12 Days Rwanda and Kenya Safari
This 12 Days Rwanda and Kenya Safari is a great trip for anyone who wants to see wildlife, learn about culture, and enjoy beautiful scenery of Rwanda and Kenya. The 12 Days Rwanda and Kenya Safari takes you through two of the most popular safari destinations in East Africa. On this 12 Days Rwanda and Kenya Safari you will see from Rwanda’s lush forests that inhabit the mountain gorillas to Kenya’s wide open plains filled with animals like lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinos.
The 12 Days Rwanda and Kenya Safari starts in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda. Here, you will visit the Genocide Memorial to learn about the country’s history. After that, you will go to Akagera National Park for game drives and a chance to see wildlife. You will also visit Volcanoes National Park, where you will trek mountain gorillas in Rwanda and also meet local communities to learn about their culture.
The safari then continues to Kenya. You will visit Lake Naivasha and Hell’s Gate National Park, which are both very scenic. Proceed with your safari to the famous Masai Mara National Reserve, where you can see many animals and, if lucky, the great wildebeest migration.
Detailed 12 Days Rwanda and Kenya Safari
Day 1: Arrival in Rwanda & Travel to Akagera National Park
Upon your arrival at Kigali International Airport, a driver meet you and welcome you to Rwanda before taking you for a brief city tour of Kigali, including a visit to the Genocide Memorial, a powerful site that provides deep insight into Rwanda’s history and the resilience of its people on their journey toward healing and unity.
After the city tour, you will travel to Akagera National Park, a stunning National Park covering 1,200 square kilometers, featuring savannahs, wetlands, and lakes. Akagera is home to a wide variety of wildlife and is one of the best places in Africa to spot the Big Five: lions, elephants, leopards, buffaloes, and rhinos.
You will arrive at your lodge in time for lunch, followed by an exciting evening game drive. The Park also hosts numerous other animals, including giraffes, zebras, and hippos, along with over 500 bird species, making it an ideal location for spectacular wildlife photography.
Day 2: Morning Game Drive in Akagera National Park & Transfer Back to Kigali
Wake up to an early for a morning game drive, as the gentle light of dawn casts a glow over the savannah. Watch out for elephants and buffalo, often seen moving in herds, and take in the park’s diverse landscapes that support a variety of wildlife, including antelopes and the recently reintroduced lions and rhinos.
After an exciting morning in the wild, return to your lodge for breakfast before departing for Kigali. Enjoy a scenic drive through Rwanda’s rolling hills, pausing for lunch along the way, before arriving at your hotel in Kigali for check-in.
Day 3: Travel to Volcanoes National Park & Visit the Dian Fossey Center
After breakfast, travel to Volcanoes National Park, the renowned home of the mountain gorillas. Upon arriving in Musanze, visit the Dian Fossey Center, dedicated to protecting gorillas and their natural habitat. Here, you will learn about the life and pioneering conservation work of the famous primatologist Dian Fossey.
In the afternoon, experience Rwandan culture with a visit to the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village. Interact with local community members, enjoy traditional dance performances, and gain insight into Rwandan customs. This cultural encounter adds a meaningful layer to your 12-day Rwanda Kenya Safari, providing a deeper appreciation of local life.
Day 4: Gorilla Trekking
After an early breakfast, assemble at the park headquarters for a briefing on gorilla trekking. Equipped with your trekking gear and a packed lunch, set out on an unforgettable journey into the forest to observe the magnificent mountain gorillas in their natural environment.
Volcanoes National Park is home to twelve fully habituated gorilla families, each with its own unique social structure. The trek through the dense forest is an adventure in itself, culminating in awe-inspiring encounters with these gentle giants. Watching them interact, feed, and play provides a truly transformative experience.
After an exciting day, return to your hotel to relax and reflect on this remarkable adventure.
Day 5: Golden Monkey Trekking & Drive to Lake Kivu
After breakfast, head out to track the lively golden monkeys, another of Rwanda’s unique primate species. Watch these playful animals leap through the trees, offering fantastic opportunities for photography. Their energetic behavior, combined with the beauty of the surrounding forest, makes for a truly enjoyable experience.
After lunch, continue your journey to Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s Great Lakes, situated on the border between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Upon arrival, check into your lakeside accommodation and take in the breathtaking views as the sun sets over the water.
Day 6: Optional Activities & Drive to Nyungwe National Park
This morning, enjoy optional activities on Lake Kivu, such as kayaking along the calm shores or taking a boat ride to explore the lake and its surrounding islands. After a refreshing morning, set off for Nyungwe National Park, home to the largest expanse of montane forest in East and Central Africa.
Along the way, stop for lunch before arriving at the park. Once there, take part in the thrilling canopy walk, suspended 50 meters above the forest floor, offering spectacular views of the treetops and excellent opportunities to observe birds and monkeys at eye level.
Day 7: Chimpanzee Trekking, transfer to Kigali & Fly to Kenya
Start the day with an early breakfast before setting out to Nyungwe National Park for chimpanzee trekking. This biodiverse forest is home to both bonobos and common chimpanzees, offering an unforgettable experience as you observe these intelligent primates in their natural environment.
After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch, then drive back to Kigali in time for your evening flight to Kenya. Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, our representative will welcome you to Kenya, ready to transfer you to your hotel in Nairobi.
Day 8: Lake Naivasha National Park
After an early breakfast, set off for Lake Naivasha, a picturesque freshwater lake nestled amidst lush surroundings. Upon arrival, check into your hotel before embarking on an evening boat ride. This is an ideal chance to observe wildlife, including hippos lounging in the water and a variety of birds along the shoreline.
The peaceful atmosphere of Lake Naivasha, together with its stunning scenery, provides a relaxing retreat and the perfect opportunity to unwind.
Day 9: Visit Hell’s Gate National Park & Lake Nakuru National Park
Begin your day with breakfast before heading to Hell’s Gate National Park for an exciting cycling adventure. Ride through dramatic landscapes featuring cliffs, gorges, and geothermal formations, while keeping an eye out for wildlife in this uniquely scenic park.
After a thrilling morning, continue to Lake Nakuru National Park, famous for its flamingos and diverse birdlife, as well as a wide variety of other animals. Upon arrival, check into your lodge before setting out on an evening game drive to explore the park.
Day 10: Morning Game Drive & Travel to Maasai Mara National Park
After an early breakfast, head out for a morning game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park, famous for its large populations of rhinos and lions, as well as the spectacular views from the surrounding hills. Following an exciting morning in the park, return to your lodge for lunch before traveling to Maasai Mara National Park.
Upon arrival in the Maasai Mara, check into your lodge and set out on an evening game drive. Here, you will have the opportunity to observe the park’s iconic wildlife—including elephants, cheetahs, and lions—while enjoying the stunning backdrop of the African sunset.
Day 11: Full Day Game Drive in Masai Mara National Reserve
Get ready for an exciting full-day game drive in the Maasai Mara, one of the world’s most remarkable wildlife destinations. Depending on the season, you might witness the legendary wildebeest migration or see big cats in action. Your guide will help you spot the Big Five(lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo, & elephant) and many other species while providing fascinating insights into their behaviors and habits. In the afternoon, visit a local Maasai village to learn about the culture and traditions of the Maasai people. This cultural experience adds depth to your safari, offering a closer understanding of local life.
Day 12: Drive back to Nairobi & Fly Back Home
On your final day, start with a relaxed breakfast before setting out for your last game drive in the Maasai Mara. Take this opportunity to enjoy the stunning savannah and spot any wildlife you may have missed. Return to your lodge for a hearty lunch before checking out.
After lunch, you will be transferred to the airstrip for your flight back to Nairobi. Upon arrival, a transfer will take you to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your international departure, bringing your unforgettable 12-day safari adventure to a close.
End of 12 Days Rwanda and Kenya Safari