A Detailed 11-Day Kenya And Rwanda Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Visit the World’s Only Urban Wildlife Reserve | 1 Nights

A private vehicle transfer will take you to Hemingways Nairobi when you land at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. A delightful beginning to your Kenya & Rwanda Safari, this boutique hotel is situated in the peaceful area of Karen, surrounded by well-kept gardens with a view of the Ngong Hills.

Despite the short duration of your stay, the hotel’s location makes it possible to take a quick tour of Nairobi’s most popular tourist destinations. Just a short drive from the hotel, Nairobi National Park offers a rare opportunity to see wildlife against the backdrop of a metropolitan skyline. Additionally, you can visit the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage to observe young elephants during their playtime or milk feeding, or take part in an animal-feeding experience at the Giraffe Center.

Return to the hotel, where you have access to a variety of recreational amenities. Work out your muscles at the gym, relax in the steam room, and end with a cool swim in the outdoor pool. The Retreat has an excellent wine collection with a variety of blends that complement its award-winning food.

Day 2-3: Revel in Sundowner Game Drives Overlooking Mount Kilimanjaro | 2 Nights

You will be taken to Wilson Airport the following day, where a light plane will take you to the Tortilis Camp airstrip, which is located on a private concession that borders Amboseli National Park. Located on a tranquil hillside, this little lodge is shaded by a forest of Acacia tortilis, the camp’s namesake. With its striking umbrella shape, this renowned tree has come to represent the African savannah.

Enjoy a buffet-style lunch on the deck once you’ve unpacked and settled in before going on a late-afternoon game drive. Sundowners, who enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro as the last rays of sunlight melt against the top, are the culmination of a leisurely tour of the reserve. The camp provides must-do guided nature walks, including special birding trips in the wetlands, in addition to game drives.

Before visiting the Amboseli Elephant Research Center on your last day, begin with a delectable bush breakfast in a neighbouring clearing surrounded by wildlife. A highlight of your visit, this invites you to discover more about the conservation initiatives that sustain the park’s flourishing and well-researched elephant population.

Day 4-6: Witness the Great Migration in the Mara | 3 Nights

Following breakfast, you will take a plane to the Keekorok Airstrip in Masai Mara, where you will stay in traditional tented accommodations at Sand River Masai Mara for three nights. The camp is ideally situated in the fabled Masai Mara National Reserve, covered by a grove of trees along a remote stream. With planned game drives that are timed for the best times to see animals, you may enjoy year-round game viewing.

Here, a guide will show you the secrets of the bush while you explore a variety of terrains. From exploring riverine woods where hippos and crocodiles walk through the rivers to traversing broad grasslands studded with zebras and impalas, to watching birds carefully build their nests along the marshes. The seasonal wildebeest migration, in which hordes of these magnificent animals cross rivers and floodplains in quest of fresh water sources, will only be accessible to you.

You can relax on your own terrace back at the camp, where a personal butler is available to accommodate your needs. For a romantic evening under the stars, private dining is also an option. Delicious food and great wine from the camp’s cellar are served.

Day 7: Rejuvenate in Kigali | 1 Nights

You will take a morning flight from Keekorok Airstrip to Wilson Airport, where you will make a transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Following your flight to Kigali International Airport, you will travel to The Retreat by Heaven via private road transfer.

Enjoy a one-night layover at the best boutique hotel in Kigali, where you can explore the city and take advantage of a variety of wellness options. Take a tour of the city, see Kigali’s artistic offerings, sample real Rwandan coffee, and visit neighbourhood workshops that provide cocktail and cooking training.

The hotel offers a sauna and other spa services with an emphasis on revitalisation. Take a yoga class to stretch your body or schedule a full-body massage to relieve sore muscles. After that, take a relaxing swim in the saltwater pool to awaken your senses.

Day 8-10: Gorilla Trekking in the Virunga Mountains | 3 Nights

For the last part of your East African vacation, a private road transfer will take you to Virunga Lodge the next day. There, you will be situated above volcanic lakes in Volcanoes National Park and surrounded by a patchwork of farms.

Put on your hiking boots for a once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking experience on your first full day. You will eventually come across a family of primates after navigating the steep slopes of bamboo forests. Observe these amazing animals for an hour, with the chance to record touching moments between mother gorillas and their young. Afterwards, take in an immersive sundowner while interacting with conservationists and perusing the center’s public exhibitions.

Go back to the forest the next day to encounter a vibrant group of golden monkeys. Hundreds of these tiny primates can be seen jumping among the trees and eating berries and leaves. After two days of hiking, a complimentary 30-minute massage during your stay provides a much-needed break for your muscles.

Day 11: Say Goodbye to East Africa

You will take a vehicle shuttle to Kigali International Airport to start your journey home after spending one last morning in Virunga.

End of the 11-Day Kenya And Rwanda Safari | Great Migration & Gorillas