19 Day Kenya Safari Exploration with Rwanda & Zanzibar

From

$9499

Land Only

$10989*

Air & Land



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Featured Hotels

Kenya Safari Exploration with Rwanda & Zanzibar
Kigali Serena Hotel Kigali
Tiloreza Volcanoes Ecolodge Kinigi
Emara Ole Sereni Nairobi
Ashnil Samburu Camp Buffalo Springs Game Reserve
The Ark Aberdare National Park
Great Rift Valley Lodge Naivasha, Nakuru
Mara Intrepids Camp Masai Mara National Reserve
Crowne Plaza Nairobi Airport Nairobi
Zanzibar Serena Hotel Stone Town, Zanzibar
DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Hotel Zanzibar - Nungwi Zanzibar

Click a Date to Book Online

2022 Dates & Prices
Dates

Not Included:
Zanzibar Infrastructure Tax of $1 per person per night (payable locally), optional tours and gratuities.


Additional Information:
Land only price does not include arrival transfer, but does include departure transfer and flights Kigali-Nairobi, Nairobi-Zanzibar & Zanzibar-Dar es Salaam.

Passengers should select flights on Day 19 from Dar es Salaam that depart no earlier than 3 PM.

Please note due to strict regulations on gorilla trekking permits, the cost of the permit is fully non-refundable at the time of booking. Any cancellations or amendments will incur a $1,500 per person fee.

Please note children under 15 years of age are not permitted on this tour.

Due to limited space in safari vehicles, please pack your belongings in a soft-sided duffel bag. Traditional suitcases with rigid frames or hard plastic sides should not be used.

Please note, all passport holders should have three or more entirely blank (unstamped) visa pages in their passport when traveling to Kenya, and four or more entirely blank (unstamped) visa pages in their passport when traveling to Tanzania, and one or more entirely blank (unstamped) visa pages in their passport when traveling to Rwanda. Click here for more information.

Passengers traveling to Rwanda must carry proof of yellow fever vaccination and passengers traveling to Kenya must carry proof of yellow fever vaccination if traveling through or from a country with risk of yellow fever.

Entry Requirements:
Passengers traveling abroad require a passport valid for six months beyond their travel dates. All travelers are responsible to check if a visa is required for all countries on their itinerary. For visa information, check our Visas page.


Is This Trip Right for You?

This itinerary requires a moderate level of physical fitness. Gorilla trekking on Day 4 may take between 2 to 7 hours depending on the movement and location of the gorillas. All passengers must be able to hike unassisted at a steady pace through dense forests on uneven, often slippery slopes, at an altitude of up to 8,000 feet. Though not generally high enough to induce altitude sickness, you may experience heavy breathing and require several breaks along the trek. Hiking boots are required to navigate difficult terrain. Note that visitors that are sick will not be allowed to enter Volcanoes National Park due to the risk of spreading disease to the primates. During this tour, you may come into proximity of wild animals whose actions can be unpredictable. Certain inherent risks are involved which should be considered at your own discretion. This program covers a lot of ground each day, and we spend many days driving over roads that are often rough and bumpy in safari vehicles that cannot be air-conditioned. Only "bush toilets" are available during game drives. We have many early mornings. Electricity in the camps is provided by generator and may not be available 24 hours a day. Many of the accommodations are built in the traditional local style and have no air-conditioning. Passengers traveling with CPAP machines must notify Gate 1 Travel in advance so accommodations can be made to run these machines through the night. Occasionally power and back-up generators fail and power will not be available. Many of the accommodations are built in the traditional local style and have no air-conditioning. Visitors to Rwanda and passengers traveling from Kenya to Tanzania, including Zanzibar, are required to carry proof of Yellow Fever vaccination, and are encouraged to consult their health-care providers regarding malaria prophylaxis. We suggest you check with your health-care provider before signing up for this tour. Some of our tours require walking or stairs between tents. Passengers should be aware that Zanzibar is a conservative Muslim region, with dress restrictions in many public areas (no bare shoulder, shorts etc.). Safari vehicles have high ground clearance and require agility to embark and disembark. This is a Small Group program. For more information, click here.

Accommodation Details




Room 1


  • Requests are not guaranteed and are subject to each hotel's discretion and availability

Flight Details



Package Includes

  • Small groups of maximum 22 travelers guaranteed
  • Flights New York-Kigali, Dar es Salaam-New York
    Other departure cities available. Click on date of departure for selection and prices
  • Airline taxes & fuel surcharges
  • All intra-flights: Kigali-Nairobi, Nairobi-Zanzibar & Zanzibar-Dar es Salaam
  • 17 nights First Class accommodations
    • 1 night Kigali
    • 3 nights Volcanoes National Park
    • 3 nights Nairobi
    • 2 nights Samburu National Reserve
    • 1 night Aberdare National Park
    • 1 night Lake Naivasha
    • 2 nights Masai Mara National Reserve
    • 2 nights Stone Town
    • 2 nights Nungwi
  • Hotel taxes, fees & service charges
  • Hotel porterage
  • All transfers included only with airfare purchase on package arrival & departure dates†
  • 44 meals: 17 breakfasts, 12 lunches, 15 dinners
  • Sightseeing per itinerary in modern 4x4 vehicles
  • Services of English-speaking driver-guide throughout
  • National Park fees
  • Golden monkey and gorilla trekking permits

Tour Highlights

Thanks to our small group size, we can get to the heart of our destination, visit places that other tours miss, and get to know the locals.

  • Embark on a gorilla trek in Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park
  • Take a guided forest trek in search of Golden monkeys in the highland forests of Volcanoes National Park
  • Visit the Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, the world's most successful orphan elephant rescue center
  • At the Giraffe Centre, hand-feed elegant Rothschild giraffes from an elevated platform
  • Enjoy personal game drive experiences in safari vehicles that seat no more than seven
  • Explore Samburu National Park, known for its unique wildlife
  • Enjoy leisurely game viewing at one of Kenya's iconic tree lodges
  • Travel to Lake Nakuru National Park, known for its superb birdlife
  • Test your luck and see how many of the "Big Five" you'll spot in the magical Masai Mara National Reserve
  • Explore Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the cultural center of the Zanzibar Archipelago
  • Enjoy a sunset cruise on a traditional wooden dhow
  • Explore Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park, home to the endangered Zanzibar red colobus monkey
  • Tour a working spice plantation to learn about the crops of the Spice Islands

†Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates

Is This Trip Right for You?

This itinerary requires a moderate level of physical fitness. Gorilla trekking on Day 4 may take between 2 to 7 hours depending on the movement and location of the gorillas. All passengers must be able to hike unassisted at a steady pace through dense forests on uneven, often slippery slopes, at an altitude of up to 8,000 feet. Though not generally high enough to induce altitude sickness, you may experience heavy breathing and require several breaks along the trek. Hiking boots are required to navigate difficult terrain. Note that visitors that are sick will not be allowed to enter Volcanoes National Park due to the risk of spreading disease to the primates. During this tour, you may come into proximity of wild animals whose actions can be unpredictable. Certain inherent risks are involved which should be considered at your own discretion. This program covers a lot of ground each day, and we spend many days driving over roads that are often rough and bumpy in safari vehicles that cannot be air-conditioned. Only "bush toilets" are available during game drives. We have many early mornings. Electricity in the camps is provided by generator and may not be available 24 hours a day. Many of the accommodations are built in the traditional local style and have no air-conditioning. Passengers traveling with CPAP machines must notify Gate 1 Travel in advance so accommodations can be made to run these machines through the night. Occasionally power and back-up generators fail and power will not be available. Many of the accommodations are built in the traditional local style and have no air-conditioning. Visitors to Rwanda and passengers traveling from Kenya to Tanzania, including Zanzibar, are required to carry proof of Yellow Fever vaccination, and are encouraged to consult their health-care providers regarding malaria prophylaxis. We suggest you check with your health-care provider before signing up for this tour. Some of our tours require walking or stairs between tents. Passengers should be aware that Zanzibar is a conservative Muslim region, with dress restrictions in many public areas (no bare shoulder, shorts etc.). Safari vehicles have high ground clearance and require agility to embark and disembark. This is a Small Group program. For more information, click here.
Note: your itinerary will change depending upon the day of the week you depart. Click a day above to see what is included.

DAY 1, Sunday - Depart for Rwanda
Depart for Rwanda

DAY 2, Monday - Arrive in Kigali
Arrive in Kigali, capital city of Rwanda, and transfer to your hotel. Time to settle in before dinner tonight
Overnight: Kigali
Meals: Dinner

DAY 3, Tuesday - Kigali City Tour
This morning, take a tour of the city. Visit the Kandt House Museum, explore the local craft market and visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial site where you learn about Rwanda's genocide. Later, travel to Musanze. Upon arrival, head to the Karisoke Research Center (Diane Fossey Gorilla Fund) for a guided tour. Following your visit proceed to your lodge for dinner and overnight
Overnight: Volcanoes National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4, Wednesday - The Gorilla Trek
After breakfast, assemble for a briefing by experienced rangers before embarking on the gorilla trek. Your group will be guided through the rough terrain of the foothills of the Virunga Volcanoes in search of one of the park's habituated gorilla families. The trek will last up to 7 hours depending on the location of the animals. When a gorilla family is found, you'll be allowed an hour in their company to watch them eat, preen and play. Later, after a coffee tasting experience return to the lodge for dinner
Overnight: Volcanoes National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5, Thursday - Golden Monkey Tracking
Today, head to the highland forests of Volcanoes National Park in search of the endangered Golden monkeys that live in the bamboo vegetation toward the base of the volcanoes. During the trek, you will come across other types of wildlife. Upon encounter, you will have time to observe the playful and inquisitive monkeys before returning to the lodge. In the afternoon, participate in a cooking lesson with tasting of the dishes prepared. At dinner tonight, bid farewell to Rwanda
Overnight: Volcanoes National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6, Friday - Flight to Nairobi
This morning, travel back to Kigali and arrive in time for lunch at a local restaurant. Afterward, transfer to the airport for your flight to Nairobi, Kenya. Arrive and check into the hotel, followed by time at leisure
Overnight: Nairobi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 7, Saturday - Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Centre
This morning, visit the Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage to learn about how the orphan elephants, raised by the orphanage, are later released into the wild. Elephant calves are brought here from all over the country to receive specialized care from highly dedicated staff. Perhaps, you'll arrive there just in time to see them being exercised and bathed. Then, drive towards the Ngong Hills for a tour of the Karen Blixen Museum, once the farmhouse of the prominent author of Out of Africa. After lunch on your own, continue to Kazuri Beads Workshop, which started in 1975 as a tiny workshop making ceramic beads by hand. Today, this center produces fine examples of genuine African jewelry out of clay gathered from nearby Mt. Kenya. End the day at the Giraffe Centre where you hand-feed the Rothschild Giraffe, an endangered species, from an elevated feeding platform and learn more about their extensive conservation efforts. Dinner tonight is at a local restaurant
Overnight: Nairobi
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 8, Sunday - Evening Game Drive in Samburu National Park
Travel north this morning towards Samburu National Park, a spectacular 60-square-mile reserve known for its unique wildlife, rarely found in other Kenyan parks. Here, view different species of giraffe, zebra, beisa oryx and the long-necked gerenuk, along with lion, cheetah, and leopard. Besides the numerous varieties of wildlife found in this game reserve, the park is also a bird haven. En route, stop for lunch at the Trout Tree Restaurant, built in an enormous fig tree below Mount Kenya. Arrive in Samburu, with its arid hills leading to the lush forested ravine of the Ewaso Nyiro River. Along these river banks, the majority of the animals gather for the promise of water. This evening, set out on your first game drive, returning to the camp in time for dinner
Overnight: Samburu National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 9, Monday - Morning & Afternoon Game Drives in Samburu National Park
Morning game drive today in the midst of this rugged and beautiful semi-arid desert of northern Kenya. Perhaps you'll see a lion, ostrich, or even a family of elephants wandering the hills. After lunch at the lodge, an afternoon drive takes you to a different area of the park. Return to the lodge for leisure time. Tonight, after dinner, an interesting lecture and discussion with a Samburu naturalist. You'll learn more about the principles and tribal traditions of the villagers living in the northern foothills of Mount Kenya
Overnight: Samburu National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 10, Tuesday - Game Viewing in Aberdare National Park
Today, travel southwest to the heart of Aberdare National Park. Arrive at The Ark, one of Kenya's iconic tree lodges. The Ark is designed with layers of decks overlooking a floodlit watering hole and salt lick that attracts a huge amount of wildlife all day and night. The many different balconies and lounges provide superb vantage points for game viewing. A ground level bunker provides excellent photographic opportunities and takes you up-close to the animals; see elephant, buffalo, bushbuck and occasionally a rhino
Overnight: Aberdare National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 11, Wednesday - Game Drive in Lake Nakuru National Park
Today, explore Lake Nakuru National Park, dominated by the shallow waters of the lake at its center, best known for its pink flamingos, white rhino, lion, and the elusive leopard. The birdlife here is absolutely superb, with over 450 species recorded - at certain times of year there are over a million flamingos. Drive to the edge of the lake to view thousands of birds feeding in the alkaline water, see the sweeping view from the top of Baboon Rocks, then look for warthogs and waterbucks. Nakuru is also one of the best places in Kenya to see black and white rhino, and for making daytime leopard sightings. Afterward, continue to your lodge where you will spend the remainder of the evening at leisure
Overnight: Lake Naivasha
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 12, Thursday - Afternoon Game Drive in the Masai Mara National Reserve
Early drive to the magical Masai Mara National Reserve in the southwest corner of Kenya, renowned for its spectacular game viewing. The breathtaking savannahs of the park are a stunning backdrop to a diverse and abundant wildlife population throughout the entire year. Lunch at the camp, before going out on the afternoon game drive
Overnight: Masai Mara National Reserve
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 13, Friday - Morning & Afternoon Game Drives in the Masai Mara National Reserve
A fabulous sunrise experience! Arise before dawn to participate in today's optional Hot Air Balloon Safari. Take off in a hot air balloon as you watch the breathtaking sunrise over the Masai Mara. Drift above the beautiful landscape, watching wild game roam the vast plains below. The finale is a sumptuous champagne breakfast before returning back to camp. Today's game drives through the spectacular Masai Mara reserve focus on the "Big Five" (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhino), as well as antelopes, gazelles, hippos and a variety of birdlife. A dinner tonight celebrates your final night in the Mara
Optional: Sunrise Balloon Safari & Breakfast (AM)
Overnight: Masai Mara National Reserve
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 14, Saturday - Travel to Nairobi
Depart the Mara this morning and return to bustling Nairobi. Upon arrival in the early afternoon, bid farewell to your Kenyan guide. Spend the rest of the day and evening at leisure in this energetic city
Overnight: Nairobi
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 15, Sunday - Stone Town, Sunset Dhow Cruise
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Zanzibar. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel in Stone Town, where you will be introduced to the historic capital of the Zanzibar Archipelago by your local host. The afternoon is at leisure to stroll through the town, named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or simply rest, relax and enjoy the myriad delights of the hotel. This evening, board a traditional dhow in time to watch the fiery golden sun setting beyond the horizon. Enjoy the peacefulness of the ocean as the dhow silently glides through the water, while savoring a glass of chilled wine*
*The dhow ride may be impacted by local weather conditions
Overnight: Stone Town
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 16, Monday - Tour of Stone Town, Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park
This morning, enjoy a guided walking tour of Stone Town, famous for its Swahili architecture, a maze of narrow alleyways, ornate wooden doors, and many historical buildings*. After lunch at a local restaurant, head to Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park, home to a number of endemic species including the Zanzibar red colobus monkey. Embark on a guided tour along the nature trails of Jozani Forest, keeping an eye out for some of the forest's other residents, including the Sykes' monkey, chameleons and a variety of birdlife. Then, follow a boardwalk deep in the mangrove swamps and learn how this fascinating ecosystem protects the island's coastline. After your visit, return to your hotel in Stone Town
*Please note that during the walking tour of Stone Town, you will go through part of the city with a large number of merchants who may try to aggressively sell their merchandise.
Overnight: Stone Town
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 17, Tuesday - Mtoni Palace Ruins, Spice Farm, Kidichi Persian Baths
Journey to the western coast of Zanzibar to visit the ruins of Mtoni Palace, birthplace of Princess Salme, the youngest daughter of Sultan Said. Tour the grounds of the palace and enjoy a traditional coffee ceremony. A short drive takes you to one of the beautiful old Omani houses which once belonged to the Sultan's nephew. Then explore a lush spice farm, where your guide will introduce you to the various culinary and medicinal uses of the spices grown on the island. After lunch at a local house, visit the impressive Persian baths in Kidichi, which were built for Sultan Said's second wife, Sheherazade. Continue to your beachfront hotel for an evening at leisure
Overnight: Nungwi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 18, Wednesday - Day at Leisure
Today is at leisure to discover on your own. Relax, rejuvenate, enjoy your beautiful surroundings and treasure your last day in this paradise. This evening, savor a delicious dinner at the resort
Overnight: Nungwi
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 19, Thursday - Depart Tanzania
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Dar es Salaam, where you will connect to your departure flight. Please select flights that depart no earlier than 3 PM
Meals: Breakfast

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Discovery Tours itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently.
Kigali Serena Hotel, Kigali
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This deluxe hotel is located in the heart of Kigali, near the Belgian Peacekeepers Memorial.

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Tiloreza Volcanoes Ecolodge, Kinigi
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This superior tourist class hotel is located near the Volcanoes National Park in Kinigi.

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Emara Ole Sereni, Nairobi
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This deluxe hotel is located near Nairobi National Park.

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Ashnil Samburu Camp, Buffalo Springs Game Reserve
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This first class camp is located within the Buffalo Springs Game Reserve and overlooks the plains and Ewaso Nyiro River.

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The Ark, Aberdare National Park
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This first class hotel is located in Aberdare National Park.

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Great Rift Valley Lodge, Naivasha, Nakuru
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This first class hotel overlooks Lake Naivasha.

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Mara Intrepids Camp, Masai Mara National Reserve
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This first class hotel is located in a lovely location overlooking the Talek River.

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Crowne Plaza Nairobi Airport, Nairobi
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This first class hotel is about a thirty minute drive away from city center of Nairobi.

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Zanzibar Serena Hotel, Stone Town, Zanzibar
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This deluxe hotel is located on the sea-front of Stone Town, one of Africa's most ancient and most enchanting towns.

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DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Hotel Zanzibar - Nungwi, Zanzibar
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This first class hotel is located on a white sandy beach in Nungwi, on the northern coast of the island of Zanzibar.

Hotel Details
Book your Optional Tours before you travel. See more, save time, save money.
  • Tours purchased while travelling may cost an extra 10% or more
  • Tours often sell out. Avoid disappointment
  • Save your cash. Credit card processing may not be possible locally
  • Travel insurance only covers services purchased prior to departure
  • Book Online or call to book these tours up to 1 week before your departure
  • The day the optionals operate varies by the day of the week
Masai Mara Sunrise Balloon Safari & Breakfast

Arise before dawn, and take off in a hot air balloon as you watch the breathtaking sunrise over the Masai Mara. Drift above the beautiful landscape, watching wild game roam the vast plains below. The finale is a sumptuous champagne breakfast before beginning today’s game drive.*

*Please note that departure time for this excursion is very early in the morning, 5 AM or earlier. Agility is required to embark and disembark the balloon basket. Wildlife viewing, quantity and species of animals seen is dependent upon local conditions including weather, wind and seasonal migration patterns. The take-off time and the duration of the flight and tour may vary due to weather conditions. Balloon rides vary but are usually 45 minutes to an hour.

Approximate tour duration is 2 hours.

*Please note that the group’s morning game drive will begin while en route to pick you up, and may see other wildlife before you’ve rejoined the group.

**Due to limited capacity, advanced booking is recommended for this tour. Please be advised that this is not an exclusive tour

Day #13 01 Jan 2022 - 30 Apr 2024 $480.00
Masai Mara Sunrise Balloon Safari & Breakfast Thumbnail