18-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking and Kenya Great Migration Safari
Explore Rwanda’s mountain gorillas and experience Kenya’s spectacular wildebeest migration
Safari Overview
Experience an unforgettable 18-day East African adventure combining mountain gorilla trekking in Rwanda with an extended wildlife safari in Kenya. This journey takes you from the vibrant capital of Kigali to the mist-covered Virunga Mountains, before continuing to Kenya’s famous wildlife destinations and the legendary Maasai Mara National Reserve.
In Rwanda, you will discover the country’s cultural heritage, explore the beautiful landscapes around Volcanoes National Park and come face to face with endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. You can also enjoy golden monkey tracking and a relaxing visit to the shores of Lake Kivu.
The Kenyan section introduces you to the Great Rift Valley, Lake Nakuru National Park and the Maasai Mara, where enormous herds of wildebeest and zebras move across the savannah in search of fresh grazing. The Mara is also home to lions, elephants, leopards, cheetahs, buffaloes, giraffes and many other wildlife species.
With several nights in the Maasai Mara, this itinerary allows you to explore different parts of the reserve and follow the seasonal movement of the migration herds.
Duration: 18 days / 17 nights
Countries: Rwanda and Kenya
Main highlights: Mountain gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, Lake Kivu, Lake Nakuru and the Great Wildebeest Migration
Safari style: Private guided safari
Best travel period for the migration: Generally July to October, with the timing and location of the herds varying each year.
Day-by-Day Rwanda and Kenya Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali, Rwanda
Arrive at Kigali International Airport, where your safari representative will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel.
Depending on your arrival time, you can enjoy a relaxed introduction to Kigali, a clean and scenic city surrounded by green hills. Spend the rest of the day recovering from your journey and preparing for your Rwanda adventure.
Your guide will brief you about the itinerary, gorilla trekking arrangements and the journey to Volcanoes National Park.
Accommodation: Kigali hotel
Meals: Depending on arrival time and hotel arrangement
Day 2: Kigali City Tour and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, enjoy a guided Kigali city tour. Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial to learn about Rwanda’s history and the country’s remarkable journey towards reconciliation and development.
You may also explore local markets, craft centres and other interesting parts of the city, depending on your interests and available time.
After lunch, drive north towards Musanze, the gateway to Volcanoes National Park. The journey takes approximately two to three hours, passing through Rwanda’s beautiful countryside, terraced hills and traditional villages.
Arrive at your lodge near the park and enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Virunga Volcanoes.
Accommodation: Lodge near Volcanoes National Park
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 3: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Wake up early for breakfast before transferring to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters for your mountain gorilla trekking briefing.
After registration, park officials will allocate visitors to gorilla families according to availability, fitness levels and other operational considerations.
Accompanied by experienced guides and trackers, enter the forest in search of a habituated mountain gorilla family. The trek can take several hours depending on where the gorillas are located and the terrain.
The experience of encountering a gorilla family in the wild is extraordinary. You may observe adults feeding, grooming and resting while young gorillas play among the vegetation.
Visitors are allowed a maximum of one hour with the gorillas, subject to park regulations and the behaviour of the animals.
After the trek, return to your lodge and enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure.
Accommodation: Lodge near Volcanoes National Park
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Highlight: Mountain gorilla trekking
Day 4: Golden Monkey Tracking and Iby’Iwacu Cultural Experience
After breakfast, return to the Volcanoes National Park area for another exciting primate experience: golden monkey tracking.
Golden monkeys are beautiful, endangered primates found in the Virunga mountain forests. They are known for their golden-orange coats and lively behaviour, often moving through bamboo vegetation in groups.
Follow your local guides into the forest to observe these fascinating monkeys in their natural habitat.
In the afternoon, you may visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, where you can learn about Rwandan traditions, music, dance, traditional architecture and community life.
This cultural experience provides a wonderful opportunity to understand the relationship between local communities, conservation and tourism around Volcanoes National Park.
Return to your lodge for dinner and relaxation.
Accommodation: Lodge near Volcanoes National Park
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 5: Volcanoes National Park to Lake Kivu – Scenic Relaxation
After breakfast, depart the Volcanoes region and drive towards Lake Kivu, one of Rwanda’s most beautiful natural attractions.
The journey takes you through green hills, rural settlements and scenic landscapes before reaching the lake.
Lake Kivu is known for its peaceful beaches, attractive shoreline and surrounding hills. Depending on your preferred activities and available time, enjoy a boat excursion, lakeside walk or simply relax at your accommodation.
You can also explore the lakeside town of Rubavu, formerly known as Gisenyi, and enjoy the beautiful views across the water.
Spend the evening relaxing at your lakeside hotel.
Accommodation: Lake Kivu hotel
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 6: Lake Kivu to Kigali and Flight to Nairobi, Kenya
Enjoy breakfast overlooking Lake Kivu before returning to Kigali.
Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for a short stop in Kigali or proceed directly to the airport.
Board your flight to Nairobi, Kenya. Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, meet your Kenyan safari representative and transfer to your hotel.
The remainder of the day is reserved for relaxation and preparation for the Kenyan wildlife safari.
Accommodation: Nairobi hotel
Meals: Breakfast and dinner, depending on flight arrangements
Day 7: Nairobi to Lake Nakuru National Park
After breakfast, depart Nairobi and drive towards Lake Nakuru National Park in Kenya’s Great Rift Valley.
The journey offers beautiful views of the escarpment, rolling hills and rural settlements.
Arrive at your lodge and enjoy lunch before proceeding for an afternoon game drive.
Lake Nakuru is famous for its birdlife, including flamingos when lake conditions are suitable. The park also protects important populations of black and white rhinoceroses.
Other wildlife includes Rothschild’s giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, waterbucks, lions and leopards.
Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Lodge near or inside Lake Nakuru National Park
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 8: Full-Day Wildlife Safari in Lake Nakuru National Park
Spend a full day exploring Lake Nakuru National Park with morning and afternoon game drives.
The park’s varied habitats include woodland, grassland, rocky hills and lake shores, creating opportunities to observe different wildlife species.
Search for rhinoceroses, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, baboons, waterbucks and predators such as lions and leopards.
Birdwatchers will also appreciate the park’s rich birdlife. The number of flamingos changes according to water levels and food availability, so large concentrations should not be guaranteed.
Enjoy a picnic lunch or return to your lodge for a midday break before continuing your afternoon wildlife exploration.
Accommodation: Lodge near or inside Lake Nakuru National Park
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 9: Lake Nakuru to Maasai Mara National Reserve
After breakfast, depart Lake Nakuru and drive towards the world-famous Maasai Mara National Reserve.
The journey takes you through the beautiful Kenyan countryside and the Great Rift Valley region before reaching the vast savannah plains of the Mara.
Arrive at your lodge or tented camp, enjoy lunch and prepare for your first afternoon game drive.
The Maasai Mara is one of Africa’s most celebrated wildlife destinations, supporting an impressive variety of mammals and birds.
Depending on the season and wildlife movements, you may encounter wildebeest, zebras, giraffes, elephants, gazelles and predators such as lions, cheetahs and leopards.
Return to camp for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Maasai Mara lodge or tented camp
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 10: Full-Day Game Drive in Maasai Mara – Searching for the Great Migration
After an early breakfast, depart for a full-day game drive across the Maasai Mara plains.
During the migration season, the reserve can host enormous herds of wildebeest and zebras arriving from the Serengeti ecosystem in search of fresh grazing and water.
Your guide will use current wildlife information to identify promising areas for observing the herds.
Depending on the time of year and herd movements, you may visit areas near the Mara River, where wildebeest sometimes gather before attempting to cross.
The river crossings are among the most dramatic wildlife events in Africa. However, they are natural events and cannot be scheduled or guaranteed.
Enjoy a picnic lunch in the reserve before continuing your afternoon exploration.
Accommodation: Maasai Mara lodge or tented camp
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner
Day 11: Maasai Mara – Mara River and Wildebeest Migration Experience
Today is dedicated to exploring the migration areas of the Maasai Mara.
After breakfast, head towards the Mara River and other locations where large herds may be moving.
The Great Migration involves millions of wildebeest, zebras and gazelles moving through the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem in response to seasonal rainfall and the availability of fresh grazing.
When the herds reach the river, some animals may gather along the banks before crossing. Crocodiles inhabit the river, while predators such as lions and hyenas may take advantage of opportunities created by the movement of the herds.
Your guide will help you understand the animals’ behaviour and the wider ecology of this remarkable natural event.
Return to camp in the late afternoon.
Accommodation: Maasai Mara lodge or tented camp
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 12: Maasai Mara – Big Five Wildlife Safari
Enjoy another day exploring the Maasai Mara, focusing on the reserve’s extraordinary wildlife diversity.
The Mara is famous for its large populations of lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards and other wildlife.
Morning game drives offer opportunities to observe predators when they are more active. Later, explore different sections of the reserve in search of elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, topis, gazelles and other plains game.
Your guide may also take you to areas known for cheetahs, hyenas and other carnivores.
The day can include a picnic lunch in the wilderness, allowing you to spend more time exploring without returning to camp at midday.
Accommodation: Maasai Mara lodge or tented camp
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 13: Maasai Mara – Wildlife Photography and Optional Balloon Safari
Start the day with an early morning game drive, when the savannah is cool and wildlife activity is often rewarding.
For travellers interested in photography, the morning light creates beautiful opportunities to capture wildlife and the open Mara landscape.
You may also choose an optional hot-air balloon safari, subject to availability and weather conditions. Floating above the plains at sunrise provides a unique perspective of the savannah and its wildlife.
After the morning activity, return to camp for breakfast or continue with a full-day game drive.
In the afternoon, explore additional wildlife areas and enjoy your final hours of the day in the African wilderness.
Accommodation: Maasai Mara lodge or tented camp
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 14: Maasai Mara – Exploring Different Wildlife Areas
Spend another full day discovering the different landscapes of the Maasai Mara.
The reserve is home to open grasslands, riverine forests, rolling hills and seasonal wetlands. Each habitat supports different wildlife species and provides a variety of safari experiences.
Depending on current sightings, your guide may explore areas with high concentrations of wildebeest, zebra, elephants, giraffes and predators.
You can also learn about the ecological importance of the migration and the role played by the Mara ecosystem in supporting wildlife throughout the year.
For a different perspective, an optional visit to a local Maasai community can be arranged, subject to your interest and the arrangements available.
Return to your camp for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Maasai Mara lodge or tented camp
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 15: Final Full-Day Safari in Maasai Mara
Enjoy your final full day in the Maasai Mara, making the most of the opportunity to explore the reserve and search for wildlife.
Depending on the season, you may revisit the Mara River, follow the movement of migration herds or explore areas where predators have recently been sighted.
The day can be tailored around your interests, whether you prefer photography, birdwatching, predator sightings or observing the large herds across the open plains.
In the evening, return to your camp and enjoy a farewell dinner in the African wilderness.
Accommodation: Maasai Mara lodge or tented camp
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 16: Maasai Mara to Nairobi
After breakfast, transfer to the local airstrip for your scheduled flight to Nairobi, or depart by road if you prefer a road transfer.
A scheduled bush flight is a convenient way to return to Nairobi and offers scenic views of the Kenyan countryside.
Upon arrival, meet your driver and transfer to your hotel.
The remainder of the day is free for relaxation, shopping or optional activities depending on your arrival time.
Accommodation: Nairobi hotel
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Day 17: Nairobi City Tour and Cultural Experiences
After breakfast, enjoy a guided Nairobi city excursion.
Depending on your interests and available time, visit the Giraffe Centre to learn about conservation efforts protecting the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe.
You may also visit the Karen Blixen Museum, explore local craft markets or enjoy other city attractions.
Another option is Nairobi National Park, where wildlife can be observed against the backdrop of the city skyline.
Return to your hotel and enjoy your final evening in Kenya.
Accommodation: Nairobi hotel
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Day 18: Departure from Nairobi
After breakfast, depending on your international flight schedule, transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your departure.
This marks the end of your 18-day Rwanda gorilla trekking and Kenya Great Migration safari.
Meals: Breakfast
Main Highlights of This 18-Day Safari
- Mountain gorilla trekking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.
- Golden monkey tracking in the Virunga Mountains.
- Kigali city tour and cultural experiences.
- Scenic relaxation at Lake Kivu.
- Wildlife viewing and birdwatching in Lake Nakuru National Park.
- Extended exploration of the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
- Opportunities to observe the Great Wildebeest Migration.
- Possible Mara River crossing sightings during the appropriate season.
- Big Five wildlife viewing and African savannah photography.
- Optional hot-air balloon safari over the Maasai Mara.
- Optional Maasai community visit.
- Nairobi city and conservation attractions.
Best Time for the Rwanda Gorillas and Kenya Great Migration Safari
The best time to combine Rwanda gorilla trekking with Kenya’s Great Wildebeest Migration is generally between July and October.
July to October: Migration Season
This period is particularly popular for travellers interested in seeing the wildebeest migration in the Maasai Mara.
Large herds often enter Kenya during this period, although their arrival and departure depend on rainfall and grazing conditions in the wider Serengeti-Mara ecosystem.
August and September are commonly considered strong months for visitors hoping to witness Mara River crossings. However, crossings are unpredictable and cannot be guaranteed.
Rwanda gorilla trekking is possible throughout the year. These months can also be suitable for forest trekking, although weather conditions in the mountains can change quickly.
January to March: Southern Serengeti Migration
During this period, the migration herds are generally concentrated in the southern Serengeti ecosystem, where calving takes place.
The Maasai Mara may not hold the main migration herds during these months, so this period is less suitable if witnessing the migration in Kenya is your primary objective.
November to December: Return Towards Tanzania
As seasonal rains influence grazing conditions, the herds generally begin moving southwards towards Tanzania.
Kenya can still offer excellent resident wildlife viewing, but the main migration may have moved out of the Maasai Mara.
Important: Migration timing changes every year. The best itinerary should be planned around the expected herd movements and updated information from guides in the field.
Suggested Accommodation
The following are examples of accommodation categories and properties to consider. Final selection depends on availability, budget and the exact travel dates.
| Destination | Suggested accommodation |
|---|---|
| Kigali | Kigali Serena Hotel or comparable |
| Volcanoes National Park | Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge or comparable |
| Lake Kivu | Lake Kivu Serena Hotel or comparable |
| Nairobi | Nairobi Serena Hotel or comparable |
| Lake Nakuru | Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge or comparable |
| Maasai Mara | Mara Serena Safari Lodge, Keekorok Lodge or a suitable migration-season tented camp |
For travellers whose main objective is the Great Migration, accommodation location in the Maasai Mara is especially important. A camp near the northern Mara River area may be preferable during the river-crossing season, subject to where the herds are moving.
Safari Inclusions
The final package can be customised, but a typical private safari may include:
- Airport transfers in Rwanda and Kenya.
- Accommodation for 17 nights.
- Meals as specified in the itinerary.
- Private safari transportation and professional driver-guides.
- Game drives in Lake Nakuru and Maasai Mara.
- Rwanda gorilla trekking permit.
- Golden monkey tracking permit, if included.
- Park and reserve fees included in the agreed quotation.
- Scheduled domestic or regional flights specified in the final itinerary.
- Drinking water during safari drives.
- Kigali and Nairobi city excursions as agreed.
Safari Exclusions
Unless specifically included in your quotation, the following are normally excluded:
- International flights to Rwanda and from Kenya.
- Applicable visas and travel authorisations.
- Travel and medical insurance.
- Optional hot-air balloon safari.
- Personal expenses, laundry and tips.
- Drinks and meals not specified in the package.
- Optional cultural activities not included in the final quotation.
- Any additional costs arising from changes to the itinerary.
Important Travel Information
Gorilla trekking permits: Rwanda gorilla permits are limited and should be secured before confirming the final travel arrangements. The standard foreign visitor permit is listed at US$1,500, but eligibility for other visitor categories and promotional rates may differ. Confirm the applicable rate directly with the Rwanda Development Board before booking.
Gorilla trekking age: The minimum age for mountain gorilla tracking in Rwanda is 15 years.
Gorilla trekking fitness: The trek can involve steep slopes, muddy trails and several hours of walking. Visitors should prepare physically and carry suitable hiking footwear.
Migration sightings: The Great Migration is a natural event. Neither the arrival of the herds nor Mara River crossings can be guaranteed for specific dates.
International flights: The flight from Kigali to Nairobi should be coordinated with the safari schedule. Allow sufficient time for airport transfers and check-in.
Travel documents: Check the latest entry, visa, health and transit requirements for both Rwanda and Kenya before departure.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I combine Rwanda gorilla trekking with the Kenya Great Migration?
Yes. Rwanda and Kenya can be combined into one safari using regional flights. You can trek mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park before flying to Nairobi and continuing to the Maasai Mara.
2. How many days are enough for Rwanda gorillas and the Kenya migration?
Eighteen days provides a comfortable itinerary. It allows time for gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, Lake Kivu, Lake Nakuru and several days exploring the Maasai Mara.
3. What is the best month for gorilla trekking and the Great Migration?
July, August and September are popular months for combining the two experiences. October can also be suitable, depending on the movement of the herds.
4. Can I see the Mara River crossings?
You may see river crossings if the herds are gathered near the river and conditions are favourable. However, crossings are unpredictable, and spending several nights in the Mara improves your opportunities without guaranteeing a sighting.
5. How much does a Rwanda gorilla trekking permit cost?
The standard permit price for foreign visitors is listed at US$1,500 per person. Other visitor categories may qualify for different rates. Confirm the applicable price and availability with the Rwanda Development Board.
6. Is golden monkey tracking included?
Golden monkey tracking can be included as part of the Rwanda section. It requires its own permit and should be confirmed when booking.
7. Is the Maasai Mara worth visiting outside the migration season?
Absolutely. The Maasai Mara supports resident wildlife throughout the year, including lions, elephants, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes and numerous other species. The migration is an additional seasonal attraction.
8. Can I add Amboseli National Park to this itinerary?
Yes. Amboseli can be added by adjusting the Lake Nakuru or Nairobi section, or by extending the safari. It is famous for its elephant herds and views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
9. Can this safari be arranged as a private tour?
Yes. The itinerary can be organised as a private safari with dedicated guides and vehicles in Rwanda and Kenya. Accommodation and activities can be adjusted to your budget and preferences.
10. Can I extend the safari to Tanzania or Zanzibar?
Yes. Travellers can extend their holiday to Tanzania for Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire or southern Tanzania safaris, or continue to Zanzibar for a beach holiday. Additional flights and border arrangements would need to be organised.
Book Your Rwanda Gorilla and Kenya Great Migration Safari
Experience two of Africa’s greatest natural attractions in one unforgettable East African holiday. From the mist-covered forests of Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park to the wildlife-rich plains of Kenya’s Maasai Mara, this 18-day journey offers an exceptional combination of primate encounters, cultural discovery and classic African wildlife safaris.
At Self drive Rwanda, we organise private and customised East African safaris, including Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Tours, Kenya Great Migration Safaris, Maasai Mara Wildlife Safaris, East Africa Adventure Tours and multi-country holidays.
We can help arrange gorilla permits, accommodation, regional flights, professional safari guides, private transportation and personalised itineraries.
Whether you are travelling as a couple, family or small private group, we can customise the journey to match your travel dates, accommodation preferences and budget.
Contact Self drive Rwanda today to plan your 18-day Rwanda gorilla trekking and Kenya Great Migration safari. Discover the mountain gorillas of Rwanda and experience the extraordinary wildlife of Kenya.