12-Day East Africa Safari – Kenya, Uganda & Rwanda | Gorilla Trekking & Masai Mara

The Ultimate Safari Circuit – From Big Cats to Gorillas

Experience the best of East Africa on a seamless 12-day safari that crosses Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda. From the legendary plains of the Masai Mara to the misty mountains of Bwindi and Volcanoes, this journey offers thrilling wildlife, diverse landscapes, and unforgettable cultural encounters.

Brief itinerary

Kick off your journey in vibrant Nairobi, track the Big Five in Masai Mara, photograph flamingos at Lake Nakuru, trek endangered gorillas in Bwindi and Volcanoes, and end with a classic safari in Rwanda’s Akagera National Park.

Ideal for: Adventure seekers, photographers, honeymooners, and wildlife lovers wanting a multi-country African safari.

 Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi – Kenya’s Capital Welcome

Touch down in Nairobi where your journey begins with a warm East African welcome. Depending on your arrival time, visit the Giraffe Centre or Karen Blixen Museum for a soft cultural landing before your wild adventure begins.


 Day 2: Transfer to Masai Mara – The Safari Capital

Take a scenic drive (or optional flight) to the world-famous Masai Mara Game Reserve. En route, pass through the Great Rift Valley. After check-in and lunch, head out for your first game drive in this predator-rich landscape.


 Day 3: Full-Day Safari in Masai Mara

Embark on a sunrise-to-sunset safari chasing the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino. Witness dramatic predator-prey interactions, migrating herds, and birdlife in one of Africa’s top safari destinations. Picnic in the wild for a truly immersive experience.

 Optional: Hot air balloon safari at dawn (extra cost).


 Day 4: Lake Nakuru National Park – Flamingos & Rhino Haven

Drive to Lake Nakuru, famous for its pink flamingos, white and black rhinos, and lush acacia woodlands. Enjoy an afternoon game drive before settling in at your lakeside lodge.


 Day 5: Cross to Uganda – Entebbe or Bwindi Route

Transfer to Uganda via border crossing or short flight (depending on chosen logistics). Prepare for your gorilla trekking adventure as you settle into the tranquil foothills near Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.


 Day 6: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest – A Life-Changing Moment

Venture deep into the ancient rainforest to track a mountain gorilla family. Watch in awe as you observe their behavior, interactions, and human-like expressions in their natural home.

 Fitness Level Required: Moderate to high
 Photographer’s Dream: Close-ups with wild gorillas (1 hour allowed)


 Day 7: Batwa Cultural Experience & Transfer to Rwanda

Before leaving Uganda, visit the indigenous Batwa community to learn forest survival skills, traditional songs, and history. Then cross into Rwanda via the Cyanika or Katuna border and drive to Volcanoes National Park.


 Day 8: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Your second gorilla trek offers a different habitat and terrain. Spot golden monkeys or enjoy scenic crater lakes afterward. No two treks are ever the same—this is your chance to compare and appreciate both countries’ gorilla encounters.


Day 9: Lake Kivu Retreat – Relaxation on the Rwandan Riviera

Unwind by Lake Kivu in Gisenyi. Take a boat ride to hot springs or explore the Congo Nile Trail. After days of trekking, this day offers rest, recovery, and stunning lake views.


 Day 10: Kigali City Tour & Cultural Sites

Transfer to Kigali and explore one of Africa’s cleanest, safest, and most forward-looking cities. Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, Kimironko Market, and artisan centers. Learn about Rwanda’s inspiring recovery and vibrant present.


 Day 11: Akagera National Park – Savannah Safari

Head east to Akagera, Rwanda’s Big Five national park. Go on a sunset game drive to spot lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, hippos, and crocodiles. Overnight in a park lodge with stunning savannah views.


 Day 12: Morning Game Drive & Departure

Enjoy one last sunrise safari through Akagera’s northern circuit. Later, return to Kigali or continue to your departure city (Kigali, Entebbe, or Nairobi—all optional depending on your itinerary).

 Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi – Kenya’s Capital Welcome

Touch
down in Nairobi where your journey begins with a warm East African welcome.
Depending on your arrival time, visit the Giraffe Centre or Karen Blixen Museum
for a soft cultural landing before your wild adventure begins.


 Day 2: Transfer to Masai Mara – The Safari Capital

Take
a scenic drive (or optional flight) to the world-famous Masai Mara Game
Reserve. En route, pass through the Great Rift Valley. After check-in and
lunch, head out for your first game drive in this predator-rich landscape.


Day 3: Full-Day Safari in Masai Mara

Embark
on a sunrise-to-sunset safari chasing the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant,
buffalo, and rhino. Witness dramatic predator-prey interactions, migrating
herds, and birdlife in one of Africa’s top safari destinations. Picnic in the
wild for a truly immersive experience.

 Optional: Hot air balloon safari at
dawn (extra cost).


 Day 4: Lake Nakuru National
Park – Flamingos & Rhino Haven

Drive
to Lake Nakuru, famous for its pink flamingos, white and black rhinos, and lush
acacia woodlands. Enjoy an afternoon game drive before settling in at your
lakeside lodge.


Day 5: Cross to
Uganda – Entebbe or Bwindi Route

Transfer
to Uganda via border crossing or short flight (depending on chosen logistics).
Prepare for your gorilla trekking adventure as you settle into the tranquil
foothills near Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.


 Day 6: Gorilla Trekking in
Bwindi Forest – A Life-Changing Moment

Venture
deep into the ancient rainforest to track a mountain gorilla family. Watch in
awe as you observe their behavior, interactions, and human-like expressions in
their natural home.

 Fitness Level Required: Moderate to
high
 Photographer’s Dream: Close-ups
with wild gorillas (1 hour allowed)


 Day 7: Batwa Cultural Experience & Transfer to Rwanda

Before leaving Uganda, visit the indigenous Batwa community to learn forest survival
skills, traditional songs, and history. Then cross into Rwanda via the Cyanika
or Katuna border and drive to Volcanoes National Park.


 Day 8: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Your second gorilla trek offers a different habitat and terrain. Spot golden monkeys
or enjoy scenic crater lakes afterward. No two treks are ever the same—this is
your chance to compare and appreciate both countries’ gorilla encounters.


Day 9: Lake Kivu Retreat – Relaxation on the Rwandan Riviera

Unwind by Lake Kivu in Gisenyi. Take a boat ride to hot springs or explore the Congo Nile Trail. After days of trekking, this day offers rest, recovery, and

stunning lake views.


 Day 10: Kigali City Tour
& Cultural Sites

Transfer to Kigali and explore one of Africa’s cleanest, safest, and most forward-looking cities. Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, Kimironko Market, and artisan centers. Learn about Rwanda’s inspiring recovery and vibrant present.


 Day 11: Akagera National Park– Savannah Safari

Head east to Akagera, Rwanda’s Big Five national park. Go on a sunset game drive to spot lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, hippos, and crocodiles. Overnight in a park lodge with stunning savannah views.


 Day 12: Morning Game Drive & Departure

Enjoy one last sunrise safari through Akagera’s northern circuit. Later, return to Kigali or continue to your departure city (Kigali, Entebbe, or Nairobi—all optional depending on your itinerary).

Accommodation Options

Budget:

  • Lenchada Tourist Camp (Masai Mara)
  • Rushaga Gorilla Haven (Bwindi)
  • Muhabura Guest House (Volcanoes)
  • Dereva Hotel (Akagera)

Mid-Range:

  • Zebra Plains Camp / Sarova Mara
  • Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
  • Tiloreza Eco Lodge
  • Akagera Rhino Lodge

Luxury:

  • Mara Serena Safari Lodge
  • Gorilla Forest Camp (Bwindi)
  • Bisate Lodge / Singita Kwitonda (Volcanoes)
  • Magashi Camp (Akagera)

 Key Highlights

  • Gorilla trekking in both Bwindi (Uganda) and Volcanoes (Rwanda)
  • Big Five safaris in Masai Mara and Akagera
  • Lake Nakuru flamingos and rhino sightings
  • Immersive cultural experiences with the Batwa and Rwandan communities
  • Scenic beauty of Lake Kivu and the Great Rift Valley

Customization & Notes

  • Departure Options: Return from Kigali, Entebbe, or Nairobi.
  • Best Travel Time: June–October & December–March.
  • Custom Extensions: Add Zanzibar, Serengeti, or Ngorongoro Crater.

 

Q: Can I trek gorillas in both Uganda
and Rwanda on this tour?

A: Yes! This is a unique dual-gorilla experience—trek in both Bwindi and
Volcanoes for different terrain, gorilla families, and photographic
opportunities.

Q: Do I need visas for all three
countries?

A: You can use the East Africa Tourist Visa for Kenya, Uganda, and
Rwanda. We’ll help you with the process.

Q: Is this trip customizable?
A: Absolutely. We can adjust the number of days, starting or ending cities, and
activities based on your preferences and flight plans.

Q: How fit should I be for the gorilla
treks?

A: You should be moderately fit. The hikes can range from 2–6 hours, depending
on where the gorillas are.

Q: What’s the difference between Bwindi
and Volcanoes?

A: Bwindi is a denser, steeper jungle offering a raw trekking experience.
Volcanoes is more open and scenic with incredible volcano backdrops.


 Why Travel With Huza Gateway?

With deep roots in East Africa, we provide
tailor-made experiences backed by local expertise, reliable logistics, and
vetted guides. Whether it’s gorilla trekking, big game viewing, or cultural
encounters—we ensure your adventure is seamless and unforgettable.

 

Gallery