Tour Overview
Experience the best of East Africa on this 8-day luxury Kenya and Rwanda safari, combining thrilling wildlife encounters in the world-famous Maasai Mara National Reserve with an unforgettable mountain gorilla trekking adventure in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. This carefully crafted itinerary blends classic African safaris, breathtaking landscapes, luxury accommodations, and extraordinary wildlife experiences.
Begin your journey in Kenya, where you’ll enjoy an overnight stay at the iconic Giraffe Manor in Nairobi, offering a unique opportunity to interact with the resident Rothschild’s giraffes. Continue to the spectacular Maasai Mara, one of Africa’s premier safari destinations, renowned for its abundant wildlife, including the Big Five, and the annual Great Wildebeest Migration from July to October. Exciting game drives across the vast savannah provide excellent opportunities to spot lions, elephants, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, and countless other species.
Your adventure then takes you to Rwanda, the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” where you’ll trek through the misty forests of Volcanoes National Park to encounter endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. This once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experience is complemented by breathtaking volcanic scenery and Rwanda’s renowned conservation efforts.
Throughout the safari, enjoy exceptional hospitality while staying in some of East Africa’s finest luxury lodges, including Angama Mara overlooking the Maasai Mara and Singita Kwitonda Lodge nestled near Volcanoes National Park. Combining world-class wildlife viewing, luxury, and unforgettable primate encounters, this itinerary offers an extraordinary East African safari experience.
Highlights
- Gorilla tracking and the wildebeest migration in one safari (in season)
- Maasai Mara game drives, hot air ballooning and walking safaris
- Vistas of volcanos and Out of Africa savannah plains from your suites
- Safari in style, the ultimate honeymoon or couples getaway
- Sweeping canvas, private plunge pools and romantic picnics
Detailed 8 Days Kenya Safari & Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Itinerary
Day 1–4: Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
Begin your luxury East African adventure with your international flight to Nairobi, Kenya. Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, connect to Wilson Airport for a scheduled light aircraft flight to the world-renowned Maasai Mara National Reserve.
On arrival at the airstrip, you will be welcomed by your professional safari guide and transferred to your luxury lodge in a custom-built 4×4 safari vehicle, enjoying your first exciting game drive through the reserve. The Maasai Mara is one of Africa’s finest wildlife destinations, famous for its abundant wildlife, breathtaking savannah landscapes, and the spectacular Great Wildebeest Migration between July and October.
Over the next few days, enjoy morning and afternoon game drives in search of the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros—as well as cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, hyenas, wildebeest, antelopes, and an incredible variety of birdlife. Between safari activities, relax at your luxurious lodge while taking in panoramic views of the Mara plains and enjoying exceptional hospitality, gourmet cuisine, and world-class service.
Accommodation: Angama Mara
Meal Plan: All Inclusive
Room Type: Luxury Tented Suite
Destination: Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
Day 4: Flight to Nairobi – Giraffe Manor Experience
After breakfast and a final morning in the Maasai Mara, board your scheduled light aircraft flight back to Nairobi. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the iconic Giraffe Manor, one of Africa’s most exclusive boutique hotels.
Spend the afternoon relaxing at the manor and enjoy the unique opportunity to interact with the resident endangered Rothschild’s giraffes, famous for gently stretching their heads through the windows during breakfast and afternoon tea. This unforgettable experience, combined with the elegant surroundings and exceptional service, makes Giraffe Manor one of Kenya’s most sought-after luxury destinations.
Accommodation: Giraffe Manor
Meal Plan: All Inclusive
Room Type: Luxury Suite
Destination: Nairobi, Kenya
Day 5–8: Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight from Nairobi to Kigali, Rwanda’s vibrant capital. Upon arrival, meet your driver-guide and enjoy a scenic 2.5-hour drive through the beautiful countryside to Volcanoes National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas and the magnificent Virunga Volcanoes.
Check in at the luxurious Singita Kwitonda Lodge, where you will enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Bisoke and Mount Karisimbi while experiencing exceptional comfort, fine dining, and personalized service.
The highlight of your stay is an unforgettable mountain gorilla trekking experience. After an early morning briefing by park rangers, venture into the lush rainforest in search of one of the park’s habituated gorilla families. Once located, spend an incredible hour observing these gentle giants as they feed, play, and interact in their natural habitat. Depending on your schedule, you may also enjoy cultural experiences, nature walks, or simply relax and take in the stunning volcanic scenery from the lodge.
Accommodation: Singita Kwitonda Lodge
Meal Plan: All Inclusive
Room Type: Luxury Suite
Destination: Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Day 8: Departure
After breakfast, bid farewell to the spectacular landscapes of Volcanoes National Park and begin your scenic drive back to Kigali International Airport. Depending on your departure time, you may enjoy a brief city tour or visit local craft markets before checking in for your international flight home.
Depart with unforgettable memories of thrilling wildlife safaris in Kenya, close encounters with endangered mountain gorillas in Rwanda, and an extraordinary luxury safari experience in East Africa.
End of the 8 Days Kenya Safari & Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Itinerary