Peaks & Plains: The Singita East Africa Expedition
itinerary highlights
The name Singita translates to “Place of Miracles,” a title that perfectly captures the essence of the continent's most elite safari experience. Renowned globally for setting the gold standard in ultra-luxury travel, the brand seamlessly weaves world-class hospitality together with a deep, uncompromising commitment to ecological conservation and community empowerment. Tailored precisely for seasoned safari connoisseurs and travelers who refuse to compromise on quality, this masterfully curated 10-night journey links Tanzania’s legendary Serengeti ecosystem with the emerald, cloud-shrouded peaks of Rwanda.
Your adventure begins amidst the rolling hills of a historic Tanzanian coffee estate before taking flight to a trio of distinct, highly exclusive Singita reserves across the Serengeti. Here, you will navigate remote migration corridors and pristine savannas on private, expert-led game drives. The journey then transitions to the dramatic landscapes of Rwanda, where you will check into a transformative mountain sanctuary designed to mirror the resilient spirit of the land. Over three unforgettable days, you will trek through ancient bamboo forests to come face-to-face with endangered mountain gorillas and rare golden monkeys. Complete with private charter flights and a spectacular final helicopter transfer, this definitive East African expedition delivers a profound, seamless immersion into the heart of the wild.
when to visit
Peak Dry Season (June 1 – August 31):
The premier window for both destinations. The Serengeti vegetation clears, concentrating massive herds around permanent water sources, while the mountain trails of Rwanda are significantly drier, making the gorilla and golden monkey treks much easier to navigate.
Shoulder Season
(September 1 – October 31):
A fantastic choice for travelers seeking a quieter, more intimate atmosphere. Wildlife remains highly concentrated in the northern Serengeti, and the weather in Volcanoes National Park remains excellent for trekking before the short November rains arrive.
detailed itinerary
Day 1:
Arrival in Kilimanjaro & Transfer to Arusha
Touch down at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where your private guide will warmly greet you and provide a comfortable chauffeur service to the historic safari outpost of Arusha. Your retreat for the evening is Legendary Lodge, an enchanting luxury estate nestled within a thriving, active coffee plantation on the city's edge. The property’s 12 private garden cottages feature expansive, secluded verandas looking out toward the striking silhouette of Mount Meru. Inside, the design effortlessly blends romantic colonial-era elegance with contemporary comforts and authentic African aesthetics. Spend your hours adapting to the local rhythm—stroll the lush grounds, enjoy flexible gourmet dining at the old farmhouse, or indulge in a restorative body treatment at the wellness spa to soothe any travel fatigue.
Overnight: Legendary Lodge Arusha
(Lunch & Dinner included)
Days 2 & 3:
The Lamai Triangle | Singita Mara River Tented Camp
Following an alfresco breakfast, a private transfer escorts you to the airstrip for a scenic charter flight into the northern Serengeti's remote Lamai Triangle. Spanning 98,000 acres of a highly restricted private concession, this pristine wilderness sits directly on the banks of the iconic Mara River—the dramatic stage for the legendary Great Migration crossings. Your home base is Mara River Tented Camp, a sophisticated, eco-conscious property that offers a brilliant, modern twist on traditional canvas safaris. Operating entirely off the grid, the camp’s bohemian-chic layout uses bright, expressive colors and sophisticated textures to encourage an unfiltered connection with nature. Over the next two days, explore this wildlife haven on morning and afternoon game drives led by elite naturalist guides, watching for lions, leopards, cheetahs, and massive elephant herds. In between drives, unwind with open-air yoga, meditation, or stargazing from your private deck.
Overnight: Singita Mara River Tented Camp
(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included)
Days 4 & 5:
The Plains of Grumeti | Singita Sabora Tented Camp
Board a private charter aircraft today and fly south into the exclusive 138,000-hectare Grumeti Reserve. Your destination is Singita Sabora, an intimate sanctuary that reimagines the romance and high style of a 1920s explorer’s encampment. Positioned directly on the vast, game-rich savanna plains, the camp’s nine opulent canvas suites are lavishly dressed with fine antiques, rich textiles, and unique Zanzibari treasures. Your days here focus on discovering the area's rich biodiversity, culminating in dramatic night game drives that use spotlights to reveal Africa’s elusive nocturnal predators. For an even closer look at the bush, embark on an immersive guided walking safari or visit a nearby village to witness firsthand how sustainable tourism directly empowers the local Tanzanian communities.
Overnight: Singita Sabora Tented Camp
(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included)
Days 6 & 7:
Wilderness Refined | Singita Faru Faru Lodge
Bid farewell to Sabora as you journey alongside your private guide via open-top Land Rover to the nearby Faru Faru Lodge. Though located within the same private reserve, Faru Faru introduces a completely unique atmosphere, leaning into a striking aesthetic that blends traditional African craftsmanship with minimalist Danish simplicity. The organically structured lodge is positioned directly over a busy watering hole, ensuring that nature and passing wildlife always command center stage. Gather with fellow travelers at the signature 'bar-deli' or the interactive exhibition kitchen, relax beside two refreshing swimming pools, or keep up with your wellness routine at the fitness studio. Daily game drives and optional walking safaris ensure spectacular, up-close wildlife encounters throughout your stay.
Overnight: Singita Faru Faru Lodge
(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included)
Day 8:
Into the Land of a Thousand Hills | Singita Kwitonda Lodge
Savor a final breakfast out in the Serengeti bush before boarding your international charter flight to Rwanda. Upon landing in Kigali, your private guide will escort you on a poignant, educational visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial at Gisozi—a powerful space dedicated to remembrance, peace, and survivor support. Afterward, embark on a highly scenic drive through the emerald valleys and rolling peaks of the countryside until you reach Volcanoes National Park. Hugging the park's edge, Singita Kwitonda Lodge stands as Rwanda's premier luxury lodge, offering unrivaled proximity to the natural habitat of the world's remaining mountain gorillas. The property features eight beautifully appointed contemporary suites outfitted with indoor and outdoor fireplaces, private heated plunge pools, and artisanal, handcrafted details that reflect the resilient, nurturing spirit of Rwanda.
Overnight: Singita Kwitonda Lodge
(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included)
Day 9:
Tracking the Golden Monkeys
Step into the dense bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park this morning for your first primate tracking experience. Your target is the lively Golden Monkey, an endangered and striking species found exclusively within the high-altitude volcanic canopy of the Virunga Mountains. This rewarding trek serves as the perfect introduction to the terrain ahead of tomorrow's grand adventure. Return to the lodge for a refined lunch, leaving your afternoon wide open. You can choose to hike to Dian Fossey’s historic gravesite, explore the subterranean Musanze Caves, or immerse yourself in the local culture at Gasura village. If you prefer to stay in, enjoy a personalized cooking class with Kwitonda's master chefs or simply relax in your private heated plunge pool.
Overnight: Singita Kwitonda Lodge
(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included)
Day 10:
Encountering the Gentle Giants
Today marks the defining pinnacle of your journey. Following an early breakfast, make the short 10-minute drive to the park headquarters for a 7:00 AM briefing. Matched with an expert park ranger, you will set off into the dramatic, misty cloud forest to locate one of the area's habituated mountain gorilla families. Because the gorillas move daily, the length of your trek can range from a couple of hours to a full-day expedition through thick vegetation. Coming face-to-face with these majestic, gentle giants in their untouched natural habitat is a profoundly transformative experience. Return to the lodge later in the afternoon to gather around the roaring central fire pit and reflect on an unforgettable day.
Overnight: Singita Kwitonda Lodge
(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included)
Day 11:
Panoramic Helicopter Transfer to Kigali
After a relaxing morning taking in the mountain views, conclude your East African journey with the ultimate grand finale: a private, 45-minute helicopter flight over the breathtaking "land of a thousand hills" back to Kigali. This thrilling aerial transfer provides spectacular, bird's-eye photographic opportunities of the volcanic peaks and emerald valleys below. Upon arrival at the airport, check into the international terminal for your flight home.
Day rooms in Kigali can easily be arranged to freshen up, depending on your flight schedule. (Breakfast included)
