9 days - Nairobi, Masai Mara and Rwanda
Nine days from Nairobi through Lake Naivasha and the Masai Mara, with a balloon safari, then by flight to Kigali for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes and chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest.
The journey
The herds arrive from the Serengeti and the first Mara River crossings begin. Dry and busy, the start of the headline season. Dry and busy, with the driest trails and the best light for photographs. Book early. Dry and cool in the forest, with good tracking conditions and bright mornings.
Nairobi, Lake Naivasha, then the Masai Mara.
Arrive in Nairobi at 03:30 AM. Upon landing in Kenya’s vibrant capital, our team will await you at the terminal exit. We will transfer you to a luxurious hotel where you can relax after your long flight and prepare for an iconic wildlife safari. After a late breakfast, we suggest a scenic tour of Nairobi’s countryside, followed by dinner at the renowned Carnivore Restaurant.
The transfer from Nairobi to the Great Rift Valley takes approximately 1.5 hours. Upon arrival, we will explore Lake Naivasha Park.
Arrive at the lodge on the shores of Lake Naivasha, where a variety of exciting activities await:
After breakfast in the savannah, we continue our adventure. We will transfer to the Lake Naivasha airstrip for the flight to Masai Mara. Upon arrival at the park, we’ll transfer to your camp or lodge.
Take some time to relax at the hotel before embarking on an afternoon safari through the Mara Plains in search of the Big Five. In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner followed by an authentic Masai cultural show.
We will begin this special day with a hot-air balloon safari over the Masai Mara.
Wake up early, enjoy a hot cup of coffee, and head to the launch site. You’ll take in spectacular views of the savannah and spot many animals grazing on the plains in the early morning light. Upon landing, you’ll find the breakfast table set up right in the middle of the wilderness, where you'll begin your feast with champagne and delicious delicacies.
After this exciting breakfast, you'll head back to the campsite, enjoying a game drive along the way. After some time to rest, you’ll continue your safari adventure.
Kigali, Volcanoes National Park for gorillas, and Nyungwe Forest for chimpanzees.
After breakfast at the campsite, you will be transferred to the airstrip for a private flight to Nairobi. Once in Nairobi, you will complete immigration formalities before continuing your journey to Kigali, the capital of Rwanda.
After breakfast in the morning, we head to the famous Volcanoes National Park. Check into the lodge and relax before the upcoming hike.
Today is dedicated to a memorable gorilla trekking experience!
After an early breakfast, we head to the foot of Volcanoes National Park, where you’ll meet your rangers for a full briefing.
The trek can last anywhere from 2 to 6 hours, and while we can’t guarantee the exact duration, once we find a family of gorillas, you’ll have a full hour to observe these incredible primates in their natural habitat.
After the trek, you’ll return to your hotel for lunch before taking a private helicopter ride to Nyungwe National Park.
You’ll rise early for breakfast, take a packed lunch, and set off in search of Rwanda’s mysterious and endangered chimpanzee population.
With only around 400 chimpanzees in the country, sightings during the hike aren’t guaranteed. However, your guide will ensure that you get a memorable experience with these fascinating primates, our closest relatives in the animal kingdom.
In the afternoon, another thrilling adventure awaits: a cable car ride, the highest and longest in all of Africa.
After breakfast, we’ll head to the heliport, where our helicopter will be waiting to take you back to Kigali for your international flight. End of service.
The detail
This ‘Gorilla Trekking Experience and Big Five Safari’ tour offers a memorable introduction to the continent's wildlife treasures. Begin your journey in the Great Rift Valley, exploring its spectacular landscapes and iconic lakes, such as Lake Naivasha, teeming with diverse birdlife. Continue to the renowned Maasai Mara for thrilling encounters with Africa’s legendary wildlife, including the Big Five.
Next, journey to the lush rainforests of Rwanda, where you’ll have the rare privilege of a gorilla trekking experience in the wild. Witness mountain gorillas in their natural habitat and gain insight into their behaviours and unique ecosystem. This exclusive opportunity to engage in gorilla trekking offers a rare chance to observe these magnificent primates up close, adding a truly unique element to your safari adventure.
Good to know
Photographs from the route, not stock library scenery.
Work down the list. Each step depends on the one above it.
The practical detail that decides whether a trip runs smoothly.
The first four days are savannah game viewing in Kenya. The last four are forest trekking in Rwanda, where the gorillas and chimpanzees are tracked on foot.
Once the gorillas are found, you have a full hour with them. Wear waterproof boots, gaiters and gardening gloves, and carry rain gear.
Only around 400 chimpanzees live in Rwanda, so sightings are not guaranteed, though your guide will do everything to find them.
Rwanda has banned plastic bags for years, so use cloth or paper bags for your packing and for wet kit on the trek.
Two helicopter flights connect Volcanoes, Nyungwe and Kigali. They depend on the weather and weight, so pack in soft bags.
Plan this journey
Every journey is planned around your dates and your party. Tell us who is travelling and when, and a specialist will come back with a tailored itinerary and a quote. Payment is by invoice.
