7-Day Best Kenya & Rwanda Safari
The 7-Day Best Kenya and Rwanda safari is a compact yet action-packed journey through East Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations. Designed for travelers with limited time but a desire for maximum adventure, this itinerary combines Kenya’s vast savannahs and wildlife-rich parks with Rwanda’s misty forests and endangered mountain gorillas, offering an exceptional balance of thrill, discovery, and cultural immersion. The journey allows travelers to encounter the Big Five on the rolling plains of Masai Mara or Amboseli and experience the transformative encounter of gorilla trekking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.
From the moment you land in Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda, the 7-Day Best Kenya and Rwanda safari blends cultural exploration with natural wonders. Kigali is a vibrant city with a complex history, and its museums and markets provide insight into Rwanda’s resilience and heritage. Travelers then journey north to Volcanoes National Park, where towering volcanic peaks are home to critically endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. Trekking through bamboo forests and lush jungle, you witness these gentle primates in their natural habitat, an experience that is both humbling and awe-inspiring. The inclusion of cultural visits, such as Iby’iwacu Cultural Village, allows travelers to connect with local communities and understand the region’s traditions and conservation efforts.
The 7-Day Best Kenya and Rwanda safari continues in Kenya, where flights from Kigali bring travelers to Nairobi, followed by transfers to Masai Mara National Reserve or Amboseli National Park. Masai Mara offers world-class game drives, with vast herds of wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle, along with lions, leopards, elephants, and rhinos. Early morning and late afternoon game drives maximize wildlife sightings while providing breathtaking sunrise and sunset experiences over the savannah. Amboseli, at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, presents a unique backdrop for elephant sightings and photo opportunities with Africa’s iconic peak.
This 7-Day Best Kenya and Rwanda safari has been meticulously designed for travelers seeking a high-impact East African safari in a short period, balancing primate trekking, wildlife drives, and cultural immersion. Each day is thoughtfully structured to provide maximum engagement, ensuring that every moment is filled with discovery, adventure, and relaxation amidst East Africa’s most spectacular landscapes.
Detailed 7-Day Best Kenya and Rwanda safari
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali, Rwanda
Your 7-Day Best Kenya and Rwanda safari begins with arrival at Kigali International Airport, where you are met by your professional Ovacado Adventures guide. After clearing customs and immigration, you are transferred to your hotel in Kigali. Depending on your arrival time, you may have the opportunity to explore this vibrant city.
Kigali is a city of remarkable contrast: modern infrastructure blends with rolling hills and local neighborhoods. Guests can explore local markets, boutique shops, and enjoy a traditional Rwandan meal. An optional visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial provides a sobering but essential context to Rwanda’s history and the remarkable recovery and unity that followed. Guides provide insight into the city’s development and the country’s journey toward peace and conservation.
Dinner is served at your hotel or lodge, allowing travelers to relax and prepare for the adventure ahead. The evening offers a chance to acclimatize to the altitude and set expectations for the gorilla trekking experience. This first day serves as a gentle introduction, combining cultural orientation, city exploration, and preparation for the highland forests of northern Rwanda.
Meal Plan: Dinner
Day 2: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park and Musanze Village Tour
After breakfast, you depart Kigali and travel north toward Volcanoes National Park, a journey of approximately 2–3 hours through Rwanda’s scenic countryside. The route offers views of terraced hills, banana plantations, and small rural communities, giving travelers a glimpse into local life and Rwanda’s agricultural heritage.
Upon arrival near the park, check into your lodge, which offers stunning views of the surrounding volcanic peaks. The afternoon includes a village tour around Musanze, providing a cultural immersion into the lives of local communities. Travelers learn about traditional Rwandan architecture, crafts, and daily routines. Guides share stories about the region, including conservation initiatives and the significance of gorilla protection for local livelihoods.
Dinner at the lodge concludes the day, offering time to rest and prepare for the following day’s mountain gorilla trek. This day sets the tone for the blend of adventure and cultural understanding that defines the 7-Day Best Kenya and Rwanda safari, combining scenic drives, village exploration, and relaxation in one of Rwanda’s most breathtaking landscapes.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Day 3 is the highlight of the Rwandan portion of the safari: gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. Rise early for a briefing at the park headquarters, where trackers provide guidance on safety, conservation practices, and the gorilla family assigned to your group.
The trek takes you through dense bamboo forests, montane vegetation, and rugged trails. Guides provide fascinating insights into gorilla behavior, social hierarchies, and communication methods. Upon encountering the gorillas, travelers spend up to one hour observing these majestic creatures. Witnessing a silverback’s strength and leadership, mothers caring for infants, and juveniles playing is an emotionally profound experience. Photography is encouraged but done respectfully, as guides emphasize minimizing disturbances to the gorillas.
In the afternoon, visit the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village, where guests engage with traditional dances, crafts, and storytelling, gaining a deeper understanding of Rwandan culture and the communities involved in conservation. Dinner at the lodge concludes a full day of adventure, wildlife encounters, and cultural enrichment. This day represents the pinnacle of primate trekking experiences in East Africa, combining physical activity, awe-inspiring wildlife encounters, and educational insight.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Golden Monkey Trekking & Travel to Kenya
Today begins with golden monkey trekking, a shorter but equally rewarding hike within Volcanoes National Park. These primates are vibrant, social, and highly active, providing a dynamic and playful experience in the bamboo forests. Observation of their feeding habits and social interactions gives insight into Rwanda’s rich biodiversity and conservation efforts.
Following the trek, return to your lodge for breakfast, then transfer to Kigali for your flight to Nairobi, Kenya. Upon arrival in Nairobi, meet your 7-Day Best Kenya and Rwanda safari guide and transfer to your lodge near Masai Mara National Reserve. Depending on arrival time, enjoy an afternoon game drive, encountering impalas, zebras, giraffes, and, if lucky, lions or cheetahs preparing for the evening hunt. Dinner at the lodge concludes a day of cross-border travel, wildlife encounters, and cultural exploration.
This day emphasizes Rwanda’s primate diversity and the transition to Kenya’s savannah landscapes, offering a blend of adventure, wildlife, and scenic travel.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Transfer to Masai Mara and Afternoon Game Drive
After arrival in Nairobi and breakfast, travel to the Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya’s premier wildlife destination. The drive through the Kenyan countryside showcases rolling plains, rivers, and small settlements. Upon arrival at your lodge, check in and prepare for an afternoon game drive.
The Masai Mara is famous for its vast herds of wildebeests and zebras, scattered acacia trees, and abundant predators. During your drive, you may encounter lions lounging under shade, cheetahs stealthily hunting, elephants wandering in herds, and buffalo grazing peacefully. Knowledgeable guides provide insights into animal behavior, ecology, and the Great Migration if in season. The safari vehicle’s pop-up roof allows for optimal photography and observation.
Dinner at the lodge concludes the day, offering time to relax amidst the sounds of the African wilderness. This day introduces travelers to the savannah ecosystem, blending excitement, wildlife observation, and luxury accommodation in one of Africa’s most iconic parks.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Full-Day Game Drives in Masai Mara
Day 6 is dedicated to a full-day safari adventure in the Masai Mara. Begin with an early morning game drive, witnessing predators on the hunt and grazing herds as the sun rises over the golden plains. A picnic breakfast or brunch can be enjoyed within the reserve, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and wildlife sounds.
The afternoon drive continues, exploring different habitats such as riverine forests and open grasslands. The “Big Five”—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino may be encountered, along with cheetahs, hyenas, and giraffes. Bird watchers can enjoy species like the lilac-breasted roller and African fish eagle. Optional activities include visiting a Maasai village, where locals share traditional dances, crafts, and insights into their pastoral way of life.
This 7-Day Best Kenya and Rwanda safari experience captures the essence of Kenya’s wildlife, providing unparalleled opportunities for photography, wildlife observation, and cultural engagement. Return to the lodge in the evening for a final celebratory dinner, reflecting on the extraordinary experiences of the past week.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Morning Game Drive and Departure
On the final day of your 7-Day Best Kenya and Rwanda safari, enjoy an early morning game drive to capture the last sightings of Masai Mara wildlife. The morning light illuminates the savannah, creating perfect conditions for photography and quiet contemplation of the natural surroundings.
Afterward, return to the lodge for breakfast and check-out. Transfer back to Nairobi, where you may have time for last-minute souvenir shopping, a quick city tour, or a leisurely lunch. Finally, proceed to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your departure flight, concluding your 7-day safari adventure through Kenya and Rwanda.
This day blends farewell wildlife encounters with the transition back to urban life, allowing travelers to leave East Africa with lasting memories of iconic landscapes, thrilling safaris, and intimate primate experiences.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
7-Day Best Kenya and Rwanda safari Inclusions and Exclusions
Safari Inclusions
- All accommodations in lodges or luxury tented camps
- Meals as specified (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
- Gorilla and golden monkey trekking permits
- Park entrance fees for all destinations
- Ground transportation in 4×4 safari vehicles with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Maasai village visit in Kenya
- Bottled drinking water during transfers and game drives
- Cultural visits and briefings as per itinerary
Safari Exclusions
- International and domestic flights
- Kenya and Rwanda visas
- Travel and medical insurance
- Personal expenses, souvenirs, and optional activities not listed
- Tips and gratuities for guides and lodge staff
- Alcoholic beverages and laundry services