Your 6 Days Rwanda Gorillas & Masai Mara Adventure – Experience more than a magical encounter with endangered mountain gorillas in the wild. Visit Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya’s premier big game safari destination, to witness the wildebeest migration and enjoy extensive big game viewing. Fly to Rwanda for a life-changing mountain gorilla trekking adventure and get up close with these majestic creatures in the African jungles.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Nairobi – Masai Mara Reserve
Pick up from your hotel where you spent the previous night in Magical Kenya. Receive a briefing from your Kenya safari leader about the 6 Days Rwanda Gorillas & Masai Mara itinerary. Then, drive to Masai Mara Reserve. The journey from Nairobi to Masai Mara takes approximately 6-7 hours, offering breathtaking views of the beautiful countryside.
Masai Mara Game Reserve is located in Narok County, southwestern Kenya, covering an area of about 1500 sq.km. This reserve is home to millions of wildebeest, thousands of zebras, elands, giraffes, and hosts the Big 5 game (buffaloes, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and lions), along with about 500 bird species. Upon arrival, settle at the wilderness lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 2: Full Day Excursion – Masai Mara
After an early morning breakfast, embark on a full-day game viewing excursion in Masai Mara National Reserve. Carry packed lunch and sufficient bottled water. Today’s activities include witnessing the wildebeest migration and observing the Big 5 – buffaloes, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and lions.
Spot plenty of birds, antelopes, giraffes, warthogs, hyenas, etc. Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst this memorable wilderness experience. In the evening, optionally visit the Maasai community nearby or relax at the lodge in anticipation of the next day’s activities.
Day 3: Departure to Kigali Airport, Rwanda
Check out from your lodge in Masai Mara Game Reserve and transfer to Nairobi for your connecting flight to Kigali International Airport (KGL) in Rwanda. Upon arrival, meet your Rwanda tour guide for pick-up and either embark on a short Kigali city tour or proceed directly to your hotel for relaxation and overnight stay.
Day 4: Drive to Volcanoes Park, Musanze
Early breakfast at your comfortable hotel, followed by a 2-hour city tour of Kigali. Explore areas such as the Presidential Palace Museum, Kigali Genocide Memorial Center, Rwanda’s largest market – Kimironko Market, and other sites. Enjoy lunch at a restaurant or hotel, then transfer to Volcanoes National Park in northwestern Rwanda.
The drive from Kigali to Volcanoes Park takes about 2-3 hours. In the evening, visit Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village for cultural entertainment from the Banyarwanda people. Learn about their unique cultures, traditions, and practices.
Day 5: Gorilla Trekking – Full Day Experience in the Jungles
Transfer to the Kinigi offices of Volcanoes Park for a briefing on gorilla trekking rules. This protected area spans 160 sq.km and is home to 12 habituated gorilla groups including Sabyinyo, Hirwa, Ugenda, Susa A, Susa B, Kwitonda, Agashya, Titus, Amahoro, Umubano, etc. Each group is visited by a maximum of 8 tourists accompanied by an experienced guide. Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes Park takes 2-6 hours, including 1 hour for photography and observing mountain gorilla behavior. Enjoy a picnic lunch before trekking back to the lodge for evening relaxation, dinner, and overnight stay.
Day 6: Departure
Wake up early, savor a leisurely cup of tea/coffee, and check out from your lodge in Volcanoes National Park. Meet your driver guide and depart from the Musanze/Ruhengeri region for Kigali. Drop off at a hotel or your next destination, or directly at the airport for your departure flight.
End of Safari.
