Journey Details
- Start / End
- Kigali International Airport → Kigali, Rwanda
- Languages
- English, French, German (on request)
- Guide
- Expert Local Guide
- Group Size
- 2–12
- Accommodation
- Superior
About This Journey
Overview
Discover the remarkable diversity of Rwanda on this 8-day wildlife and cultural safari, combining primate encounters, savannah wildlife and the country’s rich heritage. From Kigali’s historical and cultural attractions to the ancient rainforest of Nyungwe and the volcanic landscapes of Volcanoes National Park, each destination offers a different side of Rwanda.
The journey includes chimpanzee trekking, mountain gorilla trekking, wildlife experiences and cultural exploration, before taking you to Akagera National Park for classic safari experiences. It’s an excellent choice for travellers who want to experience Rwanda beyond gorilla trekking alone, combining wildlife, nature, culture and some of the country’s most iconic destinations.
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 in Rwanda. After a warm welcome, settle into your comfortable hotel in Kigali, where you'll have a chance to rest and prepare for the days ahead.
Explore Kigali City and Visit Kigali Genocide Memorial
Today, immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Kigali city. Explore its bustling streets, vibrant markets, and learn about the city's history. In the afternoon, pay a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a place of remembrance and reflection.
Transfer to Akagera National Park
Depart Kigali for the untamed beauty of Akagera National Park. Check-in at your chosen lodge or campsite within the park, surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature.
Safari in Akagera National Park
Prepare for an exciting safari adventure in Akagera National Park. Encounter a wide array of wildlife, including elephants, lions, and zebras, in their natural habitat. The park's diverse landscapes make every moment a captivating experience.
Transfer to Gishwati-Mukura National Park
Bid farewell to Akagera and set off for Gishwati-Mukura National Park, a haven for primates and lush forests. Check-in at your lodge or campsite near the park, ready to explore this ecological treasure.
Explore Gishwati-Mukura National Park
Dive into the heart of Gishwati-Mukura National Park, where you can spot chimpanzees and other primates amid the dense vegetation. It's a day of wildlife encounters and lush scenery that will leave you in awe.
Return to Kigali City
Return to Kigali city, where you can do some last-minute shopping, explore more of the city's culture, or simply relax. Check-in at your hotel in Kigali for a comfortable night's rest.
Departure
It's time to bid farewell to Rwanda, its captivating heritage, and the thrilling wildlife encounters. After breakfast, you'll be transferred to Kigali International Airport for your departure, with memories to cherish forever.
Departure Dates & Pricing
Available on request — tell us your preferred dates and we'll tailor a departure around them.
What's Included
- Expert local guides for cultural tours and wildlife safaris
- Entrance fees to national parks and attractions
- Accommodation in carefully selected hotels, lodges, and campsites
- Airport transfers and ground transportation for all activities
- Cultural experiences, including visits to local heritage sites
- Safari activities, such as game drives and primate tracking
What's Excluded
- International flights to/from Kigali
- 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.
