Gorillas and Masai Mara Encounter

Tour Description

Get ready for the ultimate African adventure, combining the awe of gorilla encounters in Rwanda and the thrilling wildlife of Kenya’s Masai Mara.

Start your journey in Kigali, where you'll be warmly greeted and transported to the stunning town of Ruhengeri, framed by towering volcanoes. Here, embark on an unforgettable trek through the misty forests of Volcanoes National Park to meet Rwanda’s iconic gorillas. Their gentle nature, expressive eyes, and human-like interactions create an emotional, once-in-a-lifetime experience as you observe them in their natural habitat. Surrounded by lush landscapes and panoramic views, this close encounter with the majestic silverbacks will leave you in awe of nature's wonders.

Your adventure continues in Kenya's famed Masai Mara, where you’ll stay at the luxurious Governors Main Camp. This camp blends modern comforts with the charm of a classic safari, offering an ideal base for exploring one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife reserves.

Enjoy exhilarating morning and afternoon game drives, where you'll witness Kenya’s Big Five alongside graceful giraffes and zebras roaming the expansive plains. For an extra thrill, soar above the Mara in a hot air balloon at dawn, taking in the sweeping views of the savannah and wildlife below.

With expert guides to enrich your experience, this safari promises unparalleled wildlife encounters and a deep connection to Africa’s natural beauty.

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Day 1

Kigali Virunga Conservation area

On arrival into Kigali, on completion of customs and immigration formalities you will be met at the airport by a representative, who will brief you on your trip and introduce to your safari driver-guide.

You will then be transferred westward to Ruhengeri, the starting point for Gorilla trekking in Parc National des Volcanos. Ruhengeri, a town located just 25km from the Uganda border, is relatively small, with a population of approximately 350,000 people. The continuous influx of people in this town is quite remarkable. Ruhengeri boasts splendid views of the surrounding volcanoes, and the local population is known for their friendliness.

If time permits, visit the villages, local communities and markets or an optional visit to the little known by compellingly beautiful twin lakes Bulera and Ruhondo (extra cost)

Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure

Overnight at Gorilla Mountain View Lodge including Full Board

Day 2

Gorilla Trekking Kigali

Rise early for breakfast today before proceeding to the Volcanoes National Park Headquarters.

During the registration process, the park personnel will determine which gorilla group you will be visiting. There are a total of 96 gorilla permits available each day, and a maximum of eight trekkers are allowed to visit any one group. Once the trekkers are assigned to their respective groups, the Lead Guide for each group will provide a briefing on the trekking procedures and the guidelines for behavior in the presence of gorillas. Following the briefing, trekkers will return to their respective vehicles for the journey up the mountain to the starting point.

The duration of the trek can vary from two to six hours or more, especially if the gorillas have moved since the park rangers last located them. Along the way, the guides will make frequent stops to allow trekkers to rest and capture photos. The forest is dense and humid, with no defined trekking paths. The terrain is characterized by hills and steep slopes of the volcanoes, which may necessitate the use of branches, plant roots, and bushes to assist in ascending the steep inclines.

Once you encounter the gorillas, you will have a remarkable hour to observe them. They might be seen feeding on the ground, resting, moving about in the trees, or playing on the branches. Trackers often use machetes to clear vegetation, providing a clearer and closer view of the gorillas. Despite their immense size, these creatures exude grace and tranquility. Witnessing the silverbacks, the mature males, rise and assert their dominance over the territory is a truly awe-inspiring experience.

Afterward, return to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, you will be return to Kigali for dinner and overnight

Overnight at Kigali Serena Hotel including breakfast

Day 3

Kigali Nairobi

Today fly to Nairobi. On arrival, catch the shuttle to your airport hotel for overnight

Overnight at Four Points by Sheraton including breakfast

Day 4

Nairobi Masai Mara

In the morning, you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to Wilson Airport for your scheduled flight to Masai Mara. The flight departs Nairobi at 0930hrs and lands in Masai Mara around 1015hrs. On arrival, you will be greeted and driven to the camp. After settling in, enjoy a delicious lunch at the camp. In the afternoon, embark on an exhilarating first game drive through the vast wilderness of Masai Mara, returning to camp as the sun sets.

Overnight at Governors Main Camp on full board basis.

Day 5

Masai Mara

For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, take an optional Hot Air Balloon over the Masai Mara this morning.

Witness the awakening of the savannah and the wildlife at its most active before the heat of the day sets in. Return to camp for a hearty breakfast. The rest of the morning is at your leisure to relax and enjoy the camp's amenities. After a satisfying lunch, head out for another game drive in the afternoon, exploring different parts of the Masai Mara and observing its diverse wildlife. Return to camp as the sun sets over the African plains.

Overnight at Governors Main Camp on full board basis.

Day 6

Masai Nairobi

After breakfast at the camp, bid farewell to the wilderness of Masai Mara as you are transferred to the nearest airstrip for your scheduled flight back to Nairobi.

Upon arrival in Nairobi, you will be met and transferred to a hotel in the city, where your safari concludes.