11-Day Primates And Big 5 Safari: Rwanda & Kenya
11-Day Primates & Big 5 Safari Rwanda Kenya
Safari Overview: 11-Day Primates and Big 5 Safari
Embark on the ultimate East African adventure with Africa Reveal Safaris, where the wild heart of Rwanda and Kenya unfolds before you. This 11-day expedition blends thrilling wildlife encounters with deep cultural immersion, taking you from the misty jungles of Volcanoes National Park, home to endangered mountain gorillas, to the sweeping savannas of the Maasai Mara, where the Great Migration paints the landscape with movement and drama.
Walk in the footsteps of legendary conservationist Dian Fossey, trek through ancient rainforests in search of chimpanzees, and soar above the Mara in a hot air balloon for a breathtaking aerial perspective of Africa’s most iconic wildlife. With exclusive insights from those who shaped Rwanda’s conservation history and optional excursions into Nairobi’s rich heritage, this safari is a rare fusion of adventure, education, and luxury.
Quick Tour Specifics: 11-Day Primates and Big 5 Safari
- Duration: 11 Days / 10 Nights
- Destinations: Rwanda (Kigali, Volcanoes NP, Nyungwe NP, Lake Kivu) & Kenya (Maasai Mara, Nairobi)
- Wildlife Highlights: Mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, the Big Five, Great Migration
- Unique Experiences: Double gorilla trekking, hot air balloon safari, canopy walk, conservation storytelling
- Best Time to Travel: June–October (Great Migration season)
Safari Highlights: 11-Day Primates and Big 5 Safari
✔ Double Gorilla Trekking – Spend two unforgettable days tracking mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, observing their intimate family dynamics in the wild.
✔ Chimpanzee Tracking in Nyungwe – Venture into one of Africa’s oldest rainforests to encounter lively chimpanzee troops swinging through the canopy.
✔ Hot Air Balloon Safari Over the Maasai Mara – Drift silently above the savanna at sunrise, witnessing herds of wildebeest, elephants, and predators below.
✔ Exclusive Conservation Stories – Hear firsthand accounts from those who worked alongside Dian Fossey, deepening your understanding of Rwanda’s gorilla conservation legacy.
✔ Optional Cultural Excursions – Visit the Karen Blixen Museum, Giraffe Centre, and Sheldrick Wildlife Trust for a glimpse into Kenya’s history and wildlife rehabilitation efforts.
Detailed Itinerary: A Journey Through Wild Africa
Day 1: Arrival in Rwanda – Into the Land of a Thousand Hills
Your adventure begins in Kigali, where your Africa Reveal Safaris guide welcomes you with warm hospitality. As you drive through Rwanda’s emerald terraced hills toward Musanze, the gateway to Volcanoes National Park, the air grows crisp with mountain freshness. If time allows, a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial offers a poignant reflection on Rwanda’s resilience.
After settling into the luxurious Virunga Lodge, the evening unfolds with an exclusive conservation dinner. Renowned gorilla researcher Peter Veit, a former colleague of Dian Fossey, shares gripping tales of Karisoke Research Center’s early days, setting the stage for your upcoming gorilla encounters.
Day 2: First Gorilla Trek – Face-to-Face with Gentle Giants
11-Day Primates & Big 5 Safari Rwanda Kenya
At dawn, you’ll gather at the park headquarters, where rangers brief you on gorilla tracking etiquette. With only 96 permits issued daily, this is a privilege few experience. The trek through dense bamboo forests and volcanic slopes is unpredictable, some families are found within an hour, others require a longer hike. But when you finally lock eyes with a silverback, time stands still.
Spend a magical hour observing these majestic creatures, infants tumbling playfully, mothers grooming, and the dominant male keeping watch. Afterward, return to the lodge for a well-earned lunch. The afternoon is yours to relax or visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, where cutting-edge conservation work continues.
Day 3: Second Gorilla Trek or Golden Monkey Adventure
11-Day Primates & Big 5 Safari Rwanda Kenya
Today offers a choice: a second gorilla trek for deeper immersion, a hike to Dian Fossey’s original Karisoke Research Camp (now in ruins but hauntingly evocative), or tracking golden monkeys, their fiery fur a striking contrast against green foliage.
Later, journey to Lake Kivu, a sparkling gem in the Great Rift Valley. En route, visit Imbabazi, the former plantation of Rosamond Carr, whose legacy lives on as a cultural hub. Arrive at Lake Kivu Serena Hotel, where the sunset paints the water gold, and the evening is spent in lakeside serenity.
Day 4: Into Nyungwe – Africa’s Ancient Rainforest
After breakfast, wind through tea plantations and rolling hills toward Nyungwe National Park, a biodiversity hotspot where the Nile and Congo rivers begin. This primordial forest teems with life, over 1,000 plant species, 300 birds, and 13 primate species, including chimpanzees.
Check in at Nyungwe House, an elegant retreat perched on the forest’s edge. As dusk falls, listen to the symphony of tree frogs and night birds, knowing tomorrow brings a thrilling chimp trek.
Day 5: Chimp Tracking & Primate Paradise
11-Day Primates & Big 5 Safari Rwanda Kenya
At first light, you’ll set off into the forest, guided by the distant calls of chimpanzees. Watching them forage, groom, and swing through the trees is mesmerizing. Nyungwe’s trails may also reveal colobus monkeys, rare birds, and even elusive leopards.
After lunch, unwind at the lodge or opt for a guided nature walk. As the forest hums around you, it’s easy to see why Nyungwe is called the “African Galapagos.”
Day 6: Canopy Walk & Return to Kigali
11-Day Primates & Big 5 Safari Rwanda Kenya
Start the day with a highlight: the canopy walkway, a suspended bridge 50 meters above the forest floor. From this vantage, spot birds, monkeys, and endless greenery stretching to the horizon.
Later, return to Kigali for a special dinner with historian Rose-Marie Mukarutabana, a genocide survivor who illuminates Rwanda’s past and hopeful future.
Day 7: Flight to Kenya – Maasai Mara Beckons
A morning flight whisks you to Nairobi, then onward to the Maasai Mara, Kenya’s crown jewel. An afternoon game drive introduces you to lions, elephants, and, if timing aligns, the Great Migration’s thunderous herds.
At Little Governors’ Camp, your tented suite overlooks a waterhole frequented by wildlife. As the campfire crackles, share stories under a sky ablaze with stars.
Day 8: Hot Air Balloon Safari & Mara Exploration
11-Day Primates & Big 5 Safari Rwanda Kenya
Before dawn, you’ll glide skyward in a hot air balloon, the savanna awakening below. Wildebeest herds move like rivers, elephants dot the plains, and predators begin their hunt. Toast with champagne at landing, followed by a gourmet bush breakfast.
The day continues with game drives, seeking cheetahs, leopards, and Mara’s famous lion prides.
Day 9: Great Migration Spectacle : 11-Day Primates and Big 5 Safari
11-Day Primates & Big 5 Safari Rwanda Kenya
If visiting during migration season (July–October), today is dedicated to the Mara River’s dramatic crossings. Thousands of wildebeest brave crocodile-infested waters, a raw, unforgettable display of nature’s drama.
Day 10: Nairobi – Culture & Conservation
Fly back to Nairobi, where optional excursions await: the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (meet orphaned elephants), Giraffe Centre, or Karen Blixen Museum.
Day 11: Farewell, Africa
After breakfast, transfer to the airport, your heart full of wild memories.
Inclusions & Exclusions : 11-Day Primates and Big 5 Safari
Included:
✅ All accommodations (luxury lodges & camps)
✅ Meals as specified
✅ Double gorilla trekking permits
✅ Chimpanzee tracking fees
✅ Hot air balloon safari in Maasai Mara
✅ All ground transfers & domestic flights (Kigali-Nairobi-Mara)
✅ Expert guides & conservation talks
✅ Park fees & government taxes
Excluded:
❌ International flights & visas
❌ Travel insurance
❌ Tips & personal expenses
❌ Optional activities (Karen Blixen Museum, Giraffe Centre, etc.)
Why Choose Africa Reveal Safaris for your 11-Day Primates and Big 5 Safari?
We don’t just show you Africa—we reveal its soul. With expert guides, exclusive access to conservationists, and handpicked luxury accommodations, this safari is a masterpiece of wildlife, culture, and adventure.
Ready to embark? Contact us to book your journey into the wild.
🌍 Africa Reveal Safaris – Where Legends Roam.