9-Day Rwanda Gorillas, Masai Mara & Tanzania Safari

East Africa is one of the regions in Africa known for its rare wildlife species. The animals live in protected areas found across the different countries of the region. This Rwanda Gorillas–Mara and Tanzania Safari allows visitors to explore unique landscapes, bird-life, and many chances to see primates.

You will also see the Big Five animals and wildebeests, as well as the famous mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. This safari will be a life-changing experience for every traveler exploring the Great Lakes region.

9-Day Rwanda Gorillas, Masai Mara & Tanzania Safari Highlights

• Visit Rwanda, Tanzania, and Kenya in one safari.
• Trek mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.
• Visit Iby’iwacu Cultural Village and learn about local life.
• Explore Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro for wildlife viewing.
• Enjoy game drives in Serengeti National Park.
• See the Big Five animals and the wildebeest herds.
• Cross into Kenya and explore Masai Mara National Reserve.
• Watch lions, elephants, zebras, and giraffes in the wild.
• Take photos and enjoy the open African landscapes.
• A great mix of gorilla trekking, wildlife, and culture.

Brief 9-Day Rwanda Gorillas, Masai Mara & Tanzania Safari Itinerary

• Day 1: Drive from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park and visit Iby’iwacu Cultural Village
• Day 2: Gorilla tracking in Volcanoes National Park
• Day 3: Transfer back to Kigali and fly to Arusha, Tanzania
• Day 4: Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park for a game drive
• Day 5: Lake Manyara to Ngorongoro area for a half-day game drive
• Day 6: Game drive in Serengeti National Park
• Day 7: Drive to Masai Mara in Kenya
• Day 8: Full-day game drives in Masai Mara
• Day 9: Transfer to Nairobi for departure

Detailed 9-Day Rwanda Gorillas, Masai Mara & Tanzania Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Drive from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park and visit Iby’iwacu Cultural Village

After breakfast at your hotel, your professional guide will pick you up for the 2-hour and 30-minute drive to Volcanoes National Park. Upon arrival, check in at your lodge and relax while enjoying views of the extinct volcanoes and the green forest-covered slopes.

Lunch will be served at the lodge in the afternoon. Later, visit Iby’iwacu Cultural Village to experience Rwandan culture through dance, traditional music, and local food. Take photos with the performers and learn about their customs. Return to the lodge in the evening for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 2: Gorilla tracking in Volcanoes National Park

Have an early breakfast and head to the park headquarters for a short briefing with the rangers. They will explain the rules of gorilla tracking to ensure a safe and enjoyable trek. After the briefing, begin your gorilla tracking adventure.

The trek can last until the afternoon depending on the gorillas’ movements. Once you find the gorillas, spend one hour with them, watching their behavior and taking photos. Return to your lodge for lunch and an afternoon of rest. Enjoy dinner later in the evening and stay overnight.

Day 3: Transfer back to Kigali and fly to Arusha, Tanzania

After breakfast, drive back to Kigali, a journey of about two and a half hours. Arrive at Kigali International Airport and take a flight to Arusha, Tanzania. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and have lunch.

In the afternoon, visit the Cultural Heritage Centre to learn about Tanzania’s history and art. See local crafts and learn about the lives of ancient and modern Tanzanians. Return to your hotel in the evening for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 4: Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park for a game drive

After breakfast, drive for about 2 hours and 40 minutes to Lake Manyara National Park. Enjoy beautiful views of the lake and spot wildlife such as elephants, lions, buffaloes, zebras, and leopards.

Have lunch at your lodge and relax for a while before going for an afternoon game drive. Explore more areas of the park and watch the birds and animals that live there. Return to your lodge in the evening for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 5: Lake Manyara to Ngorongoro area for a half-day game drive

After breakfast, drive for about one hour to Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Enjoy the views of the world’s largest caldera and take photos of the landscape.

Have lunch at your lodge, then go for an afternoon game drive to see animals such as leopards, zebras, giraffes, buffaloes, and hippos. After the game drive, continue to Serengeti National Park, about 40 minutes away. On arrival, check in at your lodge, have dinner, and stay overnight.

Day 6: Game drive in Serengeti National Park

After breakfast, head out for a morning game drive in the Serengeti. Watch the Big Five animals, wildebeests, zebras, giraffes, and hyenas. Return to your lodge for lunch.

In the afternoon, continue exploring the park to see more wildlife and enjoy the views of valleys and open plains. Return to your lodge in the evening for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 7: Drive to Masai Mara in Kenya

After an early breakfast, check out and start your drive to Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. The journey takes about eight hours. Enjoy views of the countryside, villages, and open landscapes along the way.

Arrive in Masai Mara and check in at your lodge. Spend the afternoon relaxing and watching birds such as hornbills, bee-eaters, egrets, and turacos from your balcony. Take a short nature walk around the lodge before returning for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 8: Full-day game drives in Masai Mara

After breakfast, go for a morning game drive in the Masai Mara plains. Watch thousands of wildebeests near the Mara River and see lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos. Return to the lodge for lunch.

In the afternoon, enjoy another game drive in the Mara Triangle to spot more wildlife such as cheetahs, servals, and hyenas. Return to the lodge at sunset for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 9: Transfer to Nairobi and departure

After breakfast, drive to Nairobi, a journey of about five hours. Upon arrival, transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your departure flight, marking the end of your Rwanda Gorillas–Mara and Tanzania Safari.