7-Day Masai Mara & Rwanda Gorilla Safari

East Africa

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Overview

The 7-day Masai Mara and Rwanda safari takes you to two of the most beautiful safari destinations in Africa: The Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya and the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. The Masai Mara is famous for hosting the epic Great Migration, where more than 1.5 million wildebeests are welcomed to its stunning savannah each year. The reserve also offers a wide variety of attractions and activities. Wildlife species in the Masai Mara include leopard, cheetah, zebra, elephant, giraffe, hippopotamus, buffalo, lion, spider wolf, African hare, antelope, mongoose striped, among others.

This 7-day Masai Mara and Rwanda safari also takes you to Volcanoes National Park. Although the park is best known for mountain gorilla treks, it is also a perfect place for many other exotic activities that a traveler can indulge in. The park is part of the Virunga volcanoes which are shared between Uganda, Rwanda and the DR. Congo. This safari will start in Nairobi and end in Kigali.

Important information

What's Included

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Gorilla permit at 1500 USD per person

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Golden monkey permit at 100 USD per person

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Entrance fees to the parks

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Guide fees

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Full board meals

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One-way flight from Nairobi to Kigali

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Transport in a good 4×4 safari vehicle

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All meals during the safari

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Accommodation (shared) in twin or double beds

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Knowledgeable French and English-speaking guide

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Bottled drinking water during the safari

What's Excluded

Visa fees

International flight fares

Personal expenses, including telephone calls, email, laundry, drinks or meals not indicated in the itinerary.

Tips and freebies

Any optional activity.

Good to Know

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Confirmation will be received at time of booking

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Please note: the tour itinerary and order may change

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Nairobi Airport

🛏️ Nairobi Serena Hotel🚗 2-3 hours

On your arrival at the airport, you will be greeted by a professional guide from Riverwide Safaris. Transfer to the hotel in Nairobi, installation and rest.

Day 2: Road to the Masai Mara

☕ Meals🛏️ Masai Mara Safari Camp🚗 1-2 hours

At your hotel in Nairobi, you will be welcomed again by a guide from Riverwide Safaris who will give you information about the 7-day tour. You then head to the Masai Mara National Reserve, with a stop in the town of Narok for lunch en route, take photos and visit some craft shops. You will continue towards the park and arrive late in the afternoon. In the evening, you will go on safari in search of a wide variety of wildlife including lions, elephants, buffalo, giraffes, leopards, rhinos, zebras, wildebeest and many more. After the evening safari, return to the lodge.

Day 3: Full Day Masai Mara

☕ Meals🛏️ Masai Mara Safari Camp🚗 1-2 hours

On the third day of your 7-day Masai Mara and Rwanda safari, wake up and enjoy an early breakfast at your lodge before preparing for a full day of exploring the plains of the reserve in search of different animals species. You will be able to observe the big five animals, namely leopards, lions, elephants, buffaloes and white rhinos. You will see a variety of other animals and birds besides the Big Five. They include giraffes, elands, wildebeest, zebras, topis, etc. You will enjoy your delicious packed lunch in the park, before leaving for another safari. After a full day of safari in the Masai Mara, you will return to your lodge. Dinner and night's rest.

Day 4: Departure from Masai Mara to Nairobi

☕ Meals🛏️ Masai Mara Safari Camp🚗 1-2 hours

On the fourth day of your 7-day Masai Mara and Rwanda safari, you will return to Nairobi. Departure from the lodge and return by car to the Masai Mara reserve for a last chance to observe the Big Five and other animals of the park. Lunch on the way. On arrival in Nairobi, you will be dropped off at your hotel for check-in. Dinner and night's rest.

Day 5: Flight from Nairobi to Kigali (Rwanda)

☕ Meals🛏️ Bwindi Gorilla Lodge🚗 2-3 hours

After breakfast served at the hotel in Nairobi. Your driver guide will take you to the airport for your flight to Kigali, Rwanda. On arrival at Kigali airport, your Rwanda guide will welcome you and give you information about the Rwanda safari. You will take a brief city tour of Kigali and the genocide before lunch. After lunch in Kigali, your guide will take you to the Volcanoes National Park, one of the few places where you can encounter the rare mountain gorillas. When you arrive at the park, you will settle in and rest, preparing for the next day's adventure.

Day 6: Hike in Volcanoes National Park to observe gorillas

☕ Meals🛏️ Bwindi Gorilla Lodge🚗 30 min

Your guide will take you to the park headquarters in Kinigi for a briefing on the rules and regulations of gorilla trekking. After the briefing, you will meet the ranger who will group you into eight people. The ranger will lead you through the hiking trails in the rugged forest in search of the gorillas. Trekking in Rwanda can last from 30 minutes to 5 hours, depending on the movements of the gorillas. Once you find the gorillas, you will have an hour to spend with them observing how they survive in the forest, feeding, playing, grooming the young ones and taking remarkable photos. After the activity with the gorillas, return to the lodge. It is possible to take a cultural tour of Ibyacwu village in the evening with a knowledgeable local guide. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.

Day 7: Golden monkey tracking and return to Kigali

☕ Meals🛏️ Masai Mara Safari Camp🚗 1-2 hours

On the 7th day of your 7-day Masai Mara and Rwanda safari, you will leave the lodge after breakfast. The guide will pick you up and take you to the meeting center in the park for a briefing on the rules of tracking golden monkeys. After the briefing, you will go up into the forest in the company of rangers and guides, in search of golden monkeys. Once you have located them, you will have an hour to observe them. Unlike gorillas, golden monkeys are very active and playful. Watching them feed and jump from tree to tree is a very rewarding and memorable experience. Departure from the park to return to your car and return to Kigali. Drop off at your hotel or Kigali airport to catch your return flight.