8 Days Gorillas and Masai Mara Safari

Your adventure begins in Nairobi, Kenya’s bustling capital. Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you will be met by a safari representative and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may have the opportunity to explore Nairobi’s attractions, such as the Giraffe Centre, David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (famous for elephant orphanages), or the Karen Blixen Museum. In the evening, you’ll have a briefing with your guide about the upcoming safari. Overnight will be at a comfortable hotel, preparing you for the next day’s journey to the gorilla trekking destination.

After an early breakfast, you’ll take a short flight to Kigali, Rwanda (or Entebbe, Uganda, depending on your gorilla trekking destination). Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by a local guide and begin the scenic drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda (or Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda). The journey takes you through rolling hills, tea plantations, and rural villages, offering a glimpse into local life. Upon arrival at your lodge near the gorilla trekking starting point, you’ll have time to relax and prepare for the next day’s trek.

This is the highlight of your trip—an encounter with the endangered mountain gorillas. After an early breakfast, you’ll head to the park headquarters for a briefing by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) rangers. You’ll be assigned a gorilla family group based on fitness level, as trekking can take anywhere from 1 to 6 hours through dense forest. Once you locate the gorillas, you’ll spend an awe-inspiring hour observing them in their natural habitat. Watching these gentle giants interact, feed, and play is a profoundly moving experience. After the trek, you’ll return to the lodge for relaxation or optional activities like a community walk to visit the Batwa Pygmies, an indigenous forest-dwelling tribe.

After breakfast, you’ll depart for Kigali (or Entebbe). If time permits, you may take a short tour of Kigali, including a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a sobering yet important historical site. Later, you’ll catch your flight back to Nairobi, where you’ll spend the night before heading to the Masai Mara.

An early morning flight takes you to the world-famous Masai Mara, Kenya’s premier wildlife destination. Upon arrival at the airstrip, your safari guide will meet you and take you on a game drive en route to your lodge or camp. The Masai Mara is renowned for its high concentration of wildlife, including the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino). After settling in, you’ll enjoy an afternoon game drive, where you might spot cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, and wildebeests. As the sun sets over the savannah, you’ll return to your accommodation for dinner and relaxation under the African sky.

Today is dedicated to exploring the vast Masai Mara. You’ll embark on a full-day game drive with a picnic lunch, allowing you to venture deeper into the reserve. The Mara is famous for the Great Migration (between July and October), where millions of wildebeest and zebras cross the Mara River, braving crocodile-infested waters—a spectacle like no other. Even outside migration season, the Mara offers incredible wildlife viewing. You may witness lion prides hunting, leopards resting in acacia trees, or elephants roaming the plains. Your guide will share insights into animal behavior and the ecosystem, enhancing your safari experience.

In the morning, you can opt for a hot air balloon safari—an unforgettable way to see the Mara from above as the sun rises. Floating silently over herds of animals is a magical experience, followed by a champagne breakfast in the bush. Later, you’ll visit a Maasai village to learn about their traditional way of life. The Maasai are known for their vibrant culture, distinctive dress, and warrior traditions. You’ll witness traditional dances, visit a homestead (manyatta), and perhaps even participate in beadwork or spear-throwing demonstrations. The afternoon offers another game drive or relaxation at the lodge, soaking in the sounds of the wild.

Your last morning in the Mara begins with a final game drive, giving you one last chance to spot any animals you may have missed. After breakfast, you’ll take a flight back to Nairobi, where you can enjoy some last-minute shopping for souvenirs before your international departure. This 8-day Gorillas and Masai Mara safari is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, combining two of Africa’s most extraordinary wildlife experiences. From the intimate encounter with mountain gorillas in the misty forests of Bwindi to the thrilling game drives across the endless plains of the Masai Mara, every moment is filled with wonder. The journey not only showcases Africa’s incredible biodiversity but also offers cultural insights into the lives of the Batwa and Maasai people. Whether you’re a wildlife photographer, a nature lover, or simply seeking adventure, this safari promises memories that will last a lifetime.

• Unique Wildlife Encounters: See mountain gorillas up close and witness the Big Five in their natural habitat.
• Diverse Landscapes: From dense forests to open savannahs, experience Africa’s varied ecosystems.
• Cultural Immersion: Engage with indigenous communities and learn about their traditions.
• Luxury & Comfort: Stay in top-tier lodges and camps with excellent service.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides enhance your experience with their expertise.