11-Day Luxury Kenya & Rwanda Landscapes, Wildlife & Gorilla Safari

Itinerary information

Upon arriving at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, a private road transfer will take you to Hemingways Nairobi. This boutique hotel is set in the quiet neighbourhood of Karen, surrounded by well-manicured gardens overlooking the Ngong Hills—a blissful start to your East African adventure.

Although your stay is brief, the hotel is well-placed, allowing time for a short tour to explore Nairobi's top tourist attractions. Visit Nairobi National Park, just a short drive from the hotel, for a unique game-viewing experience that features wildlife set against the backdrop of a city skyline. You can also enjoy an animal-feeding experience at the Giraffe Centre or stop by the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage to watch baby elephants during their milk feeding or playtime.

Retreat back to the hotel, where you can enjoy access to a host of leisure facilities—engage your muscles with a workout at the gym, unwind in the warmth of the steam room, and conclude with a refreshing dip in the outdoor pool. The Retreat boasts a top-class wine cellar with a range of blends that pair well with its award-winning cuisine.

Itinerary information

The next day, you'll be transferred to Wilson Airport, where a light aircraft will fly you to the Tortilis Camp airstrip, situated on a private concession bordering Amboseli National Park. This intimate lodge is perched along a serene hillside, shaded by a forest of Acacia tortilis—the camp’s namesake. This iconic tree, with its remarkable umbrella shape, has become synonymous with the African savannah.

Once you've unpacked and settled in, enjoy a buffet-style lunch on the deck before heading out for a late afternoon game drive. A leisurely exploration of the reserve culminates in sundowners, taking in majestic views of Mount Kilimanjaro, as the final glows of sunlight melt against the peak. Alongside game drives, the camp offers not-to-be-missed guided nature walks, including dedicated birding excursions in the wetlands.

On your final day, start with a delicious bush breakfast, set in a nearby clearing surrounded by wilderness, before you head out to visit the Amboseli Elephant Research Centre. This is a highlight of your stay, inviting you to learn more about the conservation efforts supporting the park's well-studied and thriving elephant population.

Itinerary information

After breakfast, you'll fly to Keekorok Airstrip in Masai Mara, where you'll spend three nights in authentic tented lodgings at Sand River Masai Mara. The camp is well-placed along a secluded riverside, shaded by a grove of trees in the legendary Masai Mara National Reserve. Experience year-round game viewing with scheduled game drives, timed for opportune wildlife sightings.

Here, you'll explore diverse terrains with a guide sharing the secrets of the bush. From navigating open grasslands dotted with zebras and impalas to venturing into riverine forests, where hippos and crocodiles wade through the waters, and observing birds patiently constructing their nests along the wetlands. You'll have exclusive access to the seasonal wildebeest migration, where droves of these majestic creatures traverse rivers and floodplains in search of fresh water sources.

Back at the camp, you can rest on your private deck, with a dedicated butler ready to cater to your preferences. Private dining is also available for an evening of romance under the stars, enjoying superb cuisine served with fine wine sourced from the camp's cellar.

Itinerary information

In the morning, you'll fly from Keekorok Airstrip to Wilson Airport for a connecting transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. You'll then fly to Kigali International Airport, where a private road transfer will take you to The Retreat by Heaven.

Enjoy a one-night layover at Kigali's premier boutique hotel, where you'll be spoilt for choice with a range of wellness offerings and city exploration. Spend the day touring the city, exploring Kigali's artistry, tasting authentic Rwandan coffee, and visiting local workshops, including cooking classes and cocktail-making sessions.

The hotel’s ethos is centred around revitalisation, offering a sauna and various spa treatments. Book a full-body massage to soothe aching muscles, or join a yoga class to stretch your body. Afterwards, visit the saltwater pool to awaken your senses with a refreshing swim.

Itinerary information

The next day, a private road transfer will take you to Virunga Lodge for the final stretch of your East African holiday, where you’ll be surrounded by a patchwork of farmland and perched above volcanic lakes in Volcanoes National Park.

On your first full day, lace up your hiking boots for a once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking experience. You’ll traverse the steep slopes of bamboo forests before finally encountering a family of primates. Spend an hour observing these fascinating creatures, with opportunities to capture heartwarming moments between mother gorillas and their babies. Later, enjoy an experiential sundowner, engaging with conservationists and exploring the public exhibits at the centre.

The following day, return to the forest to meet a lively troop of golden monkeys. Watch as hundreds of these diminutive primates leap through the trees, nibbling on leaves and berries. Throughout your stay, a complimentary 30-minute massage offers a welcome reprieve for your muscles after two days of trekking.

Itinerary information

After a final morning in Virunga, a road transfer will take you to Kigali International Airport to begin your journey home.