Kigali & Volcanoes National Park
On arrival into Kigali International Airport, you’ll be met by a local representative and transferred to Ruhengeri, a small, French-speaking town close to the Ugandan border that’s the gateway to Volcanoes National Park – home to some of the world’s last remaining mountain gorillas as well as the rare golden monkey. Head to your lodge, located 3km from the park, and relax around the fire as you take in the majestic mountain surroundings. Choose to visit the shimmering twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondu, set at the foot of the Muhabura volcano, or browse the town’s bustling market to get a glimpse into local life. Overnight at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge.
Things to do:
Gorilla treks and volcano views at Wilderness Sabyinyo
Gorilla's Nest: a treehouse retreat in Rwanda’s gorilla country
Volcanoes National Park
Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime today as you head into Volcanoes National Park to track down Rwanda’s infamous gorillas. You’ll be put into groups depending on fitness level and driven up the mountain to the starting point; you’ll then trek from two to six hours to seek out these intriguing creatures amid towering peaks and emerald rainforest. After the trek, you’ll be transferred back to your lodge for lunch. The afternoon is free for you to enjoy. Overnight at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge.
Things to do:
In Volcanoes National Park, kingdom of the mountain gorillas
Why it’s good to have a porter for your gorilla trek
Volcanoes National Park & Kigali
If you can't get enough of gorillas, you can choose to re-enter the park today to embark on another gorilla trek and track down a different family. Alternatively, you may want to follow in the footsteps of famous primatologist Dian Fossey on a trek to her former research base. Later in the day, head back to Kigali on a scenic drive through fertile hills laced with tea and banana plantations, before transferring to the hotel for your final night in Rwanda. Overnight at Kigali Serena Hotel.
Things to do:
In Volcanoes National Park, kingdom of the mountain gorillas
Trek the Dian Fossey Trail
Kigali & Nairobi
Today you transfer to Kigali International Airport and fly to Kenya for the next chapter of your adventure. Upon arrival in Nairobi, a local representative will be waiting at the airport to transfer you to your comfortable hotel. The rest of the day is free. Both Kigali and Nairobi offer a wide selection of inspiring optional activities and experiences, speak to our Personal Travel Experts if you would like to add extra nights. Overnight at The Eka Hotel.
Things to do:
Hemingways Nairobi: a haven in the heart of the capital
Walking with the locals in a vibrant Kigali neighbourhood
From seed to cup in Kigali on a speciality coffee masterclass
Meet orphaned elephants at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
Go Granny Go! Meet Nairobi’s entrepreneurial grandmas
Nairobi & Maasai Mara
After breakfast, enjoy a scenic flight by light aircraft to Musiara airstrip, followed by a 15-minute game drive to Governors’ Camp. Your home for the next 3 nights will be a classic safari tent at this exclusive camp, set on the banks of the Mara River in a wildlife-rich corner of the Maasai Mara Reserve. The camp is unfenced so grazing animals often pass through. Your plans for the following days are incredibly flexible with two or three games drives per day, depending on your preference. You’ll be allocated an expert driver/guide who you’ll get to know well during your stay. They will know the very best places to spot wildlife and even know all the local lion by name. Overnight at Governors’ Camp.
Things to do:
Stay at Governors’, the Maasai Mara’s original tented camp
Explore the Maasai Mara - an African icon
Little Governors' Camp: a wildlife experience like no other
Safari splendour at Governors’ Il Moran
Maasai Mara
The Maasai Mara is home to one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in the world and today you’ll begin to discover it. The region is deservedly famous for its big cats but is also a fantastic place to experience other wildlife including elephants, giraffe, zebra, antelope, impala, hyenas and warthogs. Visit during the dry season between June and October and you’ll witness The Great Migration, when over two million wildebeest thunders across the mountains in search of lush grasslands. The Community & Conservation programme is also highly recommended during your time here. Visiting local Maasai villages known as Manyattas and a local school, you’ll experience the traditional way of life of the Maasai. Between game drives you can relax at the camp and enjoy excellent meals in the dining tent, or al fresco. Overnight at Governors’ Camp.
Things to do:
Stay at Governors’, the Maasai Mara’s original tented camp
Spotting big cats in the Maasai Mara
Photographing wildlife in the Maasai Mara
Experience the Great Migration
Maasai Mara
During your stay at Governors’ there’s the opportunity to take a thrilling hot-air balloon safari to gain a whole new perspective of the Maasai Mara. Wake early and watch as the balloon is prepared, then take flight and drift upwards as the sun rises. The bright pink-orange haze is visible for miles across the vast savannah, as wildlife roam below. The memorable flight is followed by an impressive Champagne breakfast that will be set up as your balloon comes into land. This is our most popular optional experience in Kenya. The rest of the day is spent on further game drives into the heart of this wildlife-rich reserve with your expert driver/guide. Overnight at Governors’ Camp.
Things to do:
Stay at Governors’, the Maasai Mara’s original tented camp
Support community and conservation work in the Maasai Mara
Glide over the Maasai Mara on a sunrise balloon safari
Maasai Mara & Departure
After breakfast, fly back to Nairobi. Alternatively, if you’re travelling on to Kenya’s coast, you can fly directly from the Mara to Mombasa in the afternoon.
