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FROM US$10,600-US$13,510

Gorillas and Maasai Mara Safari

This trip combines two of Africa's most unforgettable wildlife experiences – Rwanda's mountain gorillas and Kenya's Maasai Mara.

Gorillas and Maasai Mara Safari: Summary

Gorillas and Mara Safari in a nutshell

From volcanoes blanketed in verdant forests to the banks of a river snaking its way across the Mara’s savannah plains, experience two of Africa’s most incredible wildlife spectacles.

Begin in Rwanda, at a comfortable lodge in the shadow of the conical Virunga Mountains. Its forests are home to family groups of mountain gorillas, the largest of the great apes but also perhaps the gentlest. A handful of these groups have been habituated so that people can spend an hour in their humbling and occasionally mischievous presence.

Accompanied by guides and trackers, you’ll trek through the vegetation to find your troop going about their day feeding, playing, grooming and socialising. Under the ever-watchful eye of a dominant silverback, you’ll encounter between a dozen and thirty other gorillas, each with their own personalities, from cocky adolescents and wise mothers to young ones rolling through the bamboo. It’s always a magical experience. As well as gorilla trekking, you can meet endemic golden monkeys, take day trips to scenic lakes and visit Dian Fossey’s memorial. With an overnight stop in Rwanda's capital, Kigali, you’ll also have the chance to learn more about the country's history and culture.

Fly east to Kenya and the Maasai Mara National Reserve for four nights at Rekero. In an enviable position overlooking the Talek River, right in the heart of the Mara, spend your days out on game drives spotting lion, cheetah, leopard, elephant, giraffe and hippo. This is one of the premier safari destinations at any time of year, but if timed to coincide with the migration’s arrival, you’ll be right at the heart of the action with herds of wildebeest and zebra often braving a river crossing right in front of camp.

At a glance

Starts: Kigali International Airport
4 nights Mountain Gorilla View - Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda Full Board
1 night Hotel des Mille Collines - Kigali, Rwanda Bed & Breakfast
4 nights Rekero - Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya Full Board
Ends: JKI Airport Nairobi

Mountain Gorilla View Lodge

Days 1-5

On the slopes of Mount Sabyinyo, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge has beautiful views of the surrounding volcanoes.

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Hotel des Mille Collines

Day 5

Set in large gardens in the heart of Kigali, the four-star Hotel des Mille Collines features in the film Hotel Rwanda. As in the film, the hotel attracts a largely business clientele, but its location also makes it a good base for exploring the Rwandan capital.

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Rekero

Days 6-10

A traditionally styled tented camp, Rekero is sited on the north bank of the Talek River, in a prime location in the centre of the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. It is just 3km upstream from the confluence of the Talek with the Mara, an important "bottleneck" area favoured by predators. During the migration season (roughly July to October) the plains around the camp are thick with wildebeest.

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Mountain Gorilla View Lodge

Mountain Gorilla View

Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Hotel des Mille Collines

Hotel des Mille Collines

Kigali, Rwanda

Rekero

Rekero

Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

About image

Highlights

Our thoughts on five of the top experiences of this Gorillas and Maasai Mara Safari.

  • Coming face to face with mountain gorillas
  • Scenic hikes in Rwanda’s mountains
  • Rwanda’s fascinating culture and turbulent history
  • A chance to witness incredible migration action right by camp
  • Seeing the Mara’s most iconic wildlife on game drives

Activities

Some activities which can be included in the Gorillas and Maasai Mara Safari: talk to us about those which interest you.

  • 4WD Safari

  • Birdwatching

  • Canoeing

  • Cultural excursion

  • Helicopter

  • Hot air ballooning

  • Primate trekking

About image

Key species to see on the Gorillas and Maasai Mara Safari

Based on our travellers' observations, we’ve estimated the likelihood of seeing these species during the Gorillas and Maasai Mara Safari. Click on the animals and our wildlife surveys page for more info.


Lion

100% chance

Mountain Gorilla

100% chance

Buffalo

100% chance

Elephant

100% chance

Giraffe

100% chance

Hippo

100% chance

Spotted Hyena

100% chance

Wildebeest

100% chance

Zebra

100% chance

Cheetah

92% chance

Leopard

77% chance

Eland

77% chance

Striped Hyena

17% chance

Wild dog

0% chance

Aardvark

0% chance

Black Rhino

0% chance

Pangolin

0% chance

Side-trips whilst on this safari

We may be able to build in some of these optional excursions from the Gorillas and Maasai Mara Safari. Talk to us: they’re usually best arranged when you book.


King’s Palace & Museum Visit

King’s Palace & Museum Visit

Half day

If your trip in Rwanda incorporates travelling south from Kigali, a visit to the King’s Palace and Museum gives an interesting insight into Rwanda’s cultural history and monarchy. It's also ideally placed to break up the long journey to Nyungwe Forest.

More about King’s Palace
91% (13 reviews)
Balloon flight over the Mara

Balloon flight over the Mara

3 hours in total - morning only

With the sun rising over the Loita Hills, you scramble into the balloon basket for the start of a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You’re about to go drifting with the breeze above the trees and plains of one of the world’s greatest wildlife regions.

More about Balloon Safari
96% (28 reviews)
Canoeing in Rwanda

Canoeing in Rwanda

Half day - approx. 3 hours on the water

This half-day adventure takes place through lush farmland, on the meandering Mukungwa River near Musanze town. Discovering Rwanda’s countryside in a canoe is great fun: the launch spot is just half an hour from Volcanoes National Park and you'll be guided along the shallow waterway by an expert local canoeist. Your driver-guide from Kigali will operate your transfers and introduce you to your canoe group and guide.

More about Canoeing
96% (9 reviews)
Mount Bisoke Trek

Mount Bisoke Trek

Full day

For something a little different, set out on a one-day hike to the summit of Mt Bisoke in the Volcanoes National Park, home to Rwanda’s famous mountain gorillas. Discover the beautiful scenery of the Virunga Mountains, spot birds and wildlife, and enjoy spectacular views from the crater lake.

More about Mount Bisoke Trek
95% (4 reviews)
Mount Karisimbi Trek - 2 day trek

Mount Karisimbi Trek - 2 day trek

Two days - overnight on Mt Karisimbi

Set out on a two-day hike to the summit of Mount Karisimbi, which at over 4,507m is one of the highest in Africa. This is a challenge for the adventurous! With a local guide, you’ll traverse bamboo forests and rugged terrain, then camp on the slopes of this dormant volcano before enjoying sunrise from the summit.

More about Mount Karisimbi Trek
100% (1 reviews)
Trek to Dian Fossey’s Grave

Trek to Dian Fossey’s Grave

Half day, usually five hours

Dian Fossey is best known for her research and conservation work with the mountain gorillas in Rwanda. She dedicated her life to researching and protecting these ‘gentle giants’ from harm, however she was tragically found murdered at her research camp in 1985. Today visitors can join a local guide to trek through the tropical forest to visit her grave, and learn about the impact of her work.

More about Dian Fossey Trek
100% (2 reviews)

Let us help you customise your trip

All of our holidays on this site are just ideas; none are fixed. All of our trips are tailor-made, so we'll always adapt them to suit you. Talk to an Expert and let us help you to work out your perfect trip.


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When you return

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