6 DAYS VOLCANOES NP AND MASAI MARA SAFARI.
Overview.
From trekking the beautiful mountain gorillas that occupy the jungles of Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park to world – class game viewing with sights of large wildebeest herds rumbling over the Masai River, the 6 days Volcanoes and Masai Mara Safari is one of those extraordinary African safaris you will ever undertake.
Mountain gorilla trekking and wildebeest migration are some of Africa’s spectacular wildlife experiences and it’s possible to enjoy both of them in a 6 days safari.
Detailed itinerary.
Day 1: Arrival at Kigali International Airport and drive to Volcanoes National Park in north – western Rwanda.
Arrival at Kigali International Airport and our Company representative will welcome and transfer you to a Hotel or Motel for a hot meal (breakfast or lunch depending on the time of the day) as well as short relaxation. If time allows, there will be a city tour to some of the magnificent tourist sites before setting off for Volcanoes National Park in north-western Rwanda.
During the Kigali City tour, tour various cultural and historical sites that include Kigali Craft Market, Kigali Genocide Memorial Center, Belgian Monument and local food markets among others. Drive towards north-western Rwanda while relishing the spectacular sceneries characterized by towering Virunga ranges, rolling hills and lush tea plantations/estates. Dinner and overnight at a lodge in the outskirts of Volcanoes National Park.
Day 2: Mountain gorilla trekking and mesmerizing community tours.
This day, prepare yourself for the most memorable wildlife encounter, considered the highlight of most African safaris. Sprawling for 160 square kilometers, Volcanoes is known for rich floral and faunal diversity, sheltering over 30% of the World’s Mountain gorilla population.
Trekking the mountain gorillas in this park takes 1-5 hours and once the allocated gorilla family is found, trekkers are allowed up to one hour observing them rest, swing from one tree branch to another, forage, play, cuddle and groom each other, as you learn about their exceptional lifestyle. The one hour in the presence of the mountain gorillas is one of the truly humbling and unforgettable wildlife experiences.
Leave the jungles and return to your lodge for relaxation, hot meal and in the evening head for a tour to Iby’Iwacu cultural village where you will attend exciting cultural performances, learn about the history of Rwandan people, listen to ancient stories, participate in the preparation and even taste some of the local cuisines and visit the traditional healer. Dinner and overnight as well as evening relaxation will be at the lodge.
Day 3: Tour of the twin lakes and flight to Nairobi City.
After breakfast, have a boat ride on the serene waters of the twin lakes – Burera and Ruhondo, on the foothills of Sabyinyo and Muhabura Volcanoes National Park. This boat ride will introduce you to bird species, local communities, fishermen who passionately tell the history of the twin lakes and the rolling hills at the backdrop of the lakes.
Be transferred to the lodge for a road trip to Kigali International Airport for an outbound flight to Nairobi. Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel or motel in Nairobi City.
Day 4: Transfer to the remarkable Masai Mara National Reserve.
Leave Nairobi City in the morning for a journey to Kenya’s most popular Protected Area-Masai Mara National Reserve. Transverse through the Rift Valley, descend the Escarpment while driving through Narok area until the spectacular Masai Mara Reserve. Lunch will be served at the lodge upon arrival.
Have a short game drive where heaps of resident wildlife species such as manned lions, impalas, zebras, wildebeests, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, Topis, Hippos and warthogs will be seen. A great way to end your first day in this Reserve.
Day 5: Full day Masai Mara tour.
You have an entire day to explore the beauty of Masai Mara National Reserve. A hot cup of tea/coffee before sunrise and set off for a game drive to spot the predators such as lions, leopards, cheetahs, spotted hyenas and serval cats on their last kill in addition to antelopes, zebras and Masai giraffes roaming on the vast Masai Mara savannah grasslands. Retreat to the Lodge to refresh and have lunch, accompanied by a cold drink and magical views of Masai River at the balcony of our lodge.
In the evening undertake a guided walk through Masai communities or walking safari through the edge of the Oloololo Escarpment as well as the Great Rift Valley. Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge, within Masai Mara National Reserve.
Day 6: Game drive and return to Nairobi City.
In the morning, have breakfast and head out for the last game drive through areas that were not explored and increase chances of spotting animals missed during the previous game drives. Lunch at the lodge and be dropped-off at Jomo Kenyatta Airport for your departure flight.
End of your 6 days Volcanoes and Masai Mara Safari.

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