7 Day Gorillas in Rwanda and Masai Mara

True Wilderness Immersion: 7 Day Gorillas in Rwanda and Masai Mara

Discover the best of Rwanda and Kenya during the 7 day Gorillas in Rwanda and Masai Mara Safari. We track the Mountain Gorillas in the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and head to the Masai Mara, the jewel of Kenya’s wildlife viewing. 

Rwanda, known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” is home to the majestic mountain gorillas. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that allows you to get up close and personal with these primates in their natural habitat.  Gorilla trekking in Rwanda occurs in Volcanoes National Park, in the country’s northwestern part. This park is part of the Virunga Massif, which spans Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The Masai Mara, located in southwestern Kenya, is one of Africa’s most famous and iconic safari destinations. Known for its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and the annual Great Migration, a trip to the Masai Mara offers an authentic African safari experience.

The Masai Mara National Reserve is part of the greater Mara-Serengeti ecosystem, which includes Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park.

Discover the magic of Africa with our exclusive 7 day Gorillas in Rwanda and Masai Mara Adventure! Dive into the heart of Rwanda’s lush forests to encounter majestic mountain gorillas and traverse the iconic plains of the Masai Mara, home to the Big Five. This is your chance to witness the ultimate gorilla trekking experience and have a game safari in the Mara Region on the 7 day Gorillas in Rwanda and Masai Mara Adventure.

From the intimate encounter with mountain gorillas in Rwanda to the vast savannahs of the Masai Mara teeming with wildlife, these experiences offer transformative unforgettable memories for a lifetime.

Highlights of  the 7 Day Gorillas in Rwanda and Masai Mara

Experience:

• Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda: Get up close and personal with endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
• Game Drives: Safari game drives in the Masai Mara provide opportunities to see the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino) and many other species in their natural habitat. Professional guides enhance the experience by sharing their knowledge about the wildlife and ecosystem.
• Cultural Encounters: Visiting a local Maasai village can enrich your safari experience. You’ll learn about the Maasai people’s traditional way of life, customs, and their coexistence with wildlife.
• Luxury Accommodations: Relax in eco-lodges and camps, offering comfort amidst the wild.

Itinerary of 7 day Gorillas in Rwanda and Masai Mara

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali

Upon arrival at Kigali Airport, a company representative will welcome you to begin your 7 day Gorillas in Rwanda and the Masai Mara tour. You will spend the night at the Kigali Marriott Hotel. Upon arrival at Kigali Airport, you will be greeted by a friendly company representative who will warmly welcome you to embark on an unforgettable 7 day adventure exploring the majestic Gorillas in Rwanda and the breathtaking Masai Mara. Your first night will be spent in the luxurious and comfortable accommodations of the Kigali Marriott Hotel.

Day 2: Kigali to Volcanoes National Park – Nature Walk or Iby’iwacu Cultural Centre.

After breakfast, head out to Volcanoes National Park arriving in time for lunch and relaxation. Later in the evening, head out for a nature walk to Lake Burera and Lake Ruhondo, the crater lakes just outside the national park. You will enjoy fabulous views and scenery of the Volcanoes Mountains and the lakes. 

Accommodation and Meals at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge 

Day 3: Gorilla Trekking

Arise early today and prepare for the highlight of your safari, an unforgettable encounter with the gentle giants of Bwindi!  Following breakfast, transfer to the national park offices where you will be allocated a gorilla family in groups of 8 as well as a gorilla tracking guide.

After a pre-tracking briefing by your guide touching on the gorillas generally, your assigned gorilla family as well as appropriate safety precautions, you drive to the trailhead for the start of a thrilling adventure – participants can expect to walk long distances in steep and sometimes muddy conditions with rain overhead, which can be challenging.

However, the thrill of coming face to face with a giant Mountain Gorilla silverback far more than makes up for the effort in their quest. Granted the time taken can be quite unpredictable taking anything from 2 to 8 hrs or longer. 

You will have a packed lunch from the lodge for this hike. Upon sighting the gorillas, you spend the allowed one hour with them as they go about their daily life; feeding, moving, playing, raising their young, and sometimes wrestling by the juveniles – it is a unique and unforgettable experience!  This will be one of the highlights of your 7 Day Gorillas in Rwanda and Masai Mara.

Accommodation and Meals at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge

Day 4: Volcanoes NP- Kigali – Flight to Nairobi

After breakfast, proceed to Kigali Airport for your departure flight to Nairobi. Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta Airport, you will be greeted by a company representative and escorted to JW Marriott Nairobi, your place of accommodation. After a delightful breakfast, make your way to Kigali Airport to catch your flight to Nairobi. Upon landing at Jomo Kenyatta Airport, you will receive a warm welcome from a company representative who will accompany you to the splendid JW Marriott Nairobi, where you will be staying.

Day 5: Nairobi to Masai Mara

After having breakfast, we will head to Masai Mara National Park. The park is famous for its high density of animals, including the ‘Big Five’, as well as 453 species of birds. It is one of the most popular reserves in Africa. The plains of this National Reserve consist mainly of open savannah, with patches of acacia woodland and riparian forest along the Mara River.

We will be staying at Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp, where meals and accommodation are provided. After enjoying a hearty breakfast, we will proceed on an exciting adventure to the renowned Masai Mara National Park. This extraordinary park is celebrated for its remarkable concentration of wildlife, which includes the iconic ‘Big Five’ and an impressive array of 453 bird species.

Regarded as one of the most frequented reserves in Africa, the park’s expansive plains are predominantly characterized by open savannah, interspersed with pockets of acacia woodland. Along the Mara River, we will encounter captivating riparian forests, adding to the park’s diverse landscape. Our accommodations and delectable meals will be provided at the esteemed Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp, ensuring a comfortable and memorable stay amidst this remarkable natural environment.

Day 6: Masai Mara game drives and local visit to the Masai Mara Community

After breakfast, you will have time to explore more of Masai Mara’s scenery and to catch a glimpse of the “Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos.  In addition to these, Maasai Mara teems with other fascinating wild animal species: giraffes, zebras, hippos, baboons, wildebeests, warthogs, gazelles, crocodiles, and numerous bird species. 

Later in the evening, visit a Maasai Manyatta (village) to immerse yourself in Maasai culture and explore their handmade local crafts. By purchasing these unique items, you support the community’s livelihood and sustainable lifestyle within the park. Head back to the camp for relaxation on the 7 Day Gorillas in Rwanda and Masai Mara Experience.

Accommodation and meals at Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp

Day 7: Masai Mara to Nairobi

After enjoying a satisfying breakfast, you will make your way back to Nairobi. Depending on the timing of your flight, you will have the opportunity to savor a delicious lunch before making your way to the airport for your onward journey back home, marking the conclusion of your unforgettable 7 Day Gorillas in Rwanda and Masai Mara adventure.

Included in the 7 day Gorillas in Rwanda and Masai Mara

• Ground transportation in a safari customized 4WD with gasoline/fuel,
• Mineral water in the vehicle,
• Services of an English speaking Driver/guide,
• Accommodation as shown at the lodges mentioned in the itinerary,
• Meals as shown (B-breakfast, L-lunch, D-dinner),
• All Park Entrance Fees and all permits

Excluded in the 7 day Gorillas in Rwanda and Masai Mara

• International Airfares; Excess baggage charges;
• Ugandan and Rwanda Entry Visa Fees;
• Beverages
• Tips and Gratuities for your Driver/guide and hotel staff,
• Optional activities unless specified as included,
• Any other services not expressly shown in the itinerary or indicated as included.