9-Day Rwanda And Kenya Magnificent Mid-Range Safari

9 Days

Experience an incredible 9-Day Rwanda And Kenya Magnificent Mid-Range Safari that seamlessly combines rare wildlife encounters, rich history, and genuine cultural experiences in some of East Africa's most famous locations. Your trip starts in the energetic capital of Kigali, where a moving visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial and a guided city tour provide insight into the nation's inspirational tale of resiliency.

Proceed to the picturesque village of Musanze, which is tucked away in the Virunga Mountains' foothills. Visit the Dian Fossey Center to learn about conservation history, then visit the Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village to experience Rwanda's colorful customs. The excitement intensifies in Volcanoes National Park, where you will hike through foggy forests to get a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see playful golden monkeys and endangered mountain gorillas in their native environment.

After that, a beautiful flight takes you to Nairobi, where you may see conservation and up-close animals. See rescued elephants at the well-known Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and get a thrilling encounter with endangered Rothschild giraffes at the Giraffe Centre.

The renowned Masai Mara National Reserve, a sanctuary of stunning scenery and an abundance of wildlife, is where your safari comes to an end. Experience the beauty of an optional hot air balloon safari above the savannah, go on exhilarating guided game drives in pursuit of the Big Five, and interact with the rich heritage of the Maasai people on a genuine village visit.

This remarkable trip, designed to create enduring memories in the heart of Africa, delivers the ideal fusion of luxury, culture, and adventure. You will have strolled with gorillas in the Virungas, followed golden monkeys through bamboo, and confronted Kenya's giants in the Mara by the end of this 9-Day Rwanda And Kenya Magnificent Mid-Range Safari.

Cost per person:

Starting from: $6150 (Mid-Range Accommodation) per person based on two travelers sharing

 1 Person2 People3 People4 People5 People6 People
Jan-April$7730$6150$5950$5850$5750$5650
May-August$7930$6350$6150$6050$5950$5850
Sept-Dec$7830$6250$6050$5950$5850$5750

Cost Per Child (Discount)

Age0-2 years old3-6 years old7-10 years old11-13 years old14+ years old
Discount Rate100%65%50%15%0%

 

  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Budget Lodges
  • English, Spanish, French, Dutch, German, Italian, and Chinese speaking guides
  • Safari Van/ 4X4 Landcruiser
  • 1-100 people
  • 1-90 years old
  • January - December
  • Kigali International Airport
  • Kigali International Airport

Why This Tour?

9-Day Rwanda And Kenya Magnificent Mid-Range Safari

Our 9-Day Rwanda and Kenya Magnificent Mid-Range Safari is here! You will be thrilled and prepared for an amazing two-country trip that combines Kenya's traditional savannah safari with Rwanda's mountain monkeys with. A city tour and primate trekking in Volcanoes National Park kick off this amazing Mid-Range Safari in Kigali. Masai Mara National Reserve, home to lions, cheetahs, elephants, and the Big Five, is where the conclusion takes place. Take advantage of professional-led wildlife drives, choose a hot air balloon safari over the plains at daybreak, and visit a community to interact with the native Maasai. Two countries, nine days, with the ideal ratio of culture, primates, predators, and conservation.

East Africa Tours

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

This 9-Day Rwanda And Kenya Magnificent Mid-Range Safari will take you on an enthralling adventure through two of the most rewarding and varied locations in East Africa, fusing rich cultural immersion, intimate wildlife encounters, and compelling history into one seamless experience.

The journey starts in the tidy and energetic city of Kigali, where you are greeted with gracious Rwandan hospitality. Before taking you to the incredibly poignant Kigali Genocide Memorial, a guided city tour introduces you to Kigali's vibrant character, including its lively marketplaces, art galleries, and verdant districts. This place gives you a deep understanding of Rwanda's history and its incredible path of unification and rebirth, laying the groundwork for the events that lie ahead.

You go north from the capital to Musanze, a picturesque area surrounded by the striking Virunga volcanoes. With its verdant scenery and cold mountain air, this place offers a welcome change of pace. A visit to the Dian Fossey Center, where fascinating tales and displays bring the legacy of gorilla conservation to life, is part of your excursion. Additionally, you will spend time at the Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village, where you will interact with locals through storytelling, traditional dance, and practical cultural activities that offer a true connection to Rwanda's past.

Volcanoes National Park will be the high point of your trip to Rwanda. You will encounter gorgeous mountain gorillas while trekking through misty bamboo forests and difficult terrain—a breathtaking and intimate wildlife experience. The exuberant golden monkeys, whose bright presence and entertaining motions provide a lively contrast to the tranquil gorilla experience, are introduced to you during another excursion. These in-the-wilderness experiences are memorable and humble.

With a picturesque flight to Nairobi, your trip smoothly transitions from Rwanda's verdant highlands to Kenya. A visit to the well-known Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, where you can see rescued newborn elephants being rehabilitated, puts conservation front and center once more. You can get up close and personal with endangered Rothschild giraffes at the Giraffe Centre, which will provide you with both enjoyable experiences and insightful information on ongoing conservation efforts.

The famous Masai Mara National Reserve is where your safari culminates. The Big Five and many other species can be found on thrilling guided game drives in this expansive savannah, which is bursting with wildlife. Dramatic African sunsets, herds traveling across golden plains, and predators on the prowl are just a few of the stories that emerge with each journey. You can choose to go on a hot air balloon safari at dawn for a very stunning view, flying silently above the scenery while animals roam below. You can have a significant cultural exchange and learn about the daily routines, customs, and traditions of one of Africa's most famous communities by visiting a traditional Maasai village.

This safari is a truly stunning study of East Africa, and as your 9-Day Rwanda And Kenya Magnificent Mid-Range Safari experience comes to an end, you leave with a collection of amazing memories—of moving tales, uncommon wildlife sightings, and genuine cultural ties.

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

Tour Plan

  • 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 Chez Lando Hotel/ Hotel Okapi Kigali/ Centre Saint Vincent Pallotti.

    .

  • 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.

    Genocide Memorial Center

    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.

    Best Time to Visit Rwanda

    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 Classic Lodge/ Mountain Gorilla View Lodge/ Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge.

  • 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 Classic Lodge/ Mountain Gorilla View Lodge/ Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge.

  • 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. 

    8-Day Primates Trekking Mid-Range Safari Vacation In Rwanda And Uganda

    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 Ibis Styles Nairobi Westlands Hotel/ Fairview Hotel/ Tamarind Tree 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 Ibis Styles Nairobi Westlands Hotel/ Fairview Hotel/ Tamarind Tree 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 Simba Oryx Nature Camp/ Mara Simba Lodge/ Zebra Plains Mara Camp.

  • 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 Simba Oryx Nature Camp/ Mara Simba Lodge/ Zebra Plains Mara Camp.

  • 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 Simba Oryx Nature Camp/ Mara Simba Lodge/ Zebra Plains Mara Camp.

  • 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.

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

Accommodation

Throughout this exciting journey, you will be accommodated in a variety of accommodations.

The accommodation is appropriate and will be determined by your budget. Kubwa Five Safaris offers the best service at every level. Kubwa Five Safaris reserves the right to substitute comparable or superior accommodations. If an equivalent standard hotel is not available, Kubwa Five Safaris may substitute the next best quality hotel or suggest a superior for an additional fee. Hotels and lodges provide free Wi-Fi.

Please see the list below for more information on the safari lodges in each national park/destination included in this tour package.

How to Get There

Arrival by airplane

Please book your flight to arrive at Kigali International Airport. Transfer from the airport is included.

Kubwa Five Safaris will cater for your Airport/Hotel transfers i.e pick-ups and drop-offs provided they are to happen within your safari days with us.

Visa Applications

Please write to us for more details.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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.