Journeys: Legendary Wildlife of Rwanda & Kenya - 15 Days

Itinerary

• Days 1-0: KigaliArrival Day

  Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included. If you arrive early, take some time to explore the city, known for its pleasant, friendly atmosphere. Kigali also has some interesting and historic sites outside of the city. If you want more time to explore, we recommend booking a pre-night.

• Days 2-1: Kigali/Volcanoes National Park

  Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial and pay your respects to the victims of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, learning about this somber chapter of the country’s past. Later, embark on a community walk in the vibrant Nyamirambo neighbourhood and enjoy a local lunch at the the tour operator–supported Nyamirambo Women’s Centre. Travel to northern Rwanda in the afternoon and settle into our lodge, located at the edge of Volcanoes National Park and offering stunning views of the soaring peaks. Volcanoes National Park borders Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda. Five of the eight volcanoes in the Virunga Mountains can be found here. The volcanoes and highlands of the park are covered in lush rainforest and bamboo (a favourite snack of the gorillas). While the most famous resident is the mountain gorilla, there’s plenty of other wildlife roaming around: buffaloes, bushbucks, golden monkeys, hyenas, numerous bird species, and some elephants call this place home.

• Days 3-2: Volcanoes National Park

  Set out on a trek in lush, jungle-covered hills with a park ranger to track a unique and endangered species—the golden monkey. Observe these playful, curious creatures in their natural habitat; then visit the Ellen Degeneres Campus of the Karisoke Research Center, founded by National Geographic Grantee Dian Fossey. Visit the public exhibit and enjoy immersive activities, like a 360-degree theatre and replica of Dian Fossey’s original cabin before meeting with some of the organization’s gorilla experts. Hear their experiences and stories working for the largest gorilla conservation organization in the world, and have the chance to ask them questions.

• Days 4-3: Volcanoes National Park

  Embark on an unforgettable trek through the jungle alongside a park ranger to search for mountain gorillas. When we come across a group of gorillas, witness their fascinating social dynamics up close. Note that these treks can vary in length and difficulty depending on the location of the gorillas. Return to our lodge for lunch, followed by a visit to a local village to catch a glimpse of daily rural life. Approximately 800 mountain gorillas exist globally in the wild today. They are found in Rwanda, DRC, and Uganda. In DRC and Rwanda, gorillas live in similar ecosystems/areas. The gorilla species found in these three areas are called highland gorillas.

  In Rwanda there are ten habituated gorilla families that are open to visits – the visit to a gorilla family is done once per day, with a maximum 8 trekkers per group and the duration of a visit is limited to one (1) hour with the gorilla family. The time spent with them is limited due to conservation considerations and to minimize impact on the day-to-day life of the gorilla family you are visiting. It is important to be well prepared for the trek — you never know if your total trek will be short or long. The total duration of a trek can vary and be anything between 4 and 9 hrs in length depending on the location of the gorillas, which are constantly moving. You will mainly walk where there are no paths apart from the occasional buffalo or elephant trail.

  Touching the gorillas is not allowed (although in some cases they may touch you). Making loud noises or sudden movements is also not allowed. You should attempt to keep a distance of 7m from the gorillas, however the gorillas themselves are unaware of this and will often get very close, in which case you should try to slowly move away. At all times you must abide by the instructions of the trackers and rangers.

  Please note that porters are available at approx. $10USD per person. The porters are all hired from local villages and not only can carry your day pack, but assist you with a welcome hand over difficult spots. Regardless of your fitness level, we highly recommend hiring a porter as some tracks can be very muddy and elevation can affect even the most fit person. It also provides employment and supports the local community.

• Days 5-4: Volcanoes National Park/Akagera National Park

  Head back to Kigali for lunch, then continue east to Akagera National Park. Armed conflict once devastated this part of Rwanda, and many years of neglect and misuse followed. Yet dedicated work by the local communities resulted in the return of wildlife to the park’s savannas, forested hills, and wetlands. Learn more about this fascinating conservation success story in a behind-the-scenes visit to the African Parks headquarters here. Later, check into our comfortable lodge overlooking stunning Lake Ihema. Akagera National Park offers a remarkable conservation story and is home to the Big Five, zebras, giraffes, elephants and hundreds of bird species. Running directly along the boarder with Tanzania, the park covers 1,122 km2 (433 sq mi) and offers a variety of landscapes including highlands, savannah plains, swamps, wetlands and lakes.

• Days 6-5: Akagera National Park

  Wake before sunrise for an early morning safari drive in search of the “big five.” Keep an eye out for lions, buffalo, hyenas, and antelopes grazing freely here. Return to the lodge for lunch and some free time to relax or take a dip in the pool. In the afternoon, glide along Lake Ihema by boat, watching for hippos and crocodiles. Spot more wildlife, such as elephants and buffalo, as they gather at the lakeshore to drink water. Keep an eye out for a variety of birds including herons, shoebill storks, fish eagles, and kingfishers.

• Days 7-6: Akagera National Park to Kigali

  Head out with a packed breakfast for our final safari drive in the early hours when animals are most active. Look for giraffes, gazelles, impalas, baboons, Butchel’s zebras, leopards, and lions. Later that morning, depart through the northern edge of the park and travel overland back to Kigali.

• Days 8-7: Kigali/Nairobi

  Catch a flight from Kigali to Nairobi and transfer to hotel. After your flight, transfer to the hotel. Take some time to explore Nairobi before meeting your group back at the hotel for a second orientation meeting. Here, you will meet your Kenyan Expedition Leader for this duration of the tour, and new travellers that may join you for the rest of your journey.

• Days 9-8: Nairobi/Lake Nakuru National Park

  Depart early for Lake Nakuru, known for harbouring flocks of pink flamingos and a rich variety of bird species. Arrive at our safari lodge inside Lake Nakuru National Park in time for lunch, and seek out the resident rhinos on a late afternoon wildlife drive.

• Days 10-9: Lake Nakuru National Park

  Set out on morning and afternoon safaris through the picturesque park, searching for buffalo, impalas, lions, and more; and drive along the salty shores of Lake Nakuru to discover a mind-boggling variety of birds.

• Days 11-10: Lake Nakuru National Park/Lake Naivasha

  This morning attend a talk given by a representative of the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS)—a government institution dedicated to managing the country’s wildlife—about the issues surrounding poaching and wildlife conservation. Later head south through the Great Rift Valley to Lake Naivasha, a large freshwater lake surrounded by grassy banks and olive trees. Cruise the lake on a boat, watching for hippos and buffalo; and peer through your binoculars to spot lovebirds, ibis, and the African fish eagle. Step ashore at Crescent Island—a peaceful wildlife sanctuary located in the middle of the lake— and enjoy a guided stroll in search of wildebeest, zebras, and giraffes. The name Naivasha comes from the Maasai “Nai’posha”, which means “rough water”, though Lake Naivasha is generally calm as we watch for hippos and birdlife. Bring your binoculars and scan for lovebirds, ibis, and fish eagles, watch buffaloes wallow in the swamps and listen to colobus monkeys call from the treetops.

• Days 12-11: Lake Naivasha/Masai Mara

  Travel to the legendary Masai Mara National Reserve and settle into our comfortable tented camp, located in the heart of the reserve. Head out for an afternoon safari through vast, acacia-dotted plains, driving past throngs of wildebeest, zebra, and giraffes; and keep an eye out for lions, elephants, and the rest of the African “big five.” In the evening, relax at the camp and enjoy scenic views of the rolling plains. After breakfast, we depart for the world famous Masai Mara National Reserve. No trip to Kenya would be complete without a visit here. In the afternoon, we will arrive in the area, and get settled at our safari camp, our base for our time here. Then we’ll make our way into the reserve for an afternoon wildlife safari drive, with excellent chances of seeing the "big five": buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion, and rhino.

• Days 13-12: Masai Mara

  Venture out on an early morning safari to track the animals that traversed the savanna during the night. View ungulates like Thomson’s and Grant’s gazelles, topi and eland antelopes—as well as their stealthy predators—at one of their most active times of the day. Continue your exploration on a late afternoon safari, discovering the timeless landscapes of Masai Mara.

• Days 14-13: Masai Mara/Nairobi

  Witness a breathtaking sunrise over the savanna during your final safari in Masai Mara, and head back to Nairobi. Stop en route at Café Ubuntu, a the tour operator–supported Planeterra project that trains and employs local women and mothers of children with disabilities. Café Ubuntu is an oasis with delicious organic food, hospitable staff, and a relaxing atmosphere based in Maai Mahiu. It is a beacon for tourists who drive through the area each year on their way to the famous Maasai Mara conservancy. Learn about how the initiative empowers the community, visit the craft centre to meet some of the women who create the wares sold there, and then sit down for a delicious farm-to-table lunch. Options range from breakfast tacos, soups, and salads, to freshly made pizzas, curry dishes, and burritos. Rise early for a final morning wildlife safari drive, enjoying the African sun as it rises over the savannah of the Mara plains. Return to Nairobi in the late afternoon and opt to join the Expedition Leader in a farewell dinner.

• Days 15-14: Nairobi

  Depart at any time.