14 Days Rwanda Kenya Safari: Gorillas, Big Five & Great Landscapes
Embark on an extraordinary 14-day Rwanda–Kenya Safari that takes you from the misty mountains of Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park to the vast, wildlife-rich plains of Kenya’s Masai Mara. This adventure blends close encounters with the majestic mountain gorillas of Central Africa and the classic Big Five safaris of East Africa — a once-in-a-lifetime journey through two of the continent’s most breathtaking destinations
14 Days Rwanda Kenya Safari Highlights
Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Golden monkey tracking and Dian Fossey hike
Cultural experiences with local Rwandan communities
Lake Kivu relaxation and scenic boat rides
Game drives in Kenya’s Maasai Mara and Lake Nakuru
Scenic flight from Kigali to Nairobi
The Great Migration (seasonal, July–October)
Luxury lodges and eco-friendly camps
14 Days Rwanda Kenya Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali, Rwanda
Your safari begins in the clean and welcoming city of Kigali. Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you’ll be met by your local guide and transferred to your hotel. Depending on arrival time, you may enjoy a short city tour including the Kigali Genocide Memorial and local artisan markets.
Accommodation: Kigali Serena Hotel or similar
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Kigali to Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, depart for Musanze, the gateway to Volcanoes National Park (approx. 2.5-hour drive). En route, enjoy beautiful views of the Rwandan countryside. Upon arrival, settle into your lodge nestled in the foothills of the Virunga Mountains.
In the afternoon, visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village for a glimpse into traditional Rwandan life.
Accommodation: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
An early morning starts with a briefing at the park headquarters before embarking on the life-changing experience of mountain gorilla trekking. Hike through lush rainforest and bamboo-covered slopes to find one of the habituated gorilla families. Spend one magical hour observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat.
Trekking time varies (2–6 hours), so prepare for a challenging but rewarding day.
Accommodation: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Golden Monkey Trek or Dian Fossey Hike
Choose between a guided trek to see the endangered golden monkeys, known for their playful antics, or a visit to Dian Fossey’s tomb and research center, an emotional and historical journey for primate lovers.
Return to the lodge for a relaxed afternoon or optional spa treatment.
Accommodation: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Transfer to Lake Kivu
Enjoy a scenic drive to Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s Great Lakes, where you’ll unwind by the water. This tranquil setting offers a relaxing break from trekking, with options for kayaking, boat trips, or simply lounging on the lakeshore.
Accommodation: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Return to Kigali – Flight to Nairobi, Kenya
After a leisurely breakfast, drive back to Kigali for your flight to Nairobi. Upon arrival in Kenya, transfer to your hotel for an evening at leisure.
Accommodation: Nairobi Serena Hotel or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7: Nairobi to Lake Nakuru National Park
Depart Nairobi after breakfast for a scenic drive to Lake Nakuru National Park (approx. 3 hours). Famous for its population of flamingos and rhinoceroses, Lake Nakuru offers excellent birding and game viewing. Afternoon game drive in search of lions, buffaloes, giraffes, and the rare Rothschild giraffe.
Accommodation: Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Lake Nakuru to Maasai Mara
After a morning game drive and breakfast, set off for Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya’s most renowned wildlife sanctuary. Arrive in time for lunch and an afternoon game drive.
Accommodation: Mara Explorer Camp or similar luxury tented camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 9–11: Safari in the Maasai Mara
Spend three full days exploring the Maasai Mara, home to the Big Five and, seasonally, the Great Migration—one of nature’s most awe-inspiring events. Whether you visit during migration season (July to October) or not, the Mara teems with wildlife: prides of lions, cheetahs, elephants, wildebeests, and hippos.
Activities include:
Early morning and late afternoon game drives
Optional hot air balloon safari (extra cost)
Visit to a local Maasai village
Accommodation: Mara Explorer Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12: Maasai Mara to Nairobi
Enjoy a final sunrise game drive before breakfast. Then, either drive or take a scenic bush flight back to Nairobi. Spend your afternoon at leisure or exploring local markets.
Accommodation: Nairobi Serena Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 13: Nairobi – Optional Excursions
Spend a relaxed day in Nairobi with optional excursions:
Visit the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage
Feed giraffes at the Giraffe Centre
Explore Karen Blixen’s house
Farewell dinner at a local restaurant or your hotel.
Accommodation: Nairobi Serena Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 14: Departure
Transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your onward flight or journey home.
Meals: Breakfast
Best Time to Go
Gorilla trekking: Year-round, best in dry seasons (June–September, December–February)
Great Migration in Kenya: July to October
Birding: Excellent year-round, especially in Lake Nakuru
Travel Tips
Gorilla permits are limited and must be booked months in advance.
Bring sturdy hiking boots and waterproof clothing for Rwanda.
In Kenya, lightweight safari wear, sun protection, and binoculars are essential.
Vaccinations for yellow fever and malaria prophylaxis are often recommended
This 14-day Rwanda-Kenya safari offers an extraordinary diversity of landscapes and experiences—from mist-shrouded gorilla forests to the wide-open savannahs of East Africa. Whether you’re watching a silverback gorilla in the Virungas or a lioness hunt on the plains of the Mara, this journey will leave you with memories that last a lifetime.