Combining Rwanda Primates with Masai Mara on a Safari
Combining Primate Trekking in Rwanda with Masai Mara on a Safari
Combining Rwanda Primates with Masai Mara on a Safari. A gorilla and chimpanzee tracking experience in Rwanda, combined with a safari in the Masai Mara, offers an unforgettable adventure for anyone planning an African safari. This unique journey blends primate trekking with classic wildlife viewing. Begin your trip in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, where you’ll encounter the majestic, wide-eyed endangered mountain gorillas. Next, head to Nyungwe Forest National Park to track chimpanzees, which share 98% of their DNA with humans. Finally, fly to the Masai Mara, located along the Kenya-Tanzania border, to witness the iconic Big Five and the spectacular wildebeest migration.
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Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking in Rwanda
Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
Combining Rwanda Primates with Masai Mara on a Safari- gorilla Trekking. This activity is one of Rwanda’s top tourist attractions, primarily conducted in Volcanoes National Park. This park, located in northwestern Rwanda within the Virunga region, is home to 15 habituated gorilla families, including the Muhonza, Sabyinyo, Umubano, Agashya, Kwitonda, Susa, Titus, Karisimbi, Pablo, Hirwa, and Uganda gorilla families.
Gorillas were famously studied by Dian Fossey, whose conservation efforts helped save mountain gorillas from extinction. Visitors to Volcanoes National Park can even visit her grave. A gorilla trekking experience offers a unique and intimate encounter with these magnificent primates, led by the dominant male silverback.
Gorilla trekking begins in the morning with a briefing from the lead guides. Participants are divided into groups of 8 and assigned specific gorilla families. The trek, which can take between one and six hours, offers an hour-long interaction with the gorillas upon finding them. Afterward, participants are awarded certificates at the park headquarters for their efforts.
Gorilla permits are essential for trekking and are issued by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB). The cost of permits is as follows:
- $1500 for foreign non-residents
- $1000 for African citizens and Foreign residents
- $250 for Rwandan and East African citizens
Booking permits in advance is highly recommended to ensure smooth planning.
Rules and Regulations for Gorilla Trekking
Tourists must adhere to the following guidelines to ensure the safety of the gorillas and themselves:
- Trekking is strictly for individuals aged 15 and above.
- Sick tourists will not be allowed to participate.
- A maximum of 8 trekkers is allowed per gorilla group per day.
- Maintain a distance of at least 7 meters from the gorillas.
- Flash photography is prohibited.
- Eating and smoking near the gorillas are not allowed.
- Follow all instructions from guides and minimize noise during the trek.
Chimpanzee Trekking in Rwanda
Combining Rwanda Primates with Masai Mara on a Safari- Chimpanzee trekking. Chimpanzee trekking takes place in Nyungwe Forest National Park, a vast rainforest teeming with biodiversity. The park is home to over 500 chimpanzees, with two habituated groups available for trekking: one in Cyamudongo Forest and another in the main Nyungwe forest.
Nyungwe also hosts 13 other primate species, such as golden monkeys, L’Hoest monkeys, olive baboons, and grey-cheeked mangabeys. The Cyamudongo chimpanzee group is smaller and easier to track compared to the larger Nyungwe group, which can be more challenging to locate.
Chimpanzee trekking begins early in the morning with a briefing from the guides. The trek can take several hours, depending on the group’s location. Trekking allows one hour of observation after finding the chimpanzees.
Permits for chimpanzee trekking cost:
- $250 for foreign non-residents
- $135 for foreign residents
- $35 for Rwanda/East African residents
The cost is inclusive of park entrance fees. These permits can be purchased through the Rwanda Development Board or with the assistance of a tour operator.
Key regulations include:
- Trekkers must be at least 15 years old.
- Maintain a distance of 7 meters from the chimpanzees.
- Speak in low tones and avoid unnecessary noise.
- Flash photography and eating near the chimps are prohibited.
Accommodations in Nyungwe Forest National Park
For visitors trekking chimpanzees in Nyungwe, accommodations include:
- Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
- Nyungwe Nziza Ecolodge
- Gisakura Guest House
- Nyungwe Forest Lodge
- Inzozi Beach Hotel
Additional Activities in Nyungwe Forest
Besides chimpanzee trekking, visitors can enjoy:
- Canopy walks
- Primate tracking
- Bird watching
- Cycling
Combining gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park with chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest creates an unforgettable wildlife adventure. It showcases Rwanda’s incredible biodiversity and commitment to conservation.
Safari in Masai Mara
Combining Rwanda Primates with Masai Mara on a Safari- Masai Mara. A visit to Masai Mara during a combined safari with gorilla and chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda offers a diverse range of experiences. Here are some of the top activities you can enjoy in Masai Mara:
Witnessing the Wildebeest Migration
The wildebeest migration is the highlight of Masai Mara, drawing millions of tourists annually. During this awe-inspiring event, millions of wildebeests, zebras, and other herbivores migrate from Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, crossing the Grumeti and Mara Rivers into Masai Mara in search of food and water.
- Best Time: July to October is the peak season to witness the Mara River crossings.
- Wildlife to Spot: In addition to wildebeests and zebras, you’ll encounter crocodiles, lions, leopards, hyenas, and other predators as they hunt during the migration.
- Tips: Due to high demand, book accommodations, game drives, and other services well in advance.
Game Drives
Game drives in Masai Mara are an excellent way to observe the diverse wildlife.
- Morning Game Drives: Begin early to see animals like lions, leopards, and elephants as they hunt or graze. It’s also a great time for bird watching and witnessing the stunning sunrise.
- Afternoon Game Drives: These allow you to spot animals you might have missed in the morning.
- Night Game Drives: For an additional cost, enjoy a two-and-a-half-hour night drive using spotlights to observe nocturnal animals like civets, genets, and porcupines.
- Wildlife to See: Lions, cheetahs, elephants, zebras, gazelles, wildebeests, hyenas, crocodiles, and hippos, among others.
Horseback Riding Safaris
Masai Mara offers unique horseback safaris, allowing you to ride alongside wildlife for an immersive experience.
- What to Expect: An armed ranger and guide will accompany you as you view animals like giraffes, zebras, and antelopes up close.
- Additional Costs: Horseback riding is not included in park entrance fees and requires separate arrangements.
Bird Watching
Masai Mara is home to over 500 bird species, making it a paradise for bird enthusiasts.
- Best Time: The wet seasons (March to May and October to November) offer the best bird-watching opportunities.
- Bird Species to Spot: Look out for the Kori bustard, secretary birds, African fish eagle, Rufous-billed heron, Marabou stork, Rosy-throated shrike, Tawny eagle, yellow-billed stork, and many others.
Guided Nature Walks
Guided nature walks allow you to explore Masai Mara on foot for a more intimate connection with nature.
- What to Expect: Accompanied by an armed ranger and a guide, you’ll walk along designated paths to observe wildlife such as antelopes, elephants, giraffes, and gazelles.
- Rules and Regulations:
- Do not litter.
- Keep phones off or silent to avoid startling animals.
- Speak in low tones.
- Stay with the group and follow instructions.
- Walk in a single file for safety.
Masai Mara is a treasure trove of wildlife and adventure, and its diverse activities make it an essential part of any African safari itinerary. Combining it with gorilla and chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda offers a unique blend of primate encounters and thrilling wildlife experiences.
What to pack for the gorilla and chimpanzee trek safari with Masai Mara
- A rain jacket in case it rains.
- Gardening gloves protect your hands from sharp branches, thorns, and blisters.
- A digital camera with extra batteries, lenses, a portable adapter and charger, and a waterproof camera bag.
- Binoculars are a necessity when it comes to wildlife viewing
- Long-sleeved neutral-colored shirts
- Trousers, but avoid jeans, especially when trekking gorillas and chimpanzees.
- A day backpack
- Insect repellent to prevent the bug bites.
- A sunhat and sunscreen
- Comfortable hike shoes
- Flip-flops and sandals
- First aid kit
- Warm sweater or poncho
- Water bottle and snacks
- Gaiters, preferably adjustable ones.
Getting to Rwanda for the chimpanzee and gorilla trek and Masai Mara
Combining Rwanda Primates with Masai Mara on a Safari- getting to Rwanda for a Primate experience. You can choose to begin your combined safari with gorilla and chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda before heading to Masai Mara or vice versa. If you start in Rwanda, you’ll fly into Kigali International Airport, where you’ll be picked up either from the airport or your hotel in Kigali, depending on your arrival time. From there, you’ll embark on a 2-3 hour drive to Volcanoes National Park for the gorilla trekking safari. After your gorilla trek, you’ll proceed to Nyungwe Forest National Park for chimpanzee trekking. Once you’ve completed the primate trekking experience, you’ll return to Kigali for your flight to Nairobi to prepare for the Masai Mara safari.
Both Volcanoes National Park and Masai Mara Nature Reserve are UNESCO conservation areas, accessible by road or air. Contact us to help you organize seamless transportation and create the ultimate safari experience across these two incredible destinations.
When to go for the combined gorilla and chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda with Masai Mara safari
timely Planning of a combined gorilla and chimpanzee trekking safari in Rwanda with a Masai Mara safari is essential to ensure smooth arrangements and avoid last-minute inconveniences when booking services. The ideal time for this combined safari is during the dry seasons, from June to September and December to February. These months offer the best conditions for experiencing the wildebeest migration and the Big Five in Masai Mara. this time also provides optimal conditions for primate trekking in Rwanda.
Alternatively, you can visit during the wetter months of March to May and October to November, which are perfect for bird watching due to the abundance of bird activity during this time.
Reach out to us today to start planning your safari, and don’t forget to check our TripAdvisor reviews to hear from our satisfied clients.
