KIGALI CITY · NYUNGWE NATIONAL PARK · SAFARIS IN RWANDA

11-Day Rwandan & Burundian Rendezvous: Gorillas, History & Serenity

Embark on a captivating journey through Rwanda and Burundi, where cultural heritage and natural beauty intertwine.

5.0 · 12 traveller reviews

Duration11 Days

FromUSD 7,411

CountrySafaris in Rwanda

Overview Itinerary Inclusions Destinations FAQ Reviews

USD 7,411per person Book Now

THE JOURNEY

Overview

Discover Rwanda and Burundi through a journey that combines cultural heritage, rainforest experiences, primate encounters and lakeside landscapes. Begin in Kigali with an introduction to Rwanda’s history and culture, then travel through Nyungwe Forest for chimpanzee trekking and canopy experiences before heading north to Volcanoes National Park for gorilla trekking. Continue across the border into Burundi for Lake Tanganyika, Karera Waterfalls and local cultural experiences.

Trip at a glance 11 days

Route: Kigali City → Nyungwe National Park → Safaris in Rwanda → Volcanoes National Park

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali | History & Cultural Heritage
Day 2: Kigali to Nyungwe Forest | Into the Rainforest
Day 3: Nyungwe Forest | Chimpanzee Trekking & Cultural Experience
Day 4: Nyungwe Forest | Canopy Walk & Nature Hike
Day 5: Nyungwe to Volcanoes National Park | Journey to Gorilla Country
Day 6: Volcanoes National Park | Gorilla Trekking
Day 7: Volcanoes National Park | Cultural Village & Golden Monkeys
Day 8: Rwanda to Bujumbura | Cross-Border Journey
Day 9: Bujumbura | Lake Tanganyika
Day 10: Bujumbura | Karera Waterfalls & Cultural Experience
Day 11: Bujumbura | Departure

DAY BY DAY

Full Itinerary

DAY 1

Arrival in Kigali | History & Cultural Heritage

Arrive in Kigali and begin your journey with a city tour. Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial to learn about Rwanda’s history and journey of reconciliation, then explore the National Museum for an introduction to the country’s heritage and traditions.

Dinner

DAY 2

Kigali to Nyungwe Forest | Into the Rainforest

Leave Kigali and travel towards Nyungwe Forest National Park. Settle into your lodge surrounded by the rainforest and prepare for the chimpanzee and forest experiences ahead.

Breakfast Lunch Dinner

DAY 3

Nyungwe Forest | Chimpanzee Trekking & Cultural Experience

Head into Nyungwe Forest for a chimpanzee trek, following your guide through the rainforest in search of primates. Later, visit a local cultural village for an opportunity to experience Rwandan traditions and community life.

Breakfast Lunch Dinner

DAY 4

Nyungwe Forest | Canopy Walk & Nature Hike

Experience Nyungwe from a different perspective on a canopy walk above the forest. Continue with a nature hike through the lush landscape, taking time to appreciate the forest environment and its wildlife.

Breakfast Lunch Dinner

DAY 5

Nyungwe to Volcanoes National Park | Journey to Gorilla Country

Travel north towards Volcanoes National Park and the Virunga Mountains. Settle into the gorilla region and prepare for one of the defining experiences of the journey: trekking in search of mountain gorillas.

Breakfast Lunch Dinner

DAY 6

Volcanoes National Park | Gorilla Trekking

Enter the forest for your gorilla trekking experience. Hike through the slopes of the Virunga Mountains in search of a gorilla family and spend time observing these remarkable primates in their natural environment.

Breakfast Lunch Dinner

DAY 7

Volcanoes National Park | Cultural Village & Golden Monkeys

Visit Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village to learn more about Rwandan culture and community life. Later, take an optional trek in search of golden monkeys, adding another primate experience to your time in the Virunga region.

Breakfast Lunch Dinner

DAY 8

Rwanda to Bujumbura | Cross-Border Journey

Cross into Burundi and continue to Bujumbura. Explore the city and visit the Livingstone-Stanley Monument before experiencing some of the atmosphere and culture of Burundi’s lakeside capital.

Breakfast Lunch Dinner

DAY 9

Bujumbura | Lake Tanganyika

Spend the day on Lake Tanganyika with a relaxing boat trip. Enjoy the scenery and experience one of Africa’s Great Lakes from the water.

Breakfast Lunch Dinner

DAY 10

Bujumbura | Karera Waterfalls & Cultural Experience

Discover Karera Waterfalls and the surrounding landscape before spending time with local communities. Learn more about Burundi’s cultural heritage through local interaction and experiences.

Breakfast Lunch Dinner

DAY 11

Bujumbura | Departure

Your Rwanda and Burundi journey comes to an end in Bujumbura. Transfer for your onward journey, taking with you memories of gorilla trekking, rainforest experiences, cultural encounters and Lake Tanganyika.

Breakfast

THE FINE PRINT

What's Included

Included & not included 4 included

Included

City tours and cultural visits
Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits
Accommodation
Transportation

WHERE YOU'LL GO

Destinations

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this itinerary be customised?

Yes, every trip can be tailored to your dates, budget and interests.

How do I book, and what deposit is needed?

Reserve a departure on the website or send us an inquiry for a customized engagment and payment link.

Do I need a visa and vaccinations?

Most visitors need an East African Tourist Visa and a yellow fever certificate.

TRAVELLER STORIES

What People Say

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 12 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Ian K 
 
 
 
 Verified An amazing experience
I had an amazing experience,the guide was great. Got to enjoy different places. We had different activities, water tubing,quad biking zip lining,quad biking and amazing dinners at the hotels and lodges.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   lumonya j 
 
 
 
 Verified Amazing safari experience
Great eye for sighting all animals. Knowledgeable with the different parks, very hospitable, alternate and careful on the road. You won't regret.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Brad H 
 
 
 
 Verified AWESOME Experience!
This was the second time I have worked with Zacc and Paanvuu Safaris in Uganda. This time, we traveled with my wife and daughter who were making their first visit to Africa. Zacc and Paanvuu had EVERYTHING arranged perfectly so that there was nothing for us to do but enjoy an amazing experience! Safe travels, wonderful accommodations, good food, and incredible safaris. 100% recommend!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Scenic31734850335 
 
 
 
 Verified Fantastic First Experience of Africa!
Paanvu was incredible and our driver Zaac did an amazing job at showing us some incredible sights, Safari’s, and waterfalls as well as being extremely knowledgeable about everything we got to explore! He was very positive the entire trip and took good care of us while we were able to explore the beauty of Uganda! 10/10 would go again!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Compass33176568006 
 
 
 
 Verified Amazing experience
What an AMAZING experience. So glad we picked an amazing company to take us! They knew exactly where to go! Will definitely use them again!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Sara 
 
 
 
 Verified Our team visited the Ewaffe Cultural Village.
Zach organized an experience for our group of seven at Ewaffe Cultural Village. It was a great day getting to participate in different Ugandan traditions and practices! Thanks, Zach!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Hannah L 
 
 
 
 Verified Really great time, very well put together!
This was my first safari ever and it was so good!! We had Zac taking us (2 ppl) and he was brilliant, super punctual and very knowledgeable about how to find specific animals on the trails. The vehicle was perfect, very comfortable to travel in but worked really well for safari too as the roof could be raised. We had so so much fun and would defo do it all over again <3
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Brad H 
 
 
 
 Verified Paanvuu and Zacc are the best!
I have been on several safaris and this one was one of the best! Zacc took great care of our entire team, answering questions, taking care of all arrangements, driving safely, and providing a great experience. We visited Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda where we took two game drives and a boat safari. We saw many animals UP CLOSE and really got to experience the best of Africa. Thanks Zacc and Paanvuu Safaris!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   evie_e_wyse 
 
 
 
 Verified Loved every moment!
Zacc was an extraordinary guide. He spotted animals and made sure we had a moment to stop along the road to have a good look and take photos. He provided information and respectfully answered all our group’s questions. Water was always available in the van. He made sure we were comfortable and enjoying the trip along the way. There were times in our trip that required careful driving. I felt entirely safe and comfortable with Zac’s driving. He was kind, fun, and a great conversationalist. I would highly recommend Paanvuu Safari and hope to use them again in the future!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Maps18765867286 
 
 
 
 Verified We did it all thanks to Zac. Got to interact with the locals and check out all the spots! Perfect.
Zac is the best guide out there. Very knowledgeable, friendly and fun to hang with on your adventure. He is passionate about sharing his knowledge and showing you his beautiful country! You will not forget this experience and may even make a true friend. Highly recommend!

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11-Day Rwandan & Burundian Rendezvous: Gorillas, History & Serenity

Overview

Full Itinerary

Arrival in Kigali | History & Cultural Heritage

Kigali to Nyungwe Forest | Into the Rainforest

Nyungwe Forest | Chimpanzee Trekking & Cultural Experience

Nyungwe Forest | Canopy Walk & Nature Hike

Nyungwe to Volcanoes National Park | Journey to Gorilla Country

Volcanoes National Park | Gorilla Trekking

Volcanoes National Park | Cultural Village & Golden Monkeys