Journey Details
- Start / End
- Kigali, Rwanda
- Languages
- English, French, German (on request)
- Guide
- Expert Local Guide
- Group Size
- 2–12
- Accommodation
- Luxury
About This Journey
Overview
Discover Rwanda on an immersive 11-day safari combining gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking, wildlife and cultural experiences. Begin in Kigali with an introduction to Rwanda’s history and heritage before travelling into the ancient rainforest of Nyungwe National Park for chimpanzee trekking, a canopy walk and guided nature hikes.
Continue to Volcanoes National Park for the unforgettable experience of trekking mountain gorillas, followed by a visit to Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village. Your journey then moves to Akagera National Park, where game drives and a boat safari reveal Rwanda’s diverse savannah wildlife before returning to Kigali.
For international travellers seeking more than a single gorilla encounter, this itinerary combines Rwanda’s primates, rainforests, wildlife, culture and history into one well-rounded journey.
The Route Ahead
Every stop, stay and meal — laid out so you know exactly what each day holds.
Arrival in Kigali, City Tour including Genocide Memorial and National Museum
Arrive in Kigali and embark on a city tour, including visits to the Genocide Memorial and National Museum to learn about Rwanda's history and culture.
Drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park
Travel to Nyungwe Forest National Park, a haven for biodiversity and home to chimpanzees and other primates.
Chimpanzee Trekking and Cultural Village Visit in Nyungwe Forest National Park
Enjoy a chimpanzee trekking experience in Nyungwe Forest and visit a local cultural village to learn about Rwandan traditions.
Canopy Walk and Nature Hike in Nyungwe Forest National Park
Experience the thrill of walking among the treetops on a canopy walk and hike through the forest to discover its flora and fauna.
Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Journey to Volcanoes National Park, known for its mountain gorillas and stunning volcanic landscapes.
Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Trek through the forest to encounter a family of mountain gorillas, a truly magical and unforgettable experience.
Visit to Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village and Optional Golden Monkey Trek
Immerse yourself in Rwandan culture with a visit to the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village. Optional golden monkey trek available.
Drive to Akagera National Park
Travel to Akagera National Park, Rwanda's largest national park known for its diverse wildlife.
Game Drive and Boat Safari in Akagera National Park
Explore Akagera National Park on a game drive, spotting animals such as elephants, lions, and hippos. Enjoy a boat safari on Lake Ihema for a different perspective of the park.
Return to Kigali, Craft Market Shopping and City Exploration
Return to Kigali and spend the day shopping for souvenirs at the local craft markets. Explore more of the city at your leisure.
Departure from Rwanda
Transfer to the airport for your departure, marking the end of your wildlife and heritage safari in Rwanda.
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
- Optional activities
- 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.
