This African wildlife gorilla safari will take you to Kenya and Rwanda for that exciting Kenya bush and gorilla safari respectively. The Masai Mara National Reserve is one of the most popular tourism destinations in Kenya. The annual Great Migration starts in July each year when well over one million wildebeest along with large numbers of Thompson’s Gazelle, zebra and other herbivores migrate to go get greener pastures.
The Masai Mara offers superb plains scenery, unmatched safari activities and diverse wildlife, Masai Mara National Reserve is considered Kenya’s best park and one of Africa’s highest wildlife density regions for predators. The reserve covers 583 square miles (1510 square kilometers) of outstanding wilderness in southwest Kenya.
Game drives in the reserve are perfect for guests who want to be immersed in Kenya’s bush country and see larger animals. For guests who are interested in observing the nocturnal animals, go for night game drives in one of the private conservancies. Most conservancies offer bush walks to give you an intimate look at the micro-ecosystems of the area.
While the sight of masses of animals thundering across the open plains is spectacular, the Mara River crossing will take you through a range of emotions – awe, anticipation, heartache, inspiration, excitement and much more. You will be able to witness the crocodiles watching and targeting for a meal as well as the predators on the other side waiting for the same meal. Those who survive will proceed and get to that new environment but still on a careful watch for those looking for a meal.
As you watch in silence, the wildebeests seem to be gathering their courage, and on some days, they leave the river’s edge and disperse across the savannah to graze. But still the day arrives. The wildebeests once again stand above the river, eyes wide, breath labored – each animal vying for a position that gives the safest and surest path to the water and the opposite bank.
For you to experience the magic of a hot air balloon ride in the Masai Mara, we offer an incredible opportunity to make this dream a reality. The hot air balloon flights over the Masai Mara are designed to provide you with an unforgettable adventure. As you glide over the vast savannah at sunrise, you will witness the Mara’s iconic landscapes and its abundant wildlife from a unique and breathtaking perspective. Get the chance to enjoy the bush breakfast when you use the hot air balloon.
It will take place immediately after floating in air and the moment you land then you will have that unforgettable breakfast in the bush. This experience is not only magical but also convenient and hassle-free, ensuring that you have the best possible adventure in the sky and on the ground.
you’ll have the opportunity to stay in comfortable tented camps that combine the thrill of the wilderness with the comforts of home. These tented camps are designed to provide an authentic safari experience while ensuring your comfort and safety.
The tents are often spacious and well-appointed, featuring en-suite bathrooms, comfortable beds, and private verandas where you can relax and soak in the stunning landscapes. Many of these tented camps also offer communal dining areas and campfires where you can gather with fellow travelers to share stories of your Kenya safari adventures.
For intimacy and exclusive safari experience, the Masai Mara offers bush camps that are set in pristine, remote areas. These camps are designed to minimize their environmental impact and provide a more immersive connection with nature. Accommodations can range from rustic and simple to comfortable and stylish, all while maintaining a commitment to sustainability. Staying in these bush camps allow you to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse yourself in the beauty of the Masai Mara’s landscapes. Such camps don’t entertain many travelers ensuring a tranquil and private safari adventure.
The Masai Mara also offers a selection of luxurious safari lodges that provide an opulent safari experience. These lodges are strategically located within or near the reserve, offering sweeping views of wildlife-rich landscapes.
The lodges feature elegant rooms or suites with high-end amenities, fine dining options, spa facilities, and attentive service. Each aspect of your stay is carefully curated to ensure that you have a lavish and memorable safari adventure.
Once the bush adventure is done the cross to Rwanda for yet another interesting safari in the volcanoes national park. In this park the main draw is gorilla trekking which costs $1500 to get a gorilla permit. Rwanda becomes one of the best places to see gorillas and this is mainly due to the its short distance from the main city to the park which is a 2hours drive compared to the other destinations which are far from the cities.
You will transfer to the headquarter for briefing early morning. Your gorilla permits will be crosschecked with your passports to verify that you are the right owner of the permit. At this moment, you are expected to be ready with your packed lunch since no one is certain about the time you will take to see these gorillas.
After a quick briefing on safety measures and what to expect during the day, you will be grouped in groups of 8 people maximum and each group is assigned one gorilla family to trek. Rwanda has 10 gorilla families, hence 10 groups of 8 people each are the ones allowed to track on a particular day. You will be assigned group depending on your level of fitness.
Each gorilla tracking group consists of a main guide and two scouts who carry AK-47 guns, one walking in front and another behind the group. The reason for armed scouts is for protection in the forest against wild elephants or angry, wild gorillas. The scouts are trained to fire shots into the air first in order to scare away the animals but this is only done on rarest occasions when all other options like hiding away from such dangerous animals have been done.
Once you find the gorillas, you could spend hours just watching the little ones roll around and play. Mountain gorillas are always playful and quite curious. Some may walk right up to you but with no harm intended.
While with the gorillas, it’s important to listen to instructions from your Guides and to always stay calm. Never make sudden movements. Gorilla tracking in Rwanda can take between one to six hours depending on the gorilla group you are assigned and their specific location on the day of the trek.
Once you are done with the experience, descend and pick your trekking certificate at the headquarters then back to lodge for lunch and relaxation. You can then later visit the IbyI’wacu cultural village, the largest and most visited cultural center in Rwanda.
It is located close to the Volcanoes National Park. The center was opened to showcase Rwanda’s diverse culture and allow the community living close to the park benefit from gorilla trekking.
You can take part in cultural performances like dance, drama and storytelling. You will learn how a traditional Rwandan home was organized and be given a chance to taste some of the local food and alcoholic drinks. Get information from the medicine men at the site of how to use their medicines.
Transfer back to your lodge for dinner and overnight. Early morning after breakfast, take a city tour to Kigali which will give you the different city information about the country’s political and social history then you can take your flight back home later in the day.
