Journey Details
- Start / End
- Kigali International Airport → Bujumbura, Burundi
- Languages
- English, French, German (on request)
- Guide
- Expert Local Guide
- Group Size
- 2–12
- Accommodation
- Superior
About This Journey
Overview
Discover the natural and cultural highlights of Rwanda and Burundi on this 11-day East African adventure. Begin in Kigali with a city and heritage experience before travelling into the ancient rainforest of Nyungwe National Park for chimpanzee trekking, a canopy walk and guided nature hikes.
Continue north to Volcanoes National Park for an unforgettable mountain gorilla trekking experience in the Virunga Mountains. The journey then crosses into Burundi, where you’ll explore Bujumbura, cruise Lake Tanganyika, visit Karera Waterfalls and connect with local communities. This itinerary is particularly suited to travellers who want to combine gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking, rainforest adventures and authentic cultural experiences in one journey.
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 in Nyungwe Forest National Park
Enjoy a thrilling chimpanzee trekking experience in Nyungwe Forest and visit a local cultural village to learn about traditional Rwandan life.
Canopy Walk and Nature Hike in Nyungwe Forest National Park
Embark on a canopy walk through the treetops of Nyungwe Forest, offering breathtaking views of the canopy and surrounding scenery.
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 in Volcanoes National Park
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.
Visit to Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village and Optional Golden Monkey Trek
Explore the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village to learn about Rwandan culture and traditions. Optionally, embark on a trek to see the golden monkeys.
Drive to Bujumbura, Burundi
Depart from Rwanda and cross the border into Burundi. Arrive in Bujumbura, Burundi's economic center, located on the shores of Lake Tanganyika. Explore the city at your own pace, or join a city tour to discover its historical landmarks and cultural treasures.
Boat Trip on Lake Tanganyika and Relaxation
Enjoy a boat trip on Lake Tanganyika, the second-largest freshwater lake in the world, and relax on its pristine shores.
Explore Karera Waterfalls and Cultural Interactions
For those who opted for the Karera Waterfalls excursion on Day 9, this day is dedicated to exploring the beauty of this natural wonder. Hike up to the falls for breathtaking panoramas and enjoy the refreshing spray.
Departure from Bujumbura, Burundi
Transfer to the airport for your departure, marking the end of your cultural and natural wonders safari in Rwanda and Burundi.
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.
