Journey Details
- Start / End
- Entebbe International Airport, Uganda → Bujumbura, Burundi
- Languages
- English, French, German (on request)
- Guide
- Expert Local Guide
- Group Size
- 2–12
- Accommodation
- Luxury
About This Journey
Overview
Experience three remarkable East African countries on this 11-day Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi safari, combining wildlife, rainforest adventures, gorilla trekking and cultural exploration. Begin in Uganda with the Source of the Nile in Jinja, Murchison Falls, chimpanzee trekking in Kibale and wildlife experiences in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Continue to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park before crossing into Rwanda for the unforgettable experience of trekking mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. Your journey concludes in Burundi with a visit to Bujumbura and Rusizi National Park before departure.
For travellers seeking a more adventurous and less conventional East African itinerary, this journey combines iconic wildlife experiences with dramatic landscapes and the opportunity to explore three countries in one trip.
The Route Ahead
Every stop, stay and meal — laid out so you know exactly what each day holds.
Arrival in Entebbe, Uganda
Arrive in Entebbe, Uganda, your gateway to East Africa. Embark on a city tour, exploring its bustling markets and historical landmarks. Visit the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre, encountering a variety of rescued animals native to Uganda.
Transfer to Jinja, Uganda
Journey to Jinja, Uganda, the legendary source of the Nile River, the longest river in Africa. Witness the awe-inspiring sight of the Nile's beginnings and embark on a city tour to discover Jinja's vibrant atmosphere.
Drive to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda
Depart Jinja and travel towards Murchison Falls National Park, a haven for diverse wildlife. Prepare for exciting game drives and boat safaris on the mighty Nile River, searching for elephants, lions, giraffes, and a plethora of other animals.
Game Drive and Boat Safari in Murchison Falls National Park
Game Drive and Boat Safari in Murchison Falls National Park Embark on a thrilling game drive in Murchison Falls National Park, spotting a variety of wildlife in their natural habitat. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat safari on the Nile River, offering breathtaking views of the majestic Murchison Falls.
Drive to Kibale National Park, Uganda
Depart Murchison Falls and travel towards Kibale National Park, renowned for its chimpanzee population. Settle into your lodge and prepare for an exciting chimpanzee trekking adventure in the lush rainforest.
Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
Embark on a captivating chimpanzee trek in Kibale National Park, observing these intelligent primates in their natural environment. In the afternoon, explore the diverse ecosystem of the Bigodi Swamp on a guided nature walk, spotting a variety of birds, primates, and other wildlife.
Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda
Depart Kibale National Park and travel towards Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda, known for its diverse landscapes and wildlife. Prepare for exciting game drives and boat safaris in the coming days.
Transfer to Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Embark on a thrilling game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park, searching for lions, elephants, buffaloes, and a variety of other animals. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat safari on the Kazinga Channel, spotting a vast array of birds and hippos basking in the sun.
Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Depart Queen Elizabeth National Park and travel towards Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to endangered mountain gorillas. Prepare for an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience.
Drive to Bujumbura, Burundi
Cross the border into Rwanda and enter Volcanoes National Park, another haven for mountain gorillas. Embark on a life-changing experience - gorilla trekking. Hike through the verdant slopes in search of these gentle giants, and spend a magical hour observing them in their natural environment.
Departure from Bujumbura, Burundi
Travel to Bujumbura, Burundi, a city boasting a beautiful location on the shores of Lake Tanganyika. Enjoy a city tour, exploring its bustling markets and historical landmarks. In the afternoon, visit Rusizi National Park, spotting wildlife unique to Burundi. Finally, transfer to the airport for your departure, bidding farewell to East Africa and the unforgettable memories of your adventure
Departure Dates & Pricing
Available on request — tell us your preferred dates and we'll tailor a departure around them.
What's Included
- Accommodation as per itinerary
- Ground transportation
- Activities and excursions as specified
- Entrance fees and permits
- Expert guides
What's Excluded
- Meals (except where specified)
- Personal expenses
- 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.
