9-Day Best Kenya & Rwanda Safari

Embark on a transformative 9-day best safari across Kenya and Rwanda, combining East Africa’s iconic wildlife with rare primate encounters. This safari is carefully crafted for travelers seeking both the thrill of “Big Five” game drives and the unforgettable experience of mountain gorilla trekking in their natural habitat. The adventure begins in Kenya, exploring the vast savannahs of the Masai Mara National Reserve, the iconic Amboseli National Park with its herds of elephants framed by Mount Kilimanjaro, and the serene waters of Lake Naivasha, home to hippos, waterbirds, and verdant landscapes.

Following Kenya’s wilderness, the journey continues with a seamless transfer to Rwanda, where Volcanoes National Park awaits with its mist-covered slopes and lush forests. Here, travelers encounter the critically endangered mountain gorillas, as well as golden monkeys, in one of the most biodiverse regions of Africa. Optional visits to Dian Fossey’s grave and scenic Lake Kivu further enrich the experience, blending wildlife, conservation history, and local culture.

This 9-Day Best Kenya & Rwanda Safari is designed to maximize wildlife viewing while ensuring comfort, adventure, and cultural immersion. Guests travel in custom 4×4 safari vehicles, accompanied by professional English-speaking guides, offering expert insights into animal behavior, ecology, and regional culture. The route allows for early morning and late afternoon game drives, when wildlife is most active, ensuring breathtaking encounters with lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, and countless bird species.

Beyond wildlife, the trip provides a holistic East African safari experience, highlighting both Kenya’s savannah ecosystems and Rwanda’s montane forests. The combination of game drives and primate trekking offers a rare opportunity to witness Africa’s most iconic animals and critically endangered species in their natural environments. From sunrise over the Mara plains to close encounters with gorillas, this safari promises memories that last a lifetime.

Detailed 9-Day Best Kenya & Rwanda Safari

Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi and Transfer to Masai Mara

Your 9-Day Best Kenya & Rwanda Safari begins with arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi. Upon arrival, a warm welcome from your Ovacado Adventures guide sets the tone for the adventure ahead. Guests are transferred via a scenic drive to Masai Mara National Reserve, spanning approximately 250 kilometers of savannah, rivers, and rolling hills, offering glimpses of rural Kenyan life along the way.

Arriving at your lodge or luxury camp, take time to relax and settle in before your first safari experience. In the afternoon, head out on your first game drive, where the Mara’s abundant wildlife comes to life in golden-hour light. Herds of zebras graze alongside wildebeests, giraffes tower above acacia trees, and lions may be seen lounging in the shade. Experienced guides provide commentary on animal behavior, ecosystems, and conservation, enhancing both learning and adventure.

The evening concludes with a sumptuous dinner at the lodge, often accompanied by breathtaking views of the savannah sunset. This first day serves as an introduction to Kenya’s wilderness, immersing guests in the sights, sounds, and smells of the African savannah. The combination of wildlife, expert guidance, and luxury accommodations ensures a comfortable yet exhilarating start to your 9-Day Best Kenya & Rwanda Safari.

Meal Plan: Dinner

Day 2: Full-Day Game Drives in Masai Mara

Day 2 is dedicated to full-day exploration of Masai Mara National Reserve, renowned worldwide for its rich biodiversity and the annual wildebeest migration. Depart after an early breakfast, embarking on morning and afternoon game drives. Early hours provide opportunities to observe predators like lions and cheetahs at their most active, hunting or patrolling their territories.

The Mara is home to the Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos. Your guide will help track these animals, ensuring encounters with minimal disruption to their natural behaviors. Between sightings, marvel at the Mara’s landscapes rolling grasslands, acacia-studded plains, and meandering rivers. Alongside large mammals, the reserve hosts over 450 bird species, including ostriches, vultures, and the colorful lilac-breasted roller.

Afternoon game drives continue, possibly incorporating a picnic lunch in a scenic clearing. Optional activities such as balloon safaris provide a bird’s-eye perspective of the savannah, offering unmatched photography opportunities and the thrill of floating above herds of wildlife. This day exemplifies the quintessential 9-Day Best Kenya & Rwanda Safari experience, combining adventure, education, and serene moments in nature. Return to the lodge as the sun sets, reflecting on the wonders of the Mara.