9-Day Best of Kenya & Rwanda Safari

An Exclusive Safari Experience by Traford Safaris

Embark on a breathtaking 9-day best of Kenya and Rwanda safari that offers the best of East Africa—blending Kenya’s iconic Big Five wildlife safaris with the rare and humbling experience of trekking endangered mountain gorillas in the heart of Rwanda. This luxury itinerary combines exhilarating game drives in Amboseli and Masai Mara with immersive cultural moments and intimate encounters with nature’s most majestic creatures in the misty Volcanoes National Park.

Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi – Welcome to Kenya’s Capital

Upon your arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, a warm welcome awaits you from your dedicated Traford Safaris representative to start your 9 day best of Kenya and Rwanda safari. After a brief introduction and safari orientation, you will be transferred to your hotel in Nairobi’s vibrant Westlands district. This first night offers a perfect opportunity to unwind after your flight and prepare for the journey ahead. Nairobi, East Africa’s commercial hub, provides a fascinating blend of urban culture and natural beauty. If time permits, you may choose to enjoy optional excursions, such as a visit to the Giraffe Centre or Nairobi National Museum.

Main Destination: Nairobi (Kenya)
Accommodation: Ibis Styles Nairobi Westlands Hotel (Mid-range)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Drinks: Not included

Day 2: Journey to Amboseli National Park – Elephants Beneath Kilimanjaro

After breakfast, your safari officially begins with a 7:30 am pickup. You will drive through scenic countryside and Maasai lands on your way to Amboseli National Park, arriving just after noon. Following check-in and a hearty lunch at your lodge, you’ll have time to rest before setting off on a late afternoon game drive. Amboseli is globally renowned for its large herds of free-ranging elephants and dramatic views of Mt. Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak. With over 1,600 elephants roaming the park, your chances of witnessing these giants up close are incredibly high. The game drive concludes at sunset, after which you return to the lodge for dinner and overnight rest.

Main Destination: Amboseli National Park (Kenya)
Accommodation: Amboseli Sopa Lodge (Mid-range)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drinks: Drinking water included; other drinks not included

Day 3: Great Rift Valley Drive to Lake Nakuru National Park

After breakfast, you’ll depart Amboseli and begin a scenic road journey towards Lake Nakuru, descending through the dramatic escarpments of the Great Rift Valley. En route, you will stop for breathtaking photo opportunities and pass Lake Naivasha, known for its resident birdlife and hippos. Upon arrival at your lodge near Lake Nakuru National Park, you’ll enjoy lunch and a moment to relax before your afternoon game drive begins. This park is famed for its rich concentration of flamingos, rhinos, Rothschild giraffes, and tree-climbing lions. As the sun sets over the lake, you’ll return to the lodge for a tranquil evening and dinner.

Main Destination: Lake Nakuru National Park (Kenya)
Accommodation: Ziwa Bush Lodge (Mid-range)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drinks: Drinking water included; other drinks not included

Day 4: Into the Heart of the Wild – Masai Mara National Reserve

After an early breakfast, set off on a road transfer to the world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve. The drive, lasting approximately 4 to 5 hours, takes you through rolling hills and local Maasai settlements. Arriving by early afternoon, you’ll check in at your luxurious tented camp and have lunch. Later in the afternoon, embark on a captivating game drive in one of Africa’s richest wildlife ecosystems. Expect encounters with the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino—as well as large populations of cheetahs, wildebeests, and gazelles. Return to camp at sunset to enjoy a warm dinner and a restful night under the stars.

Main Destination: Masai Mara National Reserve (Kenya)
Accommodation: Enkorok Mara Camp (Mid-range)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drinks: Drinking water included; other drinks not included

Day 5: Full-Day Safari in the Mara – Optional Balloon Ride

Today promises a full day of wildlife adventure in the Masai Mara. After breakfast, you’ll depart at 8:30 am for an extensive game drive carrying a packed picnic lunch. You will traverse the Mara’s expansive savannahs in search of wildlife activity, visiting landmarks such as the Mara River, where crocodiles and hippos lurk and dramatic river crossings occur during the Great Migration (July–October).
An optional early morning hot air balloon safari offers a magical aerial view of the reserve followed by a champagne bush breakfast (additional cost). Return to camp in the evening, share stories around the fire, and enjoy your final night in Kenya’s most famous wilderness.

Day 6: Flight from Nairobi to Kigali – Gateway to Rwanda

After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your flight to Kigali, Rwanda. Upon arrival, another Traford Safaris representative will greet you and transfer you to your hotel in Kigali. Here, you will receive a detailed briefing on the upcoming gorilla trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park. The remainder of the day is yours to explore Kigali or relax at the hotel as you prepare for the second leg of your journey.

Main Destination: Kigali (Rwanda)
Accommodation: Chez Lando Hotel (Mid-range)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drinks: Drinking water included; other drinks not included

Day 7: Kigali City Tour & Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Begin the day with a meaningful exploration of Kigali’s heritage. Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre for a moving tribute to the 1994 genocide, followed by stops at the Presidential Palace Museum and the bustling Kimironko Market. After lunch, transfer to the Volcanoes National Park region. En route, enjoy views of the rolling hills that define Rwanda’s “Land of a Thousand Hills.” In the afternoon, visit Iby’iwacu Cultural Village (The Gorilla Guardians), where you will engage with local traditions and enjoy performances that celebrate Rwanda’s vibrant culture. Return to the lodge for dinner and rest before your gorilla trek.

Main Destination: Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda)
Accommodation: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge (Mid-range)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drinks: Drinking water included; other drinks not included

Day 8: Gorilla Trekking Adventure & Dian Fossey Centre Visit

Today marks the highlight of your Rwandan experience—gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing, then set off on foot through dense bamboo forests and misty slopes in search of a gorilla family. Treks can last between 2 to 6 hours, depending on the gorillas’ location. Once found, you’ll spend a magical hour observing them in their natural environment—a truly unforgettable and emotional encounter. Later, visit the Dian Fossey Information Centre to learn more about her legacy and conservation efforts. Return to your lodge for a well-earned rest.

Day 9: Golden Monkey Trekking & Departure

On your final day of your 9 day best of Kenya and Rwanda safari , take part in an optional golden monkey trek within Volcanoes National Park. These rare primates, known for their energetic behavior and golden-orange fur, offer a thrilling end to your wildlife adventure. After the trek, you’ll return to Kigali by road, where you’ll be dropped off at Kigali International Airport in time for your onward flight. This concludes your incredible 9-day journey through the wild plains of Kenya and the misty jungles of Rwanda—a true safari of a lifetime.

Main Destination: Kigali (Rwanda)
Accommodation: None (End of tour)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Drinks: Drinking water included; other drinks not included

Safari Inclusions and Exclusions

Included:

Park entry fees (for non-residents)
All game drives and activities unless stated as optional
Accommodation as listed (based on a mid-range standard)
Professional English-speaking driver/guide
All ground transportation and airport transfers
Meals as indicated
Drinking water throughout the safari
Gorilla trekking permit (Rwanda)
Golden monkey trekking (if selected)

Excluded:

International flights (to/from Nairobi and Kigali)
Visas for Kenya and Rwanda
Additional accommodation before or after the tour
Optional activities (e.g., hot-air balloon safari)
Personal items (travel insurance, tips, souvenirs)
Alcoholic and soft beverages
Government-imposed park fee or tax increases