Kenya Mara and Rwanda Gorillas Short Itinerary: 7 Days of Big Cats and Gorillas

A short version asks you to be efficient. You spend a few days in the Mara, travel to Rwanda by air, and give the gorillas a full day.

Because gorilla permits are limited, book the trek date first and fit the Mara around it. Longer plans are in the medium itinerary and long itinerary.

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.

Day 1: Nairobi to the Masai Mara

Arrive in Nairobi and transfer to the Mara, preferably by a short flight so you reach camp in time for an afternoon game drive. Check Nairobi to the Mara for the choice between road and air. If you arrive late at night, stay in Nairobi and fly the next morning. Pack light because small aircraft impose strict luggage limits.

Days 2 and 3: Game Drives in the Mara

Spend two days on dawn and late-afternoon drives, searching for lions, leopards, cheetahs and elephants. In migration months your guide may suggest a full-day drive to the river. Midday is for rest at camp. See Masai Mara wildlife guide for what to expect. Consider one balloon flight if the schedule allows; see Mara balloon safari.

Day 4: Fly Nairobi to Kigali

Fly from the Mara to Nairobi in the morning, then take an international flight to Kigali. Check current schedules with your operator, as flight times change. Rwanda's time zone differs from Kenya's by one hour, so adjust your watch. Collect your bags, meet your driver and transfer to a Kigali hotel. See Kigali airport to Kigali city.

Day 5: Kigali to Musanze

Drive north through terraced hills to Musanze, the gateway to Volcanoes National Park. The road is well surfaced and scenic. Check in, prepare boots and rain gear and attend any briefing your operator arranges. See Kigali to Musanze. This is a rest and preparation day before the trek.

Day 6: Gorilla Trekking

Meet at park headquarters in the morning, receive a briefing and be assigned a gorilla family. Trails can be steep and muddy, and the walk may take a few hours each way. You spend a limited time with the gorillas, which is plenty to be moved. See a day in the life of a gorilla trek for what to expect.

Day 7: Return to Kigali and Depart

Return to Kigali by road and fly home, or continue to a further destination. Allow generous time for the drive and airport procedures. If your flight is early, spend the night in Kigali. Consider the city's memorial and craft markets if time allows; see Kigali memorial sites.

Why the Permit Date Comes First

Gorilla permits are limited and sold for specific dates, so they act as the anchor of a short itinerary. Once the trek day is fixed, you can count backwards to choose the Mara dates and the day you fly between Nairobi and Kigali. If you choose the Mara first and apply for a permit afterwards, you may find that your preferred days are unavailable, especially in peak months. Ask your operator to confirm the permit before booking non-refundable flights, and read Rwanda gorilla permits and trekking rules for how the system works.

Tips for Keeping a Short Trip Smooth

Travel with soft, compact luggage, keep a printed copy of key documents and leave valuable time at both ends rather than filling every hour. Book your Mara-to-Nairobi flight early in the day so that you can reach Kigali in the afternoon, and avoid very early international departures after a long day. In Rwanda, rest well the night before the trek, drink plenty of water and bring waterproofs and gloves, since the forest is damp even in dry months. See what to wear for gorilla trekking for a full list.

Keep Planning This Combination

For the wider picture see the combination overview, medium itinerary, route and border guide, best time guide, practical guide.

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