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
Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Hotel des Mille Collines
Kigali, Rwanda
Rekero
Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
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
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.
100% chance
100% chance
100% chance
100% chance
100% chance
100% chance
100% chance
100% chance
100% chance
92% chance
77% chance
77% chance
17% chance
0% chance
0% chance
0% chance
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.
Let us help you customise your trip
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Prepare for your trip
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When you return
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Other ideas for Rwanda safaris
Look at these ideas in Rwanda: then talk to us. Will will design a trip that's perfect for you.
Other safari ideas across Africa
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