Journey Details
- Start / End
- Entebbe International Airport, Uganda
- Languages
- English, French, German (on request)
- Guide
- Expert Local Guide
- Group Size
- 2–12
- Accommodation
- Superior
About This Journey
Overview
Combine mountain gorilla trekking, scenic lakes and wildlife on this 5-day Uganda safari. The journey takes you into the highlands of southwestern Uganda for an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, followed by time to relax and explore the beautiful shores of Lake Bunyonyi.
The final leg takes you to Lake Mburo National Park for game viewing before returning to Entebbe. It is a good fit for travellers with limited time who want to combine Uganda’s signature gorilla experience with some of the country’s most scenic landscapes and wildlife. Paanvuu lists the tour as a 5-day Lake Bunyonyi exploration, with gorilla and forest experiences forming part of the itinerary.
The Route Ahead
Every stop, stay and meal — laid out so you know exactly what each day holds.
Arrival in Kigali
Your adventure begins as you arrive at Kigali International Airport, where you will be warmly welcomed. You'll be transferred to a comfortable hotel in Kigali, where you can relax and prepare for the exciting journey ahead.
Tranquil Lake Bunyonyi
Today, you'll depart for Lake Bunyonyi, a place often referred to as the "Switzerland of Africa" due to its breathtaking scenery. Nestled in the embrace of rolling hills and lush landscapes, you'll settle into a charming lodge or campsite near the tranquil shores of Lake Bunyonyi. Get ready to unwind in this picturesque paradise.
Into the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Embark on a scenic journey as you transfer to the enchanting Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Your accommodation for the night will be in the heart of this magnificent forest, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of nature.
Gorilla Trekking Adventure
The highlight of your journey awaits as you embark on an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Encounter these majestic creatures up close in their natural habitat, a truly awe-inspiring and once-in-a-lifetime adventure. You'll return to your lodge or campsite near Bwindi for a well-deserved rest after this incredible day.
Return to Kigali International Airport
As your Lake Bunyonyi Exploration comes to an end, you'll bid farewell to the mesmerizing landscapes and wildlife of Uganda. You'll be transferred back to Kigali International Airport for your departure, carrying with you unforgettable memories of this unique journey.
Departure Dates & Pricing
Available on request — tell us your preferred dates and we'll tailor a departure around them.
What's Included
- Accommodation as specified in the itinerary.
- Transportation between destinations.
- Gorilla trekking permits.
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary.
- Experienced guides and park fees.
What's Excluded
- International flights.
- Visa fees (if applicable).
- Travel insurance.
- Personal expenses and gratuities.
- Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary.
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.
