Gorillas and the Masai Mara

This two centre holiday showcases the very best of East Africa’s wildlife. It is the perfect choice whether you’re looking for a once in a lifetime visit to Africa, or are a seasoned safari traveller and looking for something different. Rwanda’s endangered Mountain gorillas are one of Africa’s most sought after wildlife encounters which few people have the chance to experience. Not only does this trip allow you the opportunity to visit the Mountain gorillas, but also shows off the stunning countryside of Rwanda – the land of a thousand hills. After tracking the gorillas, you will fly to Kenya for a safari in the world renowned Masai Mara National Reserve. Home to the big five, the Mara has one of the highest densities of lion in the world, and from July to October it plays host to the migration of over a million wildebeest traversing from the Serengeti into the Masai Mara in their continuous search for new grass.

Day 1  Kigali – Parc National des Volcans, Rwanda
On arrival into Kigali you will be met by your guide and driven to the Parc National des Volcans. The three hour road trip is incredibly scenic and you will soon understand why Rwanda has been called the ‘Switzerland of Africa’ and the Land of a Thousand Hills. You will stay at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge for two nights with all meals, park fees and one gorilla tracking permit included.

Check into your room and enjoy your first afternoon will be at leisure. This comfortable but rustic lodge has incredible views of the Virunga Mountains and hiking is possible should you wish to stretch your legs before dinner is served.

Day 2  – Parc National des Volcans, Rwanda
Early  morning you will be taken by road to the park headquarters (approx 15 minutes drive) where you will be told which gorilla family you will be tracking. The length and difficulty of the trails vary and your guide and porters will be on hand to assist you throughout your trek into the mountains. The gorillas are discreetly tracked by staff from the park as a safety measure so they always know roughly where the families are located. This helps to cut down your time and effort in finding the great apes. And so begins a true once-in-a-lifetime experience as you have the chance to encounter these endangered giants. On locating the family you will have one hour to spend in their company before returning to the park headquarters.

Depending on the length of your trail you will have the afternoon to spend as you wish, either relaxing at the lodge or enjoying the incredible scenery.

Day 3  Rwanda –  Nairobi
After a morning a leisure, you will be driven back to Kigali Airport in time for your flight to Nairobi. Upon landing into Nairobi early evening, you will be met and transferred to the Norfolk Hotel, in central Nairobi. This iconic hotel is a throw back to the colonial days with wide verandahs and lush gardens. Enjoy a relaxing evening and a good night’s sleep.

Day 4   Nairobi- Masai Mara
After breakfast you will be collected and driven the short distance to Nairobi Wilson domestic airport for your scenic light aircraft flight to the Masai Mara.

On arrival you will be met at the airstrip and driven to Mara Plains Camp tucked away amongst the lush vegetation overlooking the Ntiakitiak River. This camp is one of the smallest in the region, but we recommend it because it offers the opportunity to get really close to nature. It is located in the heart of a private conservancy with a very low density of  vehicles and with an abundance of big cats.

With only seven individually styled cottages, Mara Plains offers the most wonderful and intimate experience with outstanding personal service. This region is abundant in wildlife so expect to see plenty of plains game and big cats during your 4×4 game drives over the next few days. Spend three nights at Mara Plains Camp on a fully inclusive basis with game drives included.

Day 5 & 6   Masai Mara
Enjoy two full days of game viewing with twice daily game drives in the morning and afternoon. On some days if you prefer the vehicle can go out for a full day, stopping for lunch in the shade of a tree out on the plains. Return to the lodge for a sumptuous dinner under the stars.

Day 7  Masai Mara –  Nairobi – Home
After a final game drive this morning and lunch in the bush you will be flown by light aircraft back to Nairobi. Upon arrival in late afternoon you will be met and privately transferred across Nairobi to the international airport to continue with your journey home.

If time is no object, we can make suggestions to extend this holiday with either a few nights at Lake Naivasha, the Samburu Reserve or perhaps relaxing on the beach – let us know we are happy to make suggestions.

If you would like more information about the Gorilla and Masai Mara Itinerary, speak to our Safari Holiday’s team on +44 208 249 5919. Alternatively you can contact us here by email.