This journey through Uganda is more than a safari—it’s a purposeful expedition into the soul of conservation, where every step brings you closer to communities, ecosystems, and stories working in harmony to protect the natural world. Across diverse landscapes, you’ll engage with powerful grassroots efforts, community-led initiatives, and inspiring individuals shaping the future of conservation in Uganda.

Conservation Spotlights: Protecting Uganda’s Wild Heart

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary: Rewilding a Species Once Lost

Once extinct in the wild in Uganda, white rhinos are being reintroduced through the efforts of Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. On foot, you’ll track these endangered giants and learn how the sanctuary’s pioneering efforts—launched in 2005—are bringing rhinos back to Uganda’s wilderness. It's a powerful success story in species revival and habitat protection.

Pakuba Safari Lodge: Sustainable Safari in Murchison Falls
At Pakuba Safari Lodge, conservation is woven into the guest experience. From solar power and sustainable construction to community engagement and cultural preservation, Pakuba demonstrates how eco-tourism can thrive while safeguarding the environment. Their emphasis on local hiring and cultural exchange strengthens the bond between tourism and positive impact.

Turaco Treetops & the Chris Roberts Forest Foundation
Nestled at the edge of Kibale National Park, Turaco Treetops partners with the Chris Roberts Forest Foundation to protect one of Uganda’s last lowland forests outside the park boundary. This conservation buffer zone supports chimpanzees, elephants, and countless bird species, while showcasing regenerative agroforestry techniques for local farmers. Your stay directly contributes to these efforts through eco-levies and nature walk donations.

Bigodi Wetlands & Community Conservation
Led by local guides, your Bigodi Wetlands Walk supports a thriving community-based conservation project. This lush swamp corridor outside Kibale National Park is a vital habitat for primates, birds, and other wildlife. Proceeds from your visit help fund education, clean water, and sustainable livelihoods for the surrounding village.

Reformed Poacher Initiatives in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Through an intimate visit with reformed poachers, you'll discover how dialogue and opportunity can turn former adversaries of conservation into its strongest advocates. Hear their stories, see their community projects, and learn how their work today helps mitigate human-wildlife conflict while protecting park boundaries.

Ride 4 a Woman: Community Empowerment in Bwindi
At the gateway to gorilla trekking, your stay at Ride 4 a Woman offers more than rest—it provides direct support to women overcoming poverty, domestic violence, and HIV through entrepreneurship. From weaving and sewing to microfinance and farming, these women are creating change in their community while fostering a deep respect for the surrounding forest.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest: Gorilla Guardianship
Your encounters with the critically endangered mountain gorillas are made possible by decades of community collaboration and habitat protection. A portion of your trekking permit directly funds anti-poaching efforts, veterinary care, and local development—ensuring the gorillas’ survival while supporting those who live beside them.

PRWOP: Empowering the Families Behind the Frontlines
In collaboration with the Park Rangers Women and Orphanage Project (PRWOP), your journey directly supports the families of fallen wildlife rangers. These brave individuals gave their lives to protect Uganda’s parks, and their families are now empowered through education, housing, and community projects. You'll meet those carrying their legacy forward, offering a rare perspective into the human cost of conservation—and the strength of those left behind.

Daily Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Uganda

Stay: The Boma Hotel, Entebbe
Arrive at Entebbe International Airport, where you’ll be warmly welcomed by your private guide and transferred to The Boma Hotel—Entebbe’s first boutique property set within lush tropical gardens near Lake Victoria. This colonial-style retreat offers a peaceful introduction to Uganda’s warm hospitality and natural charm. In the evening, gather with your guide and fellow travelers for a Welcome Orientation and drinks. You'll preview the days ahead, connect over shared values, and begin the journey with a sense of purpose. This trip is more than travel—it's a commitment to conservation, community, and connection.
Meals: Light Dinner & Drinks

Day 2: Shoebills & Sanctuary Island

Overnight: The Boma Hotel, Entebbe
Begin your day with a sunrise canoe excursion through Mabamba Swamp, a RAMSAR wetland renowned for its birdlife—especially the rare shoebill stork. Return to Entebbe for lunch, then head by boat to Ngamba Island, home to the Jane Goodall Institute's Chimpanzee Sanctuary. Meet rescued chimps and learn about the sanctuary’s innovative conservation work. Return to the mainland for a relaxed evening and dinner at the hotel.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: The Nile Source & Wildwaters Arrival

Overnight: Wildwaters Lodge, Jinja
Travel east to Jinja, the legendary Source of the Nile, where this great river begins its 6,650 km journey north. From here, boat to Kalagala Island and check in at Wildwaters Lodge—an exclusive retreat surrounded by jungle and white-water rapids. Spend your afternoon how you choose: raft, kayak, take a nature walk, or simply relax with a spa treatment and river views. Wrap up the day with a candlelit dinner above the churning waters.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Rejuvenation by the River

Overnight: Wildwaters Lodge, Jinja
Slow down and soak up the magic of your private island hideaway. Enjoy your morning with Ugandan coffee and misty river views from your deck, or visit the spa for riverside wellness. Optional adventures include rafting, quad biking, horseback rides, or community visits. Whether chasing thrills or finding stillness, today is yours to reconnect—with nature, and with yourself.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Rhinos on Foot, Roaring Falls & A Wilderness Retreat

Overnight: Pakuba Safari Lodge, Murchison Falls NP
Head north into Uganda’s wild heart, stopping en route at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to track southern white rhinos on foot—an inspiring conservation comeback story. After lunch, visit the top of Murchison Falls where the Nile surges through a narrow gorge in a thunderous display. Arrive at Pakuba Safari Lodge, a peaceful eco-retreat nestled along the Nile, where wildlife roams freely and sustainability is at the core of every stay.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Dawn on the Savannah & the River of Life

Overnight: Pakuba Safari Lodge, Murchison Falls NP
Rise early for a game drive through Murchison’s vast savannahs. Look out for elephants, giraffes, lions, and—if fortune favors—leopards or hyenas in the golden morning light. Midday brings a boat safari up the Nile to the base of the falls, where you’ll spot hippos, crocodiles, and vibrant birdlife. Return to the lodge for a relaxed afternoon and a sundown dinner surrounded by the sounds of the wild.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Journey Across the Pearl

Overnight: Turaco Treetops Lodge, Kibale NP
Depart early for a scenic drive southwest to the lush, rainforest-cloaked hills of Kibale. Along the way, watch the terrain shift from savannah to tea plantations and crater lakes. Arrive at Turaco Treetops, a beautiful forest retreat blending modern comfort with nature. Settle in, then explore the grounds or relax as colobus monkeys swing through the treetops around you.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Chimpanzee Trekking & Bigodi Community Experience

Overnight: Turaco Treetops Lodge, Kibale National Park
Trek through Kibale National Park to encounter wild chimpanzees in their natural habitat, guided by expert trackers. Afterward, visit the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-run conservation area rich in primates and birdlife. Engage with local artisans at the Bigodi Women’s Group and experience their crafts and stories of empowerment. Return to the lodge for the night, enjoying dinner surrounded by nature.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park & Meet Reformed Poachers

Overnight: Aardvark Safari Lodge, Queen Elizabeth National Park
Travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park and check into Aardvark Safari Lodge, nestled on the park’s edge. Meet a group of reformed poachers who now dedicate their lives to wildlife conservation and witness their community-driven projects. Reflect on the transformative power of conservation education before enjoying a peaceful evening at the lodge.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Experiential Wildlife Research, Kazinga Channel Cruise & Sundowner Magic

Overnight: Aardvark Safari Lodge, Queen Elizabeth National Park
Join a local research team for a unique behind-the-scenes experience tracking lions and leopards in the wild. In the afternoon, embark on a scenic boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, spotting hippos, crocodiles, and elephants. End the day with a sundowner overlooking the stunning African landscape before returning to Aardvark Safari Lodge for the night.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Journey to Bwindi & Batwa Cultural Encounter

Overnight: Ride 4 a Woman, Bwindi
Drive through picturesque southwestern Uganda to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and settle in at Ride 4 a Woman Lodge, a community-based initiative empowering local women. Meet the Batwa people, one of Africa’s oldest tribes, and learn about their unique cultural practices, including traditional songs, dances, and rituals tied to the forest.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: First Gorilla Trekking Experience & Restful Afternoon

Overnight: Ride 4 a Woman, Bwindi
Embark on your first gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi, where you’ll spend an hour observing mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Afterward, return to Ride 4 a Woman for a relaxing afternoon, enjoying the tranquil surroundings or exploring local crafts. Reflect on the profound experience of connecting with these endangered creatures.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13: Second Gorilla Trek – A Deeper Encounter

Overnight: Ride 4 a Woman, Bwindi
Your second gorilla trek offers a deeper understanding of these majestic animals, with the opportunity to visit a different gorilla family. Observe the varied dynamics within the group and appreciate the unique behaviors of these great apes. After the trek, unwind at Ride 4 a Woman and celebrate this extraordinary journey over dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14: Scenic Flight from Kihihi to Entebbe & Farewell

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Take a scenic flight from Kihihi to Entebbe, offering a final aerial view of Uganda’s stunning landscapes. Upon arrival, enjoy a farewell lunch while reflecting on your transformative journey through Uganda’s diverse ecosystems, wildlife, and conservation efforts.

Getting Trail-Ready for the Gorillas

Tracking mountain gorillas through the misty slopes of Bwindi is one of the most awe-inspiring wildlife encounters on Earth—and it’s also an active adventure. The treks can range from 3 to 6 hours, navigating steep, uneven, and thickly forested terrain. Add in the humid equatorial climate, and the journey becomes a true immersion into the wild.

While the pace is manageable and breaks are woven into the experience, the better your physical preparation, the more you’ll be able to fully enjoy each moment—from the heart-pounding ascent to the hushed awe of standing just feet from a silverback. We recommend spending some time before your journey getting your body trail-ready: whether it’s brisk walking, hiking, cycling, or a mix of movement that gets your heart rate up and your legs strong.

Even a 30–45 minute walk every other day on inclines or uneven terrain can make a big difference. It’s less about intensity and more about consistency—building the stamina to meet the forest with strength and gratitude.

This is not just a hike. It’s a pilgrimage into one of our planet’s last great wild places, and your body is your gateway to getting there.

Refund & Cancellation Policy

We pour our hearts into crafting meaningful, conservation-driven journeys—and we know that travel plans are a significant investment of both time and intention. While we hope you’ll be able to join us, we understand that circumstances can change. Please review the following policy carefully before booking.

Standard Cancellation Terms

• 121+ days (4+ months) prior to departure: A $200 cancellation fee per person will apply.

• 61–120 days (2–4 months) prior to departure: 50% of the total trip cost, including internal flights, pre/post extensions, and added services (e.g. additional hotel nights), will be non-refundable.

• 60 days or fewer prior to departure: Unfortunately, we are unable to offer any refunds at this stage due to our financial commitments to local partners and accommodations.

Deposit Policy

• All trip deposits and payments are non-refundable.

• For fully private bookings (e.g., you reserve an entire departure), deposits are double the standard rate and remain non-refundable.

Special Note on Deposits & Cancellation Policy

This journey requires a non-refundable deposit of $2,100 USD per person, in addition to the total trip cost. This deposit secures your space on the itinerary and covers the cost of non-refundable, non-transferable permits for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking. Please note that this policy differs from our standard terms, due to the unique nature of the experiences and conservation access included in this itinerary.

Travel Insurance Requirement

Because our trips venture into remote, wild, and weather-sensitive areas, comprehensive travel insurance is required for all travelers. This must include coverage for trip cancellation, interruption, emergency medical needs, and evacuation.
We recommend purchasing travel insurance at the time of booking to maximize your coverage window.

If you have any questions about this policy, we’re happy to assist..

What’s Not Included:

• Laundry services
• Items of a personal nature
• Tips and gratuities
• Alcoholic beverages
• Travel insurance
• Visas and international airfare