Legends of Africa – Gorilla Trekking & Maasai Mara Wildlife Safari

Includes return UK flights with checked baggage, Gorilla trekking in Rwanda, Maasai Mara Big Five safari, luxury lodges, guided tours & transfers included

Legends of Africa is a once-in-a-lifetime journey that brings together two of the continent’s most extraordinary wildlife experiences. Begin in Rwanda, the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” where lush volcanic landscapes set the stage for an unforgettable gorilla trekking adventure in Volcanoes National Park.

Guided by expert trackers, you’ll come face to face with endangered mountain gorillas, complemented by immersive cultural encounters and insightful city touring in Kigali that reveal Rwanda’s powerful history and vibrant present. The adventure then continues to Kenya, where the wide-open plains of the Maasai Mara deliver classic safari drama.

Over several days of expertly guided game drives, you’ll search for the Big Five, witness vast herds roaming the savannah, and experience the rhythms of life in one of Africa’s most celebrated wildlife reserves. Staying in carefully selected lodges and camps throughout, this itinerary balances adventure, comfort, and authenticity—creating a seamless, deeply enriching African safari that captures the true spirit of the continent.

Depart from the UK on an overnight flight to Kigali, Rwanda.

Kigali

Kigali, the vibrant capital city of Rwanda, is one of Africa’s cleanest, safest, and most progressive urban destinations, offering travelers a perfect blend of culture, history, and modern African life. Set among rolling green hills, Kigali is the gateway to Rwanda’s world-famous gorilla trekking experiences in Volcanoes National Park, making it a strategic and popular stop for international visitors. The city is renowned for its well-organized infrastructure, welcoming hospitality, and dynamic arts and culinary scenes. Key attractions include the Kigali Genocide Memorial, an important historical and educational site, lively local markets such as Kimironko Market, contemporary art galleries, and stylish cafés and restaurants that showcase Rwanda’s growing food culture. For business travelers, conference delegates, and leisure tourists alike, Kigali offers a calm yet cosmopolitan atmosphere rarely found in other regional capitals.

 

A visit to Kigali provides insight into Rwanda’s remarkable transformation while delivering a high-quality travel experience rooted in sustainability and innovation. The city’s central location makes it an ideal base for exploring nearby attractions, including Nyungwe Forest National Park, Akagera National Park, and Lake Kivu. Kigali’s luxury hotels, boutique lodges, and eco-friendly accommodations cater to a wide range of travelers, while its excellent road network and international airport ensure seamless connectivity. Whether you are visiting for cultural exploration, business, or as part of a broader Rwanda safari itinerary, Kigali stands out as a destination defined by resilience, cleanliness, safety, and warmth. Its combination of meaningful history, natural beauty, and modern African elegance makes Kigali a must-visit city in East Africa and a key highlight of any Rwanda travel experience.

Arrive at Kigali International Airport. Meet your guide and transfer to Volcanoes National Park, enjoying the stunning hilly scenery along the way. Check in to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Morning gorilla trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park. In the evening, visit the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village to learn about Rwandan culture and enjoy traditional dances. Overnight at Volcanoes lodge.

Early morning Golden Monkey tracking in Volcanoes National Park. Return to the lodge, then transfer to Kigali Airport for your flight to Nairobi. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in Nairobi for overnight stay.

Nairobi

Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya, is one of the most important cities in East Africa and a major hub for business, tourism, and culture. Often called the “Green City in the Sun,” Nairobi is known for its pleasant climate, modern skyline, and expansive green spaces. Founded in 1899 during the construction of the Uganda Railway, the city has grown into a thriving metropolitan center with a population of several million people. Nairobi serves as Kenya’s political, economic, and administrative capital, hosting key institutions such as the Kenyan government, multinational corporations, and United Nations offices. As a leading economic hub in Africa, Nairobi attracts investors, entrepreneurs, and professionals from around the world. The city is also a major transportation center, with Jomo Kenyatta International Airport connecting Kenya to global destinations, making Nairobi a strategic gateway to East and Central Africa.

One of the most unique features of Nairobi is its rare combination of urban life and natural beauty, which strongly enhances its appeal as a tourist destination in Kenya. Nairobi National Park, located just minutes from the city center, offers visitors the chance to see wildlife such as lions, rhinos, giraffes, and buffalo with skyscrapers visible in the background. Beyond tourism, Nairobi is also a growing center for technology and innovation, earning the nickname “Silicon Savannah” due to its expanding tech startup ecosystem. The city boasts top universities, cultural landmarks, museums, shopping malls, and a vibrant nightlife that reflects its diverse population. Despite challenges such as traffic congestion and rapid urban growth, Nairobi continues to develop through infrastructure projects, digital innovation, and urban planning initiatives. With its blend of modern development, rich history, and natural attractions, Nairobi remains one of the most influential and exciting cities in Africa.

After breakfast, drive through the Great Rift Valley to Maasai Mara National Reserve, with game viewing en route. Check in at your safari lodge and enjoy an afternoon game drive before dinner and overnight stay.

Maasai Mara

The Maasai Mara is Kenya’s most famous wildlife reserve and one of Africa’s premier safari destinations, located in the southwestern part of the country along the border with Tanzania. Named after the Maasai people and the Mara River, the reserve is characterized by vast open savannahs, rolling grasslands, and scattered acacia trees that create a classic African landscape. The Maasai Mara is world-renowned for the Great Wildebeest Migration, an annual natural spectacle in which millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles move between Tanzania’s Serengeti and Kenya’s Maasai Mara in search of fresh grazing. This dramatic journey, often involving dangerous river crossings filled with crocodiles, attracts visitors, filmmakers, and wildlife enthusiasts from around the globe. The reserve is also home to the “Big Five” — lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalo — making it one of the best places in Africa for game viewing.

 

Beyond its wildlife, the Maasai Mara holds deep cultural and ecological significance. The Maasai people have lived in harmony with the land for generations, and their traditions, dress, and pastoral lifestyle are an integral part of the region’s identity. In recent years, community-run conservancies surrounding the reserve have played a major role in conservation, helping to protect wildlife habitats while providing economic benefits to local communities through eco-tourism. The Maasai Mara supports a rich diversity of birdlife and predator species, contributing to a balanced and dynamic ecosystem. Despite challenges such as climate change, tourism pressure, and land use conflicts, the reserve remains a global symbol of wildlife conservation. Its combination of spectacular landscapes, abundant wildlife, and living cultural heritage makes the Maasai Mara one of the most treasured natural landmarks in Kenya and the wider African continent.

Rise early for a morning game drive across the Mara plains. Picnic breakfast in the wilderness, followed by afternoon game viewing. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Maasai Mara

The Maasai Mara is Kenya’s most famous wildlife reserve and one of Africa’s premier safari destinations, located in the southwestern part of the country along the border with Tanzania. Named after the Maasai people and the Mara River, the reserve is characterized by vast open savannahs, rolling grasslands, and scattered acacia trees that create a classic African landscape. The Maasai Mara is world-renowned for the Great Wildebeest Migration, an annual natural spectacle in which millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles move between Tanzania’s Serengeti and Kenya’s Maasai Mara in search of fresh grazing. This dramatic journey, often involving dangerous river crossings filled with crocodiles, attracts visitors, filmmakers, and wildlife enthusiasts from around the globe. The reserve is also home to the “Big Five” — lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalo — making it one of the best places in Africa for game viewing.

 

Beyond its wildlife, the Maasai Mara holds deep cultural and ecological significance. The Maasai people have lived in harmony with the land for generations, and their traditions, dress, and pastoral lifestyle are an integral part of the region’s identity. In recent years, community-run conservancies surrounding the reserve have played a major role in conservation, helping to protect wildlife habitats while providing economic benefits to local communities through eco-tourism. The Maasai Mara supports a rich diversity of birdlife and predator species, contributing to a balanced and dynamic ecosystem. Despite challenges such as climate change, tourism pressure, and land use conflicts, the reserve remains a global symbol of wildlife conservation. Its combination of spectacular landscapes, abundant wildlife, and living cultural heritage makes the Maasai Mara one of the most treasured natural landmarks in Kenya and the wider African continent.

Full day game drives in Maasai Mara, exploring different areas of the conservancy. Observe predators and plains game in their natural habitat. Sundowner drinks and dinner back at the lodge.

After breakfast, transfer from Maasai Mara to Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your onward flight home.

Origin Trip Start Date Trip End Date Price
Gatwick 09/01/26 Friday 16/01/26 Friday £6339 View
Gatwick 11/01/26 Sunday 18/01/26 Sunday £6439 View
Gatwick 13/01/26 Tuesday 20/01/26 Tuesday £6309 View
Gatwick 16/01/26 Friday 23/01/26 Friday £6329 View
Gatwick 18/01/26 Sunday 25/01/26 Sunday £6319 View
Gatwick 20/01/26 Tuesday 27/01/26 Tuesday £6009 View
Gatwick 23/01/26 Friday 30/01/26 Friday £6319 View
Gatwick 25/01/26 Sunday 01/02/26 Sunday £6169 View
Gatwick 27/01/26 Tuesday 03/02/26 Tuesday £6069 View
Gatwick 30/01/26 Friday 06/02/26 Friday £6019 View