Rwanda Gorilla Trekking & Masai Mara Safari

This Rwanda gorilla trekking & Masai Mara Safari itinerary involves tracking mountain gorillas in the forests of Volcanoes National Park, followed by Maasai Mara for remarkable game drives and excursions with the Maasai. An iconic East African safari, passing through the verdant slopes of Rwandan volcanoes that reach into the clouds and the seemingly boundless plains of Kenya.

A Detailed 10 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking & Masai Mara

Day 1 – 4: Volcanoes National Park

Nestled in the country’s far northwest, Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is home to one of the last remaining populations of the mountain gorilla, one of the biggest and most friendly of all the great apes. Your journey will commence at one of our preferred luxury lodges, after which gentle inclines and expansive bush provide seamless tracking and observation of these magnificent creatures.

The park encompasses five of the eight volcanoes in the Virunga mountain massif and is abundantly covered with rainforest, bamboo forest, open grassland, swamps, marshes, and small lakes. It serves as a sanctuary for species such as the golden monkey, bushbuck, and spotted hyena, in addition to a diverse array of avian life.

 

Ten groups inside the park are acclimated to human presence, providing an opportunity to traverse the woodland and experience an enchanting hour with one family group. You will probably arrive at their area during their extended midday repose and recreational interval. During this period, the alpha male, typically a silverback, commonly reclines on the ground or leans against a tree, while juveniles engage in playful activities among the foliage, ascending trees, vines, and one another. Females nurture and engage in play with their offspring.

Accompany your private guide on a stroll to a neighboring Iby’Iwachu  Cultural village. Engage with residents practicing their crafts—from mat weaving to banana beer brewing—and receive an invitation to a private residence to observe the preparation of traditional Rwandan cuisine.

 

Explore the Singita Community Culinary School (SCCS), an exceptional program affiliated with Singita lodges that equips young adults from local communities with professional culinary expertise, while providing you the chance to engage with them and savor Pan-African cuisine through interactive cooking classes.

Engage with the students in the Singita kitchen as they recount their experiences and present remarkable delicacies from various regions of the African continent. You will utilize fresh, locally obtained products and incorporate Pan-African flavors into your culinary expertise.

 

Day 4 – 5: Return to Kigali – 10 Days Rwanda Gorillas & Masai Mara

Return to Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, for a tranquil evening before your journey to Nairobi, Kenya, to the east. Kigali is becoming one of Africa’s hottest tourist locations, including a vibrant art scene, where you will enjoy a tranquil evening experiencing local culture and lifestyle. Your safari driver/tour guide will suggest the finest restaurants and optimal activities in Kigali.

Day 5 – 9:  Masai Mara National Reserve

 

After a brief flight via light aircraft, you will reside for four nights at an exquisite safari camp in the Maasai Mara. Engage in walking excursions with the Maasai and embark on game drives throughout the Mara terrain in pursuit of lions, cheetahs, elephants, rhinos, and several other species.

Between July and October, one may observe the Great Wildlife Migration, during which millions of wildebeest traverse the plains in pursuit of fresh grazing grounds. It is a remarkable spectacle and one of Africa’s foremost wildlife encounters. It should not be overlooked that the Maasai Mara possesses one of the largest densities of species throughout the year. All of the big five can be observed during a visit here, along with substantial pods of hippos lounging in the rivers, cheetahs sprinting across the savannah, and giraffes strolling among the acacia trees.

 

Consider enhancing your wildlife experience by incorporating a hot air balloon safari over the Maasai Mara during your visit to this remarkable region. The unusual bird’s-eye view of the game below and the massive size can be better appreciated from this vantage point. A champagne bush breakfast is prepared for you upon arrival.

Accommodations: The Retreat by Haven, Kigali Serena Hotel.

Accommodation Alternatives: Angama Mara, Governors’ II Moran Camp

Day 10: One Night in Nairobi City

 

Before you go, spend one last night in a quaint hotel in the vibrant city of Nairobi. You will have the opportunity to partake in a private guided trip to further explore the city or visit the captivating Karen Blixen Museum.

The Karen Blixen Museum was formerly the focal point of a farm at the base of the Ngong Hills, owned by the renowned Danish author from 1915 to 1931. Situated 10 km from the city center, the museum and its gardens are representative of a distinct historical era in Kenya. Acquired by the Danish government in 1964, it was presented to the Kenyan government as a gift of independence and functioned as a college of nutrition until international interest, inspired by the 1985 film ‘Out of Africa,’ resulted in the establishment of the museum.

Accommodation Options: Ololo Lodge, Hemingways Nairobi