This itinerary is East Africa distilled into its most compelling form. It moves through three entirely different landscapes and ecosystems, each offering a wildlife experience unlike any other – and connects them all with seamless fly-in transfers so your time is spent in the wild, not on the road.
Begin in Nairobi, where the world’s only urban wildlife reserve sets the tone from the moment you arrive. Then fly south to the sweeping floodplains of Amboseli National Park, where Africa’s largest elephant herds gather against the snow-capped backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. Game drives here are unlike anywhere else – the scale of the scenery is simply extraordinary.
From Amboseli, fly north into the Masai Mara for three nights on the legendary plains. Kenya’s greatest wildlife reserve delivers Big Five game drives, the seasonal spectacle of the Great Migration, and sundowners on the riverbank as the sky turns amber over the savannah.
Then the journey takes a dramatic turn. Fly to Kigali – Rwanda’s clean, vibrant, and culturally rich capital – before heading into the highlands to Volcanoes National Park. Here, perched above volcanic lakes with the Virunga Mountains as your backdrop, you will trek into bamboo forest to spend one unforgettable hour with a habituated mountain gorilla family, and track a lively troop of golden monkeys through the ancient trees.
With Chui Safaris, every permit, flight, transfer, and lodge is arranged – leaving you entirely free to be present in some of the most remarkable places on earth.
| Day | Location | Activities & Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Nairobi, Kenya | Arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and private transfer to a boutique luxury hotel in the leafy Karen suburb, set among manicured gardens overlooking the Ngong Hills. Optional afternoon visit to Nairobi National Park, the Giraffe Centre, or the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage. |
| Day 2 | Amboseli National Park, Kenya | Transfer to Wilson Airport for your light aircraft flight to Amboseli. Arrive at a private concession bordering the national park, shaded by acacia woodland with sweeping views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Late afternoon game drive and sundowners with Africa’s most iconic mountain as your backdrop. |
| Day 3 | Amboseli National Park, Kenya | Full day in Amboseli with morning and afternoon game drives. Search for the park’s famous large elephant herds, lions, cheetahs, and abundant plains game. Guided bush walk outside the park and optional birding in the wetlands. Bush breakfast in a wilderness clearing. Visit the Amboseli Elephant Research Centre. |
| Day 4 | Masai Mara, Kenya | Fly from Amboseli to Keekorok Airstrip in the Masai Mara. Transfer to your riverside tented camp in the legendary national reserve. Afternoon game drive across open grasslands and along the Mara River in search of big cats, hippos, and crocodiles. |
| Day 5 | Masai Mara, Kenya | Full day in the Masai Mara with morning and afternoon game drives. Witness the seasonal Great Migration – vast herds of wildebeest and zebra crossing the Mara River in one of nature’s greatest spectacles. Exceptional Big Five and predator viewing year-round. Optional hot air balloon safari at dawn. |
| Day 6 | Masai Mara, Kenya | A final full day exploring the Mara’s diverse terrain – riverine forest, open plains, and marshy wetlands. Private dining under the stars available at camp. Sundowners on the riverbank with your dedicated camp butler. |
| Day 7 | Kigali, Rwanda | Fly from the Mara to Nairobi and connect to Kigali International Airport. Private transfer to a premier boutique hotel in Rwanda’s clean and vibrant capital. Afternoon city tour, authentic Rwandan coffee tasting, local craft workshops, and an evening at leisure. |
| Day 8 | Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda | Private road transfer through the rolling green hills of Rwanda to Virunga Lodge, perched high above twin volcanic lakes with panoramic views of the Virunga mountain range. Afternoon at leisure – explore the gardens, unwind with a spa treatment, or join a guided community walk through surrounding villages. |
| Day 9 | Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Rwanda | The centrepiece of the entire journey. After an early breakfast and a park safety briefing, begin your gorilla trek into the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park. Spend one extraordinary hour observing a habituated mountain gorilla family – watching silverbacks, mothers, and playful juveniles in their natural habitat. Complimentary 30-minute massage on return. |
| Day 10 | Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda | Return to the forest for a golden monkey tracking experience – following a lively troop of these brilliantly coloured primates through the ancient bamboo canopy. Afternoon visit to the conservation centre to meet researchers and learn about ongoing efforts to protect the Virunga ecosystem. Farewell dinner at the lodge. |
| Day 11 | Departure | Final morning at Virunga Lodge to savour the views one last time. Private road transfer to Kigali International Airport for your onward international connections. |
Amboseli is best visited during the dry seasons (June–October and January–February) when elephants concentrate around the swamps and the sky is clear enough for unobstructed Kilimanjaro views. The mountain is most often visible in the early morning before clouds gather.
Masai Mara delivers world-class wildlife viewing year-round, but the Great Migration river crossings – one of the most dramatic wildlife events on earth – typically peak between July and October. Big cat sightings are exceptional in all seasons.
Rwanda gorilla trekking is possible every month of the year. The two dry seasons – June to September and December to February – offer the firmest forest trails and most comfortable trekking conditions. Rwanda’s highlands can be cool and misty year-round; layers are always recommended.
The July–September window is the single best period for this itinerary – combining peak Migration in Kenya with ideal trekking conditions in Rwanda. For lower rates and fewer visitors, November and April–May offer excellent experiences with a quieter atmosphere.
Deposit & Payment: A deposit of 30–50% is required to confirm your booking, with the balance due prior to departure.
Cancellation Policy: Varies by lodge and season. Gorilla and golden monkey trekking permits are non-refundable once issued. Full terms will be provided at the time of booking.
Private & Personalised: All transfers, game drives, and guides throughout this itinerary are private. No shared vehicles, no group schedules – your journey is entirely your own.
Find quick answers to common safari queries, from booking timelines to packing tips. If you don’t see the information you need, please contact us and we’ll be happy to assist.
Kenya requires an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), which must be obtained online before travel. Rwanda offers visas on arrival or as e-visas for most nationalities. We'll guide you through the exact requirements for your passport.
Yellow fever vaccination is required for Rwanda and strongly recommended for Kenya. Malaria prophylaxis is recommended for both Amboseli and the Masai Mara. Rwanda's highlands are generally lower risk but prophylaxis is still advisable. Keep typhoid, hepatitis A, and tetanus vaccinations current. We'll provide a full health-prep guide on booking.
Gorilla trekking in the Virungas requires hiking through steep bamboo forest at altitude - treks typically last between one and four hours depending on where the gorilla family has moved that day. A moderate level of fitness is recommended. Porters and trekking poles are available at the park. The minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15 years.
Neutral-toned safari clothing and warm layers for early morning game drives in Amboseli and the Mara; waterproof hiking boots, long-sleeved shirts, and rain gear for gorilla trekking in Rwanda; light smart-casual clothing for evenings at the lodges and in Kigali. Binoculars, a good camera, sunscreen, and insect repellent are essential. We'll send a detailed packing guide.
Absolutely. The combination of Amboseli and the Masai Mara provides some of the most reliable and spectacular wildlife viewing in all of Africa - ideal for first-timers and seasoned travellers alike. Every guide is experienced in making wildlife viewing accessible and enriching, whatever your background.
Yes - and we encourage it. Popular additions include extra nights in the Masai Mara for peak Migration viewing, a Zanzibar beach extension for pure relaxation, or an extra night in Kigali to explore the city more deeply. Tell us what matters to you and we'll build the perfect journey.
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