8 Day Kenya & Rwanda Safari
The 8 Day Kenya & Rwanda Safari, is a remarkable safari that blends East Africa’s iconic wildlife with rare gorilla trekking in Rwanda. This safari is perfect for travelers seeking the combine Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo, & elephant) viewing and mountain gorillas trekking in Rwanda. The 8 Day Kenya & Rwanda Safari begins in Kenya, with safaris in Masai Mara National Reserve, and the legendary Amboseli National Park. Visitors get chance to see the African Big Five, and the majestic elephant herds set against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro.
After exploring Kenya’s Savannas, you’ll then fly into Rwanda and visit the Volcanoes National Park for a memorable gorilla trekking experience. This safari is designed to maximize wildlife viewing while ensuring comfort, adventure, and cultural immersion. Guests travel in custom 4×4 safari vehicles accompanied by professional English-speaking guides, who provide expert insights into animal behavior, ecology, and regional culture. This 8 Day Wildlife & Rwanda Safari allows for early morning and late afternoon game drives, for opportunities to see lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, and numerous bird species.
Detailed 8 Day Kenya & Rwanda Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Pick up Nairobi and Transfer to Masai Mara
From your hotel, you’ll be picked up and transferred to Masai Mara National Reserve. You’ll then enjoy a scenic drive to Masai Mara National Reserve, a vast expanse of savannah, rivers, and rolling hills, with glimpses of rural Kenyan life along the way.
Arrive at your lodge or luxury camp, take some time to relax and settle in before your first safari experience. In the afternoon, embark on your first game drive, as the Mara’s wildlife comes alive in the golden light of late afternoon. Enjoy watching herds of zebras grazing alongside wildebeests, giraffes standing tall among acacia trees, and perhaps spot lions resting in the shade.
You’ll end your day with a delicious dinner at the lodge, often set against the stunning backdrop of a savannah sunset.
Meal Plan: Dinner
Day 2: Full-Day Game Drives in Masai Mara
On the second day, enjoy a full-day experience in Masai Mara National Reserve, known worldwide for its rich wildlife and the amazing annual wildebeest migration. After an early breakfast, head out for both morning and afternoon game drives. The early hours give you a great chance to see predators like lions and cheetahs when they are most active, either hunting or moving around their territories.
The Mara is home to the Big Five (lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos) and your guide will help you find these animals while respecting their natural behavior. Between wildlife sightings, take in the reserve’s beautiful scenery, from rolling grasslands and acacia-filled plains to flowing rivers. Besides the large animals, the park is also home to over 450 bird species, including ostriches, vultures, and the colorful lilac-breasted roller.
Afternoon game drives continue, with an option of having a picnic lunch in a scenic open area. Return to your lodge at sunset, thinking about the beauty and variety of the Mara.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Optional Hot Air Balloon Safari or Maasai Village Visit
Today you have an option to take a sunrise hot air balloon safari, gliding quietly over the Mara plains. This experience offers breathtaking photography opportunities and, panoramic views of the savannah ecosystem.
Alternatively, you can visit a traditional Maasai village to gain insight into the Maasai people’s culture, customs, and daily life. Activities may include watching traditional dances, observing beadwork demonstrations, and learning about local conservation efforts. Following the cultural visit, embark on a morning game drive to spot any wildlife missed on previous excursions.
The afternoon offers time to relax at the lodge, take optional bush walks, or enjoy photography sessions. This day balances adventure and cultural immersion, highlighting the close connection between Kenya’s wildlife and its human communities. The day concludes with dinner at the lodge, accompanied by storytelling and reflections on the day’s wildlife encounters.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Drive to Amboseli National Park
After breakfast, leave Masai Mara and travel southeast to Amboseli National Park, known for its large elephant herds and beautiful views of Mount Kilimanjaro across the border in Tanzania. The journey takes several hours, passing through small towns and rural farmland. On arrival, head out for an afternoon game drive to explore the park’s swamps, acacia woodlands, and open plains. Amboseli is home to elephants, lions, cheetahs, giraffes, and many bird species. The snow-capped peaks of Kilimanjaro offer great photography moments, and optional sunset viewpoints give you a chance to capture the scenery in golden light. Dinner at the lodge ends the day, giving you time to relax and get ready for early morning game drives.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Drive to Nairobi and Flight to Kigali
After breakfast, drive back to Nairobi, Kenya’s capital city. On arrival, take a flight to Kigali, Rwanda, where your next adventure begins. Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy a short city tour, visiting craft markets and cultural centers. After landing, transfer to a lodge near Volcanoes National Park as you prepare for your gorilla trekking experience.
Spend the evening relaxing at the lodge, adjusting, going through trekking guidelines, and enjoying dinner with views of Rwanda’s green landscapes. The move from Kenya’s wide savannahs to Rwanda’s mountain forests brings an exciting and noticeable change in your safari journey.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park and Gorilla Trekking Preparation
Wake up and transfer to Volcanoes National Park, where misty hills, volcanic peaks, and thick bamboo forests create a perfect setting for Rwanda’s unique wildlife. On arrival, check into your lodge and prepare for the gorilla trekking adventure planned for the next day.
Guides will give a briefing on trekking safety, animal behavior, photography rules, and how to act around the gorillas. Optional short nature walks in the nearby area help guests adjust to the altitude and surroundings. Dinner at the lodge ends a day filled with excitement and preparation for the unforgettable wildlife experience ahead.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Wake up early for a briefing at the park headquarters, where trackers will assign gorilla families for trekking. Head into the forest, walking through thick vegetation, bamboo areas, and misty trails, with chances of seeing other wildlife and birds along the way.
Once you find the gorilla family, spend up to one hour watching these amazing animals. See silverbacks, mothers with young ones, and playful juveniles, creating a very personal and touching wildlife experience. Your guide will explain gorilla behavior, conservation efforts, and the challenges these endangered animals face. The trek is both physically demanding and emotionally rewarding, leaving you with lasting memories of Rwanda’s natural beauty.
Return to the lodge for lunch, with optional afternoon activities like visiting Dian Fossey’s grave or exploring nearby local villages.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Departure
On the final day, you can choose to go for a golden monkey tracking trek, meeting another interesting primate species found in Rwanda. These active monkeys live in bamboo forests and show playful social behavior.
After the trek, transfer to Lake Kivu for a scenic visit or some relaxing time by the water. Depending on your flight schedule, continue to Kigali International Airport for your departure. Guests leave with unforgettable memories of East Africa’s wildlife, culture, and landscapes, ending a Kenya & Rwanda safari that combines adventure, conservation, and cultural experiences.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
End of 8 Day Kenya & Rwanda Safari