Journey Details
- Start / End
- Kigali, Rwanda → Bujumbura, Burundi
- Languages
- English, French, German (on request)
- Guide
- Expert Local Guide
- Group Size
- 2–12
- Accommodation
- Luxury
About This Journey
Overview
Discover the contrasting landscapes and cultures of Rwanda and Burundi on this 11-day East African adventure. Begin in Kigali with an introduction to Rwanda’s history and culture before travelling into the ancient rainforest of Nyungwe National Park for chimpanzee trekking, a canopy walk and forest hiking.
Continue to Volcanoes National Park for the ultimate highlight: trekking through the Virunga Mountains in search of endangered mountain gorillas. From Rwanda, cross into Burundi for Bujumbura, a relaxing boat trip on Lake Tanganyika, the scenic Karera Waterfalls and meaningful cultural encounters with local communities.
The Route Ahead
Every stop, stay and meal — laid out so you know exactly what each day holds.
Arrival in Kigali, Rwanda
Arrive in Kigali, Rwanda's vibrant capital. Embark on a city tour, exploring its bustling markets and historical landmarks. Pay your respects at the Genocide Memorial, learning about the country's history and remarkable spirit of reconciliation. Gain insights into Rwandan culture with a visit to the National Museum, showcasing the country's rich heritage and traditions.
Drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park, Rwanda
Depart Kigali and travel towards Nyungwe National Park, a verdant tapestry of rainforest teeming with primate life. Settle into your lodge and prepare for your exciting encounters with the wonders of the forest.
Chimpanzee Trekking and Cultural Village Visit
Embark on a thrilling chimpanzee trek in Nyungwe Forest and visit a local cultural village to experience Rwandan traditions firsthand.
Canopy Walk and Nature Hike
Experience the beauty of Nyungwe Forest from above on a canopy walk and explore its lush landscapes on a nature hike.
Transfer to Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Depart Nyungwe and journey towards Volcanoes National Park, the legendary home of mountain gorillas. Nestled amidst the Virunga Mountains, this park offers the chance to encounter these magnificent primates in their natural habitat.
Gorilla Trekking
Embark on a life-changing experience - gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. Hike through the verdant slopes in search of mountain gorillas, and spend a magical hour observing these gentle giants in their natural environment.
Cultural Village Visit and Golden Monkey Trek
Immerse yourself in Rwandan culture with a visit to Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, followed by an optional trek to see golden monkeys.
Drive to Bujumbura, Burundi
Cross the border into Burundi and explore Bujumbura, visiting the Livingstone-Stanley Monument and experiencing the city's vibrant culture.
Boat Trip on Lake Tanganyika
Enjoy a relaxing boat trip on Lake Tanganyika, one of Africa's Great Lakes, soaking in the stunning scenery and wildlife.
Explore Karera Waterfalls and Cultural Interactions
Discover the beauty of Karera Waterfalls and engage in cultural interactions with local communities, gaining insight into Burundi's rich heritage.
Departure from Bujumbura, Burundi
Bid farewell to Rwanda and Burundi, taking with you memories of a remarkable journey through two of East Africa's most fascinating countries.
Departure Dates & Pricing
Available on request — tell us your preferred dates and we'll tailor a departure around them.
What's Included
- City tours and cultural visits
- Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits
- Accommodation
- Transportation
What's Excluded
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities
Frequently Asked Questions
East Africa — including Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, and Tanzania — welcomes hundreds of thousands of international visitors every year, and the overwhelming majority return home with wonderful memories and no safety issues.
The main tourist areas (national parks, gorilla trekking zones, established lodges, and well-travelled routes) are generally very safe when you travel with a reputable operator. Crime against tourists is relatively rare in these environments. Like any destination in the world, larger cities require normal urban awareness, especially after dark.
Safety can vary by country and by region, and the situation can change. For this reason we always recommend that you check the latest official travel advice from your own government’s embassy or foreign office before you book and again closer to your departure date. This is the most reliable and up-to-date source of information.
At Tuntu Safaris we take safety extremely seriously. We use experienced local guides, well-maintained vehicles, carefully selected lodges, and proven routes. Your wellbeing is our highest priority from the moment you arrive until you leave.
This is one of the best questions you can ask, and the answer depends on the kind of experience you want.
Uganda is ideal if you want exceptional variety in a single country. Here you can trek mountain gorillas, track chimpanzees, enjoy classic game drives, boat safaris, and beautiful scenery — all without excessive travel days. It feels less commercial than some of its neighbours and offers outstanding value, especially for gorilla trekking.
Rwanda is perfect for a short, high-end, polished trip focused on mountain gorillas. The infrastructure and service standards are excellent, and the experience is very exclusive.
Kenya and Tanzania are the classic choices for big open savannahs, large numbers of the Big Five, and (in season) the Great Migration. They deliver the iconic “endless plains” safari experience many people picture when they think of Africa.
Many of our guests combine two countries. Uganda + Rwanda is a particularly popular pairing for primate lovers. We’re happy to help you decide based on the length of your trip, your interests, and your budget.
Uganda can be visited year-round, but conditions change with the seasons.
The two dry seasons — June to September and December to February — are generally considered the best times for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking. Trails are less muddy and hiking is more comfortable. Wildlife viewing in the savannah parks is also excellent during these months as animals gather around water sources.
The rainy seasons (March to May and October to November) bring lush green landscapes, excellent birdwatching, fewer visitors, and sometimes better availability of gorilla permits and lodge rooms. Trekking is still very possible, though you should expect some mud and rain.
If your main goal is comfortable gorilla trekking, aim for the dry seasons. If you prefer quieter parks and don’t mind a bit of rain, the green seasons can be wonderfully rewarding.
A standard gorilla trekking permit in Uganda currently costs USD 800 per person for foreign non-residents. This allows you one hour with a habituated gorilla family in Bwindi or Mgahinga.
A gorilla habituation experience permit (which lets you spend up to four hours with a group still being habituated) costs USD 1,500.
Permits are limited and sell out quickly in peak season, so we recommend securing them as early as possible. We handle the entire permit booking process for our clients.
