Tailor made from $9755 per person
11 days
Parc National des Volcans, Masai Mara, Zanzibar Beaches
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Trip Itinerary
Please select any day below to view that destination
- Day 1 - Arrive in Kigali & drive to Parc National des Volcans
- Day 2 - Gorilla Trekking
- Day 3 - Tour of Kigali & fly to Nairobi
- Days 6 to 11 - Explore Zanzibar
- Day 4 - On safari in the Masai Mara
- Day 5 - On safari in the Masai Mara
- Day 6 - Masai 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
Trek to see Mountain Gorillas, enjoy an adventurous wildlife safari and relax on a tropical island
This incredible East African adventure takes in 3 adorning jewels of the region: Rwanda's Parc National des Volcans, Kenya's Masai Mara and the resplendent coastline of Zanzibar.
Your trip starts with your gorilla trek up into the Virunga Volcanoes, where you will spend your one magical hour with the last of the mountain gorillas.
You then fly on to Kenya for a classic Big 5 safari in the incomparable 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.
What's Included:
- Gorilla trekking permits
- Light aircraft flights
- National park and conservancy fees
- Meals & drinks as mentioned in full itinerary
- Private airport transfers
- Your choice of accommodation styles
- Professional local staff with fair salaries
Trip Itinerary
Days 1 - 2: Parc National Des Volcans
Day 1 - Arrive in Kigali & drive to Parc National des Volcans
On arrival into Kigali's Airport you will be met by your local guide who will drive through the pretty Rwandan countryside to Kinigi at the foothills of the Virungas in Volcanoes National Park (Parc National des Volcans). The drive typically takes about 2.5 hours and you then check-in to your lodge where you can enjoy your afternoon at leisure. Relax and rest up this evening ahead of tomorrow’s gorilla trekking adventure.
Day 2 - Gorilla Trekking
After breakfast, you will depart for the headquarters of the park, where your guide will accomplish the necessary formalities for you. You will then meet your ranger guides for a briefing about the trek and experience in front of you. We then drive you to the trailhead from where you will begin your trek.
You can chose from a number of treks to different gorilla families based on your own preferrences and fitness levels. Your 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 located. The altitude is over 2,500m, so although the pace is unhurried, the hike is tiring and can be steep in parts.
Only one group of tourists can visit each family of mountain gorillas each day and once you’ve found them, you’ll have just one precious hour in their company. If you’re a keen photographer, taking your own pictures of mountain gorillas is one of the most magical photo sessions you’ll ever experience. Do bear in mind that the light can be poor in the rainforest and that use of flash is not permitted. You might also need to protect your camera against the possibility of heavy rain.
After your hour with the gorillas you head back to your lodge for lunch and the rest of the day at your leisure.
Day 3: Nairobi
Day 3 - Tour of Kigali & fly to Nairobi
After breakfast this morning you will be driven back to Kigali where you will take a local tour with your guide. You will learn about the recent history of Rwanda and a visit to the Genocide Museum is an important part of your tour. After lunch you are driven to the airport for your onward flight to Nairobi.
You are met on arrival in Nairobi and are driven to your hotel, which is conveniently situated equidistant between the international and domestic airports.
Days 6 to 11 - Explore Zanzibar
Today you can relax and enjoy your first full day on the tropical islands of Zanzibar.
Spend your time lounging on the soft white beaches with a cocktail or coconut and take a dip in the stunning crystal clear waters. Baraza also offers a stunning swimming pool, private beach loungers and excellent spa facilities.
During your stay you can spend a day to visiting historic Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a former spice trading port. The town is brimming with history and a melting pot of cultures, with a unique blend of Swahili, Arabic, Persian, Indian and European influences found in the architecture and cuisine. Explore the maze of winding alleyways, filled with colourful bazaars selling clothes, spices and trinkets. Discover the ancient stone houses, carved wooden doors, Arabian arches, latticed windows and overhanging balconies. There are several cultural places of interest including the Portuguese Fort, the old Dhow Port, the Old Slave Market, the Sultan's Palace, the House of Wonders, Livingstone House, the Hamamni Baths and the Persian Baths of Kidichi.
You can also visit Prison Island, Mnarani Turtle Sanctuary, exotic spice plantations, and Jozani Forest which is home to the Red Colobus Monkey. You can also go on reef and dolphin safaris, mangrove forest and dhow trips and take a cultural tour to local villages. There is just so much to see and do on this exciting East African island.
Days 4 - 6: Masai Mara
Day 4 - On safari in the Masai Mara
This morning you will be driven to Wilson Airport for your scheduled light aircraft flight to the Masai Mara. Light aircraft flights are suburb little adventures in their own right and you can even spot wildlife from the air as you fly low one the Masai Mara. On arrival at your nearest Mara airstrip you are met by a representative of your camp and are driven to the lodge for check-in. Your stay in the Masai Mara is for the following three nights.
Day 5 - On safari in the Masai Mara
Enjoy your first full day on safari in the Masai Mara. The Masai Mara is one of the best Big 5 safari destinations in Africa and is great for either a first safari or for safari aficionados. The range of camps and lodges inside the main reserve and in the fantastic outlying conservancies leaves you spoilt for choice in terms of accommodation.
Day 6 - Masai Mara
Your final full day on safari in the Mara. On safari you will enjoy two shared safari activities each day as standard. This typically means morning and afternoon game drives out into the Mara with your expert local guide. Other activities are available at certain camps including walking safaris, horse riding and more. As a general rule you will have more flexibility in the conservancies, where you can also avoid the minibus traffic which can spoil parts of the main reserve.
Days 7 - 10: Zanzibar
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 ahead of your direct flight to Zanzibar.
You are met on arrival in Zanzibar and are driven the approx. 1 hour to your beach accommodation where you will stay for the next four nights with breakfast and dinner included.
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 Jozani Forest day trips, to keep you occupied should you wish to explore further afield. It's also worth talking to a specialist about the smaller neighbouring islands, as these may be more appropriate for you if you're looking to get off the beaten track.
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.
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
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 flight.
Interested in this trip?
Call us on +1 (312) 690 4489 to start planning your perfect vacations
Enquire OnlineWhy Wayfairer
Responsible tourism has saved the last of the Mountain Gorillas from extinction: proving the sustainable value of tourism outweighs the short term temptation of poaching. Your trekking permits and National Park fees contribute to the ongoing conservation efforts in Parc National des Volcans.
On safari we work with selected safari camps and lodges who are committed to promoting their local communities and environments. In both our Boutique and Luxury accommodation styles you will find that your safari camp is dedicated to responsiblity and sustainability in Sub-Saharan Africa.
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