The Prefect 11-Day Kenya vs Rwanda Honeymoon Itinerary

An 11-day itinerary for Kenya and Rwanda typically includes arrival in Kigali, Rwanda for cultural and gorilla trekking experiences in Volcanoes National Park, followed by a flight to Nairobi, Kenya, to explore national parks like Amboseli and the Masai Mara. The trip concludes with a return to Nairobi for departure, or a transfer to the airport. This plan balances the unique primate encounters of Rwanda with the classic Big Five game drives of Kenya’s famous parks.

Embark on a thrilling fly-in safari journey over the breathtaking landscapes of East Africa, from the vast savannahs of Kenya to the lush mountains of Rwanda. Visit the world-renown Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya after exploring the floodplains at the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro in a private concession in Amboseli. Exciting Big Five game drives await you here, and there’s a chance you might see the Great Migration, when huge herds of wildebeest and zebra traverse the Mara in the spring.

After that, you’ll head to the Virunga Mountains, which are higher up in the mountain range. Here, the misty backdrop makes for an eerie environment, ideal for seeing gorillas and golden monkeys up close. Classic safari lodges with a contemporary twist will be your home for the duration of the tour, and you can look forward to having your dining choices met and indulging in spa treatments that will take your vacation to the next level.

With two- or three-night stops at reserves teeming with animals, seasonal wildebeest migrations, primates in their native habitats, and thriving elephant populations, this journey is perfect for nature lovers seeking a break from everyday life. You may tour the only urban wildlife reserve in the world and taste traditional Rwandan coffee during your short layovers in Kigali and Nairobi.

Highlights & Activities

What’s on offer whilst on this Kenya vs Rwanda itinerary?

Experience unforgettable gorilla trekking in the Virunga Mountains
A fly-in safari tour that features Big Five game drives and walking safaris
Behold vast herds of wildebeest as they migrate across the Mara
Stay in boutique hotels and authentic safari lodges
Visit wildlife centres in Kenya and Rwanda that support conservation efforts
Savour sunset views over Mount Kilimanjaro on a sundowner drive

A Complete 11-Day Kenya vs Rwanda Honeymoon Itinerary

Day 1: Visit the World’s Only Urban Wildlife Reserve | 1 Nights

You will be transferred to Hemingways Nairobi via private vehicle after your arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. The tranquil Karen area is home to this boutique hotel, which provides a picture-perfect setting for your East African experience thanks to its manicured gardens and views of the Ngong Hills.

Despite the short length of your stay, the hotel’s convenient location makes it easy to visit some of Nairobi’s most popular landmarks on foot. Just a short drive away from the hotel lies Nairobi National Park, where you can see wildlife in their natural habitat while also taking in breathtaking views of the city skyline. The Giraffe Centre offers an animal-feeding experience, while the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage allows visitors to observe infant elephants as they nurse or play.

Go return to the hotel and take advantage of all the recreational facilities—work out in the gym, relax in the steam room, and cool off in the outdoor pool—to enjoy a full day of relaxation. The Retreat’s award-winning food is well complemented by its world-class wine cellar, which includes a choice of blends.

Day 2-3: Revel in Sundowner Game Drives Overlooking Mount Kilimanjaro | 2 Nights

Your transfer to Wilson Airport will take place the next day. From there, a small plane will take you to the Tortilis Camp airstrip, which is on a private concession that borders Amboseli National Park. The camp’s namesake, an Acacia tortilis woodland, provides shade for this small lodge as it sits peacefully on a hillside. Thanks to its distinctive umbrella shape, this tree has come to represent the African savannah in popular culture.

Have a buffet lunch on the deck after you’ve unpacked and gotten comfortable in, and then go for a game drive in the late afternoon. As the sun sets, visitors can have sundowners while taking in breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro as the last rays of daylight fade away from the mountain. In addition to wildlife drives, the camp provides unforgettable guided nature walks, such as wetland birding tours.

Before visiting the Amboseli Elephant Research Centre on your last day, have a hearty bush breakfast in a nearby clearing surrounded by nature. The opportunity to delve deeper into the conservation activities that are safeguarding the park’s abundant and extensively researched elephant population is sure to be a memorable part of your stay.

Day 4-6: Witness the Great Migration in the Mara | 3 Nights

After breakfast, you will take a flight to Masai Mara’s Keekorok Airstrip. At Sand River Masai Mara, you will stay in traditional tented accommodations for three nights. Located in the world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve, the camp is in a beautiful spot along a quiet riverbank, protected from the sun by a forest of trees. Scheduled game drives allow you to watch animals at the best times of day, all year round.

Along with a knowledgeable guide, you will traverse a variety of landscapes and learn its secrets. Whether it’s crossing broad grasslands populated by zebras and impalas, exploring riverine forests teeming with hippos and crocodiles, or watching birds painstakingly build nests along wetlands, there are many things to see and do. You will be granted special access to witness the annual wildebeest migration, during which vast numbers of these magnificent animals forage for water on floodplains and rivers.

Once you return to the camp, you can relax on your own deck while a personal butler attends to your every need. For a romantic evening under the stars, the camp also offers private dining with gourmet food and wine from the cellar.

Day 7: Rejuvenate in Kigali | 1 Nights

You will depart from Keekorok Airstrip in the morning and make a connection at Wilson Airport before continuing on to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. A private vehicle will transport you from Kigali International Airport to The Retreat by Heaven after your flight.

Spend your overnight stopover at the best boutique hotel in Kigali, where you can indulge in a variety of spa treatments and sightseeing tours of the city. Take a day trip around Kigali to see the city’s artwork, sip some real Rwandan coffee, and check out some local workshops, like those that teach you how to make cocktails or prepare delicious meals.

A sauna and other spa services are at the heart of the hotel’s revitalisation philosophy. To ease sore muscles, schedule a full-body massage or enrol in a yoga session. Subsequently, take a dip in the saltwater pool to reawaken your senses.

Day 8-10: Gorilla Trekking in the Virunga Mountains | 3 Nights

Virunga Lodge, located above volcanic lakes in Volcanoes National Park and encircled by a patchwork of farmland, will be your final destination for your East African holiday. A private road service will transport you there the following day.

Lace up your hiking boots for an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience on your first full day. Eventually, you’ll come across a family of primates after navigating the steep slopes of bamboo forests. Get up close and personal with these fascinating animals for an hour, and maybe even snap some adorable photos of mommy gorillas and her cubs. Join conservationists for an experience sundowner and take in the center’s public exhibits afterward.

The next day, travel back into the woods to see a group of energetic golden monkeys. Be amazed as you see hundreds of these small monkeys scurrying among the trees, feeding on fruit and leaves. Indulge in a complimentary 30-minute massage during your stay for a much-needed muscle relaxant after two days of trekking.