Combining Kenya Wildlife Safari with Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Combining Kenya Wildlife Safari with Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Combining Kenya Wildlife Safari with Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda. This ultimate combo adventure combines a Kenya wildlife safari with gorilla trekking in Rwanda. From the Big Five safari in Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya to encountering the endangered Mountain Gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. Let’s plan your Kenya Wildlife Safari with gorilla trekking in Rwanda trip, and find the best times to visit.

Why anyone should combine a Kenya Wildlife Safari with Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda?

Imagine going on a thrilling journey that combines the best of Africa’s wildlife experiences, a Kenya wildlife safari and gorilla trekking in Rwanda. This unique adventure offers the chance to witness the majestic Big Five in Kenya’s iconic national parks like Masai Mara National Reserve and come face-to-face with mountain gorillas in Rwanda’s lush forests. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time explorer, this guide will help you plan an unforgettable trip, providing detailed itineraries, accommodation options, and essential tips to make the most of your adventure.

How to Plan a Kenya Wildlife Safari with Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Detailed Itinerary for Kenya Wildlife Safari and Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda


Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi, Kenya

Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi for a Kenya Wildlife Safari. After clearing customs, you’ll be transferred to your hotel. Spend the evening relaxing and preparing for your adventure. Enjoy a delicious dinner at your hotel, sampling local and international cuisine.


Destination: Nairobi

Accommodation Options:

Budget: Kenya Comfort Hotel

Midrange: Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Airport

Luxury: Hemingways Nairobi

Meal Plan: Dinner at the hotel


Day 2-4: Maasai Mara National Reserve

Start your day with a hearty breakfast before heading to Maasai Mara National Reserve on a Kenya Wildlife Safari. The drive offers scenic views of the Great Rift Valley. Upon arrival, check into your lodge and enjoy lunch. Spend the afternoon on a game drive, spotting lions, elephants, and possibly the Great Migration if you visit between July and October. Return to your lodge for dinner and an evening under the stars.


Over the next two days, embark on morning and afternoon game drives. Witness the diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes of Maasai Mara. Enjoy meals at your lodge, with options ranging from bush breakfasts to sundowner cocktails on a Kenya Wildlife Safari.


Destination: Maasai Mara

Accommodation Options:

Budget: Mara Explorers Camp

Midrange: Mara Serena Safari Lodge

Luxury: Angama Mara

Meal Plan: Full board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)


Day 5-6: Amboseli National Park

After breakfast, travel to Amboseli National Park, known for its breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Check into your lodge and have lunch. In the afternoon, explore the park on a game drive, observing large elephant herds and other wildlife. Return to your lodge for dinner.


Spend the next day on game drives, capturing stunning photos of wildlife against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. Enjoy meals at your lodge, with opportunities to dine al fresco and savor the flavors of African cuisine on your Kenya Wildlife Safari.


Destination: Amboseli National Park

Accommodation Options:

Budget: Kibo Safari Camp

Midrange: Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge

Luxury: Tortilis Camp

Meal Plan: Full board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)


Day 7-8: Tsavo National Park

Depart for Tsavo National Park after breakfast. Tsavo is one of Kenya’s largest parks, offering diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife. Check into your lodge and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, embark on a game drive, spotting lions, leopards, and rhinos. Return to your lodge for dinner on your Kenya Wildlife Safari.


The following day, continue exploring Tsavo with morning and afternoon game drives. Visit attractions like Mzima Springs and the Shetani Lava Flow. Enjoy meals at your lodge, with options for bush dining experiences.


Destination: Tsavo National Park

Accommodation Options:

Budget: Voi Wildlife Lodge

Midrange: Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge

Luxury: Finch Hattons

Meal Plan: Full board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)


Day 9: Travel to Kigali, Rwanda

After breakfast, transfer to Nairobi for your flight to Kigali, Rwanda. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel. Spend the evening exploring Kigali, you can visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial or relax at your hotel. Enjoy dinner at the hotel, sampling Rwandan and international dishes.


Destination: Kigali

Accommodation Options:

Budget: Discover Rwanda Youth Hostel

Midrange: Heaven Boutique Hotel

Luxury: Kigali Serena Hotel

Meal Plan: Breakfast in Tsavo, lunch on the go, dinner at the hotel


Day 10-11: Volcanoes National Park

Transfer to Volcanoes National Park after breakfast. Check into your lodge and have lunch. In the afternoon, visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village to learn about Rwandan culture and traditions. Return to your lodge for dinner.


The next day, embark on your gorilla trekking adventure. After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing. Trek through the forest to find a gorilla family and spend an hour observing these magnificent creatures. Return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation. In the evening, enjoy dinner and reflect on your incredible experience on your Kenya Wildlife Safari and gorilla trekking in Rwanda.


Destination: Volcanoes National Park

Accommodation Options:

Budget: Kinigi Guest House

Midrange: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge

Luxury: Bisate Lodge

Meal Plan: Full board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)


Day 12: Departure

After breakfast, transfer back to Kigali. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time to visit local markets or the Kigali Genocide Memorial. Transfer to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight, marking the end of your unforgettable Kenya wildlife safari and gorilla trekking adventure in Rwanda.


Destination: Kigali Accommodation: N/A

Meal Plan: Breakfast at the lodge

What is the Best Time to Go for Kenya Wildlife Safari and Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda?

The best time for a Kenya wildlife safari and gorilla trekking in Rwanda depends on your preferences and the experiences you seek. For a Kenya wildlife safari, the dry seasons from June to October and January to February are ideal. During these months, animals gather around water sources, making wildlife viewing easier. The Great Migration in Maasai Mara occurs from July to October, offering a spectacular sight of wildebeest and zebras crossing the Mara River.


For gorilla trekking in Rwanda, the dry seasons from June to September and December to February are recommended. The trails are less muddy, and the weather is more favorable for trekking. However, gorilla trekking is possible year-round, and each season offers unique experiences. The wet seasons from March to May and October to November bring lush vegetation and fewer tourists, providing a more intimate trekking experience.

How to Get There and Away for Kenya Wildlife Safari and Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Getting to Kenya and Rwanda for your wildlife safari and gorilla trekking adventure involves a combination of flights and ground transportation. Start by flying into Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, Kenya. From Nairobi, you can take domestic flights or drive to various national parks. Several airlines, including Kenya Airways and Ethiopian Airlines, offer flights to Nairobi from major international hubs.


After completing your Kenya wildlife safari, fly from Nairobi to Kigali International Airport in Rwanda. RwandAir and Kenya Airways provide direct flights between the two cities. Upon arrival in Kigali, you can arrange for ground transportation to Volcanoes National Park. The Park is approximately a two-hour drive from Kigali, and you can hire a private car or join a guided tour.


For your return journey, you can fly out of Kigali International Airport to your next destination. Ensure you have all necessary travel documents, including visas for both Kenya and Rwanda and check the latest travel advisories and health requirements.

What to Do and See on Kenya Wildlife Safari and Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

A Kenya wildlife safari offers a variety of activities and sights to explore. In Maasai Mara, witness the Great Migration, go on game drives to see the Big Five, and visit a Maasai village to learn about the local culture. Amboseli National Park is famous for its large elephant herds and stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Tsavo National Park, one of the largest parks in Kenya, offers diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife, including lions, leopards, and rhinos.


In Rwanda, gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park is the highlight of any visit. The Park is home to 12 habituated mountain gorilla families, and gorilla trekking permits are required to join a guided trek. Besides gorilla trekking, you can visit the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International to learn about conservation efforts or hike to the summit of Mount Bisoke for breathtaking views. The nearby Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village offers a glimpse into Rwandan traditions and customs.

Can I See the Big Five on Kenya Wildlife Safari?

Yes, you can see the Big Five on a Kenya wildlife safari. The Big Five lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino are found in several national parks and reserves across Kenya. Maasai Mara National Reserve is renowned for its high density of lions and leopards, while Amboseli National Park is famous for its large elephant herds and Mountain Kilimanjaro in the far background. Tsavo National Park is home to all five species, making it an excellent destination for Big Five sightings.

What is the Cost of Kenya Wildlife Safari and Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda?

The cost of a Kenya wildlife safari and gorilla trekking in Rwanda varies based on factors such as accommodation, transportation, and activities. Park entrance fees in Kenya range from $60 to $80 per day for non-residents. Gorilla trekking permits in Rwanda cost $1,500 per person for foreign non-residents, $500 for foreign residents and $200 for East African Citizens, which includes a guided trek and one hour with the mountain gorillas.


Accommodation costs vary widely, with budget options starting at $50 per night and luxury lodges exceeding $1,000 per night. Additional expenses include domestic flights, ground transportation, meals, and tips for guides and staff. It’s essential to budget for these costs and book gorilla permits and accommodations well in advance, especially during peak seasons.

Where to Sleep, Eat, and Drink on Kenya Wildlife Safari and Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

During your Kenya wildlife safari, you can choose from a range of accommodations, including budget campsites, midrange lodges, and luxury tented camps. In Maasai Mara, options like Mara Serena Safari Lodge and Governors’ Camp offer comfortable stays with excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge and Ol Tukai Lodge are popular choices in Amboseli National Park. In Tsavo, Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge and Finch Hattons provide luxurious accommodations.


In Rwanda, Kigali Serena Hotel offers a convenient and comfortable stay in the capital. Near Volcanoes National Park, Bisate Lodge and Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge provide luxury accommodations with stunning views and excellent service. For budget travelers, options like Kinigi Guest House offer affordable and comfortable stays. Check out our recent blog on Best Rwanda Honeymoon Resorts.


Dining options vary from lodge restaurants serving international and local cuisine to picnic lunches during game drives. In Kigali, you can explore a variety of restaurants offering Rwandan and international dishes. Don’t miss trying local specialities like brochettes (grilled meat skewers) and ibihaza (pumpkin stew). You can also read more on the Top Rwanda Restaurant Picks.

Why Travel with Dav Safaris for Kenya Wildlife Safari and Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Choosing a reputable tour operator like Dav Safaris ensures a seamless and memorable experience. Dav Safaris offers customized itineraries, knowledgeable guides, and excellent customer service. Our expertise in planning Kenya wildlife safaris and gorilla trekking in Rwanda ensures you get the most out of your adventure. With Dav Safaris, you can enjoy a hassle-free journey, from booking gorilla permits and accommodations to arranging transportation and guided tours.


Contact our team for more information on Kenya Wildlife Safari and Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda, remember to check out our reviews on Trip Advisor to make the right choice.

Our Popular Tours