Kenya Mara and Rwanda Gorillas Long Itinerary: 15 Days Across Kenya and Rwanda

This is the most complete version of the combination. It gives you time to acclimatise, travel without hurrying and include a second wildlife area in each country.

It still pivots on a permitted gorilla date, so confirm that first.

This guide is part of our Uganda road routes and driving guide. When you are ready to plan, see our Uganda safari packages or the Ameera Africa Safaris Uganda tours homepage.

Days 1 to 3: Nairobi and Rift Valley

Arrive, rest and visit Nairobi, then drive to a Rift Valley lake. Lake Nakuru is a good option for birds and rhinos; see Lake Nakuru National Park. A night here breaks the road to the Mara into two easier legs and shows a different Kenya from the savannah.

Days 4 to 8: The Masai Mara

Continue to the Mara by road, or return to Nairobi and fly. Spend four nights on game drives, with time for a balloon flight, a bush breakfast and, in conservancies, walks and night drives. Read where to stay in the Masai Mara for how to choose between reserve and conservancy settings.

Day 9: Nairobi to Kigali

Return to Nairobi and fly to Kigali. Overnight in the city, visit a memorial or craft market and recover from the travel. See Kigali travel guide. This slack day protects your onward plans.

Days 10 to 12: Volcanoes National Park

Drive to Musanze, rest, then trek to gorillas on day eleven and track golden monkeys or hike a volcano on day twelve. See Volcanoes National Park and gorilla families and groups for how treks are organised.

Days 13 and 14: Akagera or Nyungwe

Choose between Akagera for savannah wildlife and boat trips, or Nyungwe for chimpanzees and a canopy walk. Akagera pairs well after a mountain trek because it is relaxed. See Akagera National Park and Nyungwe National Park. Each requires a substantial drive from Musanze, so avoid trying both.

Day 15: Return and Depart

Return to Kigali and fly home. Allow plenty of time for the drive and airport procedures, and avoid very early flights after a long road day. If you have extra time, add a night in Kigali.

Pacing Advice

Limit long drives to one per day, avoid scheduling the gorilla trek on arrival day and keep a spare day before long-haul departure. Travel light for bush flights. See Kenya luggage rules for packing guidance.

Why a Long Itinerary Works Well

Spreading the trip over fifteen days reduces fatigue and improves every experience. You are less likely to be hurried at a sighting, more likely to see a variety of wildlife and better able to adapt to weather. A long plan also allows a quiet day in each country for rest, laundry and photographs. The extra time can be used to deepen your understanding of conservation, for instance by visiting a community project or learning how anti-poaching work is organised. See responsible and conservation travel in East Africa.

Akagera or Nyungwe: Choosing Well

Akagera offers savannah, lakes and boat trips and feels like a smaller, calmer cousin of the Kenyan plains, so it suits travellers who want a relaxed, wildlife-rich finish. Nyungwe offers a high-altitude rainforest, chimpanzee tracking and a canopy walk, and suits travellers who enjoy hiking and birds. Both need a long drive from Musanze, so decide which one fits your interests and fitness rather than trying to squeeze in both. Read Akagera best time to visit and Nyungwe best time to visit.

Keep Planning This Combination

Compare other lengths and details here: combination overview, short itinerary, medium itinerary, route and border guide, best time guide, questions and answers.

Planning a Uganda safari? Send us your dates and we will build the route, permits and transport around what you want to see.

Related Tours, Guides and Resources

• Ameera Africa Safaris homepage: Uganda safaris, tours and holidays
• Uganda safari packages
• Uganda travel guide
• How to book a Uganda safari
• Plan your safari with our team