This is our flagship pairing of Rwanda’s gorilla trekking, widely regarded as the most comfortable and accessible of the three range countries, with a fly-in Maasai Mara stay for the migration — a genuinely premium, low-hassle route from forest to savanna.
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 to relax.
Golden Monkey Trekking
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4
An optional hike to the Dian Fossey Tomb at Karisoke, or a visit to the Iby’Iwacu cultural village.
Dian Fossey Hike or Cultural Village Visit
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5
A transfer to Kigali, flying via Nairobi to a private Maasai Mara airstrip.
Fly Kigali to Nairobi to Maasai Mara
Accommodation Options
LuxuryAngama Mara
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6
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 7
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 8
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 9
A further game drive day, exploring different sectors of the reserve and neighbouring conservancies.
Second Full Day Maasai Mara
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 10
A final morning game drive, then a flight to Nairobi for your onward international connection.
Departure
Meals: Breakfast
Permits & Costs
| Rwanda gorilla permit | $1,500 per person |
| Golden monkey permit | $100 per person |
| Maasai Mara conservancy/reserve fees | ~$100–$120 per person per day |
| Hot air balloon safari (optional) | ~$550 per person |
Who This Itinerary Suits
Travellers prioritising comfort and ease of logistics alongside genuine wildlife depth — both legs of this route are among the most straightforwardly accessible in the region.Tour Includes
- All ground transport in 4×4 safari vehicles
- Regional flight segments
- 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