9 Day Volcanoes and Masai Mara Safari

The itinerary is summarized for you

Embark on an unforgettable 9 Day Volcanoes and Masai Mara Safari to encounter some of the world’s most legendary wildlife in two distinct East African habitats. Begin by exploring the lush jungles of Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, where you’ll have a once-in-a-lifetime experience to sit among mountain gorillas alongside an expert and observe their behaviour up close. Then, head to Kenya’s Greater Masai Mara region and enjoy three full days of guided safaris to spot lions, elephants, giraffes, and many other majestic creatures in their natural habitat. During the trip, you’ll also have the opportunity to learn about local culture through a tour of Kigali and a visit to a Maasai village.

• Day 1:  Transfer from Kigali to Ruhengeri, Rwanda
• Day 2:  Volcanoes National Park
• Day 3: Volcanoes National Park
• Day 4: Kigali City to Nairobi City, Kenya
• Day 5: Transfer to Masai Mara National Reserve
• Day 6–Day 8: Masai Mara National Reserve
• Day 9:  Depart at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport

Detailed Itinerary: 9 Day Volcanoes and Masai Mara Safari

Day 1: Transfer from Kigali to Ruhengeri, Rwanda

Upon arrival at Kigali, your private guide will meet you and assist you with your luggage. You will then be driven through the scenic countryside to Ruhengeri (also known as Musanze), the gateway to Volcanoes National Park.

• Accommodation: Luxury, Mid-range
• Meal Plan: Dinner

Day 2: Volcanoes National Park

Begin your day early with a briefing at the headquarters of Volcanoes National Park. Your shared trek through the bamboo zone and into the jungle-covered slopes will start after the briefing. The duration of the trek can vary from two to 5 hours depending on the location of the park’s gorilla families. Once you find them, you will have an hour to observe these fascinating primates up close. Your guide will provide you with information about their behaviour as you watch them interact.

• Accommodation: Luxury, Mid-range
• Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner

Day 3: Volcanoes National Park

Begin your day early to track the endemic golden monkeys with a small group. These endangered primates live in troops of around 80 members in the bamboo forests at the base of the volcanoes, and it is an easier trek to get to them. Spend some time watching their entertaining antics as they leap among the trees around you. Later in the day, join your private guide for a walk to a nearby village. You will have the opportunity to meet the residents and learn about their trades, from weaving mats to brewing banana beer. You will also be invited to a private home to see how traditional Rwandan dishes are prepared.

• Accommodation: Luxury, Mid-range
• Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner

Day 4: Kigali City to Nairobi City, Kenya

On day four, you will travel back to Kigali and go on a private city tour. During the tour, you will visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial. Later, you will head to the airport for your afternoon flight to Nairobi. Once you arrive in Nairobi, you will be picked up and transferred to your historic hotel, located in the heart of the city.

• Accommodation: Luxury, Mid-range
• Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner

Day 5: Transfer to Masai Mara National Reserve

On the fifth day, you will fly by light aircraft out of Nairobi’s domestic airport to Masai Mara on Kenya’s southwestern border. There, you will spend four nights in a luxury tent at the Karen Blixen Camp, an eco-friendly safari camp that overlooks the Mara River and Olololo escarpment. After lunch and a siesta, you will set out on a game drive in the vast wilderness of the Mara North Conservancy, a private reserve adjacent to Masai Mara National Park.

• Accommodation: Luxury, Mid-range
• Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner

Day 6–Day 8: Masai Mara National Reserve

The sixth to eighth days will be filled with adventure as you spend three full days discovering the primordial landscape of Masai Mara. You will go on morning and afternoon game drives in open vehicles, as well as guided bush walks, birding excursions, and night safaris. During this time, you will have a chance to see all manner of African wildlife, from “the Big Five” to giraffes, hippos, an array of bird species, and perhaps endangered wild dogs. When you’re not on safari, you can relax at the spa or pool, enjoy a yoga session, pitch in with a tree-planting program, or visit a nearby Maasai village to learn about this ancient pastoralist culture—and how it adapts to modern-day life.

• Accommodation: Luxury, Mid-range
• Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner

Depart at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport

On the final day of your trip, you will return to Nairobi via light aircraft and transfer to the international airport for your flight home.

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9 Day Volcanoes and Masai Mara Safari Route Options