11 Days Gorillas, Masai Mara Safari & Zanzibar Beach Holiday
This 11 Days Gorillas, Masai Mara Safari & Zanzibar Beach Holiday is an incredible East African adventure taking you to 3 adorning jewels of the region; Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, Kenya’s Masai Mara and the beautiful coastline of Zanzibar.
Your trip starts with your gorilla trek up into the Virunga Volcanos where you will spend your one magical hour with the last of mountain gorillas. Then fly on to Kenya for a classic Big 5 safari in the endless plains of Iconic Masai Mara. Game drives, guided walks and authentic cultural experiences are all available for you to enjoy during your Masai Mara Safari.
Finally you can unwind and indulge in total relaxation on the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar to cap off your holiday in real style.
Highlights of 11 Days Gorillas, Masai Mara Safari & Zanzibar Beach Holiday
- Day 1: Arrive in Kigali and Drive to Volcanoes National Park
- Day 2: Gorilla Trekking
- Day 3: Kigali City Tour & Fly to Nairobi
- Day 4: Transfer to Masai Mara
- Day 5-6: Safari in Masa Mara
- Day 7: Fly to Zanzibar & Transfer to the Beach
- Day 8: Zanzibar Beaches
- Day 9: Zanzibar Beaches
- Day 10: Zanzibar at your leisure
- Day 11: Fly home
Detailed itinerary of 11 Days Gorillas, Masai Mara Safari & Zanzibar Beach Holiday
Day 1: Arrive in Kigali and Drive to Volcanoes National Park
On arrival at Kigali International Airport you will be met by your local guide and embark on a journey to Volcanoes National Park, you will drive through the stunning Rwandan countryside to Kinigi at the foothills of the Virungas. The drive typically takes about 2.5 hours, check-in to your lodge for a leisure relaxation. Relax and rest up in evening a head of tomorrow’s gorilla trekking adventure.
Overnight at Virunga Lodge
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking
After breakfast, you will depart for the park headquarters for briefing about the trek and experience. We then drive you to the trailhead from where you will begin your trek. You can chose from a number of treks to different gorillas families based on your own preferences and fitness levels. Your gorilla trek can last anywhere from 2 to 8 hours depending on your choice. Your guide will then lead you along generally clear paths up into the forest, in radio communication with the trackers that stay with the group so that they can be location. The altitude is over 2,500m, so although the pace is unhurried, the hike is tiring and can be steep in some parks.
Only a group of 8 people can visit each family of mountain gorillas each day and once you have found them, you will have just one precious hour in their company. After an hour with the gorillas, you head back to your lodge for lunch and the rest of the day at your leisure.
Overnight at Virunga Lodge.
Day 3: Kigali City Tour & Fly to Nairobi
After breakfast this morning you will be driven back to Kigali where you will take a city tour with your guide. You will learn about the recent history of Rwanda and visit the Kigali Genocide Museum which is an important part of your tour. After lunch you are driven to the airport for your onward flight to Nairobi.
You are met by your guide on arrival and be driven to your hotel in Nairobi. Have dinner and overnight.
Overnight at Nairobi Serena Hotel
Day 4: Transfer to Masai Mara
After breakfast, you will be driven to Wilson Airstrip for your scheduled light aircraft to the Masai Mara. On arrival at your nearest Mara Airstrip you are met by a representative of your camp and driven to the lodge for check-in. Your stay in the Masai Mara is for the following three nights.
Overnight at Base Camp
Day 5-6: Safari in Masa Mara
Spend your two days in Masai Mara. The Masai Mara is one of the Best Big Five destinations in Africa and is greater for an African safari. You will enjoy two game drives every day that is morning and afternoon game drives out in the Mara with your expert local guide.
Other activities available include walking safaris, horse riding and more.
Overnight at Base Camp
Day 7: Fly to Zanzibar & Transfer to the Beach
Today you can have your morning safari activity and then you are driven back to the airstrip in time for your scheduled light aircraft flight, which arrives in Nairobi around midday. Enjoy a spot of lunch and transfer in Nairobi a head of your direct flight to Zanzibar Island.
You are met on arrival in Zanzibar and are driven to your beach accommodation where you will stay for the next four nights.
Overnight at Mnemba Island Lodge
Day 8: Zanzibar Beaches
Relax and enjoy Zanzibar Island where you can recharge at your leisure. There are a host of great activities, from PADI diving courses to Jazoni Forest day trips, to keep you occupied should you wish to explore further afield. It is also worth taking to a specialist about the smaller neighboring islands, as these may be more appropriate for you if you are looking to get off the beaten track.
Overnight at Mnemba Island Lodge
Day 9: Zanzibar Beaches
Enjoy a day of relaxing at the beach, perhaps indulging in a visit to the spa or explore Zanzibar at your leisure.
Overnight at Mnemba Island Lodge
Day 10: Zanzibar at your leisure
Another day to kick back, relax and enjoy Zanzibar’s beaches and excursions at your leisure.
Day 11: Fly home
Today, you check-out of your hotel and are driven to Zanzibar Airport where you check-in for your return international Airport.