9 Days Rwanda Primates & Kenya Wildlife Safari

9 Days Rwanda Primates & Kenya Wildlife Safari

The 9 Days Rwanda Primates & Kenya Wildlife Safari by Wild Planet is a perfectly balanced East African adventure that combines Rwanda’s extraordinary primate experiences with Kenya’s world-famous savanna wildlife encounters. This thoughtfully designed safari takes you deep into lush tropical rainforests to meet chimpanzees and mountain gorillas before transitioning to the open plains of the Masai Mara National Reserve, where Africa’s iconic wildlife dominates the landscape.

While in Rwanda, Wild Planet introduces you to the country’s rich biodiversity and scenic beauty. You explore Nyungwe Forest National Park, home to chimpanzees and a wide range of other primates, and Volcanoes National Park, the ultimate destination for unforgettable mountain gorilla trekking experiences. Rwanda’s rolling hills, vibrant culture, and conservation success stories add depth and meaning to your journey.

The safari then continues into Kenya, where classic African wildlife experiences await. In the Masai Mara, you enjoy thrilling game drives across vast plains teeming with lions, elephants, leopards, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, and countless other species. This safari is ideal for travelers seeking a combination of primate trekking, cultural encounters, and traditional wildlife safaris—all seamlessly organized by Wild Planet’s experienced safari team.

Safari Highlights

• Arrival and city transfer in Kigali
• Scenic drive through Rwanda’s “Land of a Thousand Hills”
• Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park
• Cultural visit to the Iby’Iwacu community near Volcanoes National Park
• Mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
• Flight from Kigali to Nairobi
• Multiple game drives in Masai Mara National Reserve
• Opportunity to spot the Big Five and abundant plains game

Detailed Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Kigali International Airport and Transfer to Hotel

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, a Wild Planet representative warmly welcomes you and assists with your transfer to your hotel in Kigali. After your journey, you spend the rest of the day relaxing and unwinding from jet lag while enjoying the calm and cleanliness of Rwanda’s capital city.

Accommodation: Heaven Boutique Hotel Kigali
Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast

Day 2: Transfer from Kigali to Nyungwe Forest National Park

After breakfast, your Wild Planet safari guide drives you southwest from Kigali to Nyungwe Forest National Park, a journey of approximately 225 kilometers that takes about 4–5 hours. Along the way, you pass through scenic countryside where locals engage in farming and trade, offering an authentic glimpse into everyday Rwandan life.

As the road winds through rolling hills and valleys, the breathtaking landscapes confirm why Rwanda proudly carries the title “Land of a Thousand Hills.” You arrive at your lodge near Nyungwe Forest in the afternoon, check in, and relax as the forest atmosphere surrounds you.

Accommodation: Nyungwe Top View Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park

Today, Wild Planet leads you into the heart of Nyungwe Forest for an exciting chimpanzee trekking experience. After an early breakfast, you report to the park headquarters for a briefing before setting off with experienced rangers in search of these intelligent primates.

As you trek through the forest, you listen for chimpanzee calls echoing through the canopy. Once you locate a troop, you spend one unforgettable hour observing them as they feed, groom, communicate, and move effortlessly through the trees. This encounter offers a fascinating insight into the behavior of our closest wild relatives.

After the trek, you return to the lodge for lunch and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Accommodation: Nyungwe Top View Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park and Iby’Iwacu Community Visit

Following breakfast, your Wild Planet guide transfers you north to Volcanoes National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas. The drive takes you through Rwanda’s picturesque countryside and into the volcanic highlands surrounding the park.

In the afternoon, you visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, a community located near the park boundary. During this cultural experience, you interact with local residents and learn how conservation and tourism have transformed livelihoods while promoting peaceful coexistence between people and gorillas. The visit provides meaningful insight into Rwanda’s successful conservation model.
(This cultural visit is optional and conducted at an extra cost.)

Accommodation: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park and Flight to Nairobi

This day delivers the highlight of your Rwanda safari. After an early breakfast, Wild Planet transfers you to the park headquarters for a gorilla trekking briefing. Accompanied by skilled rangers and trackers, you hike into the forest in search of a habituated gorilla family.

When you finally encounter the gorillas, you spend one powerful hour observing them in their natural environment. You watch silverbacks guard their families, mothers care for their young, and juveniles play in the vegetation. The experience is deeply moving and remains one of Africa’s most memorable wildlife encounters.

After the trek, you return to your lodge to freshen up before transferring back to Kigali International Airport for your flight to Nairobi, Kenya. Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, a Wild Planet representative welcomes you and transfers you to your hotel.

Accommodation: Tamarind Tree Hotel
Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast

Day 6: Transfer from Nairobi to Masai Mara National Reserve

After breakfast, you depart Nairobi early and drive approximately 270 kilometers to the Masai Mara National Reserve, a journey of about 4–5 hours. You travel through scenic landscapes, including sections of the Great Rift Valley.

Upon arrival, you check in at your lodge and enjoy lunch before heading out for an afternoon game drive. This first exploration of the Mara introduces you to its vast plains and abundant wildlife, setting the stage for the days ahead.

Accommodation: Sarova Mara Game Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7: Full Day of Unlimited Game Drives in Masai Mara

After a hearty breakfast, Wild Planet dedicates the entire day to exploring the Masai Mara. During morning and afternoon game drives, your guide follows wildlife tracks to maximize sightings of the Big Five, including elephants, lions, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos.

Beyond the Big Five, you encounter large herds of wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, Maasai giraffes, and numerous bird species. Masai Mara boasts one of the highest predator concentrations in Kenya, making every drive thrilling and unpredictable.

You return to the lodge in the evening for dinner and relaxation under the African night sky.

Accommodation: Sarova Mara Game Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8: Another Full Day Exploring the Masai Mara Plains

You wake up to the sounds of the wild and head out for another day of game drives after breakfast. Today allows you to explore different sections of the reserve, increasing your chances of encountering new wildlife and dramatic predator-prey interactions.

You may choose to enjoy a relaxed pace or extend your time in the field, depending on wildlife movements. After an eventful day, you return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Sarova Mara Game Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 9: Drive Back to Nairobi – End of Safari

After breakfast, you check out of your lodge and begin the return journey to Nairobi, covering approximately 270 kilometers in 4–5 hours. Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Wild Planet assists with your drop-off, officially bringing your safari to an end.

Tour Inclusions

• Full-time professional English-speaking safari driver-guide
• 4×4 safari van or safari Land Cruiser
• Full board accommodation (as specified)
• Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits
• Bottled drinking water during the safari
• Domestic flight from Kigali to Nairobi

Safari Exclusions

• International flights
• Visa fees
• Porters during trekking activities
• Laundry services
• Personal expenses
• Tips and gratuities
• Any items not mentioned in the itinerary

Conclusion

The 9 Days Rwanda Primates & Kenya Wildlife Safari with Wild Planet offers a rare opportunity to experience the best of East Africa—from intimate encounters with chimpanzees and mountain gorillas to thrilling game drives across the legendary Masai Mara. This safari blends wildlife, culture, and breathtaking landscapes into one seamless journey.

For more information, customization options, or to begin planning your adventure, consult Wild Planet today. Our experienced safari specialists are ready to help you design a journey that perfectly matches your travel dreams.