East Africa’s Wildlife: Wildebeest & Whale Sharks
A 12-night journey following the wildebeest migration in the Serengeti and Masai Mara and whale sharks off the East African coast.
From USD 23,323 per person
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Nairobi, Masai Mara, Kigali, Parc National des Volcans
destinations
Nairobi, Masai Mara, Kigali, Parc National des Volcans
This 10-night journey is one I always recommend to travellers wanting the best of East Africa in one trip. You’ll spend unforgettable days on safari in the Masai Mara, tracking lions, elephants, and herds of wildebeest, before heading to Kigali and Bisate for intimate encounters with mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. With award-winning camps and lodges, some of the world’s most sought-after wildlife experiences, and a touch of city culture, it’s a mix of adventure, luxury, and once-in-a-lifetime memories.
Wayne Barnes
Safari Specialist

Hemingways Nairobi

Wilderness Mara

Days on safari in the Masai Mara

Hemingways Retreat Kigali

Kigali City Tour

Wilderness Bisate

Gorilla Trekking
Day 1
Jomo Kenyatta Airport (Nairobi)
Meet & Assist: JKIA arrivals terminal to driver
Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you will be met in the main terminal by a Tradewinds representative carrying a name board. If arriving on an international flight, they will assist you through customs and immigration, and guide you to collect your luggage. You will then be escorted to the arrivals hall to meet your transfer driver for your onward journey.
Jomo Kenyatta Airport (Nairobi) to Hemingways Nairobi
Road • 00:45h
You'll be met by a representative of Wilderness and transferred from Jomo Kenyatta Airport (Nairobi) to Hemingways Nairobi by private vehicle.








Between the rolling Ngong Hills and the vast Nairobi National Park lies Hemingways Nairobi, a boutique all-suite hotel offering a serene escape from the bustle of the city. Set in the leafy suburb of Karen, just minutes from cultural landmarks like the Karen Blixen Museum and the Giraffe Centre, it is perfectly placed for both relaxation and exploration. The spacious suites feature vaulted ceilings, elegant living spaces, and private terraces with sweeping views. Every detail is considered, from personalised butler service to luxury bathroom amenities, promising the highest level of comfort. During your stay, enjoy the hotel’s brasserie and bar, an indulgent spa, outdoor pool, and fitness centre, creating a retreat that feels both luxurious and personal. Days here can be as leisurely or adventurous as you wish. Spot wildlife on the edge of Nairobi National Park, tee off at nearby Karen Golf Club, or visit the Daphne Sheldrick Animal Orphanage to see rescued elephants up close. Evenings invite you to return for fine dining and a cocktail at sunset, framed by the hills. INSIDER’S TIP: Ask your butler to arrange a morning excursion into Nairobi National Park, you might spot lions hunting with the city skyline in the distance.
1 nights • Executive Suite x 1
Day 2
Hemingways Nairobi to Wilson Airport
Road • 00:45h
You'll be met by a representative of Hemingways Nairobi and transferred from Hemingways Nairobi to Wilson Airport by private vehicle. The drive should take around 35 to 45 minutes dependong on traffic.
Wilson Airport
Wilson Airport to Wilderness Mara
Flight • 01:00h
You will take a scheduled light aircraft flight from Wilson Airport to Wilderness Mara.








Located in the heart of the Mara Triangle, one of the most wildlife-rich and visually arresting areas of the greater Masai Mara National Reserve, Wilderness Mara offers guests unrivalled access to both sides of the Mara River. This unique position provides access to a rich diversity of habitats while ensuring fewer crowds and deeper, more meaningful wildlife encounters. Here, 12 elegantly appointed tented suites are set along the edge of a seasonal marsh, designed to immerse you in the surrounds. Each canvas suite features an indoor and outdoor shower, and an elevated private deck to maximise the views filled with wildlife and birds. A family unit is also available for those travelling with children. There is also a full suite of amenities, from a serene spa and well-equipped gym, to an in-camp photographic studio designed to help relive and retell the day’s wildest moments. INSIDER'S TIP: Wilderness Mara is the only camp that allows guests across to both sides of the Mara River, opening up more space, more wildlife, and fewer crowds.
4 nights • - x 1
Days on safari in the Masai Mara
Learn more






Your days in the Mara Triangle, the most exclusive wedge of the Masai Mara, typically begin with an early morning game drive, when predators are most active and the golden light creates superb photographic opportunities. With fewer vehicles than elsewhere in the reserve, sightings of lions, elephants, and even the elusive black rhino feel more intimate. After a leisurely breakfast back at camp, birders can explore one of East Africa’s richest avian habitats, with over 470 species ranging from crowned cranes to vibrant cinnamon-chested bee-eaters, or may choose simply to relax and enjoy the views, the spa, gym or pool. Afternoons bring another game drive, perhaps following herds of wildebeest, zebra, and giraffe as they move through the grasslands. For those seeking a cultural connection, you may also choose to visit a nearby Maasai manyatta, offering insight into traditional ways of life, storytelling, and song. As the sun sinks behind the Oloololo Escarpment, return for sundowners and dinner under the stars.
Day 6
Wilderness Mara to Wilson Airport
Flight • 01:15h
Scheduled flight from Wilderness Mara to Wilson Airport.
Wilson Airport
Wilson Airport to Jomo Kenyatta Airport (Nairobi)
Road • 00:45h
You'll be met by a representative of Wilderness and transferred from Wilson Airport to Jomo Kenyatta Airport (Nairobi) by private vehicle.
Jomo Kenyatta Airport (Nairobi)
Meet & Assist: JKIA departure terminal to boarding gate
On departure at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you will be met at the terminal entrance by a Tradewinds representative carrying a name board. You will be assisted with check-in and immigration, and accompanied to the boarding gate to await your onward flight.
Jomo Kenyatta Airport (Nairobi) to Kigali International Airport
Flight • 01:30h
Kigali International Airport
Meet and Assist
On arrival at Kigali International Airport, a representative from Akagera Aviation will meet you in the main terminal building with your name on a signboard as you disembark the aircraft. The representative will assist you through customs and immigration (if on an international flight), collect your luggage and accompany you to the Radisson Lounge for refreshments, after which they will accompany you to the Arrivals hall for an introduction to your transfer driver to commence your onward journey.
Kigali International Airport to Hemingways Retreat Kigali
Road • 00:30h
You will be met by a Wilderness Rwanda representative and transferred from Kigali International Airport to Hemingways Retreat Kigali by private vehicle.








Perched among Rwanda’s emerald hills, Hemingways Retreat Kigali is a peaceful urban sanctuary where creativity, culture, and comfort meet. Perfectly located in the heart of the city, it offers easy access to Kigali’s lively markets, art galleries, and historic landmarks, making it the ideal base for discovering the capital’s rhythm and warmth. This eco-conscious boutique hotel features luxurious rooms, each designed with sustainability and serenity in mind. Expect solar-powered systems, private decks, outdoor rain showers, and saltwater plunge pools, all surrounded by tranquil gardens. The retreat’s in-house spa and fitness centre provide space to unwind, while Fusion, its celebrated fine-dining restaurant, blends flavours from Italy, Mauritius, and Morocco with local Rwandan influence. Fresh, farm-to-table ingredients and produce from the onsite organic garden make every meal memorable. Days unfold at your own pace: ride horseback on Mount Kigali, join a neighbourhood walking tour, or visit the Nyamirambo Women’s Centre before returning for sunset cocktails and soulful dining. Hemingways Retreat captures Kigali’s quiet sophistication and creative energy in perfect balance. Insider's Tip: Visit between June and September for cool, clear days ideal for exploring the city, and perfectly timed for a once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park.
1 nights • Luxury Pool Villa x 1
Kigali City Tour






Dive into the vibrant heart of Rwanda with a guided Kigali city tour, where history, art, and culture converge. Explore the city's origins at its first modern building and stroll through bustling neighbourhoods that reveal its transformation into one of Africa's safest and most welcoming cities. Wander through the colourful city markets, and walk the streets whirling with fruits, vegetables, textiles, woods. Visit the Museum of Natural History with panoramic views of Kigali. Then, pay your respects at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a poignant and powerful site that honors the victims of the 1994 genocide while offering insight into Rwanda's journey of healing and unity. Pack your walking shoes and get ready to experience Kigali's rich culture and dynamic energy.
Day 7
Hemingways Retreat Kigali to Wilderness Bisate
Road • 03:00h





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Wilderness Bisate is located in the natural amphitheatre of an eroded volcanic cone and has dramatic views of the peaks of the volcanoes, Bisoke and Karisimbi, rearing up through the Afro-alpine forests of nearby Volcanoes National Park. Six luxurious en-suite Forest Villas maximise comfort and views, while retaining environmental principles and reflecting the culture of rural Rwanda. Each guest contributes to Bisate’s biodiversity conservation and local community projects – making a far-reaching impact on an iconic endangered species: the mountain gorilla. Aside from tracking one of the several habituated gorilla groups, activities include visiting nearby natural attractions, hiking to Dian Fossey’s burial site, and observing the Park’s group of endangered endemic golden monkey. Walks on Bisate’s property offer birding and participation in the reforestation programme. Insider's Tip: Wilderness Bisate is within easy driving distance of Volcanoes National Park Headquarters, from where gorilla treks depart daily.
4 nights • Forest Villa x 1
Gorilla Trekking
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Head out on an unforgettable journey through East Africa's stunning landscapes to encounter the majestic mountain gorillas. Guided by expert trackers, explore the misty mountains and lush forests of Volcanoes National Park, home to these rare giants. As you search for the gorillas, you will be enthralled by the rich mosaic of the montane ecosystems, which embrace a diverse range of evergreen and bamboo forest, open grassland, swamp and heath. The park's 200 species of colorful birds and chattering of the rare golden monkey will keep you company as you track the mountain gorilla through the forest. Spotting the gorillas may take a few hours or a full day, but the moment you find them, you'll have an hour to observe their fascinating behavior up close. Then, return to camp with cherished memories and new friends, both human and gorilla alike.
Day 11
Wilderness Bisate to Kigali International Airport
Road • 03:00h
Kigali International Airport
Meet and Assist
On departure, at Kigali International Airport, you will be met at the departure gate by a Akagera Aviation representative who will assist you with check-in and passport control. You will then be escorted to a private lounge where you can relax and enjoy complimentary snacks and refreshments while awaiting your onward flight.
These experiences are just a glimpse of what’s possible. If you’d like to book this trip or shape a custom itinerary, we are here to help you plan your perfect safari.
GUEST EXPERIENCES
The hard work of our teams on the ground and the communities we work alongside has been recognised through numerous awards. And we couldn’t be prouder.
View all awards
Wilderness - Best Sustainability Community Partner

Wilderness Bisate Reserve - Best New Luxury Hotels

Wilderness Ruckomechi - Zimbabwe's Leading Safari Lodge

Wilderness DumaTau - #2 World Resorts