Gorillas and Maasai Mara Safari: Summary
Gorillas and Mara Safari in a nutshell
From volcanoes blanketed in verdant forests to the banks of a river snaking its way across the Mara’s savannah plains, experience two of Africa’s most incredible wildlife spectacles.
Begin in Rwanda, at a comfortable lodge in the shadow of the conical Virunga Mountains. Its forests are home to family groups of mountain gorillas, the largest of the great apes but also perhaps the gentlest. A handful of these groups have been habituated so that people can spend an hour in their humbling and occasionally mischievous presence.
Accompanied by guides and trackers, you’ll trek through the vegetation to find your troop going about their day feeding, playing, grooming and socialising. Under the ever-watchful eye of a dominant silverback, you’ll encounter between a dozen and thirty other gorillas, each with their own personalities, from cocky adolescents and wise mothers to young ones rolling through the bamboo. It’s always a magical experience. As well as gorilla trekking, you can meet endemic golden monkeys, take day trips to scenic lakes and visit Dian Fossey’s memorial. With an overnight stop in Rwanda's capital, Kigali, you’ll also have the chance to learn more about the country's history and culture.
Fly east to Kenya and the Maasai Mara National Reserve for four nights at Rekero. In an enviable position overlooking the Talek River, right in the heart of the Mara, spend your days out on game drives spotting lion, cheetah, leopard, elephant, giraffe and hippo. This is one of the premier safari destinations at any time of year, but if timed to coincide with the migration’s arrival, you’ll be right at the heart of the action with herds of wildebeest and zebra often braving a river crossing right in front of camp.
At a glance
| Starts: | Kigali International Airport | |
|---|---|---|
| 4 nights | Mountain Gorilla View - Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda | Full Board |
| 1 night | Hotel des Mille Collines - Kigali, Rwanda | Bed & Breakfast |
| 4 nights | Rekero - Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya | Full Board |
| Ends: | JKI Airport Nairobi |
Mountain Gorilla View
Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Hotel des Mille Collines
Kigali, Rwanda
Rekero
Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
Highlights
Our thoughts on five of the top experiences of this Gorillas and Maasai Mara Safari.
- Coming face to face with mountain gorillas
- Scenic hikes in Rwanda’s mountains
- Rwanda’s fascinating culture and turbulent history
- A chance to witness incredible migration action right by camp
- Seeing the Mara’s most iconic wildlife on game drives
Activities
Some activities which can be included in the Gorillas and Maasai Mara Safari: talk to us about those which interest you.
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Canoeing
Cultural excursion
Helicopter
Hot air ballooning
Primate trekking
Key species to see on the Gorillas and Maasai Mara Safari
Based on our travellers' observations, we’ve estimated the likelihood of seeing these species during the Gorillas and Maasai Mara Safari. Click on the animals and our wildlife surveys page for more info.
100% chance
100% chance
100% chance
100% chance
100% chance
100% chance
100% chance
100% chance
100% chance
92% chance
80% chance
73% chance
13% chance
0% chance
0% chance
0% chance
0% chance
Side-trips whilst on this safari
We may be able to build in some of these optional excursions from the Gorillas and Maasai Mara Safari. Talk to us: they’re usually best arranged when you book.
King’s Palace & Museum Visit
Half day
If your trip in Rwanda incorporates travelling south from Kigali, a visit to the King’s Palace and Museum gives an interesting insight into Rwanda’s cultural history and monarchy. It's also ideally placed to break up the long journey to Nyungwe Forest.
More about King’s Palace
Balloon flight over the Mara
3 hours in total - morning only
With the sun rising over the Loita Hills, you scramble into the balloon basket for the start of a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You’re about to go drifting with the breeze above the trees and plains of one of the world’s greatest wildlife regions.
More about Balloon Safari
Canoeing in Rwanda
Half day - approx. 3 hours on the water
This half-day adventure takes place through lush farmland, on the meandering Mukungwa River near Musanze town. Discovering Rwanda’s countryside in a canoe is great fun: the launch spot is just half an hour from Volcanoes National Park and you'll be guided along the shallow waterway by an expert local canoeist. Your driver-guide from Kigali will operate your transfers and introduce you to your canoe group and guide.
More about Canoeing
Mount Bisoke Trek
Full day
For something a little different, set out on a one-day hike to the summit of Mt Bisoke in the Volcanoes National Park, home to Rwanda’s famous mountain gorillas. Discover the beautiful scenery of the Virunga Mountains, spot birds and wildlife, and enjoy spectacular views from the crater lake.
More about Mount Bisoke Trek
Mount Karisimbi Trek - 2 day trek
Two days - overnight on Mt Karisimbi
Set out on a two-day hike to the summit of Mount Karisimbi, which at over 4,507m is one of the highest in Africa. This is a challenge for the adventurous! With a local guide, you’ll traverse bamboo forests and rugged terrain, then camp on the slopes of this dormant volcano before enjoying sunrise from the summit.
More about Mount Karisimbi Trek
Trek to Dian Fossey’s Grave
Half day, usually five hours
Dian Fossey is best known for her research and conservation work with the mountain gorillas in Rwanda. She dedicated her life to researching and protecting these ‘gentle giants’ from harm, however she was tragically found murdered at her research camp in 1985. Today visitors can join a local guide to trek through the tropical forest to visit her grave, and learn about the impact of her work.
More about Dian Fossey TrekLet us help you customise your trip
All of our holidays on this site are just ideas; none are fixed. All of our trips are tailor-made, so we'll always adapt them to suit you. Talk to an Expert and let us help you to work out your perfect trip.
Talk to an Expert
Call us now! We’ll match you with the Specialist in our team who is best suited to help you. Then together we can start planning your trip.
Set up your itinerary
Based on our experience and your ideas, your specialist will create a detailed, costed itinerary. We’ll refine it together, until we have a trip that you’re perfectly happy with.
Prepare for your trip
The same Specialist will make the seamless arrangements for your trip, send you detailed travel documents, and be available to answer any questions before you depart.
Travel with peace of mind
After you set off, you’ll be cared for by our partners in Africa, most of whom have worked with Expert Africa for decades. And if you ever need us urgently, we’re available 24/7.
When you return
We love to learn about your trip, and so will always be grateful if you’ve the time to give feedback to your Specialist when you return.
Other ideas for Rwanda safaris
Look at these ideas in Rwanda: then talk to us. Will will design a trip that's perfect for you.
Silverback Gorilla Safari
4 days • 1 location • 1 country
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT
Fly into Rwanda and you can be trekking to meet a family of mountain gorillas the next morning. An itinerary like this could easily be combined with a safari in Kenya or Tanzania.
Visiting Volcanoes
US$10,170 - US$14,080 per person
Golden Monkey Safari
12 days • 5 locations • 1 country
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT
Combine four key areas of Rwanda on this excellent-value trip, for a true wildlife and cultural experience. The perfect itinerary for those who want to see all the highlights of Rwanda.
Visiting Kigali, Volcanoes and 3 other areas
US$9,710 - US$12,170 per person
Mona Monkey Safari
9 days • 3 locations • 1 country
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT
This example of a luxury holiday explores the wildlife of Nyungwe Forest, the scenic shores of Lake Kivu and the mountain gorillas of Volcanoes National Park, all accompanied by a private guide and vehicle.
Visiting Volcanoes, Lake Kivu and 1 other area
US$12,160 - US$19,000 per person
Gorillas and Serengeti Safari
11 days • 4 locations • 2 country
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT
Combine three iconic experiences – mountain gorillas in Rwanda, and the Serengeti plains and awe-inspiring Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania.
Visiting Kigali, Ngorongoro Crater and 2 other areas
US$12,620 - US$15,540 per person
Mountain Gorilla Safari
5 days • 2 locations • 1 country
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT
Staying in great-value lodges, with a private driver-guide and 4WD, this adventure includes two treks to get up close with groups of mountain gorillas.
Visiting Volcanoes, Kigali
US$5,830 - US$6,120 per person
L'Hoest's Monkey Safari
7 days • 3 locations • 1 country
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT
Meet three iconic primates – gorillas, chimps and golden monkeys – and explore Rwanda's fascinating culture on this excellent value privately guided adventure.
Visiting Volcanoes, Lake Kivu and 1 other area
US$5,570 - US$6,830 per person
Gorillas and Migration Safari
9 days • 3 locations • 2 country
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT
This luxury safari combines two iconic wildlife experiences: trekking to see the mountain gorillas in Rwanda, then flying to the northern Serengeti in search of the wildebeest migration and spectacular river crossings.
Visiting Serengeti, Volcanoes and 1 other area
US$17,070 - US$25,280 per person
Silverback Gorilla Safari
4 days • 1 location • 1 country
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT
Fly into Rwanda and you can be trekking to meet a family of mountain gorillas the next morning. An itinerary like this could easily be combined with a safari in Kenya or Tanzania.
Visiting Volcanoes
US$10,170 - US$14,080 per person
Golden Monkey Safari
12 days • 5 locations • 1 country
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT
Combine four key areas of Rwanda on this excellent-value trip, for a true wildlife and cultural experience. The perfect itinerary for those who want to see all the highlights of Rwanda.
Visiting Kigali, Volcanoes and 3 other areas
US$9,710 - US$12,170 per person
Mona Monkey Safari
9 days • 3 locations • 1 country
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT
This example of a luxury holiday explores the wildlife of Nyungwe Forest, the scenic shores of Lake Kivu and the mountain gorillas of Volcanoes National Park, all accompanied by a private guide and vehicle.
Visiting Volcanoes, Lake Kivu and 1 other area
US$12,160 - US$19,000 per person
Other safari ideas across Africa
Talk to us: help us to understand what you like and we can create a safari that will really suit you.
Porcupine Safari
11 days • 4 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
Visit dramatically contrasting landscapes boasting a variety of species during this exploration of Botswana’s top-safari destinations. A combination of national parks and private reserves allows for a range of activities.
US$10,710 - US$16,860 per person
Crawshay's Zebra Safari
10 days • 4 locations
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT
This superb safari combines two of Zambia’s best national parks, the South Luangwa and the Lower Zambezi. The camps are small and high quality with excellent safari guides.
US$10,460 - US$13,820 per person
Martial Eagle Fly-in Safari
9 days • 3 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT
This stylish fly-in safari visits two of Africa’s most iconic parks, the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya and Tanzania's Serengeti National Park.
US$10,740 - US$17,740 per person
Red Lechwe Safari
9 days • 3 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
Superb guiding from three fabulous camps full of character in three contrasting areas for a fabulous safari to the Okavango Delta and Kalahari Desert.
US$10,800 - US$28,240 per person
Large-spotted Genet Safari
9 days • 3 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
A luxury safari exploring the Okavango Delta and Linyanti–Savuti, two of the best wildlife viewing areas in Botswana, staying at three top camps renowned for their guiding for a first-class experience.
US$10,930 - US$23,640 per person
Nyala Safari
10 days • 3 locations
VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT
A superb luxury safari in iconic Hwange and Mana Pools national parks, staying in a pair of the finest safari camps in Zimbabwe, with a grand finale at Victoria Falls
US$10,150 - US$16,260 per person
African Finfoot Fly-in Safari
7 days • 3 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
After a unique start in Nairobi National Park, classic, luxurious camps combine for a high-end and exclusive safari in fantastic wildlife destinations.
US$9,900 - US$17,340 per person
Golden Jackal Fly-in Safari
8 days • 2 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
A contrasting safari of a lodge and a tented camp, with action-packed activities in Laikipia and wildlife-filled game drives in the Maasai Mara, offers a consistently high-quality experience.
US$9,730 - US$14,130 per person
Rothschild Giraffe Safari
8 days • 3 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
A example of a luxury Kenyan safari, starting at the iconic Giraffe Manor before fabulous stays on the spectacular Solio Reserve and Sala’s Camp in a remote corner of the Maasai Mara.
US$11,720 - US$17,830 per person
Greater Bushbaby Safari
8 days • 2 locations
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT
The perfect safari for a family or group of friends during which to create everlasting memories. Visit Zambia’s two most productive wildlife parks staying in four-bedroom houses, designed in a unique and fun way.
US$9,400 - US$13,240 per person