9 Days Unscripted Gorillas and Masai Mara Fly-in Safari
Trek through the rainforest of Rwanda to see gorillas in their natural habitat. Learn about our closest relatives and how they are returning from their endangered numbers and then onwards to the open plains of the Masai Mara for close encounters with Africa’s Big 5. Embark on a chance of a lifetime to come face to face with one of our closest living relatives, the mountain gorilla and then onto Kenya’s iconic Masai Mara in search of the Big 5.
Detailed itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali, Karibu Rwanda
Welcome to the lush green landscapes of Rwanda! On arrival in Kigali, our Nyumbu Beyond Journeys safari guide will transfer you to your hotel. Kigali today is a vibrant and attractive city. Its existence stands as a testament to the resilience of this remarkable country and its ability to move forward from its tumultuous past.
Spend the afternoon taking a three-hour city tour and Genocide Museum tour learning about the history and where it has come from. Enjoy an overnight at the Park Inn by Radisson Hotel in Kigali where you can rest after a lovely meal at the hotel.
Day 2: Transfer from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park
Depart after breakfast through the lush rolling landscapes up to Volcanoes National Park where you will visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund and learn about the goal of saving gorillas and more broadly, the planet.
After your visit, you will transfer to Gorilla Mountain View Lodge where you will enjoy the next 2 nights in the rainforest. Your afternoon will allow you to enjoy the tranquil surroundings of this stunning property and prepare for the following day’s gorilla trek
Day 3: Mountain Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Wake early to refuel for this once-in-a-lifetime experience. After a briefing by the national park’s guides, begin your gorilla trek in search of these magnificent primates. Volcanoes National Park was made famous by the late Dr Dian Fossey for her work with gorillas and by her book “Gorillas in the Mist”. Now the park is one of the best locations to go trekking to see gorillas in their natural habitat, with 10 different family groups calling the park home.
Mountain Gorillas aren’t the only wildlife to reside in the national park, there are around 200 different species of birds for our bird lovers as well as the endangered golden monkey.
After your Gorilla trek return to the lodge to collect your bags and enjoy the scenic transfer to Kigali for an evening at leisure to relax, have a massage and reflect on what you have just experienced.
Day 4: Fly into Nairobi- Kenya
After breakfast, transfer back to the Airport for your onward flight to Nairobi. Upon arrival in Nairobi you will be transferred to the Ole Sereni Hotel overlooking Nairobi National Park. Here you can enjoy sundowners whilst looking for game from the hotel’s terrace.
Day 5: Visit the Sheldrick Trust Elephant Orphanage
Up early to enjoy breakfast before heading to Sheldrick Trust Elephant Orphanage. Here you can witness first-hand the amazing work the Wildlife Trust along with the Kenya Wildlife Service does to raise orphaned elephants rescued from various locations throughout Kenya.
After returning to the hotel for lunch you will have an afternoon game drive inside Nairobi National Park, the only National Park situated inside a major city before returning to the hotel for dinner under the stars and listening to the sounds of the bush.
Day 6: Fly from Nairobi into Masai Mara vast savanna plains for Big 5
Leaving Nairobi behind after breakfast, you will transfer to Wilson Airport for your flight to the Masai Mara.
Upon arriving at the Masai Mara you will be welcomed by a driver to transfer to Little Governor’s Camp. Here you will enjoy a luxury tented suite overlooking the Mara Plains for the next three nights. You will be greeted with a welcome drink and an overview of the schedule and activities you can enjoy whilst in camp. You have time to retire to your suite until you are welcomed back at the communal area for the afternoon game drive.
The Masai Mara is home to the Great Migration the annual arrival of 1,000s of wildebeest and zebras who arrive to cross the rivers and graze on the fresh grass. The Mara is also home to an incredible array of plains game such as elephants, giraffe antelope species, big cats, rhinos, and birdlife. Overnight at Little Governors Masai Mara.
Day 7: Safari Game in Masai Mara & visit the Masai cultural Village
An early morning start takes you back into the Mara Reserve on pursuit of the Big 5. The Mara Reserve is in the Great Rift Valley with the Mara River, Olooloo Escarpment and the Tanzania border creating the borders of this iconic wildlife reserve. Enjoy epic game viewing from the comfort of your game vehicle and enjoy a bush break with an African coffee with a dash of Amarula.
Return to camp where you will enjoy breakfast on the deck overlooking the Mara Flood Plain before free time where you can enjoy a cultural visit to a Maasai Village. Experience, or a morning bush walk before lunch. Your afternoon is open to enjoy a massage or relax whilst listening to the sounds of the bush outside your suite.
The animals’ beckon, time for your afternoon game drive to see what is starting to wake up and what is getting ready for a night of rest. Overnight at Little Governors Masai Mara.
Day 8: Hot Air balloon Safari & Evening Game drive in Masai Mara
This morning you can wake early to enjoy a game drive or consider a Balloon Safari over the Mara Plains (additional cost). The opportunity to rise with the sun and see the savannah come alive is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Enjoy a bush breakfast with your fellow guests savoring the memories created.
You will be returned to camp where there is the opportunity to visit a local community and school.
Enjoy your afternoon game drive whilst watching the sunset and taking one final photo before returning to camp for dinner. Overnight at Little Governors Masai Mara.
Day 9: Transfer Game Drive in Masai Mara to Nairobi
After an early game drive and bush breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the air strip for your flight to Nairobi Wilson Airport. Here you will be picked up for a transfer to Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your onward flight.
End of 9 Days Unscripted Gorillas and Masai Mara Fly-in Safari