Rwanda Gorilla Trekking and a Maasai Mara Safari
From rainforest-draped volcano slopes rising into the clouds in Rwanda to the endless Kenyan savannah, this is a classic East African safari. On this journey, you'll spend time tracking mountain gorillas through the forests of Volcanoes National Park before heading to the Maasai Mara for unforgettable game drives and walks with the Maasai.
Trip highlights
- Take in local arts and culture in Kigali
- See mountain gorillas in their natural habitat
- Track golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park
- Visit the scenic lakes of Burera and Ruhondo
- Spot the Big Five on safari in the Maasai Mara
- Optional hot air balloon safari over the Maasai Mara
Bespoke safaris with Jacada
We design one-of-a-kind journeys incorporating luxury in all its forms. Our bespoke safaris include:
- Exclusive luxury camps, lodges and hotels
- Curated and private experiences
- Skilled guides and local wildlife experts
- Decades of experience from our team of experts
- Full support from your concierge based in Africa
Itinerary in detail
Every Jacada trip is tailored to your personal preferences and interests. Below you’ll find a sample itinerary to inspire your own custom-designed journey.
Days 1–4
Three nights in Volcanoes National Park
Tucked away in the far northwest corner of the country, Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is one of the few remaining havens of the mountain gorilla, one the largest of the great apes but also one of the gentlest. You’ll begin your trip staying at one of our favourite luxury lodges, beyond which moderate slopes and open bush allow for effortless tracking and observation of these majestic animals.
Home to five of the eight volcanoes in the Virunga mountains massif and richly blanketed with rainforest and bamboo forest as well as open grassland, swamps, marshes and small lakes – the park is also a sanctuary for the likes of the golden monkey, bushbuck and spotted hyena – as well as prolific birdlife.
Where you could stay
Singita Kwitonda Lodge
Wildlife encounters
mountain gorillas
Golden monkeys
Gorilla tracking
Ten groups within the park are habituated to humans, and you’ll get the chance to trek through the forest to spend a magical hour in the company of one family group. You are likely to reach their location during their long midday rest and play period. At this time of day, the dominant male (usually a silverback) generally lounges on the ground or against a tree while youngsters roll in the vegetation and climb on trees, vines, and each other. Females nurse and play with their infants.
Golden monkeys
The endangered Golden monkey enjoys a territory of highland forests, especially bamboo, living in groups of up to thirty individuals. A handful of troops in Volcanoes National Park have been habituated and can be tracked in a similar way to the gorillas. The monkeys are playful and inquisitive and often spend their time leaping from bamboo branches or frolicking on the forest floor towards the base of the volcanoes and have overcome their initial shyness to accept their daily visit by researchers and tourists.
A visit to the 'twin lakes' of Burera and Ruhondo
Between Musanze and the Ugandan border are two scenic lakes usually referred to as the twin lakes: Lake Burera and Lake Ruhondo. Fed by rivers and a lake in Uganda, the lakes and the surrounding area is very scenic, with steep and intensively farmed hills surrounding the pristine dark blue waters. They offer magnificent views over the whole of the Virunga Volcanoes.
Days 4–5
Overnight in Kigali
Return to the Rwandan capital, Kigali, for a relaxing evening prior to your flight due east to Nairobi in Kenya. Kigali is emerging as one of Africa’s hippest destinations with a thriving art scene and you will spend a relaxing night getting a glimpse of local culture and lifestyle. Your concierge will recommend the best places to eat and how to spend your time in Kigali.
Where you could stay
Days 5–9
A memorable Maasai Mara safari
Following a short hop by light aircraft, you’ll spend four nights based out of a fabulous safari camp in the Maasai Mara. Go walking with the Maasai and take game drives across the Mara landscape in search of lion, cheetah, elephant, rhino and many more.
If you’re here between July and October, you may witness the Great Migration, when millions of wildebeest thunder across the plains in search of fresh pasture. It’s an incredible sight and one of Africa’s premier wildlife experiences. It must not be forgotten, however, that the Maasai Mara has one of the highest concentrations of wildlife year-round. The big five can all be ticked off your list on a visit here, and you’ll also get to see huge pods of hippos basking in the rivers, cheetahs racing across the savannah and giraffes ambling between the acacia trees.
Where you could stay
See the savannah from above
You might choose to take your wildlife experience to new heights by adding a hot air balloon safari over the Maasai Mara to your stay in this outstanding area. It’s a great way to appreciate its scale and gain a unique bird’s-eye view of the game below. A champagne bush breakfast awaits you upon landing.
Days 9–10
Overnight in Kenya's capital
Return to the bustling capital of Nairobi for one final night in a charming property before your departure. You’ll have time to take a private guided tour to explore more of the city or visit the engaging Karen Blixen Museum.
Where you could stay
A visit to the Karen Blixen Museum
The Karen Blixen Museum was once the centrepiece of a farm at the foot of the Ngong Hills owned by the famous Danish author between 1915 and 1931. Located 10km from the city centre, the museum and its grounds belongs to a different time period in the history of Kenya. It was bought by the Danish government in 1964 and gifted to the Kenyan government as an independence gift, being used as a college of nutrition until international interest in the property after the 1985 film ‘Out of Africa’ led to to the establishment of the museum.
Why book with Jacada
Personalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your personal interests, tastes and preferences, providing honest advice based on first-hand knowledge.
Authentic experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant Concierges are hand-picked for their ability to bring your destination to life with care and passion.
Positive Impact
We seek out unforgettable experiences that benefit both local communities and the environment.
