Gorillas, Maasai Mara, and giraffe manor
Trek to wild gorillas, enjoy world-class safari, and have high tea with giraffes on this bucket-list women’s luxury adventure.
Gorillas, Maasai Mara, and giraffe manor
Trek to wild gorillas, enjoy world-class safari, and have high tea with giraffes on this bucket-list women’s luxury adventure.
See you in Kenya?
Join us on an 11-day luxury adventure through Rwanda and Kenya, where you’ll be one of few to ever trek to endangered mountain gorillas. With only 100 daily permits issued, this is one of the world’s most exclusive wildlife experiences.
We’ll also experience Kenya’s legendary Maasai Mara, home to one of the highest concentrations of big cats on the continent, as well as Africa’s Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and cape buffalo.
Then we’ll spend a night at the iconic Giraffe Manor, where you’ll wake up to giraffes outside your window and enjoy afternoon high tea in a stunning, historic setting.
Stay in luxury accommodations surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. In some camps, each room has its own pool, at others, unlimited spa service and fireside chats with world-renowned wildlife conservationists is on the menu.
This adventure is the perfect blend of hard-to-get bookings, exclusive once-in-a-lifetime experiences, and remote destinations. We’ll fly, rather than drive, for our longest journeys, cutting out 13+ hours of driving.
We’ll welcome 12 women who crave extraordinary experiences on this small-group journey.
Read the itinerary below for all the details:
days 1-2: Nairobi
Day 1 (December 4): Arrive at any time at Nairobi Airport (NBO) and meet the amazing crew you’ll be traveling with!
Overnight in luxury accommodation in Nairobi.
Day 2 (December 5): Visit the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage in the morning. We’ll visit with rescued baby elephants and witness a feeding.
Transfer to Maasai Mara, one of the premier safari destinations in East Africa, in the afternoon.
days 2-4: Maasai mara national reserve
Days 2-4 (December 5-7): Welcome to Kenya’s legendary Maasai Mara, home to Africa’s Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and cape buffalo.
With one of the highest concentrations of big cats on the continent, this world-class safari destination offers thrilling game drives and unparalleled wildlife encounters.
We’ll spend three nights within the park at a luxury tented camp where each room has its own pool!
accommodation
Sala’s Camp is a luxury camp that sits in one of the best (and most remote) locations in the Maasai Mara National Reserve, with ample wildlife viewing access and smaller crowds.
Operating on solar energy, each room has its own hot shower, separate bath tub, private plunge pool, and ample spaces to curl up with a book and enjoy the nature.
Seamlessly blending the classic ‘under canvas’ experience with modern luxuries, Sala’s Camp is known for its impeccable service, delicious food, and excellent game drives.
Day 5: Giraffe Manor
Day 5 (December 8): We’ll fly back to Nairobi to indulge in Giraffe Manor, a boutique experience where timeless elegance meets unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Set in a historic manor house from the 1930s, this intimate retreat combines classic charm with modern luxury.
The highlight? Sharing your breakfast with the resident Rothschild’s giraffes as they gracefully peek through the windows, making for a truly magical and immersive stay in the heart of Nairobi.
day 6: Arrive in kigali
Day 6 (December 9): We’ll depart Giraffe Manor after a wonderful giraffe-filled morning and make our way to the airport for our onward flight to Kigali, Rwanda. The gateway to the gorillas.
Kigali, Rwanda’s vibrant capital, is a city of innovation, resilience, and remarkable progress. Known for its cleanliness and safety, Rwanda stands as a global leader in gender equality, with women making up 60% of its parliament—the highest percentage in the world.
Kigali seamlessly blends tradition with modernity, offering visitors a glimpse into its inspiring transformation through its bustling markets, world-class museums, and warm hospitality.
days 7-10: Volcanoes National Park
Day 7 (December 10): Spend the morning exploring Kigali, including visiting craft markets, before making our way to Volcanoes National Park in the afternoon.
Day 8 (December 11): Today’s the day! We’ll trek with our private guide to see the incredible Mountain Gorillas of Rwanda, truly one of the most humbling and awe-inspiring wildlife experiences on Planet Earth.
Our trek takes us through jungle terrain with expert guides who have spent years with the gorillas. After spending time with them, we’ll let them continue with their day as we trek back out of the jungle.
Enjoy the fireside chat at the lodge with world-renowned Gorilla conservationists, or indulge in the included spa treatments and massages!
Accommodation
Virunga Lodge is a boutique experience in a breathtaking setting. Enjoy the finest views in Africa, overlooking the Virunga Volcanoes and the Musanze valley.
With only 10 rooms, each guest has a personal butler, complimentary spa treatments and massages, and fireside chats with world-renowned Gorilla conservationists from the Gorilla Doctors or Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.
Winner of Travel + Leisure’s 2023 and 2024 World’s Best awards and Conde Nast’s 2024 Reader’s Choice awards.
days 9-10: Volcanoes and Golden Monkeys
Day 9 (December 12): Today you can choose to climb up to the stunning crater lake at the top of the extinct Mt. Bisoke volcano, or, for those who prefer a more relaxing day, visit a local village or enjoy the panoramic views and spa treatments at the lodge.
Day 10 (December 13): We’re not done hanging with the primates of Volcanoes National Park! We’ll spend the day trekking to see endangered Golden Monkeys!
There are an estimated 5000 Golden Monkeys left in the world. Like mountain gorillas, golden monkeys can only be found in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and are known for being especially playful.
Fly home in the afternoon or evening. Option to overnight for those who have an AM flight the next day.
Trip Cost: $14,995 (early bird discount applied – Save $250 when you join before february 22)
(See below for inclusions and exclusions)
the details
What to know about our women’s adventure trips
Inclusions, Exclusions, and Requirements
included:
- All accommodations ($1000-$1700 average value per person/night)
- All meals (excluding alcoholic drinks and extra snacks).
- All transport once you arrive in Kenya, including 3 flights.
- All permits (including $1500 Gorillas and $800 Maasai Mara permits)
- All guides, activities, and tours included in the itinerary.
excluded:
- International flights between your home airport and Kenya/Rwanda and any associated delays.
- Alcohol or extra snacks.
- Travel Insurance (required).
- Gratuities (at your discretion. $500 suggested).
- Any visa fees.
- Airport transfers outside of tour dates.
things to know:
- This trip is open to 12 female participants.
- Double occupancy everywhere.
- All deposits are non-refundable and requires a full ‘yes’ from you at time of booking.
- Payment plans are available.
- Camps are remote, and while high-end, are still bush camps in the middle of the wilderness – the best way to be near animals! Air Conditioning and steady Wifi may not always be available.
- Wild animals are wild, and sightings are up to them!
testimonials
Since the 1st time I saw The Lion King as a kid, I’ve dreamed of seeing those animals in the wild.
“I’ve been saving for this trip for over a decade and researching travel in Africa almost as long. I never could find a tour that seemed perfect, that went everywhere I wanted to go, where I could see everything I wanted to see. I’ve followed Kristin’s blog for years and was really excited when I saw she was leading group tours in Africa. The itinerary looked amazing, it went everywhere I wanted to go and included activities I was really excited to experience.
I can’t even begin to describe how incredible the trip has been. Seeing these amazing animals in the wild has been a dream come true!
I’m used to organizing trips, including all the work and stress that comes along with it. I can’t begin to share how amazing it was to not have to worry about anything, knowing that Kristin and Pete had it covered. All I had to do was enjoy!
The women I met as part of this trip are truly incredible! I’m not gunna lie, I was super nervous before jointing as you never know what the group dynamics are going to be like. My worries were quickly put to rest! Everyone is so much fun and up for adventure, and I genuinely enjoyed getting to know them.
I can’t recommend this tour enough and I can’t wait to join another tour! “
Amy
Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe trip
They made it the trip of my life and it enticed me to trust them on any trip in the world.
“This is my second BMTM Adventures trip to Africa in a row after initially joining the women’s Patagonia trip. They made it the trip of my life and it enticed me to trust them on any trip in the world.
Kristin does such an awesome job that all that’s left for me to do is pack my bags. I’ve returned to the exact same Africa safari with them though there are key differences. They take past reviews into account and make improvements to the itinerary. Kristin attracts such interesting women. On this trip we have one rocket scientist, three doctors, a flight nurse, several teachers and accountants. We could run the world from this trip. It includes water, air, and truck safaris. I just don’t want it to ever end and I can’t wait for the next trip.”
I can’t recommend this tour enough and I can’t wait to join another tour! “
Susie q
Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe trip
meet your guide
Kristin Addis
BMTM Adventures founder
I’m a professional photographer and guide who has welcomed 60 women on trips to Africa, here to make sure you have the best experience possible, and return home with photos and memories to last a lifetime.
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