9-Day Rwanda And Kenya Magnificent Budget Safari

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Embark on an unforgettable 9-Day Rwanda And Kenya Magnificent Budget Safari, a seamless blend of rich history, rare wildlife encounters, and authentic cultural experiences across East Africa’s most iconic destinations. Your journey begins in the vibrant capital of Kigali, where a guided city tour offers insight into the country’s inspiring story of resilience, highlighted by a moving visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial.

From here, travel to the scenic town of Musanze, nestled at the foothills of the Virunga Mountains. Immerse yourself in conservation history at the Dian Fossey Center, and connect with Rwanda’s vibrant traditions during a visit to the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village. The adventure deepens in Volcanoes National Park, where you’ll trek through misty forests for the once-in-a-lifetime experience of encountering endangered mountain gorillas and playful golden monkeys in their natural habitat.

A scenic flight then whisks you to Nairobi, where conservation and close-up wildlife experiences await. Visit the renowned Sheldrick Wildlife Trust to witness rescued elephants, and enjoy a memorable interaction with endangered Rothschild giraffes at the Giraffe Centre.

Your safari culminates in the world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve, a haven of breathtaking landscapes and abundant wildlife. Here, you’ll embark on thrilling guided game drives in search of the Big Five, experience the magic of an optional hot air balloon safari over the savannah, and engage with the rich heritage of the Maasai people during an authentic village visit.

This extraordinary journey promises a perfect balance of adventure, culture, and luxury—crafted to deliver lasting memories in the heart of Africa. As you conclude this 9-Day Rwanda And Kenya Magnificent Budget Safari, you’ll have walked with gorillas in the Virungas, tracked golden monkeys through bamboo, and stood face-to-face with Kenya’s giants in the Mara.

Cost per person:

Starting from: $5350 (Budget Accommodation) per person based on two travelers sharing

	1 Person	2 People	3 People	4 People	5 People	6 People
Jan-April	$6550	$5350	$5150	$5050	$4950	$4850
May-August	$6750	$5550	$5350	$5250	$5150	$5050
Sept-Dec	$6650	$5450	$5250	$5150	$5050	$4950

Cost Per Child (Discount)

Age	0-2 years old	3-6 years old	7-10 years old	11-13 years old	14+ years old
Discount Rate	100%	65%	50%	15%	0%

Cost Included/Exclude

Inclusions

One gorilla permit per person to be secured and paid for well in advance
One golden monkey permit per person to be secured and paid for well in advance
Services of an expert guide
Airport transfer (Airport pick up and drop off)
Daily meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
Ground transportation (4×4 safari Landcruiser / minivan with pop-up tops)
Full board accommodation and en route meals as indicated in the itinerary

Exclusions

Airfares
Visa fees
Personal insurance
Expenses of personal nature, such as drinks, tips, laundry, telephone, and cigarettes
Accommodation and meals not indicated in the itinerary

Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accomodation
Budget Lodges
Language
English, Spanish, French, Dutch, German, Italian, and Chinese speaking guides
Transportation
Safari Van/ 4X4 Landcruiser
Group Size
1-100 people
Availability
January - December
Arrival at
Kigali International Airport
Departure from
Kigali International Airport
Destinations
East Africa Safaris, Kenya, Multi Country Safaris, Rwanda

Overview

Itinerary

Include

Lodges

Flight Info

Map

FAQs

Review

Overview

Itinerary

Include

Lodges

Flight Info

Map

FAQs

Review

Why This Tour?

9-Day Rwanda And Kenya Magnificent Budget Safari

Our 9-Day Rwanda And Kenya Magnificent Budget Safari will have you excited and ready for a magnificent two-country journey that pairs Rwanda’s mountain primates with Kenya’s classic savannah safari. This magnificent Budget Safari begins in Kigali with a city tour and primate trekking in Volcanoes National Park. The finale unfolds in Masai Mara National Reserve – home to lions, cheetahs, elephants, and the Big Five. Enjoy expert-led game drives, opt for a sunrise hot air balloon safari over the plains, and connect with local Maasai on a village visit. Nine days, two nations, and the perfect balance of conservation, culture, primates, and predators.

East Africa Tours

You will visit Volcanoes National Park, and Masai Mara National Reserve.

Your 9-Day Rwanda And Kenya Magnificent Budget Safari unfolds as a captivating journey through two of East Africa’s most diverse and rewarding destinations, blending powerful history, intimate wildlife encounters, and rich cultural immersion into one seamless experience.

The adventure begins in the clean and vibrant city of Kigali, where you are welcomed with warm Rwandan hospitality. A guided city tour introduces you to Kigali’s dynamic character—its bustling markets, art spaces, and leafy neighborhoods—before leading you to the deeply moving Kigali Genocide Memorial. Here, you gain profound insight into Rwanda’s past and its remarkable journey of unity and renewal, setting a meaningful tone for the experiences ahead.

Leaving the capital behind, you journey north to Musanze, a scenic region framed by the dramatic Virunga volcanoes. This area offers a refreshing change of pace, with cool mountain air and lush landscapes. Your exploration includes a visit to the Dian Fossey Center, where the legacy of gorilla conservation comes to life through compelling stories and exhibits. You’ll also spend time at the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, engaging with local communities through traditional dance, storytelling, and hands-on cultural experiences that provide a genuine connection to Rwanda’s heritage.

The highlight of your Rwandan experience awaits in Volcanoes National Park. Trekking through misty bamboo forests and rugged terrain, you’ll come face-to-face with majestic mountain gorillas—an awe-inspiring and deeply personal wildlife encounter. Another trek introduces you to the energetic golden monkeys, whose playful movements and vibrant presence add a lively contrast to the serene gorilla experience. These moments in the wild are both humbling and unforgettable.

From Rwanda’s emerald highlands, your journey transitions seamlessly to Kenya with a scenic flight to Nairobi. Here, conservation takes center stage once again with a visit to the renowned Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, where you observe rescued baby elephants being nurtured back to health. At the Giraffe Centre, you’ll enjoy close encounters with endangered Rothschild giraffes, offering both delightful moments and meaningful insight into ongoing conservation efforts.

Your safari then reaches its grand finale in the iconic Masai Mara National Reserve. This vast savannah, teeming with wildlife, provides the perfect setting for exhilarating guided game drives in search of the Big Five and countless other species. Each drive reveals a new story—predators on the hunt, herds moving across golden plains, and dramatic African sunsets. For a truly magical perspective, you may opt for a hot air balloon safari at dawn, floating silently above the landscape as wildlife roams below. A visit to a traditional Maasai village offers a meaningful cultural exchange, where you gain insight into the customs, traditions, and daily life of one of Africa’s most iconic communities.

As your 9-Day Rwanda And Kenya Magnificent Budget Safari journey comes to a close, you leave with a collection of unforgettable memories—of powerful stories, rare wildlife encounters, and authentic cultural connections—making this safari a truly magnificent exploration of East Africa.

Highlights

Gorilla Trekking
Golden Monkey Trekking
Bird Watching
Genocide Memorial Tour
Visit The Dian Fossey Centre
Iby'lwacu Cultural Interaction
Guided Game Drives
Hot Air Balloon Safari
Visit Maasai Village

Day 01 :

Arrive In Rwanda | Transfer To Your Hotel In Kigali | Relaxing

On arrival in Rwanda, you will be welcomed and picked up by our Kubwa Five Safaris guide who will be holding an A4 paper with your name printed on it at Kigali International Airport and driven to your hotel in Kigali.

You will check in and do some relaxing to rest off the jet lag.

Sprawling across the steep slopes that earned Rwanda the nickname Land of 1000 Hills, Kigali is a neat, clean and rapidly growing city situated at the hub of the national road network.

Meals and overnight at Kigali Holiday Hotel/ UMUGANO House Inn/ Empire Guest House.

Day 02 :

City Tour | Genocide Memorial Visit | Transfer To Musanze | Visit The Dian Fossey Center

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kigali for a city tour, visiting the Genocide memorial site which gives a brief history of Rwanda.

After the Genocide Memorial Visit, you will be transferred to Musanze.

Set at an altitude of 1,850m, Musanze (formerly Ruhengeri) has a temperate climate and stirring location dominated by the volcanic outlines of the Virungas rising to the north.

You will visit the Dian Fossey Center on arrival to learn about gorillas, their lifestyle and conservation.

In the evening, you will visit the community cultural village to enjoy the Rwandan culture including the traditional dance.

Iby’iwacu Cultural Village a Non-Profit umbrella organization that aims at improving the lives of reformed poachers and communities around Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park through provision of
conservation incentives, supporting community enterprise development and livelihood based projects.

Meals and overnight at The Garden Place Hotel/ Amahoro Guest House/ Kinigi Guest House.

Day 03 :

Gorilla Trekking In Volcanoes National Park | Relaxing

After breakfast, you will assemble at the park headquarters for a briefing in the morning together with your trekking gear and drinking water and after ascend in the forest to trek the gorillas.

Spending time in the presence of mountain gorillas is a real privilege, so we're sure you'll enjoy trekking deep into the forest to find them. This is one of the most memorable experiences you can have while on safari.

9 Day Uganda Budget Gorilla Trekking Adventure

Volcanoes National Park is known for its ultimate primate safaris, where tourists will get to see a number of primate species.
There are twelve gorilla families living in Volcanoes National Park that are fully habituated, with a few others habituated solely for scientific research.

The groups, or troops, consist of at least one silverback along with several females and youngsters. The families are known as Susa, Igisha, Karisimbi, Sabyinyo, Amahoro, Agashya, Kwitonda, Umubano, Hirwa, Bwenge, Ugyenda and Muhoza.

After the trekking, you will be transferred back to your lodge where you will freshen up and do some relaxing for the rest of the day.

Meals and overnight at The Garden Place Hotel/ Amahoro Guest House/ Kinigi Guest House.

Day 04 :

Last Day In Rwanda | Golden Monkey Trekking | Transfer To The Airport | Fly To Kenya | Hotel Transfer

After breakfast, you will assemble at the park headquarters for a briefing in the morning with your trekking gear and drinking water and venture into the forest to track the golden monkeys.

While participating in golden money trekking, you will learn interesting facts about golden monkeys that will make your Rwandan tour most enjoyable.

After the golden monkey trekking, you will be driven to Kigali International Airport for your scheduled flight to Kenya.

On arrival in Kenya, you will be welcomed and picked up by our Kubwa Five Safaris guide who will be holding an A4 paper with your name printed on it at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and be transferred to your hotel in Nairobi.

Meals and overnight at Fahari Bliss Hotel/ Sislink Hotel/ Red Buffalo House Hotel.

Day 05 :

Visit Sheldrick Wildlife Trust | Interact With Baby Elephants | Transfer To The Giraffe Centre | Feeding Giraffes | Hotel Transfer

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. Watch the baby elephants being fed and playing in the mud, and hear their rescue stories from the keepers.

After, you will be transferred to The Giraffe Centre in Nairobi.

This amazing place allows petting and face-to-face feeding of endangered Rothschild giraffes. You will also have educational lectures on conservation at large. This lovely experience should be on everyone's bucket list.

You will then be transferred back to your hotel in Nairobi

Meals and overnight at Fahari Bliss Hotel/ Sislink Hotel/ Red Buffalo House Hotel.

Day 06 :

Transfer To Masai Mara National Reserve | Maasai Cultural Interaction | Evening Game Drive

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Masai Mara National Reserve.

One of our favorite places to look for wildlife in Kenya is the Masai Mara National Reserve. That's because the wildlife here is incredible, with big cats (lions, leopards and cheetahs) and elephants among the highlights, not to mention black rhinos in the Mara Triangle.

On arrival, you will visit the local Maasai village for a Maasai cultural tour. Learn about the Maasai community and interact with the local Maasai people.

An overnight stay at the Maasai village can be organized upon request.

You will have an evening game drive afterwards.

There's a very good chance you'll also see giraffes, buffaloes, wildebeests, zebras, hippos, hyenas, and, of course, impalas. And bring your binoculars, because more than 500 species of birds have been recorded in the reserve. It's a place of beautiful savannah
landscapes as well, with lots of acacia trees.

Meals and overnight at Tayari Luxury Tented Camp/ Rhino Tourist Camp/ Dusty Roads.

Day 07 :

Optional Hot Air Balloon Safari At 485 USD Per Person | Full-Day Game Drive

After breakfast, in case you would like to go for a balloon safari, you can have it in the morning before heading out for a full day game drive with packed lunches in search of the park's well-known predators and their opponents, like zebras, wildebeests, giraffes,
lions, cheetahs, elephants, buffalos and other animal species.

Optional Activity at a Fee: A balloon safari at USD 485 per person can be organized early in the in the morning on this day, then proceed with the normal program.

It is in the Masai Mara National Reserve that perhaps the most spectacular event of the natural world takes place. This is the annual migration of millions of wildebeest and zebra from the Serengeti (Tanzania) in search of water and pasture.

Meals and overnight at Tayari Luxury Tented Camp/ Rhino Tourist Camp/ Dusty Roads.

Day 08 :

Full-Day Game Drive In Masai Mara National Reserve

After breakfast, prepare yourself to spend a full day touring Masai Mara National Reserve. It is one of the best safari destinations in Kenya.

You will have a morning game drive then enjoy a picnic lunch before embarking on the evening game drive.

Here in the Masai Mara National Reserve, you're almost certain to see lions, hyenas, hippos, elephants, giraffes, wildebeests, buffaloes, impalas, and zebras, not to mention the more than 500 species of birds that have been recorded here.

There's also a good chance you'll encounter leopards and cheetahs. Another memorable thing about visiting the Masai Mara is the landscape of vast savannah grasslands with plenty of flat-topped acacia trees.

Meals and overnight at Tayari Luxury Tented Camp/ Rhino Tourist Camp/ Dusty Roads.

Day 09 :

The Last Day With Us | Transfer To The Airport | Fly Back Home

After having a delightful breakfast, you will be driven to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your scheduled flight back home.

It's a pity that it has to end, but this is where your safari will draw to a close. We're sure that you will return home with so many exciting and happy memories, and we hope that you will join us again on safari sometime in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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1. What is included in the safari package cost?

The cost covers all accommodations, meals as specified, golden monkey and, gorilla permits, guide services, and ground transportation throughout the safari.

2. Are golden monkeys and gorilla trekking permits included?

Yes. Golden monkey trekking permits and Gorilla trekking permits are included in the total cost of the trip.

3. What should I pack for this 9-day safari?

Essentials include lightweight clothing, hiking boots, a rain jacket, insect repellent, sunscreen, binoculars, a camera, a reusable water bottle, and personal medication. A full packing list will be shared upon booking.

4. Is this safari suitable for families with children?

Yes, but children under 15 are not allowed to participate in gorilla and golden monkey trekking. We offer alternative activities for young children on those days.

5. What type of accommodations are provided?

We use clean, safe, and comfortable lodges. All accommodations have private self-contained rooms; bathrooms are inside the rooms/tents.

6. Can dietary requirements be accommodated?

Yes. We cater to most dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and others. Please let us know your preferences in advance.

7. How physically demanding is the safari?

Golden monkey and gorilla trekking require moderate physical fitness due to hiking in mountainous and forested terrain.

8. Is travel insurance required?

Yes. We strongly recommend that all participants have comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage.

9. What is the group size?

Our private safari is tailored to provide an intimate and immersive experience for small groups. We accommodate groups of 4 to 24 travelers, ensuring that each participant receives personalized attention and a unique safari experience.

10. Can the itinerary be customized?

Yes, we can tailor this safari to fit your schedule, interests, or accommodation preferences. Contact us for a personalized quote.

11. Why You Should Visit Rwanda

Rwanda

Rwanda is a destination that surprises and inspires. Lush green hills roll endlessly, dotted with tea plantations and sparkling lakes.

Kigali welcomes visitors with clean streets, vibrant cafés, art, and moving history. Rwanda is safe, easy to travel, and rich in culture, from traditional dance to warm hospitality. Whether you love wildlife, scenery, or meaningful travel, Rwanda offers beauty, depth, and authenticity in every moment. Come curious and leave changed, carrying memories that stay with you forever long after home.

12. What are Gorilla Tracking Rules And Regulations?

Before Departing On Your Gorilla Trekking:

A maximum number of eight visitors may visit a group of habituated mountain gorillas in a day. This minimizes behavioral disturbance to the gorillas and the risk of their exposure to human-borne diseases.
Always wash your hands before you head out to the gorillas.

On The Way To The Gorillas:

Please always keep your voices low. You will also be able to observe the great birdlife and other wildlife in the forest.
DO NOT leave rubbish in the park. Whatever you bring into the forest should be carried back out with you.
You will be taken to where the guides observed the gorillas the day before. From there you will follow the gorilla’s trail to find them. Look out for the gorilla’s nesting sites along the way!
When you approach the mountain gorillas, the guides will inform you to get ready.

When You Are With The Gorillas:

A seven-meter (21 feet) distance should be tried to be observed at all times from the gorillas. The further back you are, the more relaxed the group will be.
You must stay in a tight group whey you are near the gorillas.
Keep your voices down at all times. However, it is okay to ask the guide questions.
Do not smoke, drink, or eat when you are near the gorillas. Eating or drinking inevitably will increase the risk of food/drink morsels/droplets falling, which could increase the risk of transmission of diseases.
Sometimes the gorillas charge. Follow the guides example (crouch down slowly, do not look the gorillas directly in the eyes, and wait for the animals to pass). Do not attempt to run away because that will increase the risk.
Flash photography is not permitted! When taking pictures move slowly and carefully.
Do not touch the gorillas. They are wild animals.
The maximum time you can spend with the gorillas is one hour. However, if the gorillas become agitated or nervous, the guide will finish the visit early.
After the visit keep your voices down until you are 200 meters away from the gorillas.

General Health Rules:

Remember that mountain gorillas are very susceptible to human diseases. The following rules are ways to minimize the risk your visit might pose to them.
Respect the limits imposed on the number of visitors allowed with the gorillas each day. This minimizes the risk of disease transmission and stress to the group.
If you are feeling ill, or you are carrying a contagious disease, volunteer to stay behind. An alternate visit will be arranged for you, or you will be refunded your money.
If you feel the urge to cough or sneeze when you are near the gorillas, please turn your head away and cover your nose and mouth in order to minimize the spread of bacteria or viruses.
Always stay seven meters (21 feet) away from the gorillas. This is to protect them from catching human diseases.
Do not leave any rubbish (eg. food wrappers) in the park; foreign items can harbor diseases or other contaminants.
If you need to go to the toilet while in the forest, please ask the guide to dig you a hole with his panga. Make sure the hole is 30 centimeters deep and fill it in when you are finished.

What To Bring On Your Gorilla Safari:

Wear comfortable hiking shoes suitable for steep muddy slopes.
Put on earplugs for those who feel uncomfortable with the jungle sounds.
Carry a packed lunch and enough drinking water.
Carry rain gear, sunscreen lotion, a hat (as the weather is unpredictable), and insect repellent.
Bring a photo of a film camera. Using a flashlight is not permitted so we recommend using films of 400-800 ASA.

13. Why Should You Visit Kenya?

Kenya is globally celebrated for its exceptional game-viewing experiences. The legendary Masai Mara National Reserve is home to the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino—and hosts the spectacular Great Migration. Other top parks include Amboseli National Park, known for its large elephant herds and views of Mount Kilimanjaro, and Tsavo National Parks, one of the largest wildlife conservation areas in the world.
The Great Migration: One of the most dramatic wildlife spectacles on Earth, the annual migration sees millions of wildebeest and zebras cross from Serengeti National Park into the Masai Mara National Reserve in search of fresh grazing. The river crossings are especially thrilling and attract visitors from around the globe.
Rich Culture and Heritage: Kenya is home to over 40 ethnic communities, each with unique traditions and customs. The Maasai people, in particular, are well known for their colorful attire and vibrant cultural practices. Visitors can experience authentic village visits, traditional dances, and local cuisine.