8 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking and Kenya Wildebeest Migration Safari
The 8 days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking and Kenya wildebeest migration safari is a 7-night East African trip that introduces visitors to two magical countries-Kenya and Rwanda to experience the best of what they have in stock.
Masai Mara National Reserve in the secluded south-western side of Kenya is the premier safari destination in this country and boasts of about 151,000 hectares of gentle rolling African savannah plains dotted with different acacia tree species.
This Protected Area is known for many amazing natural wonders but the one that stands out is the “great migration” involving millions of wildebeests as well as hundreds of thousands of Grant’s zebras, gazelles and impalas.
Besides the great annual migration, this Reserve is also known for hosting lots of animal species that include African bush elephants, the bat-eared foxes, aardwolves, impalas, Rhinos, warthogs, Defassa waterbucks, Cape elands, bushbucks, lions, Kirk’s Dik-Dik, Nile crocodiles, African hares, Klipspringers, Cape buffaloes, Hippos, leopards, Kobs, Topis, cheetahs, Masai giraffes, aardvarks, banded mongoose, yellow baboons, Coke’s hartebeests, porcupines and so much more.
Volcanoes National Park is based within the extreme north-west of magical Rwanda adjacent to Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. This stunning Protected Area is known as a home to out-of-this-world gorilla trekking adventures, that are made possible by the existence of 12 habituated gorilla groups, excellent places of lodging, ease accessibility via tarred roads and most importantly 24/7 security and surveillance.
Highlights of the 8 days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking and Kenya wildebeest migration safari
- Gorilla Trekking.
- Masai village/community visit.
- Tour of Gorilla Guardians village.
- Road transfer by comfortable 4WD Vehicle.
- 7 nights’ accommodation in the best places of lodging.
- Endless wildlife viewing opportunities-walking safari and game drives.
8 days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking and Kenya wildebeest migration safari Brief itinerary
- Day 1: Welcome into Kenya! Arrival into Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
- Day 2: Road trip to Masai Mara National Reserve, north-western Kenya.
- Day 3&4: Explore the hidden beauty of Masai Mara National Reserve.
- Day 5: Brief game drive and return back to Nairobi City for flight to Kigali.
- Day 6: City excursion and road trip to Volcanoes National Park, north-western Rwanda.
- Day 7: Explore the jungle of Volcanoes National Park-Gorilla trekking Tour.
- Day 8: Road trip back to Kigali City-drop-off at Hotel or Airport.
Detailed itinerary for 8 days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking and Kenya wildebeest migration safari
Day 1: Welcome into Kenya! Arrival into Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
Our epic 8 days Gorilla Trekking and wildebeest migration safari to the beautifully magical Rwanda and Kenya kicks-off from Nairobi, the Capital City of Kenya. On getting into the country via Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, your private driver will welcome you into Eastern Africa. This is followed by sharing pleasantries and introductions then drive to one of the best Hotels in the Capital.
The afternoon will be spent resting at the comfort of the Hotel after the long flight, sipping a cold drink an taking a dip into the pool. For the adventure seekers or travelers that are still strong can embark on an on-foot guided tour to discover the hidden beauty of this City.
Nairobi is the busiest yet secluded City where modernity blends with the past. In the evening of this day, there is a briefing at your place of lodging to introduce you to the safari, hand over the itinerary and necessary receipts. Spend the remainder of the evening at leisure-relaxing, dining and finally slumber.
Overnight stay at:
- Luxury: Hemingway’s Nairobi or Villa Rosa Kempinski
- Midrange: Mövenpick Hotel & Residences Nairobi or The Boma Nairobi
- Budget: Ibis Styles Nairobi Westlands or Blue Hut Hotel
Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner.
Day 2: Road trip to Masai Mara National Reserve, north-western Kenya
On the second day we leave Nairobi City, driving north-west via the Great Rift Valley and other stunning landscapes to the popular Masai Mara National Reserve.
This is one of the most popular safari destinations in the African Continent, having existed for over 60 years. Here, we drive to the place of lodging while spotting different animals along the way and in the evening retire for diner and overnight.
Overnight stay at:
- Luxury: Mara Treetops Tented Camp or Sarova Mara Game Camp
- Midrange: Zebra Plains Mara Camp or Masai Mara Sopa Lodge.
- Budget: Maji Moto Eco Camp or Semadep Mara Camp.
Meal Plan: Full board.
Day 3&4: Explore the hidden beauty of Masai Mara National Reserve
On the third and fourth day of our 8 days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking and Kenya wildebeest migration safari we shall witness some of the most awe-inspiring sights of a lifetime by exploring the hidden beauty of Masai Mara National Reserve.
After breakfast and having packed your lunch box, drive to the sweeping plains to search for different animals while making occasional stops for take photos. Look out for the spotted hyenas, African wild dogs, duikers, cheetahs, African bush elephants, zebras, wildebeests, bushbucks, Masai giraffes, Cape buffaloes, aardvarks, African hares, lions, cheetahs, warthogs, yellow baboons, leopards, Topis, Defassa waterbucks and many others.
We get to explore the Grumeti and Mara Rivers that represent the great River crossing during Great annual migration within Masai Mara National Reserve. Set your camera rolling to capture one of the best spectacles on earth. After relishing the greatness and spectacle of the unforgettable wildebeest migration, we return back to the Lodge for dinner and overnight.
For the fourth day, there are several available options of exploring Masai Mara National Reserve that include hot air balloon tours, walking safaris and visit to the nearby Masai village/community to bring to light the different local sustainability initiatives in the local communities. Learn about different traditions and the simplicity in their lives, yet live with the widest smiles.
Overnight stay at:
- Luxury: Mara Treetops Tented Camp or Sarova Mara Game Camp
- Midrange: Zebra Plains Mara Camp or Masai Mara Sopa Lodge.
- Budget: Maji Moto Eco Camp or Semadep Mara Camp.
Meal Plan: Full board.
Day 5: Short game drive and return back to Nairobi City for flight to Kigali
Breakfast is followed by a short game drive through Masai Mara National Park to recap the different animals that were spotted and possible catch more sights of the ones that were missed during the previous days of game viewing. From here, drive to Nairobi City, then catch a flight t Kigali International Airport.
Overnight at:
- Luxury: The Retreat or Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Center.
- Midrange: Onomo Hotel or Kigali Marriott Hotel.
- Budget: Heaven Restaurant & Boutique Hotel or the Kingfish Beach Hotel.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 6: City excursion and road trip to Volcanoes National Park, north-western Rwanda
On day 6, we make our way into the phenomenal Volcanoes National Park but this happens after having breakfast and enjoying a City Tour.
The excursion leads to the top historical and cultural sites of the City such as Kigali Genocide Memorial Center/s, Craft markets where a collection of Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, Congo and Tanzania items can be purchased. Lunch will be enjoyed from one of the City’s top eateries and later leave for Volcanoes National Park, where the next two nights will be spent.
Overnight at:
- Luxury: Virunga Lodge or Bishop’s House.
- Midrange: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge or Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge.
- Budget: Villa Gorilla or Kinigi Guesthouse.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 7: Explore the jungle of Volcanoes National Park-Gorilla trekking Tour
It’s a brand new day and chance to explore Rwanda’s jungle to search for one of the most sought-after creatures on earth. Without delay converge at the Park Headquarters for briefing on the dos and don’ts of gorilla trekking that will ensure safety of trekkers and the Giant Apes.
After this briefing, be allocated to gorilla groups then transfer to respective trailheads to start the journey into the jungle to search for these creatures. Treks will take 1-4 hours and visitors are rewarded with one hour of observing Giant Apes and photographing them while going about their daily routines.
In the evening undertake a guided walk through Gorilla Guardian Village to have an insight into Rwandan culture and traditions through different activities that include brewing of banana beer, preparation of traditional medicines, preparing local dishes, local dance performances and enjoying a day in the life of a Rwanda Royal. The day is rewarded by a hot and delicious meal and overnight at the comfort of your Safari Lodge.
Overnight at:
- Luxury: Virunga Lodge or Bishop’s House
- Midrange: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge or Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge.
- Budget: Villa Gorilla or Kinigi Guesthouse.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 8: Road trip back to Kigali City-drop-off at Hotel or Airport
Departure day starts with breakfast, followed by check-out for a trip to Kigali City. This marks the end of our 8 days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking and Kenya Wildebeest Migration safari.
This 8-day package includes;
- Hotel/Airport pick-up and drop-off.
- Bottled water throughout the trip.
- A comfy 4WD Vehicle for road trips and transfers.
- Gorilla permit.
- Services of a fulltime English speaking guide.
- Park entrance fees especially for Masai Mara National Reserve
- Cultural experiences.
- 7 nights’ accommodation.
- Driver allowances.
- Fuel fees.
- Relevant Government taxes.
- Scheduled flight from Jomo Kenyatta to Kigali International Airport.
This package excludes;
- International flights.
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
- Visa fees (if required).
- Travel and medical insurance.
- Souvenir shopping
- Optional activities that aren’t part of the itinerary.
- Laundry fees and telephone calls, to mention but a few.