12 Days Serengeti Masai Mara and Gorillas

The 12 days Serengeti Masai Mara and gorillas journey begins with arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport. Guests are met by a professional safari representative and transferred to Arusha, a vibrant town set beneath Mount Meru.

The day is reserved for rest, a safari briefing, and preparation for the adventure ahead. Depending on arrival time, guests may enjoy a relaxed evening at the lodge or explore the surrounding area.

After breakfast, the safari departs for Serengeti National Park, traveling through the scenic Ngorongoro Highlands. The landscape transitions from cultivated farmland to open savannah as the Serengeti plains emerge.

An afternoon game drive introduces the Serengeti’s immense scale and wildlife diversity, with opportunities to see lions, elephants, giraffes, and plains game.

A full day is dedicated to exploring Serengeti National Park. Morning and afternoon game drives focus on tracking wildlife activity across different habitats, guided by seasonal movements and animal behavior.

With a full day available, the safari pace is unhurried, allowing time to linger at sightings and observe interactions rather than rushing from one area to another.

The second full day in the Serengeti allows exploration of alternative regions within the park. Depending on the time of year, game drives may focus on migration corridors, river systems, or predator territories.

Extended time in the Serengeti increases the likelihood of witnessing hunting behavior, territorial displays, and complex wildlife dynamics that define this ecosystem.

A final morning game drive offers last opportunities to enjoy the Serengeti before beginning the journey toward the Kenya border. The transition day includes scenic views and wildlife sightings en route.

Crossing into Kenya, the safari continues to the Masai Mara National Reserve. Upon arrival, an afternoon game drive introduces a new landscape characterized by rolling plains, riverine forests, and high predator density.

The Masai Mara offers a different rhythm from the Serengeti, with more compact wildlife viewing areas and frequent big-cat sightings.

A full day in the Masai Mara is devoted to extensive game drives. Morning and afternoon excursions explore key wildlife zones, including open plains and river areas.

The day allows time to follow lion prides, search for leopards in riverine trees, and observe large herbivore herds moving across the landscape.

The second full day in the Masai Mara deepens the experience. With no pressure to move on, guides can adapt plans based on wildlife movements and guest interests.

Optional cultural interactions with the Maasai community may be arranged, offering insight into traditional lifestyles that have coexisted with wildlife for generations.

A final morning game drive concludes the Masai Mara experience. After breakfast, the safari transfers to Nairobi for an evening flight to Kigali, Rwanda.

Upon arrival in Kigali, guests are met and transferred to Musanze, near Volcanoes National Park.

This is one of the most anticipated days of the 12 days Serengeti Masai Mara and gorillas itinerary. After an early briefing, guests set out with expert trackers to locate a habituated gorilla family.

The trek duration varies depending on gorilla movement, but once located, guests spend a powerful and intimate hour observing gorillas in their natural environment.

A second day in Volcanoes National Park allows for another gorilla trek, subject to permit availability, or an alternative activity such as a golden monkey trek or cultural village visit.

This extra day ensures adequate rest between treks and allows guests to fully absorb the significance of Rwanda’s conservation success.

The final day includes a scenic transfer back to Kigali. Depending on departure time, guests may visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial or explore local craft markets before international departure.

This marks the conclusion of the 12 days Serengeti Masai Mara and gorillas safari.