Gorillas and Maasai Mara Safari: Day-by-day
More detailed information of what each day entails, and the various places you’ll stay on the Gorillas and Maasai Mara Safari. Everything we do is completely tailor-made so while this is an idea which works well, we’ll always design an itinerary just for you.
Starts: Kigali International Airport
Kigali to Volcanoes NP by private 4WD
Leaving Kigali Airport in your private 4WD, you'll spend a little time in the Rwandan capital, with a tour of the city and a visit to the Genocide Memorial and museum. From here, you'll head north-west for about three hours - though should you wish to stop, perhaps in a village, do discuss the options with your guide. The journey takes you through lush hills and bustling market towns to the foothills of Volcanoes National Park, and the beautiful setting of Mountain Gorilla View Lodge.
Kigali Tour and Genocide Memorial Visit
You'll be driven around Kigali to see the highlights of the city, with a main stop at the Genocide Memorial and museum. This will give you a fascinating, though sobering, insight into Rwanda's modern history. It is remarkable to learn just how far Rwanda has come in such a short period of time and it certainly adds a deeper understanding about the Rwandan people. Read all about Kigali Tour & Genocide Memorial Visit
Mountain Gorilla View
On the slopes of Mount Sabyinyo, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge has beautiful views of the surrounding volcanoes. Nestled beneath the towering, forested Virunga range, and perfectly placed for gorilla trekking, the lodge is aptly named. The setting, the friendly atmosphere and the best value for money in the area combine to give this lodge enduring appeal.
On the slopes of Mount Sabyinyo, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge has beautiful views of the surrounding volcanoes. Nestled beneath the towering, forested Virunga range, and perfectly placed for gorilla trekking, the lodge is aptly named. The setting, the friendly atmosphere and the best value for money in the area combine to give this lodge enduring appeal.
First up are the sizeable grounds on the slopes of the extinct Mount Sabyinyo, the trees alive with birds and monkeys, and views at almost every turn.
Dotted around the site, 40 large, rather rustic cottages constructed of stone and thatch offer plenty of privacy. Comfortable yet simply furnished, if rather old-fashioned, they have plain plastered walls, a sleeping area raised slightly above the lounge, and a colourful bathroom.
To offset the chill of mountain evenings, there’s a fireplace in each room and in the main area, whose burnt-red walls, patterned rugs and zebra-print sofas afford a somewhat eclectic charm.
Its setting aside, the hotel’s entire raison d’être is its proximity to Rwanda’s habituated mountain gorilla families. Just a 15-minute drive brings you to the start of the trek in Volcanoes National Park, while seeking out golden monkeys, hiking or even canoeing are also on the agenda.
"Beautiful views over the volcanoes. The staff are friendly and welcoming..."
The D FamilyfromFranceArrived 29 Jan 2024, 3 nights
Then, come the evening, settle down on the lawn to watch traditional Rwandan Intore dancing before drinks around the firepit and a homely dinner to round off the day. See our full report on Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Activities
Birdwatching
Canoeing
Cultural excursion
Helicopter
Primate trekking
Golden Monkey Trekking
Spend a morning trekking to find the golden monkeys in the Volcanoes National Park. These endangered monkeys are endemic to the Albertine Rift area and are characterised by their golden-orange fur. You’ll be able to enjoy an hour watching them jump through the bamboo and hunker down to chew bamboo leaves, curiously watching you, as you watch them.
Your driver-guide from Kigali will operate your transfers to the park headquarters and introduce you to your trekking group and parks guide. Read all about Golden Monkey Trekking
Gorilla Trekking Safari
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is a magical experience, transcending any other wildlife encounter we know. Meeting a gorilla family in their forest home, led by a dominant male silverback and a cluster of females and young, is a natural adventure that fully repays the cost in unforgettable memories and images.
Your driver-guide from Kigali will operate your transfers to the park headquarters and introduce you to your trekking group and parks guide. Read all about Gorilla Trekking
Gorilla Trekking Safari
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is a magical experience, transcending any other wildlife encounter we know. Meeting a gorilla family in their forest home, led by a dominant male silverback and a cluster of females and young, is a natural adventure that fully repays the cost in unforgettable memories and images.
Your driver-guide from Kigali will operate your transfers to the park headquarters and introduce you to your trekking group and parks guide. Read all about Gorilla Trekking
Volcanoes NP to Kigali by private vehicle
There's usually time for a relaxed breakfast before leaving Mountain Gorilla View Lodge mid-morning, but you have the flexibility to set the pace, so do talk to your guide about any stops you'd like to make during the journey. As you travel back towards the capital, there's also the opportunity to stop for lunch before arriving at the Hotel des Mille Collines, in the heart of the city
Hotel des Mille Collines
Film-star status is just one of several reasons to stay at the Hotel des Mille Collines. For a city-centre international hotel, that’s quite a claim, but this is the hotel that starred in the film Hotel Rwanda, set during the 1994 genocide.
Film-star status is just one of several reasons to stay at the Hotel des Mille Collines. For a city-centre international hotel, that’s quite a claim, but this is the hotel that starred in the film Hotel Rwanda, set during the 1994 genocide.
Movie credentials aside, the hotel’s central location is also key for a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, while – with the capital at the hub of the country’s tourism network – it’s a good stopping off point before, during or at the end of a trip.
Beautiful gardens add to the hotel’s appeal, surrounding a large swimming pool where sunloungers are the perfect spot to indulge in a drink or snack from the thatched pool bar.
Indulgence comes in the form of rungus too: traditional wooden clubs used in the small spa to soothe away the aches of a long journey.
Dine alfresco on the terrace, or seek out the more classy restaurant, with panoramic views over the twinkling lights of Kigali. Then, for a touch of panache, head for the cocktail bar, where live jazz is served up at weekends.
"The public areas and grounds are lovely. The pool looks very nice"
The RileysfromCincinnatiArrived 17 Jul 2023, 2 nights
If the hotel’s 112 rooms are on the bland side, they are spacious and comfortable, but for real style head to the foyer, overlooking the gardens, where colourful artwork brings life to the whole. See our full report on Hotel des Mille Collines
Activities
Cultural excursion
Kigali to the Maasai Mara by road & air
Today you’ll be driven to the airport for an early flight to Nairobi, where a driver will be waiting to transfer you to Wilson Airport. Here, you’ll board your light aircraft for the Maasai Mara, to be met at Ol Kiombo Airstrip for the short game drive to Rekero, arriving around mid afternoon.
Rekero
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.
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.
"Perhaps the highlight of our trip..outstanding guiding."
Mr BfromLondonArrived 18 Nov 2021, 2 nights
Rekero has one of the most central locations in the Mara but this also makes the surrounding area an attractive target for wildlife-viewing vehicles from other camps, and the area can be very busy in the migration season. Nevertheless, Rekero is a friendly and comfortable camp and we found it easy to relax here. It's run by an enthusiastic and knowledgeable team and we were impressed by the service and attention from staff. The large number of repeat guests is indicative of Rekero's dedication to offering a first-class safari experience, with incredible guiding that justifies its relatively high rates. See our full report on Rekero
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Cultural excursion
Hot air ballooning
Maasai Mara to Nairobi by 4WD & light aircraft
After breakfast at Rekero, enjoy a final game drive in the Maasai Mara before your 45–60-minute flight to Nairobi; watch out for wildlife if you approach over Nairobi National Park. A private driver will be waiting to transfer you to the international airport – or to explore the city if there's time.
Ends: JKI Airport Nairobi
Experiences you can add to this trip.
Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst staying at lodges on this trip. These are usually best arranged in advance so talk to us.
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
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
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
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
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
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