Journey Details
- Start / End
- Entebbe International Airport, Uganda → Entebbe, Uganda
- Languages
- English, French, German (on request)
- Guide
- Expert Local Guide
- Group Size
- 2–12
- Accommodation
- Luxury
About This Journey
Overview
Discover Rwanda beyond the capital on this 5-day scenic adventure through Lake Kivu and the Virunga highlands. Travel through Rwanda’s beautiful countryside to the shores of Lake Kivu, where emerald waters, surrounding mountains and peaceful lakeside communities create a memorable escape.
Continue into the volcanic landscapes of Volcanoes National Park, one of Rwanda’s most spectacular regions. This itinerary is ideal for travellers looking for a combination of scenery, nature, outdoor experiences and Rwanda’s distinctive highland landscapes without making gorilla trekking the focus of the trip. Paanvuu lists the tour as a 5-day itinerary from USD 900.
The Route Ahead
Every stop, stay and meal — laid out so you know exactly what each day holds.
Arrival at Kigali International Airport, Rwanda
Your journey commences as you touch down at Kigali International Airport in Rwanda. You'll be warmly received and transferred to your hotel in Kigali, where you can unwind and prepare for the remarkable days ahead.
Lake Kivu
Depart for the serene shores of Lake Kivu, a pristine freshwater lake that beckons with its tranquillity. Check-in at your lakeside resort or lodge near Lake Kivu, where you can relax and absorb the serene atmosphere.
Volcanoes National Park
Venture into the majestic Volcanoes National Park, home to the magnificent mountain gorillas. Settle into your lodge or campsite near the park, surrounded by lush forests and the promise of exciting wildlife encounters.
Volcanoes National Park
Spend another day exploring Volcanoes National Park, immersing yourself in its captivating landscapes. Whether you're trekking to see gorillas or enjoying nature hikes, the park's natural beauty is sure to leave you spellbound.
Return to Kigali, Rwanda - Departure
Bid farewell to the scenic wonders of Rwanda as you return to Kigali. After breakfast, you'll be transferred to the departure point, taking with you unforgettable memories of this enchanting adventure.
Departure Dates & Pricing
Available on request — tell us your preferred dates and we'll tailor a departure around them.
What's Included
- Airport transfers
- Accommodation as specified
- Ground transportation for all transfers and activities
- Entrance fees to national parks and attractions
- Wildlife and nature encounters
What's Excluded
- International flights to/from Kigali International Airport
- Visa fees (if required)
- Travel Insurance
- Alcoholic beverages and personal expenses
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.
