Overview
Celebrate Christmas in the heart of East Africa on an unforgettable 12-day journey through Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda.
This multi-country Christmas safari brings together some of East Africa’s most remarkable experiences. Begin with the spectacular wildlife of Kenya’s Maasai Mara, where vast savannahs provide opportunities to see lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, cheetahs, and other iconic African wildlife.
From Kenya, continue to Uganda for one of Africa’s most extraordinary wildlife experiences: mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. After your gorilla adventure, cross into Rwanda and slow down along the beautiful shores of Lake Kivu before exploring Kigali.
This Christmas journey is designed for travellers who want more than a traditional safari. It combines wildlife, primates, breathtaking landscapes, cultural experiences, and relaxation across three countries.
From the open plains of the Maasai Mara to the ancient forests of Bwindi and the peaceful waters of Lake Kivu, every stage offers something different.
Safari Highlight
- • Explore three East African countries in one Christmas holiday
• Game drives in the world-famous Maasai Mara National Reserve
• Opportunity to see Africa’s Big Five
• Experience Kenya’s spectacular savannah landscapes
• Fly from Nairobi to Entebbe for a seamless connection to Uganda
• Scenic journey through southwestern Uganda
• Mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
• Spend Christmas surrounded by the ancient Bwindi rainforest
• Cross the border from Uganda into Rwanda
• Relax beside the beautiful waters of Lake Kivu
• Optional boat cruise and lakeside activities
• Explore Kigali, Rwanda’s vibrant capital
• Experience East African cultures, communities, and landscapes
• Professional English-speaking safari guides
• Comfortable safari lodges, hotels, and tented camps
Full Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Nairobi, Kenya
Welcome to Kenya!
Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, you will be warmly welcomed by your Traford Safaris Ltd representative and transferred to your hotel.
After your international flight, enjoy a relaxed evening in Nairobi.
Depending on your arrival time and energy levels, you may explore some of the city’s attractions or simply rest at your hotel.
Nairobi is a fascinating introduction to East Africa, blending modern city life with easy access to wildlife and nature.
Enjoy dinner and prepare for the safari adventure ahead.
Overnight: Nairobi
Day 2 – Nairobi to Maasai Mara National Reserve
After breakfast, depart Nairobi and begin your journey towards the legendary Maasai Mara National Reserve.
The drive takes you through the Great Rift Valley, offering beautiful views of Kenya’s dramatic landscapes and rural communities.
As you approach the Maasai Mara, the scenery changes from farmland and settlements to vast open grasslands.
After checking into your lodge or tented camp, enjoy lunch and some time to relax.
Later in the afternoon, head out for your first game drive.
Keep your eyes open for elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, buffaloes, antelopes, and predators such as lions and cheetahs.
Return to your lodge as the sun sets over the Mara.
Overnight: Maasai Mara National Reserve
Day 3 – Full-Day Maasai Mara Safari
Wake up to the sounds of the African wilderness and enjoy a full day exploring the Maasai Mara.
The reserve is famous for its abundant wildlife and wide-open savannah landscapes. Your experienced safari guide will take you through different areas of the reserve in search of wildlife.
You may encounter lions resting in the grasslands, elephants moving across the plains, giraffes feeding on acacia trees, and large herds of zebras and wildebeests.
The Mara is also home to leopards, cheetahs, hippos, crocodiles, hyenas, and hundreds of bird species.
Enjoy a picnic lunch in the wilderness before continuing your game drive.
If you are travelling during the festive season, return to your lodge for a special Christmas dinner or festive evening.
Overnight: Maasai Mara National Reserve
Day 4 – Maasai Mara to Nairobi and Flight to Entebbe, Uganda
After breakfast, enjoy a final morning in the Maasai Mara before travelling back towards Nairobi.
Depending on your flight schedule, you may enjoy a short final game drive before leaving the reserve.
Continue to Nairobi and connect to your flight to Entebbe, Uganda.
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be welcomed by your Traford Safaris Ltd guide and transferred to your hotel.
After the journey, enjoy a relaxed evening and prepare for your Ugandan adventure.
Overnight: Entebbe
Day 5 – Entebbe to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After breakfast, begin your journey towards southwestern Uganda.
This is a scenic travel day, taking you through Uganda’s countryside, towns, villages, agricultural areas, and rolling hills.
Depending on your route and time, make a stop at the Equator for photographs and refreshments.
Continue towards Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, one of Africa’s most important mountain gorilla habitats.
Arrive at your lodge in the evening, enjoy dinner, and rest in preparation for your gorilla trekking experience.
Overnight: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Day 6 – Mountain Gorilla Trekking Experience
Today is one of the biggest highlights of your East Africa Christmas Adventure.
After an early breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters for your gorilla trekking briefing.
Enter Bwindi Impenetrable Forest accompanied by experienced guides and trackers. The forest is home to mountain gorillas as well as numerous bird, plant, and other wildlife species.
The trek can take several hours depending on the location of the gorilla family and the terrain.
Once you find the gorillas, spend one unforgettable hour observing them in their natural environment.
Watch as they feed, play, groom one another, and interact as a family.
After the trek, return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation.
Spend the evening enjoying the peaceful surroundings of Bwindi and celebrate Christmas with a special festive meal at your lodge.
Overnight: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Day 7 – Bwindi to Lake Kivu, Rwanda
After breakfast, leave Bwindi and begin your journey towards Rwanda.
Cross the Uganda–Rwanda border and continue through Rwanda’s spectacular southwestern countryside.
The landscape changes dramatically as you travel through the famous Land of a Thousand Hills.
Continue towards Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s Great Lakes, known for its peaceful waters, green hills, and beautiful scenery.
Arrive at your lakeside hotel and enjoy a relaxed afternoon.
After the excitement of gorilla trekking, Lake Kivu provides the perfect opportunity to slow down and enjoy the Christmas holidays.
Overnight: Lake Kivu
Day 8 – Christmas Day at Lake Kivu
Wake up to beautiful views of Lake Kivu and enjoy a relaxed Christmas morning.
Today is dedicated to rest, relaxation, and enjoying the lake.
You may choose to take an optional boat cruise, explore nearby communities, enjoy a lakeside walk, or simply relax at your hotel.
For travellers interested in local culture, optional community experiences can provide an opportunity to interact with local people and learn more about life around Lake Kivu.
In the evening, enjoy a special Christmas dinner while taking in the peaceful atmosphere of the lake.
Overnight: Lake Kivu
Day 9 – Lake Kivu to Kigali
After breakfast, leave Lake Kivu and travel towards Kigali.
Enjoy another scenic drive through Rwanda’s rolling hills, tea plantations, villages, and countryside.
Upon arrival in Kigali, check into your hotel and enjoy lunch.
The afternoon can be spent relaxing or exploring some of Kigali’s neighbourhoods, craft shops, cafés, and local markets.
Kigali offers a different side of Rwanda, combining modern African city life with strong cultural traditions.
Overnight: Kigali
Day 10 – Kigali City and Cultural Experience
After breakfast, enjoy a guided Kigali city tour.
Visit some of the city’s important cultural and historical attractions, depending on your interests and available time.
You may visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, explore local art and craft centres, visit a traditional market, or experience some of the city’s vibrant neighbourhoods.
Your guide will also introduce you to aspects of Rwandan culture, history, and everyday life.
Enjoy a relaxed evening at your hotel after your city tour.
Overnight: Kigali
Day 11 – Kigali Leisure and Optional Experiences
Enjoy a relaxed final full day in Rwanda.
This day provides flexibility depending on your interests.
You may choose additional cultural experiences, visit local craft markets, explore Kigali’s restaurants and cafés, or simply enjoy a leisurely day at your hotel.
For travellers who want a little more adventure, optional activities can be arranged depending on availability and timing.
Spend your final evening reflecting on an incredible Christmas journey across Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda.
Overnight: Kigali
Day 12 – Departure from Kigali
Enjoy your final breakfast in Rwanda.
Depending on your international flight time, you may have some free time for last-minute shopping or relaxation.
Your Traford Safaris Ltd representative will transfer you to Kigali International Airport in good time for your departure flight.
As you leave East Africa, take home memories of Kenya’s spectacular wildlife, Uganda’s mountain gorillas, Rwanda’s beautiful hills, and the peaceful shores of Lake Kivu.
End of your 12-day East Africa Christmas Adventure with Traford Safaris Ltd.
