Ultimate 12-Day Rwanda Kenya Seychelles Safari

Experience the best of East Africa with this elegantly curated 12-Day Rwanda Kenya Seychelles Safari itinerary combining Rwanda’s majestic gorillas, Kenya’s iconic wildlife, and the idyllic beaches of Seychelles. This journey is designed for travelers seeking intimate wildlife encounters, thrilling safari adventures, and luxurious island relaxation in one seamless expedition. From tracking mountain gorillas in Rwanda’s lush forests to witnessing the Big Five in Kenya’s Masai Mara and unwinding on the pristine shores of the Indian Ocean, this safari provides an unforgettable, bucket-list adventure.

Deks Safaris & Tours has meticulously crafted this itinerary for first-time visitors and seasoned travelers alike, ensuring a balanced experience of adventure, cultural immersion, and rest. The 12-Day Rwanda Kenya Seychelles Safari begins in Kigali, Rwanda, where you journey to Volcanoes National Park for an unparalleled gorilla trekking experience. You then fly to Nairobi and proceed to the Masai Mara National Reserve, exploring Africa’s most iconic savannahs on morning and afternoon game drives. Finally, you fly to Seychelles, where the turquoise waters, palm-fringed beaches, and luxurious lodges offer the perfect conclusion to this East African expedition.

Why Adventure with Deks Safaris & Tours?

Every aspect of the 12-Day Rwanda Kenya Seychelles Safari emphasizes comfort, exclusivity, and authentic experiences. Accommodations range from eco-luxury lodges overlooking volcanic mountains, to tented camps immersed in the African bush, to private island resorts in Seychelles. Guides are carefully selected for their expertise, ensuring every wildlife encounter, cultural experience, and adventure is safe, enriching, and memorable. This itinerary is not just a vacation; it is a journey into the heart of Africa, combining nature, wildlife, and culture in a seamless narrative of discovery.

 

Detailed 12-Day Rwanda Kenya Seychelles Safari

Day 1–3: Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda – Gorilla Trekking Adventure

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, travelers are warmly greeted by a Deks Safaris & Tours representative and transferred through scenic Rwandan countryside to the foothills of Volcanoes National Park. This region, renowned for its lush vegetation and volcanic landscapes, is home to the critically endangered mountain gorilla, one of Africa’s most treasured wildlife species. You check into a luxury lodge perched above the forest, offering sweeping views of the Virunga volcanoes. The afternoon is reserved for relaxation and acclimatization after your 12-Day Rwanda Kenya Seychelles Safari journey.

The following morning, guests meet their guides, trackers, and rangers at the park headquarters for a comprehensive briefing on gorilla tracking etiquette and the specific gorilla family to be visited. Equipped with walking sticks and light gear, you set out into the dense forest. Experienced trackers move ahead to locate the gorillas, ensuring your encounter is safe and efficient. Upon locating the gorilla family, you spend an hour observing them, a profoundly intimate experience as they feed, play, groom, and navigate the forest floor. Each interaction highlights the gorillas’ complex social structures and extraordinary intelligence, leaving guests with memories that will last a lifetime.

Guided Gorilla Tracking in Volcanoes National Park

Gorilla tracking in Volcanoes National Park is physically demanding, with trekking through steep and muddy terrain, but the reward is unparalleled. Over the next two days, additional trekking opportunities allow for encounters with different gorilla families or visits to the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund’s research sites. Cultural experiences can also be arranged, such as visiting nearby villages, engaging with local communities, or exploring the park’s botanical diversity. These days emphasize the delicate balance of adventure, conservation, and cultural appreciation, offering an immersive start to the 12-Day Rwanda Kenya Seychelles Safari experience.

• Accommodation: Five Volcanoes Gorilla Lodge
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 4: Kigali – Culture, History, and Reflection

After a morning breakfast overlooking the misty slopes of Volcanoes National Park, guests return to Kigali for an insightful cultural day. Kigali, Rwanda’s vibrant capital, is a city of contrasts, combining modern architecture with profound historical significance. The day begins with a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a solemn tribute to the victims of the 1994 genocide. Here, travelers gain a deeper understanding of Rwanda’s turbulent history, the resilience of its people, and the nation’s journey of reconciliation and renewal. Knowledgeable 12-Day Rwanda Kenya Seychelles Safari guides provide context to the exhibits, memorial gardens, and the remains of over 250,000 victims, ensuring the visit is both informative and respectfully conducted.

Following this poignant experience, guests may explore Kigali’s local markets and art galleries. The city’s artisan cooperatives offer handcrafted items including paintings, sculptures, and woven textiles, reflecting Rwanda’s rich culture and creative spirit. Lunch is served at one of Kigali’s historic establishments, such as the Hotel des Mille Collines, offering traditional Rwandan cuisine blended with modern influences. The afternoon allows for leisurely exploration of the city’s cafes, boutique shops, or a short walking tour of Kigali’s hilltop neighborhoods, providing panoramic views over the city.

Dinner in Kigali City

Dinner is an elegant affair at a top Kigali restaurant, emphasizing farm-to-table Rwandan ingredients. This day balances reflective cultural immersion with relaxed exploration, preparing travelers for the next phase of the 12-Day Rwanda Kenya Seychelles Safari: the iconic Masai Mara in Kenya, where the energy and drama of the savannah await.

• Accommodation: Hotel des Mille Collines
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5–7: Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya – Big Five Safari

Early in the morning, guests are transferred to Kigali Airport for a flight to Nairobi, Kenya. From Nairobi, you are driven to the Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya’s most celebrated wildlife sanctuary. The Mara’s rolling grasslands, acacia-studded landscapes, and meandering rivers are home to the Big Five, as well as cheetahs, hippos, hyenas, and countless bird species. The 12-Day Rwanda Kenya Seychelles Safari journey is punctuated by scenic stops, offering glimpses of traditional Maasai villages and cattle herding, giving travelers insight into the region’s rich cultural heritage.

Upon arrival at a luxury safari lodge or tented camp, guests settle in and enjoy a mid-afternoon game drive. Expert guides provide a deep understanding of wildlife behavior, ecological relationships, and photographic opportunities. Over the next three days, the safari experience intensifies with morning and evening game drives, strategically timed to witness predator activity at dawn and dusk. The Masai Mara is renowned for its large predator population, offering the chance to observe lions hunting, cheetahs sprinting across open plains, or elephants navigating riverbeds with remarkable intelligence and coordination.

Optional Hot Air Balloon Safari Ride in Masai Mara

Optional experiences include hot air balloon safaris, providing a panoramic bird’s-eye view of the Mara, with early morning flights followed by a champagne breakfast in the bush. Evenings are spent at the lodge with sundowners, enjoying unobstructed views of the savannah sunset, or engaging in cultural visits to Maasai villages to learn about traditional ceremonies, beadwork, and storytelling. The Masai Mara portion of the itinerary provides an immersive and thrilling 12-Day Rwanda Kenya Seychelles Safari experience, blending luxury, adventure, and cultural encounters.

• Accommodation: Ashnil Mara Camp
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 8–12: Seychelles – Tropical Island Escape

After an unforgettable 12-Day Rwanda Kenya Seychelles Safari, guests depart Nairobi for the Seychelles, a pristine archipelago in the Indian Ocean. Upon arrival, you are transferred to your luxury island resort, which may be a private island villa or a secluded beach lodge, depending on preference. Seychelles is known for its powder-white beaches, turquoise waters, and vibrant coral reefs, offering the perfect contrast to the intensity of safari adventures.

Days in Seychelles are designed for leisure and marine exploration. Guests may snorkel or dive among coral gardens, observe tropical fish and sea turtles, or participate in guided kayaking and paddleboarding excursions. Boat trips to neighboring islands provide opportunities to witness rare wildlife, explore hidden coves, and enjoy secluded beaches. For those seeking cultural enrichment, tours of Victoria, the capital, offer visits to markets, botanical gardens, and local craft shops. Dining emphasizes fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and Creole flavors, blending relaxation with culinary delight.

Sunrise and sunset on Seychelles’ beaches are experiences of quiet reflection, offering travelers a chance to unwind completely. Wellness options such as spa treatments, yoga sessions, and private beach picnics are available, ensuring guests depart rejuvenated after the intensity of the Rwanda gorilla trekking and Kenya big game safari. The Seychelles portion completes the journey, blending adventure, luxury, and serenity into a final unforgettable chapter of this 12-Day Rwanda Kenya Seychelles Safari expedition.

• Accommodation: Luxury Beachfront Resort or Private Island Villa
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Safari Overview

This 12-Day Rwanda Kenya Seychelles Safari itinerary offers a masterful blend of wildlife, culture, and relaxation. From the intimate mountain gorilla encounters in Rwanda to the thrilling Big Five safaris in Kenya and the serene tropical beaches of Seychelles, travelers experience the best of East Africa in a single journey. Each location is chosen to maximize comfort, access to wildlife, and cultural immersion, ensuring a seamless and enriching safari experience.

The 12-Day Rwanda Kenya Seychelles Safari balances activity and relaxation: the first half focuses on active wildlife exploration, including trekking and game drives, while the second half offers restorative experiences amidst the natural beauty of the Indian Ocean. Deks Safaris & Tours curates accommodations that reflect the character of each destination, from eco-luxury lodges in Rwanda to safari camps in Kenya and private island villas in Seychelles. This journey is suitable for travelers seeking both adventure and indulgence, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

 

12-Day Rwanda Kenya Seychelles Safari Inclusions and Exclusions

Safari Inclusions

• Accommodation as specified in the itinerary
• All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) as indicated
• Airport transfers and domestic flights (Kigali – Nairobi – Seychelles)
• Gorilla trekking permits in Volcanoes National Park
• Masai Mara game drives and safari activities
• Experienced local guides and rangers
• Cultural tours in Kigali and Maasai Mara
• Marine and island excursions in Seychelles
• Bottled water during safari drives
• 24/7 Trip Coordinator support

 

Safari Exclusions

• International airfare to Kigali and from Seychelles
• Travel, medical, and trip cancellation insurance
• Visa and tourism fees for Rwanda, Kenya, and Seychelles
• Tips and gratuities for guides and lodge staff
• Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
• Personal expenses and souvenirs