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9 Days Kenya & Rwanda Safari: Big Five, Maasai Mara & Gorilla Trekking Tour
Tour Overview
Embark on a thrilling 9-day Kenya and Rwanda safari adventure combining Big Five game viewing with unforgettable gorilla trekking experiences across East Africa’s most iconic destinations. This immersive East Africa safari takes you through Kenya’s legendary Maasai Mara National Reserve, famous for its abundant wildlife and the Great Migration, as well as Lake Naivasha, a scenic freshwater lake known for boat safaris and diverse birdlife, and Amboseli National Park, renowned for its large elephant herds and breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Continue your journey with a flight to Rwanda for a cultural tour of Kigali, a vibrant and fast-growing capital city offering rich history, art, and local experiences. From there, travel to Volcanoes National Park, one of Africa’s premier destinations for gorilla trekking safaris, where you will enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
Enhance your Rwanda experience with golden monkey tracking in the bamboo forests of the Virunga Mountains and a visit to the Red Rocks community project, where you can engage with local communities and learn about grassroots conservation and cultural preservation initiatives.
This diverse multi-country safari seamlessly blends wildlife safaris, primate trekking, cultural immersion, and breathtaking landscapes, making it ideal for nature lovers, photographers, and adventure seekers looking for the ultimate Kenya and Rwanda travel experience.
Tour Package Includes
- Mountain Gorilla Tracking Permit ($1500)
- Transportation Costs
- Meals & Accommodations
- Bottled Drinking Water
- Professional Driver-Guide, and Fuel
Travel Days Plan
Nairobi to Masai Mara – Begin Your African Safari Adventure
Your private safari driver-guide will collect you from your Nairobi hotel and begin a scenic journey through the dramatic landscapes of the Great Rift Valley en route to the world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve, one of Africa’s premier wildlife safari destinations (approximately 5.5 hours). Along the way, enjoy a stop at the Great Rift Valley viewpoint, a breathtaking geological formation and one of Kenya’s most iconic photography locations, offering sweeping views across this vast natural wonder. Arrive at Mara Sopa Lodge in time for lunch, where you can relax and settle into your safari accommodation surrounded by the sights and sounds of the African wilderness. After lunch, embark on your first exhilarating afternoon game drive in the Masai Mara ecosystem, renowned for its abundant wildlife and exceptional Big Five safari experiences. Keep your eyes open for lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, and rhinos, along with giraffes, zebras, and countless other species. With a bit of luck, you may even encounter the rare “Big Nine” during your Kenya wildlife safari adventure. Return to the lodge by early evening for dinner and an overnight stay, reflecting on your first unforgettable moments in one of the world’s most iconic safari destinations.
Full-Day Game Drives in the Masai Mara
Start your day early with a sunrise safari game drive in the Masai Mara National Reserve, the best time to witness predators such as lions, leopards, and hyenas in action during their most active hours. This early morning Kenya safari experience offers exceptional wildlife viewing and photography opportunities as the golden light illuminates the vast savannah plains. After returning to the lodge for breakfast, you may choose to relax at leisure or visit an authentic Maasai village for a cultural tourism experience. Here, you will learn about the rich traditions, customs, and daily life of the Maasai people, one of Kenya’s most iconic indigenous communities, known for their vibrant attire, warrior heritage, and deep connection to the land. In the afternoon, head out for another exciting game drive across the sweeping landscapes of the Masai Mara ecosystem, home to over 450 recorded wildlife species. This world-renowned Big Five safari destination offers incredible opportunities to spot elephants, lions, cheetahs, buffalo, and rhinos, along with giraffes, zebras, and numerous bird species. Between July and October, the reserve becomes the stage for one of nature’s greatest spectacles the Great Migration when millions of wildebeest and zebras cross from Tanzania’s Serengeti into Kenya in search of fresh grazing, often braving crocodile-filled river crossings. Optional Activities: Hot Air Balloon Safari over the Masai Mara at sunrise, offering panoramic views of the wildlife and plains below Maasai Village Visit for a deeper cultural immersion experience
Masai Mara to Lake Naivasha – Boat Safari & Walking Tour
After breakfast, depart the Masai Mara region and journey to Lake Naivasha, a stunning freshwater lake nestled in Kenya’s Great Rift Valley and known as the highest lake in the Rift Valley system. Surrounded by dramatic volcanic landscapes and lush vegetation, Lake Naivasha is a renowned Kenya safari destination celebrated for its rich biodiversity and exceptional birdwatching opportunities, with over 400 recorded bird species. Upon arrival, enjoy a relaxing boat safari across the tranquil waters of Lake Naivasha, where you can observe hippos surfacing in the lake, African fish eagles swooping for prey, and a variety of other aquatic and shoreline wildlife. This immersive water-based safari experience offers a unique perspective on Kenya’s natural beauty and ecosystem. Continue to Crescent Island Game Sanctuary for a guided walking safari—an unforgettable experience that allows you to explore the wild on foot. Walk among free-roaming giraffes, zebras, gazelles, wildebeests, and other plains wildlife in a safe, open environment, offering an up-close and intimate wildlife encounter rarely found elsewhere in East Africa. This combination of boat safari and walking safari makes Lake Naivasha one of the most diverse and rewarding stops on any Kenya wildlife safari itinerary.
Lake Naivasha to Amboseli National Park – Iconic Kilimanjaro Views
Depart Lake Naivasha after breakfast and continue your journey southwards, passing through Nairobi en route to the iconic Amboseli National Park, located near the Kenya–Tanzania border. This scenic drive offers changing landscapes from the Great Rift Valley to open savannah plains, showcasing the diversity of a classic Kenya safari route. Arrive at your lodge in time for lunch and settle in before heading out for an afternoon game drive in Amboseli National Park, one of Africa’s most celebrated wildlife destinations. Known for its vast herds of free-roaming elephants, Amboseli offers some of the closest and most intimate elephant encounters in the world. Set against the dramatic backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, the park provides exceptional opportunities for wildlife photography and game viewing. Keep an eye out for lions, cheetahs, buffalo, giraffes, and a variety of bird species as you explore the open plains and swamp ecosystems. Amboseli’s combination of iconic scenery and rich wildlife makes it a highlight of any Kenya wildlife safari experience.
Full-Day Safari in Amboseli National Park
Spend the day exploring the diverse ecosystems of Amboseli National Park, one of Kenya’s most scenic and wildlife-rich safari destinations. The park’s varied landscapes ranging from seasonal swamps and open savannah plains to acacia woodlands create a thriving habitat for an impressive array of wildlife and make it a prime location for an immersive Kenya safari experience. Morning and afternoon game drives offer excellent opportunities to encounter large herds of elephants, along with lions, cheetahs, buffalo, giraffes, wildebeest, zebras, and numerous bird species. Amboseli is especially famous for its iconic elephant populations, often seen moving gracefully across the plains in large family groups. Throughout the day, enjoy uninterrupted views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, whose snow-capped summit provides a breathtaking backdrop for wildlife photography and game viewing. This unique combination of dramatic scenery and abundant wildlife makes Amboseli National Park one of the most rewarding destinations for an African safari adventure.
Amboseli to Nairobi – Flight to Rwanda
After breakfast, set out for a short morning game drive in Amboseli National Park, offering one last chance to enjoy the park’s iconic wildlife and sweeping views of Mount Kilimanjaro. This final Kenya safari experience is a perfect farewell to the open savannahs, elephant herds, and dramatic landscapes that define Amboseli. After the game drive, begin your journey back to Nairobi, traveling through the scenic Kenyan countryside. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before being transferred to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your evening flight to Kigali, Rwanda. Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, a representative will warmly welcome you and provide a smooth transfer to your hotel for check-in. Settle in and relax as you prepare for the next chapter of your East Africa safari adventure in Rwanda.
Kigali City Tour & Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, set out on a guided Kigali city tour, exploring the vibrant capital of Rwanda. Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial for a powerful and reflective experience that offers deep insight into the country’s history, resilience, and remarkable journey of reconciliation. Continue to bustling local markets and artisan shops, where you can discover handmade crafts, traditional textiles, and unique souvenirs while experiencing everyday life in Kigali. After lunch, begin a scenic drive north through Rwanda’s famous rolling hills, often referred to as the “Land of a Thousand Hills.” Along the way, enjoy sweeping views of terraced landscapes, rural communities, and lush green countryside as you make your way toward Volcanoes National Park, the renowned sanctuary of the endangered mountain gorillas and one of Africa’s premier wildlife destinations. Arrive in the Volcanoes region in the late afternoon, where the dramatic volcanic peaks of the Virunga Mountains set the stage for your upcoming gorilla trekking adventure.
Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Today marks the highlight of your Rwanda safari adventure: gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. After an early breakfast, proceed to the park headquarters for a detailed briefing on gorilla trekking guidelines, conservation rules, and safety procedures. Accompanied by experienced park rangers and trackers, set off into the dense montane rainforest in search of your assigned mountain gorilla family. Trekking time can vary depending on the location of the group, but the experience culminates in an unforgettable hour spent observing these endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat—one of the most profound wildlife encounters in Africa. In the afternoon, continue your Rwanda cultural and conservation journey with a visit to the Red Rocks community initiative. This inspiring project supports sustainable tourism, environmental conservation, and cultural heritage through art, education, and community empowerment. Engage with local residents, learn about traditional practices, and discover how tourism directly contributes to conservation efforts and livelihoods in the Volcanoes region. This powerful combination of gorilla trekking and community engagement makes for a truly meaningful and immersive East Africa safari experience.
Golden Monkey Tracking & Departure
After an early breakfast, return to Volcanoes National Park for an exciting Golden Monkey tracking experience. These rare and endangered primates are found only in the Virunga Mountains and are known for their playful behavior and striking golden-orange fur. Compared to gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking is generally less strenuous, making it a rewarding and accessible wildlife experience while offering excellent opportunities for photography in the bamboo forests of the park. After your trek, return to the lodge for lunch and some time to freshen up before beginning your journey back to Kigali. Enjoy a scenic drive through Rwanda’s iconic rolling hills, part of the famed “Land of a Thousand Hills,” as you make your way to Kigali International Airport for your outbound flight. This final leg of your Rwanda safari marks the end of an unforgettable East Africa adventure filled with gorilla trekking, golden monkey encounters, and rich cultural experiences in the heart of Volcanoes National Park.
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Direct Contacts
- Kabale - Kisoro Road, Uganda
- +256 394 517 569
- tours@safarioclock.africa
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