Signature: Tanzania, Kenya & Rwanda — Savannah to the Rainforest

The adventure begins tomorrow. Feel free to explore on your own before your welcome meeting on the morning of day two. Check for the meeting time in the welcome note at the hotel.

You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.

Your opportunity to meet your Expedition Leader and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group on the morning of day two.

Enjoy a National Geographic Expert-led talk given by Dr. Laly Lichtenfeld where she will discuss African People & Wildlife (APW), co-founded in 2005 by herself and Charles Trout. Their mission? A world where Africa's people and wildlife not just coexist, but thrive together in healthy landscapes. Learn about innovative efforts on the ground and how community engagement plays a role in successful, lasting outcomes.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle. You will be able to search for wildlife after passing into Tarangire National Park along the way to your lodge stay.

Enjoy the wildlife viewing opportunities inside Tarangire National Park. Admire the ancient baobab trees and the presence of far fewer crowds, in this lesser-known, but mighty national park.

Enjoy free time to relax and take advantage of the property amenities. There will be sunset drinks and another expert discussion before dinner at the lodge.

Enjoy the scenery on the drive from Tarangire to Ngorongoro. The entire Ngorongoro Conservation Area is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for both its natural and cultural significance. Once through the gate, the group will drive 45 minutes to the lodge with a stop at the crater view point on the rim of the world's largest intact volcanic caldera in northern Tanzania.

Meet with representatives from KopeLion, which was founded with the aim of finding a working model for coexistence together with the pastoralist communities, and alongside the conservation authorities in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The group will be taken into the field to meet staff and see firsthand how the organization helps people live alongside lions on a daily basis. Many of the activities that are part of the visit will be demonstrated in a Maasai boma setting, adding a real-life glimpse into the harmony between humans and wildlife.

Set an alarm and rise early and descend to the Ngorongoro crater floor for a morning wildlife safari drive and a bush brunch. Here you’ll see Maasai herdsmen in the morning mist and all the best spots to view wildlife. Spot zebra, gazelles, buffaloes, and warthogs. The swamp and forest are home to hippos, rhinos, elephants, baboons, and monkeys. Keep your eyes peeled and camera ready to capture a pride of lions or a lone leopard walking along the crater floor. Enjoy brunch in the bush amid the sounds of the wild.

Enjoy an afternoon to relax, enjoy the amenities of the lodge, opt for a guided walk on the rim of the crater, and later watch the sun set over the crater from the lodge.

During a discussion this afternoon, learn more about conservation through tourism from one of your National Geographic Experts on tour.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

The Olduvai Gorge is a steep ravine in the Great Rift Valley of Tanzania. It is one of the world’s most important paleoanthropological sites. Beginning in 1931, excavations by Louis Leakey revealed evidence of early man dating back nearly 2 million years. Enjoy a private visit to the Olduvai museum and see bone fossils along with fragments of ancient stone tools, and depart with an intriguing glimpse into the origin and evolution of man in the Serengeti Plains of Africa. The group will also see the Mary Leakey Living Museum.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle between Olduvai Gorge and your lodge in Serengeti National Park. Please note there will be an hour-long picnic lunch stop at the Naabi Hill Gate. The remainder of the drive will be a safari through the park to the lodge in the Central Serengeti.

Begin the day with a morning safari drive in the Central Serengeti for a classic African wildlife experience. The park is known for its consistent and exceptional wildlife viewing year-round.

Listen to an expert talk before lunch and then enjoy a few hours of free time around the middle, hottest part of the day. Sample the lodge's amenities or lounge with a good book. The group will reconvene for high tea together before the afternoon safari drive.

Enjoy an afternoon safari drive in the heart of Tanzania's Serengeti National Park. With luck, you may encounter the impressive herds of the famed wildebeest migration.

Begin the day with a morning safari drive in the Central Serengeti for a classic African wildlife experience. The park is known for its consistent and exceptional wildlife viewing year-round.

Enjoy free time at the lodge to try out the various amenities available to guests. During the hottest part of the day, it's best to relax and recharge before more time in the bush. The group will reconvene for high tea before the afternoon safari drive.

Enjoy an afternoon safari drive in the heart of Tanzania's Serengeti National Park. With luck, you may encounter the impressive herds of the famed wildebeest migration.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Sit back and enjoy the views from above on a short flight between Serengeti National Park and Arusha.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle between the airport and the hotel in Arusha. Here, have lunch, refresh, and wait for your departing flight.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Bid farewell to Tanzania as you take to the skies en route to Kenya.

You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Depart on your flight from Wilson Airport, crossing the Equator to Northern Kenya's remote Samburu Kalama Airstrip.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Explore Samburu’s dramatic red-earth wilderness in the late afternoon, tracking iconic wildlife through the sun-baked terrain.

On your journey to the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, transition from a relaxed wildlife drive into a scenic and culturally rich off-road expedition that passes through traditional Samburu Maasai villages.

Meet a researcher at the Reteti Visitor Centre before viewing a private feeding session. Highlighting the meaningful work of Reteti’s passionate team of Samburu keepers, researchers, and rangers, the centre is also a testimony to generations of coexistence between the area’s Indigenous people and the wildlife with whom they share this land.

Take in the savanna scenery as you make your way back to the lodge.

Set out at dawn across acacia-dotted plains to track iconic wildlife. Keep your binoculars ready to spot grazing elephants, migrating wildebeest, and stealthy predators at their most active. Experience East Africa’s raw, untamed beauty firsthand.

Venture into the rugged expanses of Samburu as the midday heat gives way to a gentle, golden light. Scan the Ewaso Ng’iro River banks and thornbush scrub for Northern Kenya’s rare "Samburu Special Five"—including reticulated giraffes and Grevy’s zebras. Watch predators emerge from the shade as you immerse yourself in an untamed, dramatic landscape rarely touched by crowds.

Gather beneath a canopy of stars as your resident naturalist guides you through the celestial wonders adorning the Samburu sky. Decode the ancient "living calendar" of the wilderness, learning how Northern Kenya’s indigenous communities have long used these constellations to navigate the rugged landscapes.

Take in the rolling grasslands from a private vehicle as you transfer from your Samburu lodge to the Kalama Airstrip.

Depart Samburu on your AirKenya flight for the Maasai Mara National Reserve.

Venture into the Maasai Mara’s sweeping grasslands just as the afternoon heat begins to soften and the savanna springs back to life. Scan the golden plains for grazing elephants, prides of lions, and elusive leopards descending from acacia branches.

Set out at first light across the golden, acacia-dotted savannas of the Maasai Mara to track legendary wildlife. Raise your binoculars to scan sweeping grasslands for roaming elephant herds, wildebeest, and prowling lions at their most active. Connect directly with the raw, untamed spirit of the Mara.

Savor an exclusive open-air breakfast served in the heart of the Maasai Mara, where the golden savanna is your dining room. Toast the sunrise with freshly brewed Kenyan coffee as wildlife grazes in the distance, elevating a classic safari tradition into an unforgettable, immersive encounter with nature.

Venture into the Maasai Mara’s sweeping grasslands just as the afternoon heat begins to soften and the savanna springs back to life. Scan the golden plains for grazing elephants, prides of lions, and elusive leopards descending from acacia branches.

Venture into the Maasai Mara’s sweeping grasslands just as the afternoon heat begins to soften and the savanna springs back to life. Scan the golden plains for grazing elephants, prides of lions, and elusive leopards descending from acacia branches.

Set out at first light across the golden, acacia-dotted savannas of the Maasai Mara to track legendary wildlife. Raise your binoculars to scan sweeping grasslands for roaming elephant herds, wildebeest, and prowling lions at their most active. Connect directly with the raw, untamed spirit of the Mara.

Board your flight out of the Maasai Mara, bidding farewell to the savanna as you return to Nairobi.

Step inside Amani ya Juu, a sanctuary where women from across post-colonial East Africa find safety, empowerment, and economic independence through fair-trade entrepreneurship. Tour the vibrant workshop to watch artisans transform local fabrics into culturally symbolic handicrafts. Conclude your visit by sharing an authentic, locally sourced lunch prepared by community youth, engaging in meaningful conversation that connects you to the resilient spirit of Nairobi.

Bid farewell to Kenya as you fly west to Kigali, Rwanda.

You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.

Gain a deeper understanding of one of the defining events in Rwanda’s history during a privately guided visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre. Set upon the quiet hillside where more than 250,000 victims rest, this sacred sanctuary opened in 2004 to preserve the memory of the 1994 genocide. Walk through the solemn exhibition halls together, reflecting on the lingering history and the intense reality captured within the exhibits. Step outside into the serene gardens, surrounded by whispering trees and flickering flames of remembrance. Afterward, gather for a deeply moving private Q&A session with a survivor. Listen as they share their personal story of courage, healing, and forgiveness, offering an unforgettable testament to the enduring strength and hope of the Rwandan spirit.

Step into the vibrant heart of Kigali’s Nyamirambo neighbourhood for an interactive experience at the Nyamirambo Women's Centre, a cherished G for Good initiative. Feel the warmth of community as local women welcome you into their space, sharing stories of independence and growth. Sit alongside skilled artisans, selecting brightly dyed sisal and natural fibres. Under their gentle guidance, learn the intricate rhythm of traditional Rwandan basket weaving, wrapping each thread with care. Watch geometric patterns take shape beneath your hands as shared stories and laughter fill the room. Craft your own unique souvenir to take home—a meaningful keepsake of living artistry that directly supports women’s empowerment in the community.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Step into history at the Nyanza Cultural Open Air Museum, the historical seat of the Rwandan monarchy. Stand before reconstructed royal residences, where soaring bee-hive architecture and intricate woven reeds showcase the refined craftsmanship of the ancient kingdom. Explore curated exhibition spaces filled with traditional weapons, woven shields, and sacred regalia that illuminate centuries of royal tradition. Outdoors, meet the majestic Inyambo—royal long-horned cattle revered for their grace—and listen to traditional herders sing rhythmic, melodic praise songs as they groom the beasts. As part of Rwanda’s Heritage Trail, this living museum offers a vivid, educational window into the rich royal legacy that shaped the heart of the nation.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Venture into the lush, ancient rainforest of Nyungwe National Park, guided by a park ranger. Trek through dense emerald canopies and moss-draped trees, listening for the distinctive calls of wild chimpanzees reverberating through the forest. Navigate winding, forested trails as your guide tracks fresh footpaths and nests. Upon locating a habituated troop, spend a spellbinding hour observing their remarkably human-like behaviour.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Join your Expedition Leader for a scenic tour of a local tea estate, taking in sweeping views of verdant hillside rows. Head into the fields to participate in an interactive tea-picking experience alongside local workers at Ivomo, an eco-friendly initiative dedicated to promoting community well-being through sustainable agriculture.

If you wish to rest after your early morning exploration, unwind with a quiet afternoon relaxing by the pool.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle, with a stop for an early lunch along the way.

Step into the sanctuary of the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, nestled against the misty slopes of Volcanoes National Park. Enjoy private, behind-the-scenes access alongside a senior staff member, discovering six decades of gorilla protection and scientific research. Explore the interactive conservation gallery, stepping inside a replica of Dian Fossey’s forest cabin to view original artifacts and immersive 360-degree exhibits. Gain special entry into working research laboratories to meet resident scientists and learn firsthand about genetics, tracking, and habitat restoration. Conclude with a stroll along native forest trails, witnessing how modern science and local community engagement unite to safeguard endangered mountain gorillas.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Depart early for Volcanoes National Park to join a park ranger for a morning orientation. Set off into the misty cloud forest, trekking through dense bamboo groves and ancient foliage as you search for a resident gorilla family. The journey varies in length and terrain, following the subtle paths carved by these gentle giants through their natural habitat. Upon finding the family, spend a serene, profound hour silently observing their social bonds, playful juveniles, and majestic silverbacks—a rare encounter taking place in the very forest where National Geographic Grantee Dian Fossey conducted her landmark research for 18 years.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Spend time unwinding at the lodge, where you may choose to indulge in a relaxing massage or rejuvenating spa treatment (at additional cost), or simply soak in the peaceful surroundings.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Rise early to trek through the bamboo-laden slopes of Volcanoes National Park in search of the endangered golden monkey. Guided by a park ranger, navigate the lush, mossy trails of the Virunga Mountains, listening for the rustle of leaves and high-pitched calls in the canopy above. Upon locating the habituated troop, spend a spellbinding hour observing these energetic primates as they leap effortlessly between stalks, forage for fresh shoots, and groom one another in the dappled forest sunlight. Watch their striking gold-and-black coats flash through the emerald backdrop before descending the trail to reflect on this extraordinary wildlife encounter.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Climb aboard and settle in for a quick journey on the water, with transfer to and from Meza Malonga.

Gather along the tranquil shores of Lake Ruhondo for an extraordinary 8-course culinary event, looking out over the mirror-like waters toward the Virunga Volcanoes. Hosted at his lakeside culinary school, Pioneer Chef Dieuveil Malonga welcomes you to experience his acclaimed African Fusion cuisine. Inhale the captivating aromas of indigenous spices, local herbs, and fresh ingredients sourced directly from surrounding farming communities. Each meticulously crafted course tells a story of the continent's rich gastronomic heritage, blending traditional African flavours with refined modern techniques. Savor this sensory feast alongside the chef himself, celebrating innovation, culture, and community empowerment through the universal language of food.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.