15 Day Kigali to Nairobi Adventure Tour (Accommodated)

Day 1: Kigali, Rwanda

You are welcome to arrive at any time. Transfers are included. Spend some time exploring the city if you arrive early. It’s a pleasant, friendly place to be. Aside from the city limits, Kigali has some interesting and historical sites. We recommend booking a pre-night if you want more time to explore.

Accommodation: Hotel des Mille Collines or similar (1 Night)
Meals: At your own expense
Please Note: Please keep in mind that because this is a developing region, the quality of the accommodations and services may not be as high as what you are accustomed to in your native country. Additionally, the quality of services in various East African nations may vary. As such, outages in electricity and water might be common and internet/wifi is typically only available in large cities. We are grateful for your understanding, patience, and spirit of adventure. The lodgings utilized for this journey do not have air conditioning. Generally speaking, it is not an issue because it cools down at night and, depending on the area, there are fans or screened windows available. Although 4×4 safari vehicles are useful for negotiating uneven terrain, it’s crucial to remember that the vehicles do not have A/C.

Day 2 : Kigali – Volcanos National Park, Rwanda

Experience the Kigali Genocide Memorial and learn about this somber chapter of Rwanda’s history. Enjoy a local lunch at the Nyamirambo Women’s Centre before taking a walk in the vibrant Nyamirambo neighbourhood. Upon arrival at Volcanoes National Park in the afternoon, we will settle into our lodge offering stunning views of the peaks.

Volcanoes National Park is bordered by Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda. Among the eight volcanoes in the Virunga Mountains, five are found here. Forest and bamboo cover the park’s volcanoes and highlands (a favourite snack of gorillas). Mountain gorillas are the most famous residents here, but buffaloes, bushbucks, golden monkeys, hyenas, numerous bird species, and elephants live here as well.

Accommodation: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge or similar (1 Night)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Nyamirambo Women’s Centre, Kigali Genocide Memorial Visit
Travel Time: ± 3 hours
Distance: ± 130 km

Day 3 : Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

With a park ranger, trek through lush, jungle-covered hills in search of a unique and endangered species — the golden monkey. Explore this playful, curious creature’s natural habitat, followed by a visit to Dian Fossey’s Karisoke Research Center founded by National Geographic Grantee Ellen Degeneres. Enjoy immersive activities, such as a 360-degree theatre and replica of Dian Fossey’s original cabin, before meeting with some of the organization’s gorilla experts. You’ll have the chance to ask them questions about their experiences working for the world’s largest gorilla conservation organization.

Accommodation: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge or similar (1 Night)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Golden Monkey Trek, Mountain Gorilla Conservation Sundowner Experience
Please note: Since you will be traveling in a rainforest with a lot of flora, undergrowth, nettles, and typically muddy terrain, you must wear appropriate hiking clothing. In order to safeguard and conserve the golden monkeys, only one hour is spent with them. Please be aware that in order to protect the golden monkeys, you might not be allowed to go on any of the treks if you have an infectious illness, even a normal cold. According to a national park rule, trekking permits will not be reimbursed if you are unable to enter because of illness. The activities on Days 3 and 4 may vary in order based on the timing of permits

Day 4: Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Join a park ranger on an unforgettable trek through the jungle to search for mountain gorillas. Depending on where the gorillas are located, these treks can vary in length and difficulty. We’ll return to our lodge for lunch, then visit a local village to see how rural life is lived. There are approximately 800 mountain gorillas in the wild today. Rwanda, DRC, and Uganda are home to these animals. In DRC and Rwanda, gorillas live in similar ecosystems/areas. Those gorilla species are known as highland gorillas.

Gorilla family visits in Rwanda are conducted once a day, with a maximum of eight trekkers per group, and the duration of a visit is limited to one (1) hour with the gorilla family. The time spent with them is limited due to conservation considerations and to minimize impact on the day-to-day life of the gorilla family you are visiting. You never know how long your trek will be, so it’s important to be well prepared. Depending on the location of the gorillas, which are constantly moving, the duration of a trek can vary between 4 and 9 hours. Apart from the occasional buffalo or elephant trail, you will mainly walk where there are no paths.

You are not allowed to touch the gorillas (although they may touch you in some cases). Loud noises and sudden movements are also prohibited. In general, you should keep a distance of 7m from the gorillas, but they are unaware of this and may get very close to you; if this happens, slowly move away. Follow the instructions of the trackers and rangers at all times.

There is an approximate charge for porters of $10USD per person. In addition to carrying your day pack, the porters can provide you with a welcome hand over difficult spots. Even the fittest of people can be affected by some tracks’ mud and elevation if they don’t hire a porter. In addition, it provides employment and supports the local economy.

Accommodation: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge or similar (1 Night)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Iby’iwacu Village Visit, Gorilla Trekking
Please Note: Mountain gorillas are prone to contracting human diseases and share 98% of our DNA. Please be aware that in order to protect the gorillas, you might not be allowed to go on any of the treks if you have an infectious illness, even a normal cold. According to a national park rule, trekking permits will not be reimbursed if you are unable to enter because of illness. Since you will be traveling in a rainforest with a lot of flora, undergrowth, nettles, and typically muddy terrain, you must wear appropriate hiking clothing. To go gorilla trekking, you must be at least 15 years old. Please be aware that we can be divided into two hiking groups based on the size of our party and the confirmation of permits.

Day 5: Volcanoes National Park – Akagera National Park, Rwanda

After lunch, head east to the Akagera National Park. This part of Rwanda was once devastated by armed conflict, and many years of neglect and misuse followed. Wildlife returned to park savannas, forested hills, and wetlands due to dedicated work by the local communities. Here you can get a behind-the-scenes look at this fascinating conservation success story. Afterwards, stay at our comfortable lodge overlooking beautiful Lake Ihema. There are zebras, giraffes, elephants, zebras, giraffes, and hundreds of bird species in Akagera National Park. There are highlands, savannah plains, swamps, wetlands and lakes within the park, which runs along the Tanzanian border.

Accommodation: Mantis Akagera Game Lodge or similar (1 Night)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlights: Akagera National Park – Conservation and Community
Travel Time: ± 5 ½ – 6 hours
Distance: ± 240 km

Day 6: Akagera National Park, Rwanda

Safari drives in the early morning offer the chance to see lions, buffalo, hyenas, and antelopes grazing freely. Take a dip in the pool or relax at the lodge after lunch. Take a boat ride along Lake Ihema in the afternoon to search for hippos and crocodiles. Observe elephants and buffalo gathered at the lakeshore for water, as well as other wildlife. The area is home to many birds, including herons, shoebill storks, fish eagles, and kingfishers.

Accommodation: Mantis Akagera Game Lodge or similar (1 Night)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Akagera National Park Morning Safari Drive, Wildlife Cruise on Lake Ihema

Day 7: Akagera National Park – Kigali, Rwanda

In the early hours of the morning, when animals are most active, we will head out for our final safari drive. Giraffes, gazelles, impalas, baboons, Butchel’s zebras, leopards, and lions can be seen here. In the afternoon, we will travel overland back to Kigali through the northern edge of the park.

Accommodation: Hotel des Mille Collines or similar (1 Night)
Meals: Breakfast
Included Highlight: Akagera National Park Morning Safari Drive
Distance: ± 110 km

Day 8: Kigali – Nairobi, Rwanda

Upon arrival in Nairobi, catch a flight from Kigali and be transferred to the hotel. As soon as you arrive at the airport, you will be transferred to the hotel. After a brief orientation meeting with your group at the hotel, take some time to explore Nairobi. This is where you will meet your Kenyan guide for this portion of the tour and perhaps other travellers who may join you on the remainder of the tour.

Accommodation: Sarova Panafric Hotel or similar (1 Night)
Meals: Breakfast
Included Highlight: Plane flight from Kigali to Nairobi
Travel Time: ± 1 hour

Day 9: Nairobi – Lake Nakuru National Park, Kenya

Arrive at Lake Nakuru early in the morning and experience the flocks of pink flamingos and the diversity of bird species that inhabit the lake. On a late afternoon wildlife drive, we will seek out the resident rhinos at our safari lodge inside Lake Nakuru National Park.

Accommodation: Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge or similar (1 Night)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Lake Nakuru Wildlife Safari Drive
Travel Time: ± 3 – 4 hours
Distance: ± 165 km

Day 10: Lake Nakuru National Park, Kenya

Drive along the salty beaches of Lake Nakuru to see an incredible array of birds, then embark on morning and afternoon safaris through the scenic park in search of buffalo, impalas, lions, and more.

Accommodation: Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge or similar (1 Night)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Lake Nakuru Wildlife Safari Drive

Day 11: Lake Nakuru National Park, Kenya

Attend a presentation on poaching and wildlife conservation this morning from a representative of the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), a government agency tasked with overseeing the nation’s wildlife. Lake Naivasha is a sizable freshwater lake encircled by olive trees and grassy banks as you continue south through the Great Rift Valley. Take a boat ride around the lake while keeping an eye out for buffalo and hippos. You may also look through binoculars to see ibis, lovebirds, and the African fish eagle. Arrive at Crescent Island, a tranquil wildlife reserve in the center of the lake, and take a guided walk to see giraffes, zebras, and wildebeest.

Although Lake Naivasha is usually peaceful while we keep an eye out for hippos and other wildlife, the Maasai people call it “Nai’posha,” which translates to “rough water.” Bring binoculars and look for fish eagles, ibis, and lovebirds. You may also hear colobus monkeys calling from the tops of trees, observe buffaloes wallowing in the swamps, and more.

Accommodation: Lake Naivasha Crescent Camp or similar (1 Night)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Kenya Wildlife Service Conservation Talk, Lake Naivasha & Crescent Island
Travel Time: ± 2 – 2 ½ hours
Distance: ± 80 km

Day 12: Lake Nakuru National Park – Masai Mara, Kenya

Located in the heart of the renowned Masai Mara National Reserve, our tented camp is a comfortable base to explore the reserve. You will drive through vast plains dotted with acacia trees and pass throngs of wildebeests, zebras, and giraffes as well as lions, elephants, and the rest of the African “big five” as you take a safari in the afternoon. In the evening, enjoy scenic views of the rolling plains as you relax at the camp.

We enjoy breakfast this morning, then depart for Masai Mara National Reserve, one of the most famous wildlife reserves in the world. It would be impossible to visit Kenya without visiting this site. Our safari camp, our base during our stay, will be waiting for us when we arrive in the afternoon. A wildlife safari drive will follow in the afternoon, offering excellent chances of seeing the “big five”: buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion, and rhinoceros

Accommodation: Fig Tree Camp or similar (1 Night)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Masai Mara Wildlife Safari Drive
Travel Time: ± 5 – 6 hours
Distance: ± 230 km

Day 13: Masai Mara, Kenya

Visit the savanna early in the morning to track the animals that traversed it during the night. At one of the most active times of the day, you will be able to observe ungulates such as Thomson’s and Grant’s gazelles, as well as topis and elands as well as their stealthy predators. Explore the timeless landscapes of Masai Mara on a late afternoon safari.

Accommodation: Fig Tree Camp or similar (1 Night)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Masai Mara Wildlife Safari Drive

Day 14: Masai Mara –  Nairobi, Kenya

As you depart Masai Mara, witness a breathtaking sunrise over the savanna before returning to Nairobi. Visit Café Ubuntu on the way en route, a project that trains and employs local women and mothers of disabled children. The Café Ubuntu is a relaxing eatery in Maai Mahiu that offers delicious organic food, hospitable service, and a relaxing atmosphere. On their way to the famous Maasai Mara conservancy, tourists drive through the area every year in search of the landmark. Meet the women who create the items sold in the craft center and then enjoy a delicious farm-to-table lunch while learning how the initiative empowers the community. From freshly made tacos to soups, salads, and pizzas, to curry dishes and burritos, there are many options to choose from.

Enjoy the African sun rising over the savannah of the Mara plains on your final morning wildlife safari drive. Upon returning to Nairobi in the late afternoon, you may wish to participate in a farewell dinner with your guide.

Accommodation: Sarova Panafric Hotel or similar (1 Night)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Included Highlight: Masai Mara Wildlife Safari Drive, Café Ubuntu and Ubuntu Made
Travel Time: ± 5 ½ – 6 ½ hours
Distance: ± 245 km

Day 15: Nairobi, Kenya

Your tour comes to an end today

Meals: Breakfast

Onward Travel Plans

Due to circumstances beyond our control while on tour (such as border crossings, traffic, breakdowns and delays, etc), the end time on the last day cannot be guaranteed. Therefore we strongly recommend you stay the night and fly out the next day. Please consult with your booking consultant.