10 Days Kenya Rwanda Combining Tour

Tour Overview

This 10-day Kenya Rwanda Combining Tour pairs two of East Africa’s most iconic experiences — the wildebeest-covered plains of Kenya’s Masai Mara and mountain gorilla trekking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. It’s the ideal itinerary for travelers who want both classic Big Five savanna game drives and a close, unforgettable encounter with mountain gorillas, without needing three or four weeks to do it.

The journey begins with several game-rich days in the Masai Mara, part of the wider Serengeti ecosystem and home to lions, elephants, and, in season, the Great Migration. From there, you fly on to Kigali, Rwanda’s clean and hilly capital, before heading north to Volcanoes National Park for gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, and a relaxing stop on the shores of Lake Kivu. Our guides and ground teams handle every transfer, flight connection, and permit along the way. If you’d like to add Uganda’s chimpanzees and a second gorilla trek to this route, take a look at our 21-day East African Combi, or browse our other multi-country safaris. Read more about our Rwanda destination page, and for background on Kenya’s parks, see our partner page on Kenya tours.

Included in the Cost

Professional English-speaking safari guide
All trekking and entrance permits for all activities
Pick and Drop Services
All Activities listed in itinerary
Accommodation in lodges or safari camps
All meals as per the itinerary
Transportation in a comfortable 4x4 safari vehicle

Excluded in the Cost

International flights to and from Uganda
Travel insurance
Tips and gratuities for guides and lodge staff
Personal items and beverages outside the meal plan

Tour Plan

Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi, Kenya

Karibu! On arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you will be met by your Kaara Adventures guide and transferred to your hotel in Nairobi. Depending on your arrival time, relax after your flight or take an optional visit to the Giraffe Centre or Nairobi National Park. Dinner and overnight in Nairobi.

Day 2: Transfer to Masai Mara National Reserve

After an early breakfast, drive across the Great Rift Valley to the Masai Mara, Kenya’s most famous wildlife reserve. Arrive in time for an afternoon game drive across the open plains, home to lions, cheetahs, elephants, and the vast herds that make the Mara world-renowned. Dinner and overnight at your camp.

Day 3: Full Day Masai Mara Game Drive

Spend a full day exploring the Mara’s plains with morning and afternoon game drives, tracking the “Big Five” and, depending on the season, the dramatic river crossings of the Great Migration. An optional visit to a Maasai village offers insight into local culture and traditions. Dinner and overnight at your camp.

Day 4: Final Masai Mara Game Drive and Fly to Kigali, Rwanda

Enjoy one last morning game drive in the Mara, with an optional sunrise hot air balloon safari over the plains. After breakfast, transfer to the airstrip for your flight back to Nairobi and onward connection to Kigali. On arrival in Rwanda, transfer to your hotel for dinner and overnight, marking the start of the Rwandan leg of your journey.

Day 5: Kigali City Tour and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, take a short tour of Kigali, including a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial for a moving insight into Rwanda’s history and remarkable recovery. Afterwards, drive north to Volcanoes National Park, home to five of the eight Virunga volcanoes. Check into your lodge and attend a briefing on gorilla trekking rules ahead of tomorrow’s trek.

Day 6: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

After an early breakfast, head into the forest with your ranger guide to track a habituated mountain gorilla family through bamboo forest and volcanic terrain. Trekking time varies, but once the gorillas are found, you’ll spend a magical hour observing them at close range. Return to your lodge for a well-earned rest and overnight stay.

Day 7: Golden Monkey Tracking and Cultural Village Visit

After breakfast, head back into the park for golden monkey tracking through the bamboo zones, watching troops of these lively, endangered primates leap between branches. In the afternoon, visit a local cultural village for traditional dance, storytelling, and insight into Rwandan daily life. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.

Day 8: Transfer to Lake Kivu

After breakfast, drive to Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s Great Lakes, bordered by terraced hillsides and volcanic scenery. Spend the afternoon relaxing at your lakeside lodge, with time for a swim, a boat trip, or simply taking in the views over the water. Dinner and overnight on the shores of Lake Kivu.

Day 9: Lake Kivu to Kigali

Enjoy a leisurely morning at Lake Kivu before driving back to Kigali. In the afternoon, visit a local craft market for last-minute souvenirs, or relax at your hotel ahead of your departure. Dinner and overnight in Kigali.

Day 10: Departure from Kigali

Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy a final relaxed morning in Kigali before transferring to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight, bringing your 10-day Kenya Rwanda Combining Tour to a close.

Plan Your 10-Day Kenya Rwanda Combining Tour

Ready to combine Kenya’s iconic savanna wildlife with Rwanda’s mountain gorillas in one seamless journey? Get in touch with our safari consultants to customize this itinerary, or explore our multi-country safaris and combined tours to find the perfect fit for your travel dates, budget, and interests. For trekking preparation tips, see our gorilla trekking checklist before you travel.