7-Day Safari and Gorilla Trekking Adventure: Masai Mara to Rwanda

Day 1: Arrival and Safari Start

Masai Mara, Kenya on July 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Mara Serena Safari Lodge

Enjoy a hearty breakfast with views overlooking the Mara River, preparing for a day of wildlife exploration.
KES3000, 1h0m

9:30am

Morning Game Drive

Explore the vast savannah of Masai Mara to spot the Big Five and other wildlife species in their natural habitat. The morning is best for active animals.
KES15000, 4h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Governor's Camp

Dine at this classic safari camp offering authentic Kenyan flavors and a relaxing atmosphere amidst nature.
KES3500, 1h0m

3:00pm

Afternoon Game Drive

Return to the reserve for another chance to see wildlife and catch the golden hour for photography.
Included in morning safari, 3h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at the lodge

Enjoy traditional Kenyan cuisine coupled with scenic views of the savannah to end your day.
KES4000, 1h30m
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Day 2: Full Day Safari

Masai Mara, Kenya on July 6, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast

Start early with breakfast at the lodge to set off for a full day in the park.
Included in lodge stay, 1h0m

8:00am

Full Day Game Drive with Picnic Lunch

Spend the day exploring different regions of the reserve with a picnic lunch in the wild, perfect for spotting predators and birdlife.
KES25000, 8h0m

5:30pm

Return for Dinner

Relax at the lodge and enjoy a gourmet dinner with fellow travelers.
KES4500, 1h30m
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Day 3: Cultural Visit + Travel to Rwanda

Masai Mara, Kenya / Kigali, Rwanda on July 7, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast and Check-out

Breakfast at the lodge before preparing for departure to Rwanda.
Included in lodge stay, 1h0m

8:30am

Visit a Maasai Village

Engage with Maasai culture including traditional dances and crafts, an informative cultural experience before leaving Kenya.
KES4000, 2h0m

11:00am

Travel to Kigali, Rwanda

Drive or fly from Masai Mara region to Kigali; air travel recommended for time efficiency (flight approx. 2-3 hours).
USD150, 3h30m

3:30pm

Check-in at Kigali Hotel

Settle into your hotel and rest for the next day’s activities.
USD80, Rest of day

6:00pm

Dinner at Heaven Restaurant, Kigali

Experience a mix of African and international dishes in a relaxed garden setting.
USD15, 1h0m
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Day 4: Travel and Preparation for Gorilla Trekking

Kigali / Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda on July 8, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a full breakfast before your journey to Volcanoes National Park.
Included with hotel stay, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Volcanoes National Park

Travel approximately 2-3 hours by road to the park, through beautiful Rwandan countryside.
USD50 (car hire), 3h0m

11:30am

Check-in to Lodge near Volcanoes National Park

Settle into your lodge close to the park entrance, ideally one like Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge to enhance your experience.
USD300, Rest of day

12:30pm

Lunch at Lodge

Sample local and international dishes while enjoying views of the volcanoes.
Included with lodge, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village

Guided tour to interact with local communities, learn traditional ways, and understand conservation efforts in the region.
USD25, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Lodge

Relax with dinner at the lodge, ready for trekking the next day.
Included with lodge, 1h0m
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Day 5: Mountain Gorilla Trekking

Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda on July 9, 2025

6:00am

Early Breakfast

Early meal to fuel your day for the gorilla trekking adventure.
Included with lodge, 1h0m

7:00am

Gorilla Trekking Permit Collection and Briefing

Gather permits and attend a mandatory briefing at the park headquarters.
USD1500 (permit), 1h0m

8:00am

Gorilla Trekking Experience

Spend up to one hour observing mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounter.
Included with permit, Up to 3h trekking total

12:00pm

Return to Lodge for Lunch

Enjoy a well-earned meal and rest after the trekking experience.
Included with lodge, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Musanze Caves

Explore the impressive volcanic caves near the park, guided tours available and open between 9am-4pm.
USD12, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Lodge

Reflect on your day over dinner with spectacular views of the Virunga volcanoes.
Included with lodge, 1h0m
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Day 6: Golden Monkey Trekking & Relax

Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda on July 10, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Lodge

Enjoy morning breakfast to prepare for golden monkey tracking.
Included with lodge, 1h0m

8:00am

Golden Monkey Trekking

Track the playful endangered golden monkeys with a park guide, trek duration is typically 2-3 hours.
USD100, 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Lodge

Return for lunch and enjoy some leisure time at the lodge.
Included with lodge, 1h0m

2:00pm

Nature Walk or Spa Treatment

Choose between a guided nature walk around the lodge grounds or a spa treatment to relax muscles after trekking.
USD50 for spa, Free for walk, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Lodge

Last dinner in the jungle setting, savor the cuisine and share stories.
Included with lodge, 1h0m
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Day 7: Return to Kigali & Departure

Volcanoes National Park / Kigali, Rwanda on July 11, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Lodge

Enjoy a final breakfast before traveling back to Kigali.
Included with lodge, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive back to Kigali

Travel approximately 2-3 hours to Kigali for onward flights or extensions.
USD50 (car hire), 3h0m

11:30am

Arrival in Kigali and Lunch at Repub Lounge

Dine on fresh local and international fare in this popular spot before your departure.
USD20, 1h0m

1:00pm

Kigali Genocide Memorial Visit (Optional)

Reflect on Rwanda’s history for 1-2 hours, opening hours 8am-5pm.
Free, 1h30m

3:00pm

Transfer to Kigali International Airport

Head to airport for your onward journey.
USD20, 30m
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