Rwanda & Kenya

A self-launched version of G Adventures' 15-day "Legendary Wildlife of Rwanda & Kenya" — same route (Kigali, Volcanoes National Park, Akagera, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, Masai Mara, Nairobi) but booked independently. The big-ticket fixed costs you cannot avoid are the Rwanda mountain gorilla permit (~£1,200 / US$1,500) and golden monkey permit (~£80), plus a shared 4x4 safari in Kenya. Everything else — guesthouses instead of lodges, matatus/local buses or shared transfers instead of a private vehicle in Rwanda, self-booked boat trips on Lakes Ihema and Naivasha — is dramatically cheaper than the £10,800pp group price. Budget backpacker accommodation in Rwanda/Kenya runs £15-35/night, food £12-20/day, local transport £8-20/day. Note: gorilla permits sell out months ahead and must be booked directly through Rwanda Development Board (rdb.rw) or a licensed local operator — book 3-6 months in advance. Costs below are approximate per-person estimates excluding international flights.

Travel Crew

~£2,650

A self-launched 15-day version of G Adventures' "Upgraded Rwanda & Kenya" (trip code DRNJ), running from Kigali to Nairobi via Volcanoes National Park, Akagera, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha and the Masai Mara. You'll book your own gorilla and golden monkey permits directly through Rwanda Development Board, join shared game drives and boat safaris via local operators or GetYourGuide, and use local buses, shared shuttles and one cheap domestic flight instead of a private 4x4 and guide throughout. The big-ticket fixed cost is the Rwanda gorilla permit (USD 1,500) — everything else can be done on a mid-range budget. Costs are approximate 2025 backpacker/mid-range rates in GBP and exclude international flights.

Travel Crew

~£3,255