What To Expect on Masai Mara Kenya And Gorilla Trekking Safari in Rwanda

Expect to see combination of game and primates in the Masai Mara Kenya and Gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda. Both countries are in east African but can easily be reach by international flights.

Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya is the highlight destination in the country because of the periodic Great wildebeest migration that starts from Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. The great wildebeest migration is a natural phenomena which includes massive movement of millions of wild animals both carnivores and herbivores.

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is another highlight safari adventure in Africa where you get to have time with the few and endangered mountain gorillas there is in the world. Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda a primeval rain forest in the only home to these vulnerable mountain gorillas in the country.

During the game safari in Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, expect to see wildebeests, giraffes, zebras, gazelles, herds of elephants, buffaloes, hyenas, lions, leopards, rhinos and more. During the season of the great wildebeest migration, millions of these animals are seen in the park where in the ordinary periods, the number may be lower.

When on gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda, expect to see the mountain gorillas, other primates like black and white colobus, vervet monkeys, grey cheeked mangabey, blue monkeys and more. A plethora of birds flock the Volcanoes forest, variety of plants including those rarely seen out of the forest.

How To Cross Border From Kenya To Rwanda

Air transport

From Kenya, Nairobi international Airport or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport you can fly into Kigali International airport in Rwanda. Do not forget to work on the necessary documents to avoid inconveniences on arrival.

You may choose to transfer to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda which is about 3 hours drive or spend a night in Kigali city.

By Road

Both Kenya and Rwanda are in east Africa and you can cross one to another via Uganda. This may take some days but it is very possible.

Borders crossings that is Maraba into Uganda and Katuna or Cyanika into Rwanda.

This is quite tiresome but affordable too. You can also make a break in Uganda to visit National game parks enroute including Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Kibale National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and more.

Requirements For Booking Masai Mara National Reserve Kenya And Gorilla Trekking Safari In Rwanda

• A gorilla permit for Rwanda which is the entry ticket to attending a gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda. The gorilla permits in Rwanda open to the public are limited so advance booking is necessary.
• Reserve accommodations to use during game safari in Masai Mara National Reserve and Gorilla trekking tour in Rwanda.
• Park entrance fees into Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya
• Transport to get you around during game safari in Masai Mara National Reserve and to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. It is better to book a 4×4 wheel drive vehicle in good condition to overcome the sometime tough road in most safari destinations.
• Pack the necessary safari gears to use during gorilla trekking in Rwanda and game safari in Masai Mara National Reserve. Note that Volcanoes National Park is very cold most of the year and Masai Mara National Park has higher temperatures sometimes so plan accordingly.
• Carry some hard cash to use for on ground purchase while on this African safari because credit cards are not commonly used in Rwanda or Kenya.

 When is the best time to do Gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Game safari in Masai Mara Kenya

June to September and December to January is favorable safari time to embark on Rwanda gorilla trekking and game safari in Masai Mara National Reserve Kenya. The Savanna grassland in Masai Mara National Reserve is normally lowers creating better visibility of wild animals. During gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda in the dry season, there is more sunlight sipping through the dense forest leaves.

Competition for the necessary safari amenities however is over the top so advance safari booking is a great choice. For gorilla permit booking in Rwanda, demand is overwhelmingly high in the dry season as this serves as the peak tourism season in the country. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is the prime safari activity in the country.

Do not doubt planning to do a gorilla trekking in Rwanda and game safari in Masai Mara during the wet season which is normally March to May and November. Seeing the mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park is guaranteed although they keep most of the day in sheltered locations.

The wild animals in Masai Mara National Reserve can also be spotted in the wet season although sometimes obstructed by the thick vegetation.

There more chances of witnessing the birth of newborns in the wet season both amongst the mountain gorillas and game in Masai Mara National reserve since there is sufficient food in this season. The high level of grass and other thickets act as hide outs for the very fragile infants.

How long is gorilla trekking in Rwanda

Time to take on a gorilla trekking adventure in Rwanda varies with factors prevailing in the forest like:

Weather conditions of the day

Food location for the mountain gorillas

Pace of Gorilla Trekkers

Mood of the Mountain Gorillas

Fitness level and more

Note that no matter how long it may take to find the mountain gorillas, be assured to see them. There are about 99% chances of seeing the mountain gorillas. Some tourists have reported spotting the mountain gorillas in 30 minutes while others have spent more time. Patience is key in the gorilla trekking adventure.

One hour of viewing is allowed with the mountain gorillas as they are habituated to withstand human presence for just this time. Mountain gorillas depend on supplies from the forest so human presence disrupts their daily activities that is one reason for minimizing time to spend with them.

How Much Time To Spend On Game Drive In Masai Mara National Reserve

Time to spend on a game drive in Masai Mara National Reserve varies with activities and occurrences in the reserve. It is best to start the game drive in Masai Mara National Reserve early morning as the animals emerge from their night hideouts to day hangouts.

The tracks in the Masai Mara national Reserve are dusty especially in the dry season and may turn messy during the extreme rain seasons so having a terrain resistant vehicle is recommended. This also save the time you may spend on the road driving through Masai Mara National reserve.

You can still take an entire day on a game drive in Masai mara National reserve depending on the amount of fuel in the vehicle tank. During the great wildebeest migration season, at times the wild animals get as close as your door or window so you may decide to watch game from the comfort of your lodge.

Can I Do A Hot Air Balloon Safari In Masai Mara National Reserve

Yes, Hot air balloon safari in Masai Mara National Reserve is an amazing choice as you get to enjoy the aerial view of the park.

Hot air balloon safari gets you to spots in Masai Mara National Reserve that are hard to find while on ground so you can take photos or film from a more elevated point.

Advance booking is recommended when you choose to take a hot air balloon safari in Masai Mara National Reserve because this starts early morning and may be rescheduled incase of changes in weather.

Brief itinerary of Game safari in Masai Mara Kenya and Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Day1 Drive to Masai Mara national Reserve

Day 2 Game Drive in Masai Mara National Reserve

Day 3 Hot Air Balloon in Masai Mara National Reserve

Day 4 Masai Community Visit

Day 5 Transfer to Rwanda proceed to Volcanoes National Park

Day 6 Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Day 7 Departure from Rwanda

What Is The Cost Of Game Safari In Masai Mara Kenya And Gorilla Trekking In Rwanda

The cost of a combination of gorilla trekking in Rwanda and game safari in Masai Mara Kenya varies with package you choose that is Luxury, mid-range or basic.

The cost of the gorilla trekking permit for Rwanda and park entrance fees into Masai Mara National Reserve cuts across all safari packages.

Do not forget to include extra cash in the safari cost as you may desire to participate in private activities that are not included in your itinerary.

We encourage our clients to tip those who extend a great service to you when on ground as a token of appreciation. This also encourages the service providers to better their approach towards clients as they make memories while on safari in Africa.

What is included and excluded in the gorilla trekking Rwanda and game safari in Kenya Package

Inclusions

Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Game safari in Masai Mara National Reserve

Accommodation to use during African safari

Driver and vehicle hire

7 days on game safari in Kenya and gorilla trekking in Rwanda

Hot Air Balloon Adventure

Meals and drinking water enroute and while on safari

Exclusions

Personal expenses

Tips

Extra Safari Activities

Airport pick up before starting the safari or drop off after finishing the safari itinerary.

Why Do Gorilla Trekking In Rwanda

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is very convenient for those with a crash program but wish to chip in this adventure or make a stopover for an Africa safari

Taking a gorilla trekking adventure in Rwanda is not only unforgettable African safari experience but an opportunity to be in the same space with some of the few leftover mountain gorillas there is in the world.

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is a philanthropic adventure where you get to support the conservation work and sustainable existence of the mountain gorillas. World over, the mountain gorillas are on the red list of the highly endangered primates and some of the ways to solicit fund to support their existence is by selling gorilla safaris.

Beyond the mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park is home to other primates including golden monkeys and endangered primate species, black and white colobus, vervet monkeys, grey cheeked mangabey and more.

While or after the gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda, you may choose to engage in other safari activities in the country including chimpanzee trekking, Birding in Rwanda, game drives in Akagera national Park, canopy walk and more.

Why Choose To Do Game Drive In Masai Mara National Reserve Kenya

Masai Mara National Reserve is the face of safaris in Kenya because of the great wildebeest migration season where millions of wild animals cross from Serengeti National Park in Tanzania via the River Mara. The drama that unfolds in the Mara River as carnivores grab a meal while herbivore struggle to push through is unbelievable.

Masai Mara National Reserve is endowed by a variety of animals including wildebeests, lions, leopards, water bucks, zebras, bushbucks, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, gazelles and more. The amazing scenery of Masai Mara National Park is unbelievable providing an incredible back drop for nature inspired photography.

During the great wildebeest migration season in Masai Mara National Reserve, you may get a glimpse of what may have occurred as per the creation story. A multitude of unexplainable wild animals can be spotted from the comfort of your lodge window or balcony if your lodge is well positioned and within the reserve.

How Safe Is Gorilla Trekking In Rwanda And Game Safari In Kenya

Both Rwanda development Board and Kenya Wildlife Services offer safe space for the safari activities in their respective safari destinations.

Rules of gorilla trekking or game safaris are in place to protect the wild animals, their habitat and visiting humans. Tourists are encouraged to abide by these safari guidelines as they have been proved over time.

Every tourist is required to register at the game before entering any national park, or reserve in Rwanda or Kenya so that necessary follow up can be made where need be.

As a tourist you are encouraged to be the first security for yourself and your belongings. When you a game drive in Masai Mara National Reserve, do not stick your head your head out or step out of your vehicle. Pack and wear the right safari gears when doing both gorilla trekking and game drive to feel comfortable.