10-Day Rwanda Gorillas, Maasai Mara & Zanzibar Beach Safari
This 10-day luxury African adventure takes you through Rwanda’s misty jungles, Kenya’s iconic Maasai Mara, and Zanzibar’s tropical paradise. Begin with an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park, followed by a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial. Fly to Nairobi for a city exploration at the Giraffe Center, before heading to the wild plains of the Maasai Mara, where thrilling game drives and a hot air balloon safari await. Finally, unwind on the white sandy beaches of Zanzibar, enjoying four days of sun, sea, and Swahili culture. This carefully curated itinerary blends wildlife, history, and relaxation, offering an authentic East African experience.
Detailed Itinerary for 10 Day Rwanda Gorillas, Masai Mara & Zanzibar
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali & Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, your guide will meet you for a scenic 2.5-hour drive to Volcanoes National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas. The journey through Rwanda’s rolling green hills offers stunning landscapes and a glimpse into the country’s rural life. Arriving at your lodge, you’ll check in and enjoy a delicious lunch, followed by an optional afternoon visit to Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, where you’ll experience Rwandan traditions, dances, and storytelling. Spend the evening at leisure, surrounded by the cool mountain air, as you prepare for the thrilling gorilla trek the next day.
Accommodation Options:
- Luxury: One&Only Gorilla’s Nest 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
- Mid-Range: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge 🌟🌟🌟🌟
- Budget: La Locanda 🌟🌟🌟
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Wake up early for breakfast before heading to the park headquarters for a briefing by experienced rangers. You’ll then be assigned a gorilla family and begin the thrilling trek through dense bamboo forests and volcanic slopes. The trek may take anywhere from 2 to 6 hours, depending on the location of the gorillas.
Once found, you’ll spend one magical hour observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat, watching them feed, groom, and interact. This close encounter with one of the world’s most endangered species is a life-changing experience. After descending from the mountains, return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation, or opt for an afternoon visit to Dian Fossey’s Tomb to learn about her incredible conservation efforts.
Accommodation Options:
- Luxury: One&Only Gorilla’s Nest 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
- Mid-Range: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge 🌟🌟🌟🌟
- Budget: La Locanda 🌟🌟🌟
Day 3: Return to Kigali – Genocide Memorial & Flight to Nairobi
After breakfast, drive back to Kigali, stopping at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a deeply moving site that tells the story of the 1994 Rwandan Genocide. This visit provides an important perspective on Rwanda’s resilience and recovery. Following lunch, transfer to Kigali International Airport for your flight to Nairobi, Kenya. Upon arrival, your driver will take you to the Giraffe Center, where you can get up close with the rare Rothschild’s giraffes, feed them, and learn about conservation efforts. After this unique experience, check in at your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening in Nairobi.
Accommodation: Tamarind Tree Hotel 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Day 4: Drive to Maasai Mara – Afternoon Game Drive
After an early breakfast, depart for Maasai Mara National Reserve, a 5-6 hour scenic drive through Kenya’s countryside, passing rolling plains, local villages, and the Great Rift Valley escarpment. Arrive at your lodge in time for lunch and some relaxation before heading out for a late afternoon game drive. The Maasai Mara is renowned for its rich wildlife, including the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo), as well as cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, and wildebeests. As the sun sets, witness dramatic predator-prey interactions and a golden-hued landscape, offering perfect photography moments. Return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Accommodation Options:
- Luxury: Mara Plains Camp 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
- Mid-Range: Mara Serena Safari Lodge 🌟🌟🌟🌟
- Budget: Jambo Mara Safari Lodge 🌟🌟🌟
Day 5: Full-Day Game Drive in Maasai Mara
Today is dedicated to exploring the vast Maasai Mara, home to some of Africa’s most impressive wildlife spectacles. Opt for a full-day game drive with picnic lunches, allowing you to venture deeper into the reserve in search of large predator sightings, massive elephant herds, and scenic river crossings. If visiting during the Great Migration (July–October), witness thousands of wildebeest and zebras braving crocodile-infested waters as they cross the Mara River. Alternatively, choose a morning and afternoon game drive, with time to relax at your lodge in between. Engage with local Maasai warriors, learning about their traditions, culture, and way of life.
Accommodation Options:
- Luxury: Mara Plains Camp 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
- Mid-Range: Mara Serena Safari Lodge 🌟🌟🌟🌟
- Budget: Jambo Mara Safari Lodge 🌟🌟🌟
Day 6: Hot Air Balloon Safari & Flight to Nairobi
Rise early for a hot air balloon safari, a breathtaking experience as you glide above the endless golden plains at sunrise. Watch wildlife from the sky and enjoy a champagne breakfast in the bush after landing.
Later, take a scenic flight back to Nairobi, where you will connect with your international flight to Zanzibar, arriving in the evening. Your driver will transfer you to a beachfront resort, where you can unwind with a refreshing drink and a seafood dinner, falling asleep to the sound of the ocean waves.
Accommodation Options in Zanzibar:
- Luxury: The Residence Zanzibar 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
- Mid-Range: Zuri Zanzibar 🌟🌟🌟🌟
- Budget: Kendwa Rocks Beach Hotel 🌟🌟🌟
Day 7: Arrival in Zanzibar – Stone Town Exploration
Upon arriving in Zanzibar, your driver will transfer you to your beachfront resort, where you’ll check in and refresh before setting out to explore Stone Town, the historic heart of the island. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a melting pot of African, Arab, Persian, and European influences, evident in its intricate wooden doors, winding alleyways, and bustling markets. Visit the Sultan’s Palace, the House of Wonders, and the Old Fort, each narrating Zanzibar’s rich history. Walk through the Forodhani Gardens, where you can sample local delicacies like Zanzibar pizza and grilled seafood. As the sun sets, take a dhow cruise along the Indian Ocean, watching the city’s skyline glow in golden hues. Return to your resort for a delicious seafood dinner under the stars, unwinding after an eventful day.
- Luxury: The Residence Zanzibar 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
- Mid-Range: Zuri Zanzibar 🌟🌟🌟🌟
- Budget: Kendwa Rocks Beach Hotel 🌟🌟🌟
Day 8: Spice Farm Tour & Jozani Forest Adventure
Wake up to a tropical breakfast with fresh fruits and Zanzibari coffee before heading to the island’s famous spice farms. Zanzibar, known as the “Spice Island,” produces cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. On this guided tour, you’ll see how these aromatic spices are cultivated, harvested, and used in Zanzibari cuisine and medicine. Engage your senses as you smell, taste, and touch the exotic spices while learning about their significance in local culture. After lunch, drive to Jozani Forest, home to the rare Zanzibar red colobus monkeys. Walk along the canopy boardwalk through the mangroves, spotting various bird species and small antelopes. In the evening, relax at your resort, enjoying a sunset swim before an authentic Swahili-themed dinner featuring coconut curries and grilled seafood.
- Luxury: The Residence Zanzibar 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
- Mid-Range: Zuri Zanzibar 🌟🌟🌟🌟
- Budget: Kendwa Rocks Beach Hotel 🌟🌟🌟
Day 9: Mnemba Atoll Snorkeling & Nungwi Beach Relaxation
Start your morning with an exciting boat trip to Mnemba Atoll, Zanzibar’s premier snorkeling and diving destination. This marine conservation area is famous for its crystal-clear waters, colorful coral reefs, and abundant marine life, including dolphins, sea turtles, and vibrant fish species. Spend the morning snorkeling in the warm waters, floating above an underwater paradise teeming with life. Afterward, return to Nungwi Beach, one of Zanzibar’s most beautiful coastal areas. Here, you can walk along the powdery white sand, enjoy a beachside lunch, and swim in the turquoise ocean. For adventure seekers, optional activities include jet skiing, deep-sea fishing, or parasailing. As the sun dips below the horizon, sip a cocktail at a beachfront bar, embracing the island’s laid-back atmosphere before returning to your resort for a final night in paradise.
- Luxury: The Residence Zanzibar 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
- Mid-Range: Zuri Zanzibar 🌟🌟🌟🌟
- Budget: Kendwa Rocks Beach Hotel 🌟🌟🌟
Day 10: Kendwa Beach & Departure
On your final day in Zanzibar, wake up early to catch the breathtaking sunrise over the Indian Ocean. Spend your morning at Kendwa Beach, known for its serene environment and calm waters, ideal for a refreshing swim or a peaceful walk along the shore. This is the perfect spot to simply relax under the swaying palm trees, sunbathe, or indulge in a spa treatment with locally made coconut and spice-infused oils. If time allows, visit a local craft market to pick up handmade souvenirs, Maasai beadwork, or carved wooden artifacts as mementos of your trip. After a leisurely lunch, transfer to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport for your flight home, bringing an end to an unforgettable Rwanda-Kenya-Zanzibar safari and beach experience.
