On this 10 Days Kenya Eco Tours Rwanda offers you an opportunity to experience the pristine wildlife in Masai Mara, Kenya and then visit the mountain gorillas in the mist “Volcanoes National Park and here you will experience the gorilla trekking 2 times but visiting 2 different gorilla families. Then with the accommodation we shall stay in Eco-friendly lodges which blend with the nature. If you are photographers, this is the great expedition to take in our customized photographic vehicles and you have enough space to take amazing shots!

MASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE

The Masai Mara is considered by many to be one of Kenya’s finest game reserves. The rolling grasslands offer ideal game viewing and photographic opportunities and rocky outcrops, which are favourite midday resting places for lion, for which the Mara is famous, break the grassy plains. Some of the other animals, which can be seen in and around this 700 square mile conservation area, include elephant, black rhino, buffalo, leopard, cheetah, wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle. Hippo and crocodile abound in the muddy brown waters of the rivers, which traverse this Reserve. One of the Mara’s main attractions each year is the astonishing spectacle of the annual migration of up to two million wildebeest, thousands of zebra and an escort of carnivores from the Serengeti plains, following the rains and succulent new grass. A costly trek as many of the lame, laggard and sick will fall prey to the ravening pack of predators and many more will die in the swirling flood waters trying to cross the Mara River. Once the rains have ended and the grass begins to wither the wildebeest turn south and head back to the Serengeti and beyond. The reserve with an area of 1510 km2 forms the northern part of the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem and is famous for vast assemblages and migration of plains game and their associated predators. The park’s southern boundary is contiguous with Tanzania’s Serengeti National park.

Day1: Arrival to Nairobi, Kenya

Upon arrival in Nairobi, meet our English speaking guide at the waiting lobby and transfer to the famed Boma Hotel or equivalent Nairobi and relax after long flight travel. Enjoy your private dinner and overnight. Meal plan: B/B, Accommodation: Boma Hotel

Day2: Nairobi to Masai Mara

After breakfast from your hotel of residence embark the 4×4 safari jeeps and transfer to the park and upon arrival take en-route adventurous game drive into the Masai Mara which offers variety of the African wildlife and suitable the amazing unforgettable African wildlife photographs. With our stay at exclusive Camps in the Masai Mara is much rewarding. The Camps, located in the heart of the best game viewing area of the Masai Mara. Have lunch and then take game drive before sun downer. We shall enjoy dinner this evening back at the Camp overlooking the Masai Mara plains. Dinner and overnight see below. Meal plan: F/B Accommodation: Bateleur (5 star)/Kichwa Tembo (Mid)

Day3: Masai Mara

Dawn game drive in the Park is advisable with the chance to see the various wildlife species and scenery this reserve is so famous for. Some of the big African five with chances will be spotted like the lions, cheetahs, elephant, giraffe, and variety of birds, hyena, buffalo and crocodiles. Return to the safari camp for lunch, and later this afternoon we will enjoy another game drive. Then return to lodge for dinner and overnight at as chosen. Meal plan: F/B

Day4: Masai Mara

Breakfast and then we take another full day to explore the Masai Mara and to ensure we witness the full spectacle of this ecosystem. More so you can take a sunrise Balloon Safari, but at an extra fee of $ 450 USD per person. Have another evening game drive to spot more wildlife species. Dinner and overnight as above. Meal plan: F/B

Day5: Masai Mara to Nairobi

Have breakfast, embark our 4×4 safari jeep and then depart the Masai Mara to Nairobi where we will spend another night at Boma Hotel and have your private dinner and overnight. Meal plan: H/B (Breakfast & Lunch)

RWANDA AND VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK

Rwanda is a landlocked East African country whose green, mountainous landscape has earned it the nickname “Land of a Thousand Hills.” Its renowned Volcanoes National Park is home to mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. Bordering Congo and Uganda, the park encompasses 4,507m-tall Mt. Karisimbi and 4 other forested volcanoes. Kigali, the nation’s sprawling capital, has a vibrant restaurant and nightlife scene. Volcanoes National Park (French: Parc National des Volcano) lies in northwestern Rwanda and borders Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda. The national park is known as a haven for the mountain gorilla. It is home to five of the eight volcanoes of the Virunga Mountains (Karisimbi, Bisoke, Muhabura, Gahinga and Sabyinyo), which are covered in rain forest and bamboo. The park was the base for the zoologist Dian Fossey.

Day6: Kenya-Nairobi-Kigali-Rwanda

Early morning breakfast and then transfer to the Nairobi International Airport for your flight to Kigali, Rwanda. Upon arrival in Rwanda your will be welcomed by English speaking guide and after embark the 4×4 safari jeeps and take a short visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial more will be experienced about the massacre occurred in Rwanda. After take the scenic drive through the beautiful rolling Rwanda hills, and then take the beautiful stay at: Virunga Gorilla Safari Lodge (Luxury)/Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (Mid)/Volcanoes Gorillas Hotels-Musanze (Deluxe). Meal plan: F/B

Day7: Rwanda Gorilla Trek in Volcanoes National Park

Have breakfast, then with your packed lunch move to the park offices for briefing and gorilla tracking escorts and Rangers. You will then start your trek of the Gorillas. Once you come across the bamboo forest logs and also your first perception of the sound the breaking of bamboo indicating that the gorillas are nearer. Prepare yourself for the joyful encounter with the Gorillas and wonderful experience. Stay with the gorillas for 1 hour and then and trek back to your lodge. Visit the twin Lakes (Bulera & Ruhondo which is good place for birders). Dinner and overnight as above, Meal plan: F/B

Day8: Second Gorilla Trek in Volcanoes National Park

Today is a second chance to go trek the Mountain Gorillas and you will visit a different Gorilla group than your first visit. After returning today we will visit the cultural sites like Iby’iwacu Cultural Village for the Rwanda cultural performances and then after return to lodge for dinner and overnight. Meal plan: F/B

Day9: Volcanoes National Park-Lake Kivu

After breakfast, leave Ruhengeri and proceed to Gisenyi town which is located on the shores of Lake Kivu which is the main fresh water body in Rwanda. Upon arrival, take lunch at Lake Kivu Serena Hotel and then take an evening boat ride along Lake to the closest islands to discover unspoiled places and sceneries. This cruise also offers beautiful scenic views of the Nyirangongo Volcano in Congo which is the only active volcano in East Africa having last erupted in 2002 and is also popular for its fluid lava (Lava Lake). Alternatively, you can relax on the beach as you wait for your dinner and overnight stay at Lake Kivu Serena Hotel/Gorillas Hotels Gisenyi, Meal plan: F/B

Day10: Lake Kivu-Kigali Departure

Breakfast and with packed lunch, then transfer to Kigali for your flight back home. End of services, Meal plan: H/B (Breakfast & Lunch)

The Package Includes:

Full board accommodation whilst on safari in the above mentioned lodge

Private safari guide/drive

Private Safari Land Cruiser for game viewing

Park fees

Government taxes, VAT and service charges relating to accommodation and included meals

Double gorilla trekking Rwanda 2 permits per person to be paid in advance

Visit twin Lakes (Bulera & Ruhondo)

Iby’iwacu Cultural Village for Rwanda Cultural Performances

Boat ride along the Lake Kivu

Full day professional guide/driver

En-route lunches

Excludes:

International and domestic flights

Personal Expenses e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages,

Meals not listed above

Optional Tours, i.e. Masai village visit, Balloon Safari of an extra fee of $ 450 USD per person

Tips to the driver/guide

Any items of personal nature like artifacts and curios, Visa, drinks, laundry, tips to local guides while gorilla trekking, telephone, personal insurance and cigarettes.

What to wear/bring

Dress codes are informal. Daytime temperatures are generally warm, so bring lots of light clothing, supplemented by light sweaters for the cool evenings and heavier clothing for the higher altitudes especially Virunga ranges. When tracking gorillas layering your clothing is the best idea and we suggest: long sleeved shirts, cotton or gore tex trousers, strong walking shoes with ankle support, socks that you can tuck your trousers into, light gloves to protect your hands from thorns and nettles, a hat and sunglasses to provide protection against the sun and a waterproof jacket in neutral colors may come in handy in the moist mountains. Travel light and remember that soft-sided luggage is required. One medium sized duffel bag and one small day pack (carry-on) per person should be adequate. Laundry services are available at most accommodations. You should also pack some zip lock bags for spare clothing, cameras, binoculars and film. Please note that you are not allowed to use a flash when photographing Gorillas. It is a good idea to take along several different speeds of film (64 to 1000) as gorillas can be found in open sun or in the dark underbrush of the forest.

Insurance

Nature Adventure Africa Safaris Ltd, managing Eco Tours Rwanda strongly advises Participants to purchase travel protection insurance. Due to unexpected events, illness, and emergencies, Participants risk losing all or part of their travel documents. In the absence of travel protection insurance, Participants are not covered for any losses sustained in addition to tour costs, such as medical expenses, baggage loss, and death benefits. There are a number of policies available, varying in the extent and type of coverage, as well as the cost. Typically, the policies do not cover losses incurred due to civil disturbances, war, terrorism, or insolvency of tour operator. Participants are not required to purchase this or any other travel protection insurance in order to participate in the tour package, but again, such coverage is strongly recommended for the reasons stated above.