Journeys Created by People Who Call East Africa Home.
A Journey with Time to Savour
Begin among Rwanda’s green volcanic hills, then exchange forest paths for the open plains of Kenya’s Maasai Mara. This 11-day private journey brings two distinct East African landscapes together, with carefully planned flights and time to settle into each stay.
Ranger-led gorilla and golden-monkey treks give the Rwanda chapter its focus. In Kenya, Little Governors’ Camp provides a base for the Mara’s wildlife, with shared game drives, a guided walking option and the bush meals listed in the programme. Our local team coordinates the connections while leaving room for the experiences themselves.
The planned stays include Kigali Serena, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Nairobi Serena and Little Governors’ Camp. The safari finishes with a Nairobi day room before the flight home; a separately quoted coastal extension can be arranged.
Your Journey at a Glance
Kigali → Volcanoes National Park → Kigali → Nairobi → Maasai Mara → Nairobi → home
11 days, following the route and bases described below. Flight schedules, permits and specific accommodation are confirmed in your quotation.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1 — Arrival in Kigali
Route: Kigali airport → Kigali Serena
Meet your private driver-guide and transfer to Kigali Serena. A welcome drink and time to settle in provide a gentle beginning to the journey.
ACCOMMODATION: Serena Hotel Kigali (Breakfast)
Day 2 — Kigali to the Volcanoes Region
Route: Kigali → Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, continue towards the volcanic highlands. An optional visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial offers time for reflection before you arrive at Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge.
Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park protects Rwanda’s slopes of the Virunga range. Montane rainforest and bamboo vegetation shelter mountain gorillas, golden monkeys and varied birdlife. Its forested peaks and cultivated foothills give the region a distinctive landscape.
ACCOMMODATION: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge (Full board with drinks)
Day 3 — Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes
Route: Based in the Volcanoes region
Attend the park briefing before setting out with a ranger to search for a mountain-gorilla family. Return to the lodge for a late lunch, with the afternoon shaped by the trek’s duration. Optional excursions or spa treatments require separate arrangements.
Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park protects Rwanda’s slopes of the Virunga range. Montane rainforest and bamboo vegetation shelter mountain gorillas, golden monkeys and varied birdlife. Its forested peaks and cultivated foothills give the region a distinctive landscape.
Gorilla Trekking Volcanoes
After the park briefing, join a professional ranger for the forest trek in search of a habituated mountain-gorilla family. The route, duration and group allocation depend on the gorillas’ movements and park arrangements; no particular family or sighting is guaranteed.
ACCOMMODATION: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge (Full board with drinks)
Day 4 — Golden Monkeys & Optional Canoeing
Route: Based in the Volcanoes region; optional Mukungwa River excursion
Join the morning golden-monkey trek, then return for lunch. The afternoon leaves space for a walk or an optional guided canoe trip on the Mukungwa River.
Golden Monkey Trekking Volcanoes
You go trekking to the rare Golden Monkeys! Volcanoes National Park is home to several habituated groups. The trek takes place at the foot of the Virunga volcanoes. Once in the forest you can stay with the monkeys for an hour. They love jumping, swinging and playing. Photographing these special animals will therefore be a real challenge.
Canoe Trip On the Mukungwa River (Optional)
Accompanied by a professional Rwandan guide, you will sail leisurely through the Rwandan landscape and enjoy impressive views, many bird species and otters. Children follow your canoe trip closely and in the distance see the volcanoes of the Virunga volcano chain. A fantastic way to experience the rural life of Rwanda.
ACCOMMODATION: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge (Full board with drinks)
Day 5 — Fly from Kigali to Nairobi
Route: Volcanoes region → Kigali airport → Nairobi
Transfer to Kigali airport for your flight to Nairobi. Our representative meets you for the onward transfer to Nairobi Serena; dinner and any spa treatment should be confirmed separately against your breakfast-only meal plan.
Nairobi
In the capital of Kenya, Nairobi, there is more to experience than people think at first moment. This city often serves as a base for safaris, but there are also many cultural activities to experience here in between discovering the raw nature. Visit museums, masai markets, or the Kazuri beads factory. These ”small and beautiful” ceramic beads are painted by hand, be amazed at how many hours go into 1 bead! A visit to this factory also contributes to the well-being of many mothers in the community. Besides the safari not enough of the animals? Understandably, visit the giraffe center! Founded by the ‘African Fund for Endangered Wildlife Kenya’, they not only want to teach everyone about the giraffes, but there is also the chance to get close to these animals and also feed them.
ACCOMMODATION: Nairobi Serena (Breakfast)
Day 6 — Fly to the Maasai Mara
Route: Nairobi → Maasai Mara by light aircraft
Fly into the Mara and settle into Little Governors’ Camp before an afternoon game drive. Your guide plans around local wildlife conditions; seasonal migration movements and river crossings cannot be guaranteed.
If you undertake this trip in the months of July to October, there will of course also be a lot of attention for the river crossings of the wildebeests and zebras through the Mara river.
Masai Mara Nature Reserve
The Maasai Mara forms part of the wider Serengeti–Mara ecosystem. Open grasslands, wooded riverbanks and the Mara River create varied habitats for wildlife. Migration herds move through the ecosystem seasonally; their location and river crossings cannot be predicted for a particular day.
Jeep Safari Masai Mara – Afternoon
Head out for an afternoon game drive as the light softens, then return to camp to relax and reflect on the day’s sightings.
ACCOMMODATION: Little Governors Camp (Full board with drinks)
Day 7 — Maasai Mara Safari
Route: Based at Little Governors’ Camp, Maasai Mara
Enjoy a day of the camp’s shared safari programme. Discuss the game-drive schedule and walking-safari option with your guide, balancing time in the bush with meals and rest at camp.
Walking Safari Masai Mara
Hiking boots on, backpack on and plenty of water with you! During the walking safari you will go hiking under the guidance of a professional ranger in search of the wild animals in a private concession area adjacent to the national reserve. Under the guidance of a ranger and a Masai scout you will look for giraffes, buffaloes, hyenas, zebras and maybe even lions. The walking safari takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.
Jeep Safari Masai Mara – Full Day
During the safari in the Masai Mara you will search for varied wildlife and you will also be amazed by breathtaking views. During the safari on the savannah you will look for large prides of lions, hyenas, giraffes, impalas, antelopes and maybe even rhinos. On the banks of the Mara river you can search the forest for elephants, baboons, buffalo and leopards. In the Mara river itself you can see the giant Nile crocodiles that occasionally collide with the many hippos that also live here. You will take a packed lunch with you and enjoy it in a beautiful place in the middle of the park among the wild animals and enjoy beautiful panoramas.
Jeep Safari Masai Mara – Great Trek
Explore the Mara River area with your guide when the season and wildlife movements make it appropriate. Game drives may be separated by lunch at camp or combined with a picnic, according to the day’s plan. Migration herds can gather at the river without crossing; long waits and days without a crossing are possible. The surrounding plains and riverine woodland offer other wildlife-viewing opportunities throughout the drive.
ACCOMMODATION: Little Governors Camp (Full board with drinks)
Day 8 — Maasai Mara Safari
Route: Based at Little Governors’ Camp, Maasai Mara
Continue exploring the Mara through the same flexible safari programme. The precise order of drives and walks is agreed locally; no additional activity is assigned solely because this is Day 8.
Walking Safari Masai Mara
Hiking boots on, backpack on and plenty of water with you! During the walking safari you will go hiking under the guidance of a professional ranger in search of the wild animals in a private concession area adjacent to the national reserve. Under the guidance of a ranger and a Masai scout you will look for giraffes, buffaloes, hyenas, zebras and maybe even lions. The walking safari takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.
Jeep Safari Masai Mara – Full Day
During the safari in the Masai Mara you will search for varied wildlife and you will also be amazed by breathtaking views. During the safari on the savannah you will look for large prides of lions, hyenas, giraffes, impalas, antelopes and maybe even rhinos. On the banks of the Mara river you can search the forest for elephants, baboons, buffalo and leopards. In the Mara river itself you can see the giant Nile crocodiles that occasionally collide with the many hippos that also live here. You will take a packed lunch with you and enjoy it in a beautiful place in the middle of the park among the wild animals and enjoy beautiful panoramas.
Jeep Safari Masai Mara – Great Trek
Explore the Mara River area with your guide when the season and wildlife movements make it appropriate. Game drives may be separated by lunch at camp or combined with a picnic, according to the day’s plan. Migration herds can gather at the river without crossing; long waits and days without a crossing are possible. The surrounding plains and riverine woodland offer other wildlife-viewing opportunities throughout the drive.
ACCOMMODATION: Little Governors Camp (Full board with drinks)
Day 9 — Maasai Mara Safari
Route: Based at Little Governors’ Camp, Maasai Mara
A further day gives you time to revisit promising wildlife areas and enjoy the camp setting. Choose from the listed safari programme with your guide, subject to conditions and availability.
Walking Safari Masai Mara
Hiking boots on, backpack on and plenty of water with you! During the walking safari you will go hiking under the guidance of a professional ranger in search of the wild animals in a private concession area adjacent to the national reserve. Under the guidance of a ranger and a Masai scout you will look for giraffes, buffaloes, hyenas, zebras and maybe even lions. The walking safari takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.
Jeep Safari Masai Mara – Full Day
During the safari in the Masai Mara you will search for varied wildlife and you will also be amazed by breathtaking views. During the safari on the savannah you will look for large prides of lions, hyenas, giraffes, impalas, antelopes and maybe even rhinos. On the banks of the Mara river you can search the forest for elephants, baboons, buffalo and leopards. In the Mara river itself you can see the giant Nile crocodiles that occasionally collide with the many hippos that also live here. You will take a packed lunch with you and enjoy it in a beautiful place in the middle of the park among the wild animals and enjoy beautiful panoramas.
Jeep Safari Masai Mara – Great Trek
Explore the Mara River area with your guide when the season and wildlife movements make it appropriate. Game drives may be separated by lunch at camp or combined with a picnic, according to the day’s plan. Migration herds can gather at the river without crossing; long waits and days without a crossing are possible. The surrounding plains and riverine woodland offer other wildlife-viewing opportunities throughout the drive.
ACCOMMODATION: Little Governors Camp (Full board with drinks)
Day 10 — Fly to Nairobi & Depart
Route: Maasai Mara → Nairobi → onward flight
Return to Nairobi by air and use the Nairobi Serena day room to freshen up before your airport transfer. Dinner and any extension arrangements are confirmed in your quotation; an overnight stay is required if the chosen coastal connection demands it.
ACCOMMODATION: Nairobi Serena (Dayroom)
Day 11 — Arrival Home
Route: Onward flight → home
Arrive home according to your international flight schedule. This final travel day adds no accommodation or safari activity in East Africa.
Your Personal Quotation
Price on enquiry.
Please complete the enquiry form below for an up-to-date, accurate quotation for your travel dates and party.
Inclusions & Exclusions
View What’s Included
- Overnight stays at the level of your choice and accompanying meals (see itinerary)
- Bush breakfast
- Bush dinner
- Local flight Nairobi – Masai Mara
- Local flight Masai Mara – Nairobi
- Flight Kigali – Nairobi
- All transfers as mentioned
- Park fees for non-residents, as quoted; individual trekking permits must be confirmed
- Scheduled activities specified as included; optional experiences require separate confirmation
- Accommodation as specified in the daily programme
- A professional driver/guide
- Taxes/VAT as quoted
- Listed arrival and departure airport transfers
- Meals (as specified in the daily itinerary)
- Drinks (as specified in the daily itinerary)
View What’s Excluded
- International flights to and from home
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Personal items(Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
- Some meals (as specified in the daily itinerary)
- Experiences expressly marked optional, upgrades and extensions, unless added to the confirmed quotation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is this journey?
The programme covers 11 days. The final day is arrival home after the preceding departure day, subject to your flight schedule.
Which route does it follow?
Kigali → Volcanoes National Park → Kigali → Nairobi → Maasai Mara → Nairobi → home.
Is every activity private?
The journey is planned for your party, but some lodge-operated game drives, park treks, flights or optional activities may be shared. Only services explicitly described and confirmed as private should be treated as exclusive to your group.
Which accommodation and meals are included?
The daily sections retain the planned properties, room notes and meal plans. Accommodation is subject to availability and final confirmation. Full board, half board, breakfast-only and day-room arrangements must be read individually; no universal all-inclusive meal or drink plan is assumed.
Are gorilla permits and the optional canoe trip included?
Gorilla and golden-monkey trekking are in the programme, but the permit costs must be explicitly confirmed in your quotation. The Mukungwa canoe trip and spa treatments are optional and should not be assumed included.
What is included in the Mara stay?
The source lists Little Governors’ Camp on full board with drinks, shared safari drives, a walking-safari option, bush breakfast and bush dinner. Final activity arrangements and timing are confirmed with the camp.
Can we customize the journey?
Tell our East African team your preferred dates, pace, room arrangements and interests. Changes, upgraded accommodation and extensions are quoted separately and remain subject to availability and practical travel connections.
Are wildlife sightings guaranteed?
No. Wildlife moves freely, and weather and seasonal conditions affect what you may see. Where migration wildlife is relevant, neither a particular herd location nor a river crossing can be guaranteed.
What is the starting price?
Price on enquiry. We will prepare a quotation for your dates, party size, room arrangements and confirmed activities; no unsupported fixed price is advertised.
Does the enquiry form confirm a booking?
No. Our team will respond with availability and a personalized quotation. Sending the form does not reserve accommodation or permits, and no payment is taken through it.
Plan Your Journey with Wild Heritage
Share your preferred dates, party size and the experiences that matter most to you. Our East African team will respond with availability and a personalized quotation. No payment is taken through this form, and sending an enquiry does not confirm a booking.
