we are offering even more small group experiences and limiting guest numbers across all of our journeys.

We have been working diligently with our partners to be prepared to welcome you back when the time is right.
Tauck has worked meticulously with our global supplier partners to plan for every itinerary following the hiatus in travel. All partners, whether they be a hotel, museum, small ship/riverboat, restaurant or other partner, have been thoughtful about how to provide a Tauck experience in this environment.

And while it's impossible to list all of the enhanced health and safety protocols for the hundreds of Tauck partners across the globe, we would like to share a representative sample of what you can expect:

Hotels
Our hotel partners all have world-class health and safety protocols. However, these guidelines may vary depending on local situations and regulations. Here are some typical examples:

  • Upon-arrival, health questionnaires and temperature checks may be required. Some hotels may even require daily temperature scans.
  • Social distancing may be required in public areas, bars and restaurants.
  • High-touch areas such as railings, door handles and elevators will undergo enhanced cleaning.
  • In-room measures may include removal of tent cards and magazines. Common use items, such as coffee makers and minibar amenities may be on demand.
  • High-touch areas, such as light switches, thermostats, remote controls and door handles will be subject to enhanced and frequent cleaning.
  • Guests will have the option to determine housekeeping frequency.
  • All hotel staff will undergo daily health screenings.

Ships and Riverboats
We have worked closely with our cruise partners to ensure the best possible health and safety protocols and to ensure the care and service you expect from Tauck:

  • Guests on cruises and river journeys will be required to complete a health questionnaire and will undergo a temperature check prior to boarding. In some instances, our ship partners will conduct daily temperature checks.
  • Face coverings and physical distancing will be required in most public spaces for guests and crew alike.
  • Meals may be offered at staggered times and self-serve buffets will be eliminated.
  • In-cabin measures include removing common use items. Coffee makers, minibar amenities and housekeeping will be on demand at guest discretion.
  • Ship staff will undergo daily health screenings.
  • All vessels will have medical staff onboard.

Sightseeing and Local Activities
Many of our experiences are exclusive and/or private and that’s important in taking care of you. Whether it be a guided tour, a visit to an iconic museum or private home, a musical performance, or any other special Tauck activities, we are applying the same rigor to health and safety protocols:

  • Tauck listening devices will be sanitized thoroughly and frequently.
  • Sightseeing is being adjusted to ensure proper physical distancing.
  • Admission times at venues may be altered to ensure no crowding.
  • Paper tickets, handouts and the like may be eliminated.

Dining
Tauck has always been known for a la carte dining; having more freedom to decide when and with whom to dine now has more value than ever. Additionally, our partners whether they be hotels, ships, special venues or restaurants, are raising their already rigorous hygienic standards. Here are some examples:

  • Waitstaff will likely be wearing face coverings and gloves.
  • Seating will be adjusted to accommodate physical distancing.
  • Self-serve buffets will be eliminated. Common use menus will no longer be used unless sanitized.

On-Tour Transportation
Keeping on-tour transportation safe is a major focus of our team who has worked with hundreds of partners to ensure continuity in health and safety protocols:

  • On motorcoaches and other on-tour ground transportation, such as airport transfers, guest should expect physical distancing and will be required to wear face coverings.
  • Prior to each trip, our motorcoaches, vans, airport transfer vehicles and on-tour aircraft will undergo a deep sanitizing process.
  • Luggage may also be sanitized at each movement.
  • Drivers will wear gloves and face coverings during all guest-facing interactions.
  • Drivers will frequently clean handrails, door handles, arm rests, tables, seats, air conditioning/HVAC units, restrooms and overhead storage areas.

Our Supplier Partners are ready for you
Tauck is proud to have worked closely with our partners around the world, many of them for decades, to deliver the quality, comfort and safety you expect. Whether it be hotels and resorts, riverboats and small ships, restaurants, event venues or transportation companies, their meticulous health and safety protocols reflect their leadership and well-earned respect in the travel industry. The following are some select health and safety protocols. We will update these on a regular basis.

In addition to our supplier partners, we have also been actively engaged with global travel organizations to standardize health and safety protocols throughout the travel industry. TourCare is one example:

TourCare are health and sanitation guidelines developed by the tour industry's major global associations: the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA), The Canadian Association of Tour Operators (CATO) and the European Tourism Association (ETOA). Tauck, and our supplier partners, meet and exceed these guidelines that require members to adhere to the highest standards in the industry.

OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-935-2620

Accommodations


One&Only Gorilla's Nest
Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti
Gran Meliá Arusha
Kigali Serena Hotel
Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club
Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge
Fairmont Mara Safari Club
Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge

OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-935-2620

Questions & Answers

Question: How many suitcases can I take with me on my trip?

Each person is allowed one "check-in," and one "carry-on." Remember to take all valuables with you as "carry-on", because electronic equipment, cameras, laptops, jewelry, business documents and money are not covered by the airlines' liability, so always carry them aboard with you.

Question: Is Airfare Included in the Price?

Airfare from your point of origin to and from the trip is not included in the land price.

Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
5
Accommodations
5
Itinerary
5
Professional Staff
5
Repeat with Operator
5
Value for Money
5

Ratings based off 1 reviews - currently showing 1 reviews with comments only

I definitely would book another tour with Affordable Tours especially using Aga Olewinska. She provided excellent customer service and very timely in her response to any of my inquiries. Really a joy to work with and I have even told our friends and neighbors about her.

You May Also Like


AffordableTours.com® does not itself offer, service or administer the Travel Packages, and the ultimate terms and conditions of any Travel Package made available via the Site Offerings (including the prices quoted in connection with same) will be determined by the applicable Third-Party Travel Service Provider. AffordableTours.com® does not represent or warrant that the Price Quotes are accurate, up-to-date or free of error, or that same will be honored by the applicable Third-Party Travel Service Providers. All Price Quotes, Travel Package availability, Travel Package details/itinerary and other Content are subject to change without notice. All travel details published by and through the Site Offerings should be confirmed directly with the applicable Third-Party Travel Service Provider prior to making any travel plans. Reliance on any information made available to you by and through the Site Offerings is solely at your own risk.

Call Us Now 1-800-935-2620

How It Works

Vacationing has never been easier or cheaper with the help of a dedicated travel consultant from AffordableTours.com

Freq Quote 1. Free Quote

Find your perfect trip on our website and simply request a free quote. Need to speak to a live person? Call us 7 days a week at 1-800-935-2620. No robots here!

Dedicated Travel Consultant 2. Dedicated Travel Consultant

Your personal travel consultant will reach out and be your point of contact for your entire travel experience from start to finish. Did we mention you'll be working with an award winning team? Sweet!

Low Price Guaranteed 3. Lowest Price Guaranteed

Because we're one of the largest sellers of travel, we're able to give you a discount on your vacation package. No one beats our prices!

Stress Free Travel 4. Stress Free Travel

Knowing you got the best deal, all that's left is for you to pack your bags and enjoy your vacation!


Better Business Bureau

AffordableTours.com is a proud recipient of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) awards 2006-2022 with A+ Rating.

It Pays To Refer! Earn Up To $200!

It's simple: Sign up your friends, family, and anyone to us and when they book you will receive an American Express gift card worth up to $200 in the mail for simply referring.

Read About Our Referral Program


Get discounts by Email!