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For other destinations and types of holiday, visit Kuoni
For other destinations and types of holiday, visit Kuoni 
Discover remarkable Rwandan like this view of Volcanoes National Park when you take a tailor-made holiday with Alfred&.

Rwanda’s Gorillas and Kenya’s Maasai Mara

By Paul Doig
Africa Travel Expert for Alfred&

From the gorilla-clad peaks of Rwanda to the gold-dappled grasslands of Kenya, this eight-day adventure combines two of Africa’s most iconic sites – Volcanoes National Park and the Maasai Mara – into one awe-inspiring journey. Catch a pride of lions camouflaged in the savannah, spy a herd of wildebeest thunder across the plains or spot a mountain gorilla swinging from the trees; this is set to be an adventure you won’t forget.

 

Places

Length
8 days
Guide price range
£6,075 - £7,775pp
including international flights
Best months to go
July to September

Top Experiences
Itinerary Highlights

Lion in the Maasai Mara
Maasai Mara

Spotting big cats in the Maasai Mara

The Maasai Mara is fantasy land, yet it’s real - it’s the Lion King on steroids....

Volcanoes National Park

In Volcanoes National Park, kingdom of the mountain gorillas

They are such gentle, majestic creatures and I feel privileged that I got to see them in the wild like that...

Maasai Mara

Stay at Governors’, the Maasai Mara’s original tented camp

We were the first permanent tented camp in Africa and offer all the comforts you could need...

Day by day
Itinerary in detail

1

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:

2

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:

3

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:

4

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:

5

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:

6

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:

7

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:

8

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.

Holiday Budget
Guide price information

Low Season

01 Apr - 31 May

£6,075

Mid Season

01 Jan - 31 Mar, 01 Jun - 30 Jun

£6,495

High Season

01 Nov - 15 Dec

£6,795

Peak Season

01 Jul - 31 Oct, 16 Dec - 31 Dec

£7,775

Alfred & Paul Doig

A passionate globe-trotter, nothing makes Paul Doig happier than straying off the beaten track, meeting local people and learning about their way of life. Africa is one of Paul’s favourite regions and he’s explored everywhere from Tanzania and Botswana to South Africa, Malawi and Zambia. One of Paul’s favourite travel memories was spotting giraffes and elephants on his first ever safari in Kenya.

Plan your holiday withAlfred&

Your journey will start with one of our UK team – someone like Vicki, who's travelled extensively in Rwanda. They’ll shape your ideas into the trip of a lifetime. But they won't do it alone. They'll draw on the expertise of our contacts on the ground, connecting you to the people who'll make your holiday one you'll always remember - the guides who track mountain gorillas day and night to ensure you get the best sightings, the Kigalians who'll give you a real insight into their vibrant city and the coffee-growers who'll tutor you in the art of tasting.

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