11-Day Rwanda Gorillas Kenya and Masai Mara Safari

Embark on the 11-Day Rwanda Gorillas Kenya and Masai Mara Safari, a thrilling journey that blends the wonders of Rwanda’s misty volcano forests with Kenya’s iconic savannahs. This safari is designed for wildlife enthusiasts, culture seekers, and photographers alike. You will begin your adventure in Rwanda, exploring Volcanoes National Park to encounter the endangered mountain gorillas and playful golden monkeys.

From there, venture to Kenya to experience the Giraffe Manor, Sweet waters Game Sanctuary, Lake Nakuru, and the world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve. Along the way, enjoy birding safaris, cultural encounters, and marvel at the great wildlife migration that makes the Mara one of the most celebrated safari destinations in Africa.

Safari Overview

This safari ensures an immersive experience, combining Rwanda gorilla safaris, Rwanda wildlife safaris, Uganda wildlife safaris, Kenya wildlife safaris, and Kenya safari holidays. From mist-covered hills to the sweeping plains, this itinerary offers unparalleled opportunities to photograph Africa’s iconic wildlife. Guests will stay in carefully selected mid-range and luxury lodges, providing comfort, privacy, and spectacular views.

Meals are included at each accommodation, ensuring a seamless experience as you traverse diverse ecosystems. The journey is designed for both adventure and relaxation, with options for hot air balloon safaris in the Mara, canoe rides at Lake Bunyonyi, and cultural village visits, giving a deeper understanding of East Africa’s rich traditions.

Prepare for an unforgettable combination of gorilla trekking, wildlife encounters, and scenic drives across Rwanda and Kenya. This safari is ideal for travelers seeking a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, mixing exhilarating wildlife viewing with intimate cultural experiences.

Whether photographing a mountain gorilla family, watching giraffes feed at Giraffe Manor, or witnessing the great wildebeest migration, each day promises excitement and inspiration. This 11-Day Rwanda Gorillas, Kenya and Masai Mara Safari will leave you with lasting memories of East Africa’s natural wonders and vibrant cultures.

Detailed 11-Day Rwanda Gorillas Kenya and Masai Mara Safari

Day 1: Kigali City Tour and Drive to Volcanoes National Park

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your Envubu African Safaris representative and driven to Musanze, home to Volcanoes National Park. Depending on your flight schedule, you may take a short Kigali city tour, visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial or local markets, gaining insight into Rwanda’s history and culture. The drive to Volcanoes National Park offers scenic views of rolling hills and tea plantations, providing a gentle introduction to Rwanda’s lush landscapes.

Arriving at the Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, a mid-range lodge less than an hour from the park, you will check in and enjoy a relaxing dinner. This lodge offers cozy rooms, impeccable service, and stunning views of the Virunga Mountains. Meals are included, and you can unwind, preparing for the early start of gorilla trekking tomorrow.

Tonight, anticipate the adventure ahead in Rwanda gorilla safaris, one of the most iconic wildlife experiences in Africa. Guests may enjoy a quiet evening at the lodge, listening to the forest sounds and savoring the serenity of Musanze. With dinner provided, you can relax and recharge for the trekking adventures that await, knowing that the next day will offer a transformative encounter with Rwanda’s mountain gorillas. This day sets the tone for the journey, blending Rwanda wildlife safaris, cultural immersion, and the excitement of exploration.

Accommodation: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
Meals: All meals included, drinks not included

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

After an early breakfast, you will be transferred to the Rwanda Development Board office in Musanze for registration and a detailed briefing on gorilla trekking. The anticipation builds as you prepare to enter Volcanoes National Park, a misty forest sanctuary and home to approximately half of the world’s mountain gorilla population. Expert rangers accompany you on this trek, ensuring safety while sharing fascinating insights about gorilla behavior and conservation.

Trekking through dense vegetation, bamboo groves, and rugged trails, you will track a gorilla family. The trek can last between two and six hours, depending on the gorillas’ location, making physical fitness a key factor. Once the gorillas are located, you will spend one magical hour observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat. Witnessing their social interactions, playfulness, and feeding habits is an unforgettable experience, offering photography opportunities that capture the soul of Rwanda’s wildlife.

After the trek, return to Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel for a well-deserved lunch. In the afternoon, explore the twin lakes Burera and Ruhondo, surrounded by the breathtaking Virunga Mountains. This excursion combines scenic photography, light walking, and relaxation. Dinner at the lodge completes a day filled with adventure, wildlife immersion, and cultural exploration. Today is a pinnacle of Rwanda gorilla safaris, offering both awe-inspiring wildlife encounters and the chance to understand the ecosystems that sustain these endangered primates.

Accommodation: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
Meals: All meals included, drinks not included

Day 3: Golden Monkey Trekking & Twin Lakes Visit

Begin your morning with golden monkey trekking in the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park. These rare, playful primates are smaller than gorillas but equally captivating, offering a completely different wildlife experience. Accompanied by expert guides, you will trek through the bamboo groves, observing the monkeys leaping from tree to tree and interacting within their social groups.

Afterwards, enjoy a leisurely lunch back at Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel before visiting the stunning twin lakes Burera and Ruhondo. The lakes’ serene waters and surrounding hills provide a perfect backdrop for photography, light walks, or simply taking in the tranquility of Rwanda’s highlands. The afternoon blends relaxation with light adventure, allowing you to experience Rwanda’s natural beauty beyond the forest.

Return to your lodge for dinner, reflecting on the unique wildlife encounters of the day. Golden monkey trekking complements gorilla experiences, highlighting Rwanda’s rich biodiversity and conservation efforts. This day integrates Rwanda gorilla safaris, Rwanda wildlife safaris, and birding opportunities, as the forests and lakes attract numerous bird species, making it ideal for birding safaris enthusiasts.

Accommodation: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
Meals: All meals included, drinks not included

Day 4: Transfer to Nairobi & Giraffe Manor Experience

After breakfast, you will transfer to Kigali for your flight to Nairobi, Kenya. Upon arrival, proceed to Giraffe Manor, a luxurious boutique hotel located in Nairobi’s leafy Karen suburb. Here, you will experience one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife encounters: feeding the rare Rothschild giraffes that roam the manor’s grounds.

Giraffe Manor offers elegant accommodations with world-class service and a serene garden setting. Guests can enjoy cultural walks, relax in the gardens, or take photographs with the giraffes. This experience blends comfort, wildlife interaction, and a touch of African charm, offering a unique perspective on Kenya safari holidays and wildlife experiences.

Dinner is provided at the manor, where guests can enjoy gourmet meals while observing giraffes and other birds from the dining area. This day marks the transition from Rwanda’s lush highlands to Kenya’s iconic wildlife habitats, seamlessly combining Kenya wildlife safaris, cultural exploration, and memorable photography moments.

Accommodation: Giraffe Manor, Nairobi
Meals: All meals included, drinks not included

Day 5: Sweetwaters Game Sanctuary – Ol Pejeta Conservancy

After a hearty breakfast at Giraffe Manor, you will depart for the Ol Pejeta Conservancy, home to Sweetwaters Serena Camp, a luxurious tented lodge set in the heart of Kenya’s wildlife-rich Laikipia Plateau. This private sanctuary offers an immersive African safari experience, blending rugged landscapes with sophisticated comfort. The drive from Nairobi takes you through scenic countryside, passing traditional farms, rolling hills, and local villages, giving travelers a glimpse into Kenya’s cultural and agricultural life.

Upon arrival, settle into your tented accommodations, which feature spacious interiors, private bathrooms, and elevated views of the surrounding plains. Sweetwaters is renowned for its conservation work, especially for rhinos and chimpanzees. Here, guests can spot the endangered black rhino, white rhino, and other species like elephants, giraffes, zebras, oryx, and topi. The camp also overlooks busy waterholes, providing excellent game viewing from the comfort of your lodge.

In the afternoon, embark on your first game drive within the conservancy. Accompanied by expert guides, explore the plains and riverine habitats, observing a variety of wildlife, including predators such as cheetahs and lions. Birding enthusiasts will enjoy spotting species endemic to the area, making this a prime location for birding safaris. The day concludes with dinner at Sweetwaters Serena Camp, where locally inspired cuisine and warm hospitality set the stage for a restful night.

This day introduces you to the essence of Kenya wildlife safaris and conservation-focused travel. Sweetwaters offers both an educational and exhilarating experience, showcasing the importance of wildlife protection while providing close encounters with Africa’s iconic species. Guests gain a deeper appreciation for Kenya safari holidays and the delicate balance between humans and wildlife.

Accommodation: Sweetwaters Serena Camp, Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Meals: All meals included, drinks not included

Day 6: Game Drives in Sweetwaters Conservancy

Wake up early to the sounds of Africa’s wildlife and prepare for a full day of safari adventures in Ol Pejeta Conservancy. After breakfast, set out on morning game drives with your expert guide, exploring the rich plains and forested areas where elephants, giraffes, zebras, and rhinos roam freely. The conservancy is also home to non-indigenous chimpanzees at the Jane Goodall Chimpanzee Sanctuary, offering a rare opportunity to observe rescued primates up close.

The morning game drive offers unparalleled wildlife photography opportunities, with open plains providing clear views of predator-prey interactions. Guests may spot lions on the prowl, cheetahs sprinting across the savannah, or herds of elephants bathing at waterholes. Birding enthusiasts will appreciate the diverse species, from vultures and eagles to colorful weaver birds and kingfishers, making this a rich day for birding safaris.

After a bush lunch within the conservancy, the afternoon is reserved for a second game drive, focusing on species you may have missed earlier. The evening is perfect for observing African sunsets across the plains, capturing the iconic golden light that makes Kenya wildlife safaris so renowned. Return to Sweetwaters Serena Camp for dinner and overnight stay, reflecting on the abundance of wildlife encountered and the conservation efforts protecting these species.

This day embodies the spirit of Kenya safari holidays, offering immersive experiences in one of Kenya’s most renowned wildlife sanctuaries. The combination of luxury accommodation, guided wildlife encounters, and conservation education makes it a standout highlight of your safari.

Accommodation: Sweetwaters Serena Camp, Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Meals: All meals included, drinks not included

Day 7: Lake Nakuru National Park – Sarova Lion Hill Lodge

Depart Sweetwaters early after breakfast and head toward Lake Nakuru National Park, part of Kenya’s Great Rift Valley. This park is famed for its massive flocks of pink flamingos along the soda lake, creating breathtaking photo opportunities. Your journey takes you through rolling hills, local villages, and scenic viewpoints, including the spectacular Thomson Falls in Nyahururu, one of Kenya’s tallest waterfalls.

Upon arrival at Sarova Lion Hill Lodge, settle into your luxury lodge rooms, offering panoramic views of the surrounding savannah and Lake Nakuru. After lunch, embark on an afternoon game drive around the park, exploring its acacia forests, wetlands, and grasslands. Lake Nakuru hosts both black and white rhinos, Rothschild giraffes, hippos, lions, and leopards. Birding enthusiasts will delight in over 400 recorded species, making it a prime destination for birding safaris.

The sunset over Lake Nakuru provides an awe-inspiring backdrop for evening photography, while dinner at the lodge offers a chance to relax and enjoy regional cuisine. This day combines Kenya wildlife safaris, scenic landscapes, and immersive wildlife viewing. Lake Nakuru is a highlight of Kenya safari holidays, showcasing the diversity of East Africa’s ecosystems and the breathtaking beauty of the Rift Valley.

Accommodation: Sarova Lion Hill Lodge, Lake Nakuru
Meals: All meals included, drinks not included

Day 8: Lake Nakuru to Masai Mara National Reserve – Sarova Mara Game Camp

After breakfast at Sarova Lion Hill Lodge, depart for the world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve. Drive through the Great Rift Valley, crossing lush farmlands and savannahs, arriving at Sarova Mara Game Camp for lunch. This luxury tented camp offers direct access to the Mara, allowing for intimate wildlife encounters and exceptional views of the surrounding plains.

In the afternoon, embark on your first game drive in the Mara. Home to the Big Five lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffaloes the Masai Mara also hosts cheetahs, topis, gazelles, and zebras. During the migration season (July to October), witness the spectacular great wildlife migration, as thousands of wildebeest and zebras cross the Mara River in search of greener pastures. Photographers and wildlife enthusiasts will be captivated by the vibrant scenes of predators stalking prey, herds moving across golden savannahs, and endless acacia-dotted landscapes.

The day concludes with dinner at the camp, overlooking the Mara plains. This immersive experience introduces guests to Kenya safari holidays, Kenya wildlife safaris, and the grandeur of Africa’s most celebrated wildlife destinations.

Accommodation: Sarova Mara Game Camp
Meals: All meals included, drinks not included

Day 9: Full-Day Game Drives in Masai Mara – Hot Air Balloon Option

Wake up before sunrise for a game drive or optional hot air balloon safari over the Mara plains. Balloon safaris offer a unique perspective of the Mara, allowing you to witness herds of wildebeest, zebras, and elephants from the sky, followed by a champagne breakfast in the bush—a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Spend the day on guided game drives, tracking predators, observing social dynamics within herds, and photographing the Mara’s iconic landscapes. The reserve’s rolling plains, riverine forests, and hills offer diverse habitats, making it a top destination for Kenya wildlife safaris. During the migration season, the great wildlife migration provides unforgettable scenes as massive herds traverse the plains.

Return to Sarova Mara Game Camp in the evening for dinner. Optional sundowners in the bush allow for reflection on the day’s sightings, with dramatic sunsets painting the savannah in gold and crimson.

Accommodation: Sarova Mara Game Camp
Meals: All meals included, drinks not included

Day 10: Morning and Afternoon Game Drives in Masai Mara

Enjoy a full day of wildlife exploration in the Masai Mara. Begin with a morning game drive, tracking elusive predators and observing herds grazing across the plains. After returning for lunch at the camp, embark on an afternoon drive, focusing on birding opportunities, smaller mammals, and further predator sightings.

The Masai Mara’s exceptional biodiversity makes every drive unique. Witnessing lions hunting in the early morning or cheetahs sprinting across open savannahs is a highlight of Kenya safari holidays. Guests may also experience Maasai cultural interactions in nearby villages, blending wildlife safaris with cultural safaris.

Dinner and overnight stay at Sarova Mara Game Camp allow guests to relax, recount sightings, and prepare for the final day of the safari.

Accommodation: Sarova Mara Game Camp
Meals: All meals included, drinks not included

Day 11: Masai Mara to Nairobi – Departure

After an early morning game drive and a full breakfast at the camp, check out and drive back to Nairobi. Enjoy scenic views along the way, with opportunities for photography and short stops for souvenirs. Upon arrival in Nairobi, guests may use a dayroom at a local hotel to freshen up, relax, or do last-minute shopping before transfer to the airport for your flight home.

This marks the conclusion of the 11-Day Rwanda Gorillas, Kenya and Masai Mara Safari, blending Rwanda gorilla safaris, Kenya wildlife safaris, Kenya safari holidays, the great wildlife migration, and optional hot air balloon safaris. Guests depart with unforgettable memories of East Africa’s spectacular landscapes, iconic wildlife, and rich cultural heritage.

Accommodation: None (End of tour)
Meals: Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)

Safari Inclusions

• All park entrance fees and permits, including gorilla trekking and golden monkey permits
• Accommodation as specified in itinerary
• All meals as mentioned per lodge/camp
• Safari transportation in 4×4 vehicles with pop-up roof for game viewing
• English-speaking professional guide
• Game drives and sightseeing as per itinerary
• Bottled drinking water during game drives
• Cultural experiences in Masai Mara

Safari Exclusions

• International flights to Kigali and from Nairobi
• Visa fees for Rwanda and Kenya
• Travel insurance
• Meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
• Tips and gratuities for guides, lodge staff, and drivers
• Personal expenses, laundry, and souvenirs
• Optional activities not mentioned as included (e.g., hot air balloon safari over Masai Mara)