Rwanda and Kenya Safari: Gorillas, Nyungwe and the Masai Mara
A 17-day East Africa itinerary combining Rwanda's primates and landscapes with Kenya's safari icons, from Akagera and Nyungwe to Volcanoes National Park for gorilla trekking, then Nairobi and the Masai Mara for classic game drives.
"Gorilla trekking was unforgettable, and the Kenya safari days were everything we hoped for."
— Verified Review
17 Days
Kigali / Nairobi
Safari / Primates / Custom
Easy to Moderate
June - September, December - February
Overview
This journey is designed for travelers who want both sides of East Africa — Rwanda's forest primates and Kenya's classic savannah safari. You begin in Kigali, then explore Rwanda's diverse national parks including Akagera for game drives, Nyungwe for chimp trekking and canopy-level forest views, and Lake Kivu for a gentler rhythm between active chapters.
The trip then continues to Volcanoes National Park for mountain gorilla trekking and golden monkeys, followed by a transition to Kenya for a curated Nairobi day and a light-aircraft flight into the Masai Mara for multiple game drive days.
Logistics are intentionally streamlined, with thoughtful sequencing and well-timed transitions. Lodges, guiding style, and activity level are customized around your preferences and travel dates.
Trip Highlights
What This Journey Typically Costs
Because every Rwanda and Kenya safari we design is fully custom, pricing varies based on travel dates, lodge category, internal flights, and permit availability for gorilla trekking.
As a general guideline
This itinerary is most influenced by the gorilla permit, Rwanda lodge category, and the caliber of camp and guiding in the Masai Mara. Seasonal demand also impacts pricing, especially during June through September and December through February.
Quotes typically include accommodations, meals on safari, scheduled flights listed in the itinerary, private transfers where applicable, guided activities included in the program, and required park fees. International airfare is generally quoted separately.
We will walk you through the options transparently and recommend what makes the most sense for your trip.
Daily Itinerary
Arrive in Kigali
Arrive in Kigali and meet your guide for a private transfer to your hotel. Depending on arrival time, the day is open for rest or a gentle introduction to the city.
Highlights
- Meet and greet on arrival
- Private transfer
- Hotel check-in
Kigali City Tour and Transfer Toward Volcanoes
Explore Kigali with a guided city tour focused on culture and modern life, including time at a local market. Later, visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial for historical context and remembrance. Continue with a scenic drive toward the Volcanoes region, arriving late afternoon to settle in.
Highlights
- Guided Kigali tour
- Market visit
- Genocide Memorial visit
Transfer to Akagera and First Game Drive
After breakfast, travel east to Akagera National Park — a landscape of savannah, woodland, and lakes. After check-in, head out for your first game drive to begin tracking wildlife with your guide.
Highlights
- Transfer to Akagera
- Camp or lodge check-in
- Afternoon game drive
Game Drives and Lake Ihema Boat Safari
Start early with a morning game drive, then return for lunch and a slower afternoon. Later, take a boat safari on Lake Ihema for a different perspective, with strong chances to see hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife along the shoreline.
Highlights
- Morning game drive
- Lake Ihema boat safari
- Birdlife viewing
Return to Kigali and Afternoon at Leisure
Enjoy a final morning game drive in Akagera, then transfer back to Kigali. The afternoon is open for craft shopping, a café stop, or simply resting at your hotel.
Highlights
- Morning game drive
- Transfer to Kigali
- Free afternoon
Transfer to Nyungwe with Cultural Stops
Travel south toward Nyungwe Forest National Park with cultural and historical stops along the way. Visit key museums and heritage sites, then continue into the rainforest region and settle into your lodge.
Highlights
- Scenic southbound drive
- Cultural site visits
- Arrival in Nyungwe
Chimpanzee Trekking and Canopy Walk
Begin early for chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe, guided by expert trackers. After time in the forest, return for lunch and an afternoon canopy walk for elevated views over the treetops and a wider sense of the rainforest ecosystem.
Highlights
- Chimpanzee trekking
- Forest ecology focus
- Canopy walk experience
Transfer to Lake Kivu and Boat Time
Transfer to Lake Kivu and settle into a lakeside setting framed by green hills and mountain views. Enjoy lunch, then head out on the water for a relaxed cruise and local encounters that showcase daily life along the shore.
Highlights
- Scenic transfer to Lake Kivu
- Lakeside check-in
- Boat cruise on the lake
Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Enjoy the morning at Lake Kivu, then travel to the Volcanoes region. The drive is scenic, and the afternoon is designed for rest and preparation ahead of gorilla trekking.
Highlights
- Scenic drive to Volcanoes region
- Lodge check-in
- Pre-trek briefing preparation
Mountain Gorilla Trekking
After an early breakfast, transfer to park headquarters for briefing and group assignment. Trek into the forest with trackers to locate your gorilla family. Once found, spend a powerful hour observing gorillas at close range, then return to the lodge to rest.
Highlights
- Gorilla trekking permit day
- Guided forest trek with trackers
- One hour with a gorilla family
Golden Monkey Trekking
Today focuses on golden monkey trekking in the bamboo forests of the Volcanoes region. The trek is typically shorter than gorilla trekking and offers a lively wildlife encounter. The afternoon is open for rest or optional cultural experiences nearby.
Highlights
- Golden monkey trekking
- Bamboo forest landscapes
- Flexible afternoon
Fly to Nairobi
Transfer back to Kigali for your flight to Nairobi. On arrival, meet your local representative and transfer to your hotel. The evening is open for rest and an easy dinner.
Highlights
- Flight to Nairobi
- Airport meet and greet
- Hotel check-in
Nairobi Highlights: Giraffes, Conservation and Karen
Enjoy a curated day in Nairobi focused on culture and conservation. Visit the Karen Blixen Museum, then continue to the Giraffe Centre for a close-up experience with Rothschild giraffes. Conclude with a visit to the elephant orphanage to learn about rescue and rehabilitation work.
Highlights
- Karen Blixen Museum
- Giraffe Centre visit
- Elephant conservation visit
Fly to the Masai Mara and Afternoon Game Drive
Transfer to Wilson Airport for your light aircraft flight to the Masai Mara. On arrival, transfer to your tented camp and settle in. In the afternoon, head out for your first game drive to begin exploring the Mara's wildlife-rich plains.
Highlights
- Light aircraft flight to the Mara
- Camp arrival and settling in
- Afternoon game drive
Masai Mara Game Drives
Spend the day on game drives with your guide, focusing on areas known for big cats and large herds. The schedule can be designed as a full-day safari with picnic or a split day with breaks at camp.
Highlights
- Morning and afternoon game drives
- Big cat tracking with expert guide
- Flexible day structure
More Time in the Mara with Optional Walking Safari
A second full day in the Mara allows time for deeper exploration without rushing. Depending on your camp location, an optional guided walking safari can be arranged for a different perspective on the landscape and smaller details of the ecosystem.
Highlights
- Full day in the Mara
- High wildlife density areas
- Optional guided walking safari
Return to Nairobi and International Departure
After breakfast, transfer to the local airstrip for your flight back to Nairobi. On arrival, connect to your international departure with a coordinated transfer and timing support.
Highlights
- Light aircraft flight to Nairobi
- Transfer to international airport
- End of journey
What's Included
Optional Extensions & Variations
Because every journey we design is fully custom, we can adjust timing and add extensions based on what you are most excited about. Common options include:
Add the Serengeti and Ngorongoro
Extend into Tanzania for the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater to deepen the big wildlife portion of the journey.
Add Lake Kivu Nights for More Downtime
Increase the Lake Kivu stay for a more restful transition between forest trekking and Kenya safari days.
Adjust the Kenya Safari Region
Depending on season and lodge preference, we can route Kenya safari days to a conservancy or adjust the number of Mara nights.
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Traveler Stories
"The Rwanda portion was incredibly meaningful, and gorilla trekking exceeded every expectation. Kenya was the perfect complement."
— Verified Review
"Great lodges, excellent guides, and a route that felt smooth from start to finish."
— Verified Review
"We loved having primates, lakes, and classic safari all in one trip without feeling rushed."
— Verified Review
Frequently Asked Questions
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