Gorillas, Masai Mara, Zanzibar
Uncover cultural gems, savor culinary delights, and embark on adventures tailored to create unforgettable travel experiences.
Uncover cultural gems, savor culinary delights, and embark on adventures tailored to create unforgettable travel experiences.
Experience Rwanda's mountain gorillas, Kenya's iconic Masai Mara, and Zanzibar's stunning beaches in one unforgettable journey blending wildlife, culture, and relaxation.
Your trip starts with your gorilla trek up into the Virunga Volcanoes, where you will spend your one magical hour with the last of the mountain gorillas.
You then fly on to Kenya for a classic Big 5 safari in the incomparable Masai Mara. Game drives, guided walks and authentic cultural experiences are all available for you to enjoy during your Masai Mara safari.
Finally you can unwind and indulge in total relaxation on the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar to cap off your holiday in real style.
On arrival into Kigali's Airport you will be met by your local guide who will drive through the pretty Rwandan countryside to Kinigi at the foothills of the Virungas in Volcanoes National Park (Parc National des Volcans). The drive typically takes about 2.5 hours and you then check-in to your lodge where you can enjoy your afternoon at leisure. Relax and rest up this evening ahead of tomorrow’s gorilla trekking adventure.
After breakfast, you will depart for the headquarters of the park, where your guide will accomplish the necessary formalities for you. You will then meet your ranger guides for a briefing about the trek and experience in front of you. We then drive you to the trailhead from where you will begin your trek.
You can chose from a number of treks to different gorilla families based on your own preferrences and fitness levels. Your trek can last anywhere from 2 to 8 hours depending on your choice. Your guide will then lead you along generally clear paths up into the forest, in radio communication with the trackers that stay with the group so that they can be located. The altitude is over 2,500m, so although the pace is unhurried, the hike is tiring and can be steep in parts.
Only one group of tourists can visit each family of mountain gorillas each day and once you’ve found them, you’ll have just one precious hour in their company. If you’re a keen photographer, taking your own pictures of mountain gorillas is one of the most magical photo sessions you’ll ever experience. Do bear in mind that the light can be poor in the rainforest and that use of flash is not permitted. You might also need to protect your camera against the possibility of heavy rain.
After your hour with the gorillas you head back to your lodge for lunch and the rest of the day at your leisure.
Meals: LDBB
This morning you will be driven to Wilson Airport for your scheduled light aircraft flight to the Masai Mara. Light aircraft flights are suburb little adventures in their own right and you can even spot wildlife from the air as you fly low one the Masai Mara. On arrival at your nearest Mara airstrip you are met by a representative of your camp and are driven to the lodge for check-in. Your stay in the Masai Mara is for the following three nights.
Meals: LDBB
After breakfast, enjoy your first full day on safari in the Masai Mara., keeping an eye out for the Big Five: lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino. You may even witness a thrilling predator chase or a kill. Return to the camp for dinner and overnight stay.
Optional Activities:
Balloon Safari: Embark on a magical early morning balloon ride over the Mara plains, followed by a champagne breakfast in the bush. The serene flight offers a unique perspective of the wildlife below. The day concludes with a game drive back to camp.
Visit to a Masai Manyatta: Explore a traditional Maasai village and learn about the fascinating culture, customs, and lifestyle of this iconic community.
Meals: LDBB
Your final full day on safari in the Mara. On safari you will enjoy two shared safari activities each day as standard. This typically means morning and afternoon game drives out into the Mara with your expert local guide. Other activities are available at certain camps including walking safaris, horse riding and more. As a general rule you will have more flexibility in the conservancies, where you can also avoid the minibus traffic which can spoil parts of the main reserve.
Meals: BL
Today you can have your morning safari activity and then you are driven back to the airstrip in time for your scheduled light aircraft flight, which arrives in Nairobi around midday. Enjoy a spot of lunch and transfer in Nairobi ahead of your direct flight to Zanzibar.
You are met on arrival in Zanzibar and are driven the approx. 1 hour to your beach accommodation where you will stay for the next four nights with breakfast and dinner included.
Meals: BL
Relax and enjoy Zanzibar Island where you can recharge at your leisure. There are a host of great activities, from PADI diving courses to Jozani Forest day trips, to keep you occupied should you wish to explore further afield. It's also worth talking to a specialist about the smaller neighbouring islands, as these may be more appropriate for you if you're looking to get off the beaten track.
Meals: BLD
Enjoy a day of relaxing at the beach, perhaps indulging in a visit to the spa or explore Zanzibar at your leisure.
You may also choose to visit Prison Island, the Mnarani Turtle Sanctuary, or the lush Jozani Forest, home to the charming Red Colobus Monkey. For adventure seekers, reef and dolphin safaris await in Zanzibar's crystal-clear waters, or enjoy a cultural tour through local villages for a more grounded experience.
The possibilities on this enchanting East African island are endless.
Meals:(BLD)
Another day to kick back, relax and enjoy Zanzibar's beaches and excursions at your leisure.
Meals: BL
Today you check-out of your hotel and are driven to Zanzibar Airport where you check-in for your return international flight.
Meals: BL