9 DAYS NYUNGWE NATIONAL PARK AND LEWA & MASAI MARA SAFARI

Overview

This 9-day safari combines the best of Rwanda’s Nyungwe National Park and Kenya’s Lewa Downs Conservancy and Masai Mara Game Reserve. The adventure begins with a Kigali city tour and transfer to Nyungwe, where you will experience the thrilling Canopy Walk, hike to Kamiranzovu Waterfalls, and go chimpanzee trekking.In Kenya, the safari continues with a flight to Lewa Downs, home to unique wildlife like Reticulated Giraffe and Grevy’s zebras. Activities include game drives, horse riding, and visits to Ngare Ndare Forest. The highlight is the Masai Mara, famous for its high concentration of wildlife and enjoy game drives, a hot air balloon ride, and a cultural visit to a Masai village before returning to Nairobi.

Highlights

  • Kigali Genocide Memorial Center
  • Kimironko Market
  • National Ethnographic Museum
  • Nyungwe National Park
  • Canopy Walk
  • Kamiranzovu Waterfalls
  • Chimpanzee Trekking
  • Gisakura Tea Estate
  • Lewa Downs Conservancy
  • Ngare Ndare Forest
  • Masai Mara Game Reserve
  • Hot Air Balloon Ride
  • Cultural Visit to a Masai Village

Itineraries

DAY 1: Arriva, Kigali City Tour and Ethnographic Museum

Your adventure begins with a warm welcome as you are picked up from your hotel or Kigali International Airport and you will get started on a captivating city tour. The first stop is the Kigali Genocide Memorial Center, a poignant site that commemorates the victims of the 1994 genocide. Where, you will gain a deeper understanding of Rwanda’s history and resilience. Next, you’ll visit the bustling Kimironko Market, where you can experience the local culture and perhaps pick up some souvenirs. After an enriching morning in Kigali, you will be transferred to Nyungwe National Park. On the way, you will stop at the National Ethnographic Museum in Huye, which showcases Rwanda’s diverse cultures and traditions through its collection of artifacts. Later, you will arrive at your lodge in Nyungwe, unwind and prepare for the next day.

DAY 2: Canopy Walk and Kamiranzovu Waterfalls

Day two starts with an early breakfast, energizing you for an exciting day in Nyungwe National Park. You will embark on the Canopy Walk, a thrilling experience that takes you high above the forest floor. This walkway offers breathtaking views of the lush rainforest and the chance to spot various bird species and primates. After the canopy walk, you will set off for the Kamiranzovu Waterfalls. This moderate hike takes approximately four hours round trip and immerses you in the park’s rich biodiversity. As you trek through the forest, you will encounter various plant species, some of Nyungwe’s resident monkeys. Upon reaching the waterfalls, you can enjoy the refreshing and soothing sound of water, providing a perfect backdrop for photos. After a fulfilling day of exploration, you will return to your lodge for lunch and some relaxation and an overnight stay.

DAY 3: Chimpanzee Trekking, Gisakura Tea Estate and Return to Kigali

The third day will start with breakfast before an exhilarating experience of chimpanzee trekking. This trek is one of the highlights of your trip, as you venture into the forest in search of these fascinating primates. Accompanied by experienced guides, you will learn about the chimpanzees’ behavior and habitat while navigating through the lush undergrowth. After the chimpanzee trek, you will visit the Gisakura Tea Estate, where you can learn about the tea production process that is integral to Rwanda’s economy. Enjoy a guided tour of the estate, followed by a delightful tea-tasting session. Following lunch, you will begin your journey back to Kigali International Airport.

DAY 4: ARRIVAL (Leisure)

Upon arrival at J.K.I. A you will be met by Explorer Kenya representative for a minute briefing. Nairobi is the largest city between Cairo and Johannesburg. Though just south of the equator, it enjoys a spring-like climate. Although the atmosphere in Nairobi is quite hectic, there are charming hidden places, surrounded by tall, lush trees and blooming exotic flowers. Spring is really colorful in Nairobi with all the purple jacaranda trees in bloom. What a sight! Dining and shopping is very good in this city. Today enjoy a relaxing time, dinner and overnight at Hemingways Karen –Half Board.

DAY 5: NAIROBI FLY - LEWA DOWN CONSERVANCY

After breakfast, check out and transfer to Wilson airport for the morning scheduled domestic flight to depart Nairobi at 10 am to arrive at Lewa Conservancy at 11 am, upon arrival, you will be met by the camp vehicle with game drive route arriving on time for lunch The afternoon brings a change of ecosystems as we drive through Kenya’s most protected area and home to species only found north of the equator, from the Reticulated Giraffe to Grevy’s zebras and Beisa Oryxes as well as Black and white Rhinos. later in the evening return for dinner and overnight at Lewa Safari Camp – Game Package.

DAY 6: LEWA DOWN CONSERVANCY (Horse Riding and visit to Ngare Ndare Forest)

After breakfast, enjoy four hours of morning horse riding which will get you close to the plain’s games such as Zebra and Giraffe and view the beautiful scenery from a new perspective. You will be matched with your horse based on your level and experience, return for lunch, and in the afternoon visit the Ngare Ndare Forest for another four hours, this gives an experience of walking through the forest canopy of the enormous indigenous trees on the elevated walkway and diving into the blue glacial pools and waterfalls is exceptional. Later in the evening return for dinner and overnight at Lewa Safari Camp –Game Package.

DAY 7: LEWA FLY MASAI MARA GAME RESERVE

After breakfast, check out and transfer to Lewa airstrip for the scheduled flight to Mara, upon arrival you are met and with game drives en route towards the Lodge, lunch will be served on arrival. Followed by afternoon game drives, The Masai Mara is famous for its unique concentration of wildlife, birds, rich vegetation and open savannah. Afternoon on game drives, dinner and overnight at Bateleur Camp – All inclusive www.explorerkenya.comDAY 5: MASAI MARA GAME RESERVE (Game drives and Sundowner) Game drives take place in the early to mid-morning and in the mid- to late afternoon, when wildlife is most active, offering the best sightings. The grassy plains are home to a wide range of species, from a pride of lion to cheetah stalking their prey and hippos wallowing in muddy pools. There is never a dull moment in the Masai Mara. During the heat of the day, you will return to camp for a rest, lunch and, of course, the tradition of freshly baked cake and tea or coffee before your afternoon drive. Enjoy a happy hour during sun set over the bush as you round off you late afternoon adventure. later in the evening for dinner and overnight at Bateleur Camp – All inclusive.

Day 8: MASAI MARA GAME RESERVE (Hot air balloon & Cultural visit)

Start the day by taking a hot air balloon over the savannah at dawn. Departure is from a perfect natural launch site, flames from the hot air balloon burners light the darkness as the crews inflate their craft. The first, pink tongues of sunlight flicker across the skies as the hot air balloon fills, then rises. Suspended in a basket beneath the rainbow-coloured canopy, you’re off for a wildlife viewing adventure with an entirely different perspective.

What amazes most first-time balloonists is the absolute stillness: the silence as you float above the plains, the forest and the rivers of the Masai Mara. The flight lasts an hour or so, drifting wherever the air currents take you. You toast your return to earth with a champagne breakfast, cooked wherever you land. After a champagne breakfast, say goodbye to the team and drive to the other camp. On arrival at the camp, you will have lunch under the shade of the trees and relax by the pool for the afternoon. In the late afternoon visit the famous Masai village, learn more about their cultural way of life and how they survive on a harsh weather condition later in the evening return for Dinner and overnight at Bateleur Camp – All inclusive.

DAY 9: MARA FLY - NAIROBI

After breakfast, check out and transfer towards the airstrip for the morning scheduled flight to Nairobi at Wilson airport, then transfer to J.K.I.A for the scheduled internal flight. End of Service.

  • Game package rates include full-board package, scheduled and shared game drives, guided walking safari, Ngare Ndare Forest Visit, sundowners, bush.
  • All meals
  • Conservancy fees
  • All Inclusive at Bateleur Camp
  • Accommodation
  • Soft drinks
  • Park entry fees
  • Hot air balloon
  • game drives, safari activities, emergency medical evacuation insurance and transfers to and from the lodge airstrip.
  • SWAROVSKI OPTIK binoculars (one pair per room to use throughout stay)
  • Guides’ Journal with illustrated wildlife and vegetation checklist, and an area map with illustrated Star Birds checklist.
  • Transfers in Nairobi
  • Internal flight: Nairobi – Lewa – Mara – Nairobi
  • Champagne, private cellar wines and premium spirits
  • Telephone calls
  • Safari Shop purchases
  • All items of a personal nature
  • Visa fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Any international flight
  • Portages
  • Any other incidental not mentioned in the above
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