Rwanda's Gorillas and Kenya's Maasai Mara

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.

Itinerary
8 days
Wildlife

£6,075 - £7,775pp iincluding international flights

Itinerary overview

Day 1

Kigali & Volcanoes National Park

On arrival into Kigali International Airport, you’ll be met by a local representative and transfe...

Day 2

Volcanoes National Park

Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime today as you head into Volcanoes National Park to track...

Day 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 anoth...

Day 4

Kigali & Nairobi

Today you transfer to Kigali International Airport and fly to Kenya for the next chapter of your ...

Day 5

Nairobi & Maasai Mara

After breakfast, enjoy a scenic flight by light aircraft to Musiara airstrip, followed by a 15-mi...

Day 6

Maasai Mara

The Maasai Mara is home to one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in the world and today y...

Day 7

Maasai Mara

During your stay at Governors’ there’s the opportunity to take a thrilling hot-air balloon safari...

Day 8

Maasai Mara & Departure

After breakfast, fly back to Nairobi. Alternatively, if you’re travelling on to Kenya’s coast, yo...

Day 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.

Day 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.

Day 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.

Day 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.

Day 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 three 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.

Day 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 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.

Day 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.

Governors’ Balloon Flight

Maasai Mara

Take to the skies on the Governors' hot air balloon safari, where you’ll watch the sunrise over the Maasai Mara and get an aerial view of African wildlife. You’ll lift off around 6am in time to see the sunrise from the balloon, painting the sky in buttery shades of orange. At that time of day, the grazing animals are just waking up. Elephants are munching in the forest, hippos are heading back to the river, and the trees are filled with birds. It’s particularly busy during the Annual Great Migration when massive herds of wildebeest roam the plains. Governors’ has the best flight path in the region, drifting along the Mara River above beautiful riverine forest where rhinos graze, before ending in the open savannah where you might see giraffe, zebra, and lion. Guests love the serenity of the balloon ride and the fantastic opportunities for photography. You’ll also have the chance to drop seedballs from the balloon, as part of a conservation scheme to replant indigenous African olive trees. At the end of the hour-long flight, the balloon will land near a bush breakfast site where tables are set up under trees in the middle of the savannah. Here you’ll enjoy a lavish breakfast spread including eggs, sausages, pancakes, fruit, muesli, and of course Champagne! It’s a laid-back, picnic-style feast where your pilot will share bush stories and explain the history of ballooning in the Mara.

Day 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.

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Guide price information

Low Season

01 Apr - 31 May

£6,075pp

Mid Season

01 Jan - 31 Mar, 01 Jun - 30 Jun

£6,495pp

High Season

01 Nov - 15 Dec

£6,795pp

Peak Season

01 Jul - 31 Oct, 16 Dec - 31 Dec

£7,775pp

Guide price information is based on the included flights from London, accommodation, transport and experiences detailed in the itinerary above. Guide prices do not include optional things to do. Unless specified guide prices are based on 2025 departures. Call us for up to date prices – the cost of your holiday depends upon the time of year you travel, how long you go for, preferred departure airport, airlines, hotels and things to do. Based on 2 people sharing.