Rwanda & Kenya Safari: Gorillas & Maasai Mara
A Rwanda and Kenya safari combines the unique and intimate experience of mountain gorilla trekking with the classic, vast savannah landscapes and spectacular wildlife viewing of the Maasai Mara. This combination offers a perfect blend of diverse primate encounters and traditional African safari thrills.
Why Combine Rwanda & Kenya?
- Contrasting Wildlife Experiences: This itinerary provides the ultimate contrast: the rare and endangered mountain gorillas in Rwanda’s misty rainforests versus the immense herds and abundant predators of Kenya’s legendary plains.
- Iconic Safari Destinations: You get to visit two of Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations – the Virunga Mountains and the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
- Diverse Landscapes: Experience Rwanda’s “Land of a Thousand Hills” (volcanic mountains, dense forests, tea plantations) and Kenya’s sweeping grasslands, acacia-dotted plains, and dramatic skies.
- Accessibility: Direct flights between Kigali (Rwanda) and Nairobi (Kenya) make this combination logistically straightforward.
Typical Itinerary Flow
A common approach is to begin with gorilla trekking in Rwanda, then fly to Kenya for the classic safari.
Phase 1: Rwanda – Gorilla Trekking & Culture (3-4 Days)
- Day 1: Arrive at Kigali International Airport (KGL), meet your guide, and transfer to a lodge near Volcanoes National Park (VNP) in Musanze (approx. 2.5-3 hours drive).
- Day 2: Morning Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park. This is the core experience in Rwanda. Afternoon at leisure, relaxation, or optional community visit.
- Day 3 (Optional): Golden Monkey Trekking in VNP OR Dian Fossey Gravesite Hike OR Mount Bisoke Volcano Hike. Alternatively, spend the afternoon exploring local markets or cultural sites.
- Day 4: Morning cultural activity or relaxation. Afternoon transfer back to Kigali for your flight to Kenya.
Phase 2: Kenya – Classic Safari (4-6 Days)
- Day 4/5: Fly from Kigali (KGL) to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi, Kenya. From Nairobi, take a domestic flight (typically from Wilson Airport, WIL) directly to the Maasai Mara National Reserve (approx. 45-60 min flight).
- Maasai Mara National Reserve:
- Game Drives: Spend multiple days on exhilarating game drives in the Maasai Mara. This reserve is world-renowned for its high concentration of wildlife, including the “Big Five” (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo), cheetahs, hyenas, zebras, giraffes, and various antelope species.
- Great Migration: If traveling between July and October, you have a high chance of witnessing the dramatic Wildebeest Migration, particularly the Mara River crossings.
- Maasai Culture: Opportunities to visit a Maasai village to learn about their unique culture, traditions, and way of life.
- Optional Hot Air Balloon Safari: A highly recommended and unforgettable experience, offering a bird’s-eye view of the vast plains and abundant wildlife at sunrise.
- Departure: Fly from the Maasai Mara back to Nairobi (WIL), then transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) for your international departure.
Logistics and Considerations
- Visas: You will need separate visas for Rwanda and Kenya. The East African Tourist Visa ($100) covers Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda and is often the most convenient option.
- Permits: Gorilla permits for Rwanda must be booked well in advance (6-12 months). Maasai Mara park fees are typically included in your safari package.
- Flights: Book international flights to Kigali and out of Nairobi (or vice-versa). Ensure internal flights (Kigali-Nairobi, Nairobi-Maasai Mara) are convenient.
- Transportation: A private 4×4 safari vehicle with a driver-guide is standard for Rwanda. In the Maasai Mara, game drives are conducted in specialized safari vehicles, and transfers to/from airstrips are handled by the lodge.
- Health: Consult your doctor for necessary vaccinations (Yellow Fever is often required for entry into Kenya if coming from Rwanda) and malaria prophylaxis for both destinations.
- Budget: This is a high-end safari combination due to the cost of gorilla permits and the premium safari experience in the Maasai Mara.
- Best Time: The dry seasons (June-September) are generally ideal for both gorilla trekking (drier trails) and wildlife viewing in the Maasai Mara (thinner vegetation, and for the Great Migration).
A Rwanda and Kenya safari offers a thrilling and diverse African adventure, providing intimate encounters with gorillas and the grand spectacle of the Maasai Mara’s legendary wildlife.