8-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trek & Maasai Mara Safari

This safari combines two of East Africa’s most unforgettable wildlife experiences. Begin in Rwanda’s misty mountains tracking endangered mountain gorillas, then continue to Kenya’s Maasai Mara where vast savannahs host lions, elephants, and the famous Great Migration.

Safari Highlights:

• Kigali – 1 Night: The Retreat, Kigali
• Volcanoes – 2 Nights–Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel/Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
• Nairobi – 1 Night: Hemingways Nairobi/Tamarind Hotel
• Maasai Mara – 3 Nights: Kichwa Tembo Camp/Angama Mara/Sanctuary Olonana Luxury Lodge

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Kigali – Arrival & transfer to the hotel

Upon arrival at Kigali international airport, you will go through custom and immigration, and you will be met by our company guide who will warmly welcome you and transfer you to the hotel for overnight stay.

Overnight: The Retreat

Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast

Day 2: Kigali– Transfer to Volcanoes (Travel Time +2hrs)

You will be picked from Kigali hotel and immediately depart for Musanze near Volcanoes National Park. You will drive in rolling hills with spectacular views of the valleys, with great plantations. Arrive in time for lunch, afternoon is spent on leisure.

Overnight: The Bishop House/Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3:  Gorilla Trekking

Begin the day with breakfast ready for trekking, which begins at 7:00 am with a pre-tracking briefing from the Rwanda park officials. This trek is a guided one and it takes 2 – 6 hours depending on where the group assigned is that particular day but meeting them is guaranteed.

In the afternoon, you can either relax by the lodge, have massage or visit Iby’ Iwacu cultural center to learn more about the local community.

What to carry/wear – rain jacket, drinking water, snacks, jungle boots, packed lunch, walking stick.

Overnight: The Bishop House/Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4: Volcanoes – Kigali Airport – Transfer to Nairobi  

After early breakfast, depart Volcanoes for Kigali. You may choose to have an early lunch en-route in Kigali or have it in Kigali city. In the afternoon, you will depart for Nairobi. Upon arrival in JKIA, you will be met and be transferred to the hotel for overnight stay.

Overnight: Hemingways/Tamarind

Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast

Day 5: Nairobi – Transfer to Maasai Mara, By Flight (Safarilink, Air Kenya or Governors Aviation)

You will be picked by our drive at 8a.m from Nairobi hotel and be transferred to Wilson Airport for a mid-morning flight to Mara. The flight departs at 10a.m and takes 45 minutes to Mara. Upon landing in the wild, you will be met by our or camp’s guide who will drive you to the camp for lunch with an introductory game drive en route. Another afternoon game drive is at 3/4p.m.

Overnight: Kichwa Tembo/Angama/Sanctuary Olonana

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6 & 7: Maasai Mara – Full day game drive

Spend these 2 day with either full-day game drives or morning & afternoon game drives. Optional activities: Hot air balloon, a visit to Maasai village, guided nature walks, sundowner and bush meals

Overnight: Kichwa Tembo/Angama/Sanctuary Olonana

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8: Maasai Mara – Transfer to Nairobi (By flight)

Have breakfast then you will be transferred to the airstrip for a flight to Nairobi departing at 11.15a.m.  You will arrive at 12.15 p.m. and be transferred to Tamarind Tree hotel for lunch. Later be dropped at the airport.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Rates

Depends on Month of travel

Notes:

• Rates are in USD
• Accommodation is subject to availability
• Safari can depart on preferred date
• Safari start in Kigali and end in Nairobi

Inclusive of;

• 2 Airport transfers in Kigali
• Accommodation in Kigali & Nairobi on Bed & Breakfast
• Transportation by 4 WD safari vehicles (fuel, entry fee where applicable and guide’s allowances)
• Accommodation while on safari on full board basis (all meals included)
• The costs also cover the services of English speaking driver/guide
• Drinking water in the vehicle
• Park entrance fees
• One gorilla permit per person ($1500)
• Internal flight – Kigali – Nairobi & Nairobi – Mara – Nairobi
• Lunch in Nairobi on the last day before drop off

Excluded:

• International flights
• Personal Travel insurance
• Visa Fees
• Drinks
• Tips
• Optional Activities: Balloon ride, a visit to Maasai Village and any other interested activity
• Souvenirs and any other items of personal nature