11-Day Rwanda Gorillas & Kenya’s Masai Mara Safari
11 Days Rwanda Gorillas & Masai Mara safari takes you to Volcanoes National Park for Gorilla Trekking & Golden Monkey Tracking, the Giraffe center in Nairobi, Masai mara National Reserve & Lake Nakuru national Park
Detailed 11 Day Rwanda Gorilla trekking Masai Mara Safari
Day 1: Arrival in Rwanda and Self-Drive to Musanze
Upon your arrival in Kigali, your self-drive adventure with Self Drive Kenya begins. Collect your vehicle and set off toward Musanze, the gateway to the iconic Volcanoes National Park. Along the way, you can stop at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a moving site that chronicles Rwanda’s history and resilience. If you prefer, you can save this visit for the end of your journey to reflect before departure.
Once you reach Musanze, check into the luxurious Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, where stunning views of the Virunga Mountains await. Relax in comfort and enjoy a delicious dinner while soaking in the serene atmosphere. The hotel’s exceptional amenities ensure a restful night, setting the tone for the remarkable experiences ahead.
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking and Twin Lakes Exploration
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast before driving to the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) office for registration and an informative Gorilla Trekking Briefing. Here, you’ll meet your expert guide, who will accompany you on your first trek through the lush forests of Volcanoes National Park. Witnessing mountain gorillas in their natural habitat is a rare and breathtaking experience that creates memories to last a lifetime.
After this unforgettable adventure, return to your hotel for lunch and relaxation. In the afternoon, take a scenic drive to the Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo, nestled in the heart of Musanze. These tranquil lakes, surrounded by dramatic hills and volcanoes, offer picturesque views and opportunities to interact with local communities. As evening falls, return to the Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel for a sumptuous dinner and a restful overnight stay.
Day 3: Golden Monkey Trekking and Relaxation
Fuel up with breakfast and drive back to the RDB office for your Golden Monkey Tracking briefing. Your guide will lead you through the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park, where you’ll encounter playful and rare golden monkeys in their natural habitat. These lively creatures are a delight to observe and photograph.
Later, return to the hotel for lunch and relaxation. For the afternoon, revisit the peaceful Twin Lakes, soaking in their serene beauty and dramatic landscapes. The scenic drive and tranquil environment make for a perfect afternoon. Wrap up your day with dinner and another overnight stay at Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel.
Day 4: Flight to Nairobi and Giraffe Manor Stay
Take a short flight from Kigali to Nairobi, where your East African self-drive adventure continues. Upon arrival, transfer to the iconic Giraffe Manor, a world-renowned boutique hotel. Spend your day experiencing the unique charm of the Manor, including breakfast with the resident Rothschild giraffes.
Relax in the Manor’s serene gardens and indulge in its luxurious amenities. This day is the perfect transition from Rwanda’s gorilla trekking to the vibrant adventures Kenya has to offer. The Manor provides an exclusive and magical setting, blending nature, luxury, and charm.
Day 5: Nairobi Excursions
Embark on a day of Nairobi’s finest excursions. Visit the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust to learn about elephant conservation while watching orphaned elephants being fed. Next, head to the Giraffe Center, where you can interact with endangered Rothschild giraffes.
In the afternoon, drive to the Karen Blixen Museum, the former home of the renowned author whose life inspired the film Out of Africa. The museum offers a glimpse into colonial Kenya and Karen Blixen’s remarkable story, set against the scenic Ngong Hills. This day blends wildlife, history, and culture, creating a memorable experience in Nairobi.
Day 6: Embarking on your self-drive from Nairobi to Laikipia Wilderness is an adventure in itself. The journey winds through diverse landscapes, from the bustling city to the rolling hills of the Kenyan countryside. The drive offers stunning views of the Great Rift Valley, and as you ascend towards Laikipia, the scenery transforms into a breathtaking savannah. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife sightings along the way – zebras, giraffes, and even elephants may grace you with their presence. The roads are generally well-maintained, although some sections can be unpaved and require careful driving. Remember to pack plenty of water, snacks, and a good playlist for the journey.
Once you arrive in Laikipia, the true adventure begins. The wilderness offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature and encounter incredible wildlife. Game drives within the conservancies provide the best chance of spotting the elusive Black Leopard, a rare and magnificent predator. Keep your binoculars handy and listen carefully for the sounds of the bush. Remember to respect the environment and wildlife, and always follow the guidance of your experienced safari guide.
Day 7: of your Laikipia Wilderness adventure begins with a thrilling guided self-drive. You’ll embark on a carefully planned route, led by your experienced guide via radio communication. This unique experience allows you the freedom and flexibility of exploring the wilderness at your own pace while still benefiting from the expertise and local knowledge of your guide. They will advise you on the best areas to search for the elusive Black Leopard, point out interesting wildlife sightings, and provide valuable insights into the local ecosystem. Enjoy the thrill of the open road, the stunning scenery, and the possibility of a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with this magnificent predator.
Day 8: Today’s adventure takes us to Lake Nakuru National Park, renowned for its vibrant spectacle of thousands of pink flamingos adorning the lake’s shores. Our journey traverses the Great Rift Valley, culminating in a stop at Nyahururu, one of Kenya’s highest towns, perched at an elevation of 7700 feet. Here, we witness the awe-inspiring Thomson Falls, where the Ewaso Nyiro River cascades dramatically 236 feet into the lush forest below. After a leisurely lunch at our chosen lodge, we embark on an afternoon game drive, seeking out the park’s iconic inhabitants: the white and black rhino, the distinctive Rothschild giraffe, and the elusive leopard. The day concludes with dinner and a restful overnight stay at the Sarova Lion Hill Lodge.
Day 9: Following an early breakfast, we depart for a thrilling game drive as we begin our journey towards the Masai Mara. Our route traverses the awe-inspiring Great Rift Valley, leading us to Narok Town, a bustling commercial hub for the Maasai people. After a brief stop, we continue our journey towards the Masai Mara National Reserve, a vast expanse that seamlessly merges with the renowned Serengeti plains. This iconic reserve is celebrated for the awe-inspiring Great Migration of wildebeest and serves as a haven for the “Big Five” – lion, elephant, rhinoceros, buffalo, and leopard. Upon arriving at our chosen lodge, we enjoy a leisurely lunch followed by an exhilarating afternoon game drive. The day concludes with a delightful dinner and a restful overnight stay at the camp.
Day 10: Today, we delve into the heart of the Masai Mara, a renowned wilderness of exceptional grandeur. Two exhilarating game drives are planned, offering remarkable encounters with a diverse array of wildlife.
The Mara is home to a vast array of species, including graceful giraffes, majestic elands, elegant topis, and countless herds of plains game such as impalas, zebras, and gazelles. For the adventurous, optional activities include a thrilling hot-air balloon ride or a rewarding fishing excursion on Lake Victoria (available at an additional cost). As the day draws to a close, we indulge in a captivating “bush sundowner” – a delightful al fresco cocktail experience amidst the breathtaking savannah at sunset. Dinner and a restful overnight stay await us at the Sarova Mara Game Camp.
Day 11: Begin your final day with an early morning game drive to witness the breathtaking Kenyan sunrise. Return to the camp/lodge for a leisurely English breakfast. Following breakfast, check out and embark on the journey back to Nairobi. Upon arrival, add over the car to our driver check into your chosen hotel for day room use, allowing you to enjoy some leisurely shopping and sightseeing before your departure.