9-Day Kenya & Rwanda Safari: Big Five, Maasai Mara & Gorilla Trekking Tour

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Embark on a thrilling 9-day Kenya and Rwanda safari combining Big Five game viewing with unforgettable gorilla trekking. Explore Kenya’s iconic Maasai Mara, Lake Naivasha, and Amboseli National Park, home to elephants and views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Enjoy guided game drives, a boat ride, and a nature walk on Crescent Island. Fly to Rwanda for a cultural tour of Kigali and a once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking adventure in Volcanoes National Park. Track golden monkeys and visit the Red Rocks community project. This diverse East African safari offers wildlife, culture, and landscapes—perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Day 1: Nairobi to Masai Mara – Begin Your African Safari Adventure

Your private safari driver will collect you from your Nairobi hotel for a scenic drive along the Great Rift Valley to the Masai Mara National Reserve (approx. 5.5 hours). En route, enjoy a photo stop at the Great Rift Valley viewpoint — a spectacular geological wonder visible from space.

Arrive at Mara Sopa Lodge in time for lunch. After settling in, depart on your first afternoon game drive. Look out for iconic wildlife, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, rhinos, and more. With luck, you may even spot the entire “Big Nine.” Return to the lodge by 6:30 PM for dinner and an overnight stay.

  • Meals: Lunch, Dinner (Drinks not included)
  • Accommodation: Mara Sopa Lodge

Day 2: Full-Day Game Drives in the Masai Mara

Start your day early with a sunrise safari game drive—prime time to see predators in action. After breakfast, you can relax or choose to visit an authentic Maasai village to learn about their rich traditions and culture.

In the afternoon, enjoy another game drive through the Mara’s vast plains, home to over 450 recorded animal species. Between July and October, witness the dramatic Great Migration, as thousands of wildebeest and zebra cross from Tanzania’s Serengeti into Kenya.

Optional Activities:

  • Hot Air Balloon Safari
  • Maasai Village Visit
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Drinks not included)
  • Accommodation: Mara Sopa Lodge

Day 3: Masai Mara to Lake Naivasha – Boat Safari & Walking Tour

After breakfast, travel to Lake Naivasha, the highest lake in the Rift Valley. Known for its dramatic volcanic backdrop and abundant birdlife (over 400 species), this freshwater lake is also home to large hippo populations.

Enjoy a boat safari to spot hippos, fish eagles, and other aquatic wildlife. Then head to Crescent Island for a guided walking safari among giraffes, zebras, gazelles, and wildebeests—an unforgettable, up-close experience.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Drinks not included)
  • Accommodation: Naivasha Kongoni Lodge

Day 4: Lake Naivasha to Amboseli National Park – Iconic Kilimanjaro Views

Leave Lake Naivasha and drive south past Nairobi to the renowned Amboseli National Park, located near the border of Tanzania. Enjoy lunch at your lodge before setting out on an afternoon game drive.

Amboseli is one of the best places in Africa to get close to free-roaming elephants — often with stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Drinks not included)
  • Accommodation: Amboseli Sopa Lodge

Day 5: Full-Day Safari in Amboseli National Park

Spend the day exploring Amboseli’s diverse landscapes, including swamps, savannahs, and acacia woodlands. Morning and afternoon game drives offer the best opportunities to see elephants, lions, wildebeest, giraffes, and more — all set against the dramatic backdrop of snow-capped Kilimanjaro.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Drinks not included)
  • Accommodation: Amboseli Sopa Lodge

Day 6: Amboseli to Nairobi – Flight to Rwanda

After breakfast, enjoy a short morning game drive before heading back to Nairobi. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before being transferred to the airport for your evening flight to Kigali, Rwanda.

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, a representative will meet and transfer you to your hotel for the night.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (Dinner not included)
  • Accommodation: The Boma Hotel / Kigali Hotel

Day 7: Kigali City Tour & Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, embark on a Kigali city tour, including a moving visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial and vibrant local markets.

After lunch, enjoy a scenic drive through Rwanda’s rolling hills en route to Volcanoes National Park—home of the endangered mountain gorillas.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Gorilla Lodge

Day 8: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Today is the highlight of your Rwanda safari: gorilla trekking. After a briefing at park headquarters, set off with a ranger to locate your assigned gorilla family. Trekking duration varies, but the reward is an unforgettable hour observing these majestic creatures in their natural forest habitat.

In the afternoon, enjoy a community visit to Red Rocks, a local initiative supporting conservation and cultural heritage through art, education, and sustainability.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Gorilla Lodge

Day 9: Golden Monkey Tracking & Departure

After an early breakfast, head back to the park for Golden Monkey tracking. These rare primates are only found in the Virunga Mountains and are easier to track than gorillas, offering a unique photo opportunity.

After lunch, transfer back to Kigali International Airport for your outbound flight.

  • Main activity: Golden Monkey Tracking
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

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Location and getting there

Please note that all itineraries can be tailored to meet your specific needs. We can easily adjust the length of your stay or include additional destinations upon request.

Rates & Pricing

  • Mara Sopa Lodge: 2 Nights in 4-star in Maasai Mara
  • Mara Sopa Lodge: All meals
  • Mara Sopa Lodge: Game drives in a private 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof
  • Naivasha Kongoni Lodge: 1 Night in 4-star in Lake Navaisha
  • Naivasha Kongoni Lodge: All meals
  • Naivasha Kongoni Lodge: Game drives in a private 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof
  • Naivasha Kongoni Lodge: Boat ride on Lake Naivasha and Crescent Island tour
  • Amboseli Sopa Lodge: 2 Nights in Amboseli
  • Amboseli Sopa Lodge: All meals
  • Amboseli Sopa Lodge: Game drives in a private 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof
  • The Boma Hotel: 1 Night in 3-star in Nairobi
  • The Boma Hotel: Breakfast and Lunch
  • The Boma Hotel:Game drives in a private 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof
  • Gorilla Lodge: 2 Nights  in Volcanoes National Park
  • Gorilla Lodge: All meals
  • Gorilla Lodge: Game drives in a private 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof
  • Services of a Private Professional English-speaking driver-guide 
  • Kigali city Tour & Community walk. 
  • All Park fees and government taxes
  • Gorilla Permit & Golden Monkey Permit 
  • Meet & greet services with assistance at the airport or hotel.
  • All Transfers in Nairobi on a private basis 
  • Flight from Nairobi to Kigali
Jul 1st, 2025
to
Oct 31st, 2025
All accommodation, meals, and activities mentioned above are included.
USD
6165
USD
6165
USD
Nov 1st, 2025
to
Dec 19th, 2025
All accommodation, meals, and activities mentioned above are included.
USD
5895
USD
5895
USD
Dec 20th, 2025
to
Dec 31st, 2025
All accommodation, meals, and activities mentioned above are included.
USD
6165
USD
6165
USD
to
All accommodation, meals, and activities mentioned above are included.
USD
USD
USD
  • The rate is for the complete package, per person.
  • A single supplement may apply for solo travelers.
  • We offer a price match guarantee; please contact us for details.
  • Consult our travel specialists for the best available rates and offers.

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What our guests say about Izanne

October 10, 2025
Family trip.
Izanne was my agent and she was extremely helpful. She was knowledgeable and very patiently answered all of my questions. I was trying to work within a budget and she was very good at keeping that in mind. Also, Izanne, was very responsive and got back to me quickly with answers to all of my questions. She was a pleasure to work with.
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Booking a family safari for a family of 17 made easy.
Booking a family safari for a group of 17 people is no easy feat. Izanne Meyer helped us set up an exciting and amazing itinerary for us in a matter of 9 days. I could chat with her on WhatsApp and all our queries were promptly answered. Her passion and friendliness is a bonus. I found the Safari.com platform consumer friendly and their service streamlined. We are looking forward to our 16 day fun filled safari with our children and grandchildren.
Roode
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September 12, 2025
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Following my website enquiry, the entire booking process was through an exchange of emails with Izanne Meyer. It was straightforward from start to finish - two weeks in all.
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