7-Day Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya Safari
Experience the very best of East Africa on an unforgettable seven-day safari through Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya. This carefully designed journey combines the beautiful hills of Rwanda, the extraordinary mountain gorillas of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and the spectacular wildlife of Kenya’s Maasai Mara.
The safari begins in Kigali, Rwanda, before continuing to southwestern Uganda for a once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking experience. From there, you return to Kigali and fly to Nairobi, Kenya, before exploring the famous Maasai Mara National Reserve. Along the way, you will enjoy breathtaking scenery, diverse wildlife, cultural encounters and unforgettable African landscapes.
Trip Highlights
The safari offers an exciting combination of primates, culture, scenery and classic savannah wildlife. Highlights include a Kigali city experience, a scenic journey through Rwanda and southwestern Uganda, gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, game drives in the Maasai Mara and an optional Maasai cultural experience.
You will also have opportunities to look for lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest and other wildlife. If you travel during the Great Migration season, you may also witness large herds of wildebeest and zebras moving through the Mara ecosystem.
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and Transfer to Bwindi
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will meet your guide from Experiya Tour Company. Depending on your arrival time, you may begin with a short Kigali city tour before travelling toward southwestern Rwanda.
Afterward, continue toward the Rwanda-Uganda border and proceed to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The journey takes you through Rwanda’s famous rolling hills before entering the beautiful highlands of southwestern Uganda.
Although the drive is relatively long, the spectacular scenery makes the journey enjoyable. Therefore, an early arrival in Kigali is recommended to allow sufficient time for the transfer.
Upon reaching Bwindi, check into your lodge, enjoy dinner, and relax. Meanwhile, your guide will brief you about the following day’s gorilla trekking adventure.
Overnight: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
After an early breakfast, proceed to the park headquarters for registration and a gorilla trekking briefing. Your experienced guides and trackers will then lead you into the ancient Bwindi forest in search of a habituated mountain gorilla family.
The trek can take several hours because the gorillas move freely through the forest and their location changes from day to day. Consequently, the duration of the trek depends on where the gorilla family is located.
Once you find the gorillas, you will spend the permitted viewing time observing them in their natural environment. Watching these remarkable animals interact, feed, groom, and care for their young is an experience that remains unforgettable.
After the trek, return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation. If you still have enough time and energy, you may choose an optional community or Batwa cultural experience.
Overnight: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Day 3: Bwindi to Kigali and Flight to Nairobi
After breakfast, begin your journey back toward Kigali. The drive offers another opportunity to appreciate the beautiful landscapes of southwestern Uganda and Rwanda.
Depending on your flight schedule, you may stop for lunch or enjoy some free time in Kigali before continuing to Kigali International Airport.
Later, board your flight to Nairobi, Kenya. Upon arrival, your Kenyan representative from Experiya Tour Company will meet you and transfer you to your hotel.
This routing makes the safari more comfortable because travelling overland from Bwindi to the Maasai Mara in one day would be extremely tiring. Therefore, using Kigali and Nairobi as connecting points provides a more practical arrangement.
Overnight: Nairobi.
Day 4: Nairobi to Maasai Mara
After breakfast, leave Nairobi and travel toward the magnificent Maasai Mara National Reserve. The journey takes you from Kenya’s bustling capital into the open landscapes of the Great Rift Valley and the Mara region.
Upon arrival, check into your lodge or tented camp and enjoy lunch. Later, head out for your first afternoon game drive.
The Maasai Mara is famous for its abundant wildlife and spectacular scenery. During the game drive, keep your eyes open for lions, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest and, if luck is on your side, elusive leopards and cheetahs.
As evening approaches, return to your lodge for dinner and relaxation.
Overnight: Maasai Mara.
Day 5: Full-Day Maasai Mara Safari
Wake up early for a morning game drive when many animals are most active. The cool morning hours provide excellent opportunities to search for predators returning from their night activities and herbivores beginning their day.
After the morning drive, return to camp for breakfast before continuing your exploration of the reserve. Alternatively, you can enjoy a packed bush lunch and spend more time in the wilderness.
The Maasai Mara offers beautiful open grasslands, riverine areas and seasonal wildlife concentrations. During the Great Migration, the plains can become particularly spectacular as large herds of wildebeest and zebras move through the ecosystem.
However, wildlife movements are natural and unpredictable, so specific animal sightings and river crossings cannot be guaranteed.
After a full day of exploration, return to your lodge for dinner and a relaxing evening.
Overnight: Maasai Mara.
Day 6: Maasai Mara Wildlife and Cultural Experience
Enjoy another rewarding day in the Maasai Mara. You may choose extended game drives to explore more of the reserve or combine wildlife viewing with a cultural experience.
A Maasai community visit provides an opportunity to learn about traditional lifestyles, livestock keeping, local crafts, music and dance. The experience also allows you to interact with members of the community and gain a deeper understanding of the culture surrounding the Mara ecosystem.
For travelers seeking an additional adventure, a hot-air-balloon safari can be arranged, subject to availability and weather conditions. Floating above the Mara at sunrise offers a unique perspective of the landscape and wildlife below.
Afterward, continue with your safari activities before returning to camp for your final night in the Maasai Mara.
Overnight: Maasai Mara.
Day 7: Final Game Drive and Departure
Wake up early for your final morning game drive. This provides one last opportunity to search for lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras and other wildlife.
After the game drive, return to the lodge for breakfast and check out. You will then begin your journey back to Nairobi.
Depending on your international flight schedule, Experiya Tour Company can arrange a direct transfer to the airport or organize additional time in Nairobi before your departure.
This route is particularly suitable for a seven-day safari because it combines Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya without attempting excessively long overland journeys. Kigali provides convenient access to Bwindi, while a flight from Kigali to Nairobi makes the connection to the Maasai Mara considerably easier.
Trip Includes
The safari includes airport transfers, transportation in a suitable safari vehicle, services of an experienced English-speaking safari guide, accommodation as specified in the itinerary, meals as indicated, gorilla trekking arrangements, game drives in the Maasai Mara and border-crossing assistance.
It can also include bottled drinking water during safari activities and selected cultural experiences when requested in advance.
Gorilla permits, domestic or regional flights and other special activities should be confirmed when booking because availability and prices can change.
Trip Excludes
The safari excludes international flights, travel insurance, visa fees, personal expenses, alcoholic and other premium beverages, laundry services, tips, souvenirs and activities not specifically mentioned in the itinerary.
Additional costs may also apply for optional activities such as hot-air-balloon safaris, depending on availability.
Important Travel Information
Because this safari crosses three countries, early planning is essential. Gorilla permits should be secured well in advance because availability is limited. Flights between Kigali and Nairobi should also be booked early to ensure convenient connections.
Gorilla trekking can be physically demanding because the activity takes place in a mountainous rainforest environment. Therefore, travelers should bring sturdy hiking shoes, lightweight outdoor clothing, a waterproof jacket, insect repellent and a small backpack.
The best experience also comes from travelling with an open mind. Weather conditions, road conditions and wildlife movements can change, while gorilla trekking times vary depending on the location of the gorilla family.
With proper preparation, this seven-day adventure offers an exceptional introduction to East Africa, combining Rwanda’s scenic beauty, Uganda’s mountain gorillas and Kenya’s legendary savannah wildlife in one unforgettable journey.
