This trip combines three of East Africa’s signature experiences — Rwanda’s gorillas, the Maasai Mara’s migration season, and Zanzibar’s beaches — with enough days at each that none feels like a rushed stopover on the way to the next.
Detailed Itinerary
DAY 1
Arrival at Kigali International Airport, then a drive to Kinigi at the base of the Virunga volcanoes.
Arrive Kigali, Transfer to Kinigi
Accommodation Options
Mid-rangeMountain Gorilla View Lodge
LuxuryVirunga Lodge
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
DAY 2
A full day tracking a habituated mountain gorilla family through the Virunga volcanoes.
Gorilla Trekking, Volcanoes National Park
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 3
A morning trek through the bamboo zone tracking a troop of golden monkeys, with the afternoon free.
Golden Monkey Trekking
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4
A transfer to Kigali, flying via Nairobi to a Maasai Mara airstrip.
Fly Kigali to Nairobi to Maasai Mara
Accommodation Options
Mid-rangeSarova Mara Game Camp
LuxuryAngama Mara
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5
A full day across the Mara’s plains for lion, leopard and, in season, migrating wildebeest herds.
Full Day Maasai Mara Game Drives
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6
A day based at the Mara River’s crossing points, watching for herds gathering to cross.
Mara River Crossing Points
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7
An optional pre-dawn hot air balloon flight over the Mara, followed by a champagne bush breakfast.
Optional Hot Air Balloon Safari, Maasai Mara
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 8
A further game drive day, exploring different sectors of the reserve.
Second Full Day Maasai Mara
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 9
A flight to Nairobi, connecting onward to Zanzibar via Dar es Salaam, transferring to your beach resort.
Fly to Nairobi, Connect to Zanzibar
Accommodation Options
Mid-rangeZanzibar Bay Resort
LuxuryBaraza Resort & Spa
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 10
A guided walking tour of Stone Town’s markets and historic architecture.
Stone Town Cultural Tour
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 11
A free day on Zanzibar’s white-sand beaches.
Beach Day at Leisure
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 12
A further beach day with optional diving, sailing or a sunset dhow cruise.
Second Beach Day, Optional Watersports
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 13
A further relaxed beach day.
Third Beach Day at Leisure
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 14
A final full day to relax before departure, no schedule.
Fourth Beach Day at Leisure
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 15
Transfer to Zanzibar’s airport for your onward international flight.
Departure
Meals: Breakfast
Permits & Costs
| Rwanda gorilla permit | $1,500 per person |
| Golden monkey permit | $100 per person |
| Maasai Mara conservancy/reserve fees | ~$100 per person per day |
| Hot air balloon safari (optional) | ~$550 per person |
Who This Itinerary Suits
Travellers on the trip of a lifetime who want none of the three experiences compressed — four full nights each at the gorillas, the Mara and the beach.Tour Includes
- All ground transport in 4×4 safari vehicles
- Stone Town guided tour
- Regional & domestic flights
- Professional English-speaking driver-guides in each country
- All accommodation per itinerary
- Meals as specified
- Gorilla & golden monkey permits, Mara reserve fees
Tour Excludes
- International flights
- Hot air balloon safari (if selected)
- Visas
- Tips & gratuities
- Travel insurance
- Watersports at the coast