8 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trek & Maasai Mara Safari

Tour Plan

This 8-day East Africa safari combines the rare experience of gorilla trekking in Rwanda with the abundant diverse wildlife of Kenya’s Maasai Mara.

Begin in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, where you will trek through misty forests for a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with mountain gorillas.

You will then fly to Kenya for three nights in the Maasai Mara, renowned for exceptional Big Five game viewing and vast open plains.

Blending primate encounters with classic safari experiences, this itinerary offers a unique and well-balanced journey across two of Africa’s most celebrated destinations.

 

Safari Summary

• Start/End: Arusha/Kilimanjaro
• Status: Private Tour, departs on any day, open all year round
• Vehicle used: : 4/4 Land Cruiser
• Accommodations: Tented Camp/Lodge
• Serengeti – 3 Night & Zanzibar– 4 Nights

 

Detailed Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Kigali – Arrival

Arrive at Kigali Airport and be transferred to city hotel for overnight stay.

Overnight: Kigali Serena Hotel/The Manor Kigali

Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast

 

Day 2: Kigali – Transfer to Volcanoes National Park (Approx. 2-3 hours)

You will be picked by our guide from Kigali hotel and head for a Kigali city tour visiting Genocide memorial ground where over 25000 bodies of victims of genocide were given a decent burial.

Later have lunch in a local restaurant before a drive to Musanze, Volcanoes National Park.

Overnight: The Bishop’s House/Five Volcanoes

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 3: Gorilla Trek Experience, transfer to Kigali

Arise early and have breakfast, at 6.30 a.m. thereafter be transferred to the park’s headquarters, Office of Tourism in Kinigi where you are briefed by the park ranger about the rules and regulations governing Gorilla tracking before you head off to the jungle in search for these gentle giants.

The gorilla trek can last from an hour to six hours depending on the gorilla’s movements and although the trek is strenuous it is rewarding at the end.

You will be given an hour with the gorilla to take as many pictures and just enjoy watching them play. You will have picnic lunch and later trek back to start point.

In the afternoon, ready for local community encounter where you visit the Iby’ Iwacu cultural center where you will get to know the real traditional history of Rwanda pas kingship leadership, marriage, beer making, local herbs to mention but a few.

Overnight: The Bishop’s House/Five Volcanoes

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 4: Volcanoes – Kigali Airport (Travel Time +2hrs) – Transfer to Nairobi by flight

After an early morning breakfast, embark on the drive from volcanoes back to Kigali. You will be dropped off at the airport for a late afternoon/early evening flight to Nairobi. Arrive in Nairobi and be picked by our driver and dropped off at booked city hotel.

Overnight: Tamarind Tree Hotel/Nairobi Serena Hotel

Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast

 

Day 5: Nairobi – Transfer to Maasai Mara, Approx. 5 hours

You will be picked by our tour guide/driver from your Nairobi hotel at 6.30a.m. Depart for Mara immediately to arrive in time for lunch. Later have game drive at 3p.m. till 6p.m.

Overnight: Zebra Plains or Basecamp/Sarova Mara/Entim or Mara Bush Camp/Kichwa Tembo

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 6 & 7: Maasai Mara – Full day

Spend this day with a full-day game drive in search of the big five and many other wildlife that inhabits these beautiful savannah plains. There will be picnic lunch on the banks of Mara River.

Optional activities: Hot air balloon & guided nature walks

Overnight: Zebra Plains or Basecamp/Sarova Mara/Entim or Mara Bush Camp/Kichwa Tembo

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 8: Maasai Mara – Transfer to Nairobi

Have another early morning game drive then return to the camp for breakfast. Thereafter depart for Nairobi with lunch en route.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch