11 Days Rwanda Gorillas, Masai Mara Safari & Zanzibar Holiday : Embark on an East African combined adventure – 11 Days Rwanda Gorillas, Masai Mara Safari & Zanzibar Holiday which allows you to trek to see Mountain Gorillas, enjoy adventurous wildlife safari and end with a relaxing retreat on a tropical island of Zanzibar.
This incredible East Africa Gorillas, Wildlife and Beach Safari takes you in 3 adorning jewels of the region that is Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, Kenya’s Masai Mara and the coastline of Zanzibar.
Your 11 Days Rwanda Gorillas, Masai Mara Safari & Zanzibar Holiday starts with a gorilla trek in Virunga Volcanoes, where you will spend one magical hour with the last of mountain gorillas. Then fly to Kenya for a classic Big 5 Safari in the famous Masai Mara, guided walks, hot air balloon safaris are available for you to enjoy during your Masai Mara Safari.
Finally fly to the immaculate islands of Zanzibar where you can unwind and indulge in total relaxation on the beautiful beaches to end your holiday in East Africa in style.
Highlights of 11 Days Rwanda Gorillas, Masai Mara Safari & Zanzibar Holiday
- Day 1 – Arrive in Kigali & drive to Parc National des Volcans
- Day 2 – Gorilla Trekking
- Day 3 – Tour of Kigali & fly to Nairobi
- Days 6 to 11 – Explore Zanzibar
- Day 4 – On safari in the Masai Mara
- Day 5 – 6 -On safari in the Masai Mara
- Day 7 – Fly to Zanzibar & transfer to the beach
- Day 8 -9 – Zanzibar Beaches
- Day 10 – Zanzibar at your leisure
- Day 11- Fly home
Detailed itinerary of 11 Days Rwanda Gorillas, Masai Mara Safari & Zanzibar Holiday
Day 1 – Arrive in Kigali & drive to Parc National des Volcans
On arrival into Kigali International Airport you will be met by your local guide – our representative, after a short briefing about the safari you will drive through the beautiful countryside of Rwanda to Kinigi at the foothills of Virungas in Volcanoes National Park.
The drive is approximately 2.5 hours, on arrival you will check-in to your lodge where you can enjoy your afternoon at leisure. Relax and rest up this evening ahead of tomorrow’s gorilla trekking adventure.
Dinner and overnight at Bisate Lodge
Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner
Day 2 – Gorilla Trekking
Wake up early for breakfast and depart for the headquarters of the park in Kinigi, where your guide will accomplish the necessary formalities for you. Then you will meet your ranger guides for briefing about the trek and experience in front of you, and drive you to the trailhead from where you will begin your trek.
Based on your own preferences and fitness levels, you can choose from a number of treks to different gorilla families. your trek can last anywhere from 2 to 8 hours depending on your choice, your guide will then lead you along generally clear paths up into the forest, in radio communication with the trackers that stay with the group so they can be located.
The altitude is over 2,500m, so although the pace is unhurried, the hike is tiring and can be steep in some parts. Only one group of 8 people can visit each family of mountain gorillas each day and once you have found them, you will have just one precious hour in their company. If you are a keen photographer, taking your own pictures of the mysterious mountain gorillas is one of the most magical photo sessions you will ever experience.
Bear in mind that the light can be poor in the rainforests and that using a flash is not permitted. You might also need to protect your camera against the possibility of heavy rain. After your hour with gorillas you head back to your lodge for lunch and the rest of the day at your leisure.
Dinner and Overnight at Bisate Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3 – Tour of Kigali & fly to Nairobi
After breakfast, you will checkout of your lodge and be driven back to Kigali City where you will take a city tour and a visit to the Genocide Museum where you will learn about the horrific Kigali Genocide of 1994.
After lunch you are driven to the airport for your onward flight to Nairobi.
Upon landing, met by our guide and are driven to your hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Dinner and Overnight stay at Nairobi Serena Hotel
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4 – On safari in the Masai Mara
After breakfast, you will be driven to Wilson Airport for your scheduled light craft flight to Masai Mara. On arrival at your nearest Mara Airstrip you are met by our representative and are driven to the lodge for check-in.
In the afternoon that is after lunch, you will head to reserve for your first game drive, expect to see several iconic wildlife species like lions, leopards, cape buffaloes, rhinos, giraffes, cheetahs among others. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Dinner and Overnight at Mara Serena Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5 -6- On safari in the Masai Mara
Spend the two full day exploring Masai Mara, you will enjoy two shared safari activities each day. That is the typical morning and afternoon game drives out in the Mara with expert local guide, other activities include the balloon safari, horse riding and guided nature walks (The guided nature walks are offered at certain camps and lodges in Masai Mara).
Masai Mara National Reserve is one of the best Big 5 Safari Destinations in Africa and is great for either a first safari or for safari aficionados. The wildlife and nature in Masai Mara National Reserve will leave you fulfilled.
Dinner and Overnight at Mara Serena Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 7 – Fly to Zanzibar & transfer to the beach
Have breakfast at your leisure and then be driven back to the airstrip in time for your scheduled light aircraft flight, which arrives in Nairobi around midday. Enjoy lunch in Nairobi and transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your direct flight to Zanzibar.
You are met by our guide on arrival and are driven to your beach accommodation where you will spend the next four nights with breakfast and dinner included.
Day 8 – 09 – Zanzibar Beaches
Relax and enjoy the beautiful Zanzibar Island where you can recharge at your leisure. There are several great activities to do, from PADI diving courses to Jozani Forest day trips to keep you occupied throughout the day,
Day 10 – Zanzibar at your leisure
Spend the day relaxing at the beach, you can indulge in a visit to the spa or explore Zanzibar at your leisure.
Day 11- Fly home
Depending on your flight schedule, checkout of your hotel and are driven to Zanzibar Airport to catch your international flight back home or to your next destination.
End of 11 Days Rwanda Gorillas, Masai Mara Safari & Zanzibar Holiday
