Most of the nature at its pristine you are going to see at Maasai Mara and Volcanoes National Parks, found in Kenya and Rwanda respectively. Virunga Community Programs organizes you 9-day itinerary to discover the beauty of the nature in east and central Africa.
Day 1: Arrival to Nairobi, Kenya
Plan your arrival to Nairobi, Kenya at your convenient time. You are going to be met at the airport by our staff that is going to transfer you immediately to the hotel of your choice.
Day 2: Nairobi to Maasai Mara
After having a relaxed breakfast, depart for a 45-minute flight to the Maasai Mara. You can leave your excess luggage in Nairobi. You should be in Maasai Mara by lunch where you’ll have an opportunity for a “Game Drive” before sunset. Enjoy dinner in the evening at the Camp that overlooks Maasai Mara plains.
Day 3: Maasai Mara:
An early morning game drive in Maasai Mara is going to reward you with the opportunity to see both scenery and wildlife this reserve is so famous for. You are going to have a great opportunity to see the crocodiles, cheetahs, lions, a variety of birds, buffaloes and elephants. Plan on a short siesta around midday. Later in the evening, enjoy a game drive.
Overnight at Little Governor’s Camp
Day 4: Maasai Mara
You have another full day to explore the reserve and ensure you witness the full splendor of its ecosystem. You may choose to take some sunrise Balloon Safari in the morning (at an additional cost) directly from your camp, with champagne breakfast on the Mara. When you don’t do the ballon safari, you may of course still plan to do an early morning game drive plus another game drive in the afternoon.
If you do not do the balloon safari of course you can still plan to have an early morning game drive, a siesta and another game drive in the afternoon.
Day 5: Maasai Mara to Kigali, Rwanda
The morning should be your last game drive. After breakfast, you depart from the park for your flight back to Nairobi where you will retrieve your luggage and transfer to the airport for your Kigali flight. Upon arriving in Kigali you are going to be transferred to the luxurious Marriot Hotel. You are going to enjoy a delicious dinner!
Overnight at the Marriot Hotel
Day 6: Kigali to Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Rwanda
In the morning you can make an informative tour to the Genocide Memorial before driving to your base for the next three days: The Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge.
Day 7: Volcanoes: Volcanoes National Park-1st Gorilla Trek
You have the chance to take your first gorilla trek. Wake up early in the morning and drive to Volcanoes National Park where you are going to meet trackers and head up the slopes of Virunga Volcanoes. You may want to visit one among the 12 habituated groups.
Overnight at Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
Day 8: Volcanoes National Park. Optional 2nd Mountain Gorilla Trek
You have the second opportunity with the Gorillas (remember $1500 for the permit). When you select to trek the gorillas for a second time, you may visit a different gorilla group.
You may alternatively visit Dian Fossey Grave, or even trek the Golden monkeys found in the Volcanoes National Park. A representative from Dian Fossey Gorilla International is going to join you for cocktails in the evening where they will talk about their efforts to make Dian Fossey legacy alive.
Overnight at Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
Day 9: From the lodge to Kigali and flights home
Have breakfast and pack. Then transfer to Kigali for your flights home.