Custom East Africa Safari Holidays | Santaviva Luxury Tours

7-Day Fly in Masai Mara & Gorilla

Fly in for a luxury safari combining Kenya’s Masai Mara and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. Stay in exclusive lodges with sweeping views of the wild. Soar over the Mara at sunrise on a hot air balloon safari, followed by a champagne breakfast. Then journey into misty rainforests for a once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trek, encountering these gentle giants up close. A seamless blend of adventure, comfort, and unforgettable moments.

What do I need to bring?

Essential Gear

Hiking boots (waterproof, with good grip)
Long-sleeved shirt (to protect from stinging nettles)
Long hiking trousers (lightweight but durable)
Rain jacket / poncho (weather in the forest changes quickly)
Warm fleece or light jacket (cool mornings)

Cancellation policy

Bookings are non-refundable. All sales are final.

Accessories

Garden gloves (helpful for grabbing vines & branches)
Hat or cap (sun protection)
Sunglasses (optional)
Gaiters (if available, protect against mud & insects)
Reusable water bottle or hydration pack

Please note

Passport required
Dress code

More Info

Experience type

Multi day tour

Difficulty

Easy

Booking in advance

Cut off: 1 week

Categories

Safari / wildlife , Adult Only

Duration

7 days

Live tour guide

English

Know before you go

Minimum age of participants is: 18

Accommodation & Meals

Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour can be arranged for an extra cost

Day

Accommodation

Meals

Pristine Mara

Day 1: Lunch & Dinner Included

Luxury Lodge Inside Masai Mara

Pristine Mara

All Meals Included

Luxury Lodge inside Masai Mara

Marriot Kigali

All Meals Included

Luxury Hotel in Kigali City

One & Only Gorilla Nest

All Meals Included

Ultra Luxury Lodge Near Volcanoes National Park

One & Only Gorilla Nest

All Meals Included

Ultra Luxury Lodge Near Volcanoes National Park

Marriot Kigali

All Meals Included

Luxury Hotel in Kigali City

End of Tour

Breakfast & Lunch included

No accommodation

What's included?

National park entrance fee
Gorilla trekking permits (for non-residents)
Hot air balloon safari
All activities mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional)
Meals (as specified in the day-by-day description)
All accommodation mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional upgrade)
Roundtrip airport transfer
A professional driver/guide
All transportation mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional)
All Taxes/VAT
All flights during the tour

Exclusions

Tip or gratuity
International flights (from/to the client's home country)
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees and other personal items)
Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees

Day 1 : Flyin to Masai Mara

You will be picked up from your lodge and transferred for a scenic fly-in to the Masai Mara. Upon arrival, settle into your luxury camp before heading out on an evening game drive. As the sun sets over the golden plains, watch for lions, elephants, giraffes, and other wildlife that make the Mara one of the world’s greatest safari destinations. Return to your lodge to unwind at the lodge.

Day 2 : Early Ballon Flight Safari and Safari

We arise early at 4:30 am and head to the launch site for a 5:30 am departure. A hot air balloon safari over the Masai Mara is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. As the sun rises, soar gently above rolling hills, winding rivers, and endless grasslands. Spot elephants, giraffes, wildebeest, zebras, and perhaps even the big cats, all while guided by an expert pilot offering fascinating insights. The ballon safari concludes with a champagne bush breakfast in the wild.

After this magical start, the adventure continues with a guided safari game drive through the Mara for the rest of the day. Explore diverse habitats, track wildlife up close, and witness the incredible richness of Africa’s most famous reserve before returning to your lodge for a relaxing evening.

Day 3 : Horse Back Safari and Masai Culture Village tour

You will arise early at 6:00 am for breakfast before setting off on an unforgettable horseback safari across the vast plains of the Masai Mara. Riding through the wilderness brings you thrillingly close to nature, with the chance to view predators such as lions, and with luck, cheetahs or leopards, all from the saddle. Guided by expert riders and on well-trained horses, your safety is assured while you enjoy an adrenaline-filled encounter like no other.

After this adventure, return to your lodge for a hearty lunch and some relaxation. In the afternoon, we visit a Masai cultural village, where you’ll experience traditional dances, songs, and stories, gaining a deeper understanding of the customs and way of life of the iconic Masai people. A perfect blend of adventure and cultural immersion.

Day 4 : Transfer to the airport and fly to Kigali

After breakfast, you will board a scenic flight from the Masai Mara to Nairobi’s Wilson Airport, enjoying sweeping views of the Kenyan landscape. From Nairobi, connect to a regional flight bound for Kigali, Rwanda. Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed and transferred to your luxury lodge Kigali, where the next day’s adventure awaits.

Prepare for the ultimate highlight of your journey—a gorilla trekking experience in the misty rainforest, offering a rare and unforgettable encounter with these gentle giants.

Day 5 : Fly in to Musanze and Diana Fossey campus tour

Start the day with an early morning flight from Kigali to Musanze, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel to settle in and enjoy the views. In the afternoon, embark on a visit to the Ellen DeGeneres–Dian Fossey Gorilla Campus, learning about gorilla conservation and the inspiring legacy of Dr. Fossey. After the tour, return to your hotel for a relaxing evening, taking in the serene surroundings and preparing for the next day’s adventure.

Day 6 : Gorilla Trekking

After breakfast, you will embark on a gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park, guided by experienced trackers through the lush, misty rainforest. Trekking times vary from 1–5 hours depending on the gorilla family’s location, but every moment is filled with anticipation and wonder. Once you reach the gorillas, enjoy a rare and intimate encounter with these gentle giants in their natural habitat. After the trek, return to your lodge to relax and reflect on this unforgettable experience.

Day 7 : Fly to Kigali

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airstrip for your flight back to Kigali, marking the conclusion of your tour.

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