12-Day Grand Kenya-Rwanda Safari

Depart Nairobi in the morning and drive northwest to Lake Nakuru National Park, approximately 3 hours through the Kenya highlands. This compact yet wildlife-rich park is a UNESCO-designated Ramsar wetland site and one of Kenya's most important rhino sanctuaries. Check into your lodge and enjoy an afternoon game drive around the lake. Look for both black and white rhinoceros, Rothschild giraffes, waterbuck, and large flocks of flamingos that turn the lakeshore pink when conditions are right. Over 450 bird species have been recorded in the park.

Morning game drive at Lake Nakuru for final rhino and bird sightings before departing for the Masai Mara. The drive takes approximately 5 to 6 hours through the agricultural heartland of Narok County. Arrive at your Mara lodge or tented camp by late afternoon and head straight out for an evening game drive. The Masai Mara never disappoints, and even a short first drive often reveals lions, elephants, and large herds of plains game on the open grasslands.

Full day of game drives in the Masai Mara National Reserve. The morning drive focuses on predator activity as dawn breaks over the savannah. The Mara is exceptional for its density of big cats: lions, leopards, and cheetahs are regularly seen. Explore the Mara River area for hippos and crocodiles, and during migration season (July to October) witness the dramatic wildebeest crossings. Bush lunch in the field and continued afternoon game viewing through different habitats.

Another full day in the Mara provides time to explore areas not yet visited. Drive to the Mara Triangle or the Oloololo Escarpment for sweeping panoramic views. Seek out less commonly seen species such as serval cats, bat-eared foxes, and secretary birds. An optional balloon safari at dawn offers a bird's-eye perspective over the reserve. Visit a Maasai community to experience traditional pastoral life, warrior dances, and beadwork craftsmanship.

Final morning game drive in the Masai Mara before driving to Nairobi for your afternoon flight to Kigali. The flight takes approximately 1 hour 45 minutes. On arrival in Kigali, your Rwanda driver-guide meets you and transfers you to your hotel. Enjoy dinner and rest before the Rwanda leg of the safari begins the next day.

After breakfast, drive east from Kigali to Akagera National Park, approximately 2.5 hours. Akagera is Rwanda's only savannah park and has undergone a remarkable conservation transformation with the reintroduction of lions and rhinos through a partnership with African Parks. Check into your lodge and enjoy an afternoon game drive through the park's rolling hills, open grasslands, and papyrus swamps. Spot elephants, buffalo, zebras, giraffes, hippos, and a growing population of lions.

Full day in Akagera with a morning game drive and afternoon boat safari on Lake Ihema. The morning drive explores the northern sector where large herds of elephants and buffalo roam. Look for the rare shoebill stork in the extensive papyrus swamps. The afternoon boat cruise is a highlight, cruising past hippo pods, enormous Nile crocodiles, monitor lizards, and hundreds of waterbirds. The scenery of lake-studded savannah against distant hills makes Akagera one of Africa's most scenic and underrated parks.

Depart Akagera and drive across Rwanda to Nyungwe Forest National Park in the southwest, approximately 6 to 7 hours. This cross-country drive showcases Rwanda's incredible landscape diversity: from eastern savannah through the central highlands of Kigali to the montane rainforests of the west. Rwanda's excellent road network makes the journey comfortable despite the distance. Arrive at your lodge at the edge of Nyungwe Forest by late afternoon.

Early morning departure for chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest, one of the oldest and most biodiverse montane rainforests in Africa. The forest is home to approximately 500 chimpanzees along with 12 other primate species including L'Hoest's monkeys, owl-faced monkeys, and Angola colobus monkeys that form troops of up to 400 individuals. Your guide leads you through the forest on well-maintained trails for 2 to 5 hours until you locate a habituated chimpanzee group. In the afternoon, walk the spectacular Igishigishigi Canopy Walkway, suspended 50 metres above the forest floor, offering remarkable views over the treetops and the chance to spot canopy-dwelling birds and primates.

After a morning nature walk or second chimpanzee track, drive north to Volcanoes National Park, approximately 5 to 6 hours through some of Rwanda's most scenic terrain. The route passes through tea plantations, terraced hillsides, and small towns. Arrive at your lodge near the Virunga volcanoes by late afternoon. Rest and attend the gorilla trekking briefing in preparation for tomorrow's trek.

The grand finale of this epic journey. Report to the park headquarters at 7:00am for the ranger briefing and assignment to a gorilla family. Enter the forest on the volcanic slopes with your guide, trackers, and optional porter. Navigate through bamboo, hagenia-hypericum woodland, and potentially alpine meadow, depending on how high the gorilla family has moved. Treks last 1 to 4 hours each way. When you find the gorillas, you spend one precious hour in the presence of these gentle giants: the dominant silverback, nurturing mothers, curious juveniles, and tiny infants. After 12 days of East African wildlife experiences, this intimate gorilla encounter is the perfect conclusion.

After breakfast, drive to Kigali. If time allows, visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, explore the city's vibrant craft markets, or enjoy Rwandan coffee at a local roastery. Transfer to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight. C.A.T.S can arrange same-day connections to Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, or international flights. For those wanting more, a 2-night extension to Lake Kivu offers beach relaxation at a luxury lakeside resort.