Uganda & Rwanda Safaris
Endangered Gorillas Expedition
August 21 - August 30, 2026Uganda & Rwanda Safaris
August 21 - August 30, 2026Highlights
- Trek through rainforests to watch endangered Mountain Gorillas
- Visit National Parks and UNESCO-listed Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
- Get up close to the rare Golden Monkeys
- Take a Boat Safari on the Kazinga Channel
- Connect with women involved with rebuilding Rwanda
- Time to explore personal interests
- Suggestions for additional things to see
- And More... See itinerary for details
Activity
Read more about WTT Activity Levels
The activities on this tour are rated as follows:
- 35% Easy
- 45% Moderate (long drives, bumpy dirt roads on safari)
- 20% Strenuous (gorilla trekking, remoteness)
Your Responsibilities as a Solo Traveler
As a solo traveler you are responsible for yourself, your possessions, your physical fitness, and all other aspects related to participation in the WTT tour you have chosen. Be sure to read the itinerary closely to better understand the physical requirements necessary for the tour.
WTT tours are not suitable for anyone whose mobility is challenged or compromised. If you struggle with walking, standing or negotiating stairs or if you are in doubt as to your ability to meet the physical activity requirements, you should not sign up for this trip.
Women Traveling Together must obtain local permits required for Primate Trekking on this tour. WTT must have your passport details in order to obtain your permit. Permits for 2026 will be available on a first come basis in mid-August 2025. We must have a fully formed group in order to request permits, therefore we encourage you to make your Space Reservation as soon as possible.
Itinerary
Friday, 21 August 2026: Arrive Kampala, Uganda
Schedule your arrival into Entebbe at your convenience. Grouped transfers are provided from the airport to the hotel based on arrival time. The hotel is a 45-60 minute ride from the airport. Most flights arrive late in the evening. No activities are scheduled for this day. Should you arrive earlier in the day, relax at the hotel and rest after the long flight. Overnight Kampala - 1 night
Saturday, 22 August 2026: Flight to Kasese; Elephant Conservation (B,L,D)
We begin with our Welcome Meeting at 8:00am over breakfast. After breakfast we take a short flight Kasese near Queen Elizabeth National Park, the most popular savanna park in Uganda, where we'll kick off our safari experiences. The park has a great diversity of habitats- the variety of food, shelter and water sources increase the overall number of species present and also provides opportunities to see rare species. The park is renowned for its tree-climbing lion population, a behavior that is unusual and distinctive to only two areas of Africa. After lunch at our lodge, we learn more about the challenges of elephant conservation from a local expert. Overnight Mweya - 3 nights
Sunday, 23 August 2026: Queen Elizabeth National Park; Kazinga Channel Boat Safari (B,L,D)
The day begins at sunrise with a game drive. The cool quiet hours of the morning are the best best time to catch animal activity - particularly predators. We return to the lodge for breakfast and take a pause to relax. After lunch we make our way to the Kazinga Channel for a boat safari with knowledgeable guides. While enjoying the relaxing float on the water, we'll look for hippos, crocodiles, elephants and buffalo. Back at the lodge, we regroup for dinner.
Monday, 24 August 2026: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kyambura Gorge; Game Drive (B,L,D)
Within the Queen Elizabeth National Park is the Kyambura Gorge, a steep-sided valley that is often referred to as an underground tropical forest due to the dramatic landscape that feels like a hidden world. The cool, shaded ecosystem is home to chimpanzees that have been habituated to human visitors. Our Tracker will lead us down in the gorge, and we'll listen for their hoots and cries. If the chimps are quiet, our guide will look for footprints to help locate them. Once found, we can watch the primates play, rest and maybe even fight. We then trek back up the steep gorge and return to the lodge for lunch. We have an afternoon game drive before regrouping for dinner.
Tuesday, 25 August 2026: Travel to Bwindi; Game Viewing; Meet with Gorilla Experts (B,L,D)
As we travel toward the UNESCO-listed Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, we’ll continue to view wildlife in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Bwindi is renowned as one of the most biologically diverse regions on Earth, with extensive stands of bamboo interspersed among towering hardwood trees. It is home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas and offers the rare chance to experience both gorilla trekking and habituation. Upon arrival at our lodge, we’ll have a leisurely afternoon to settle in. In the early evening, we’ll meet with gorilla experts who are dedicated to the care and conservation of East Africa’s mountain gorillas and learn about the vital programs that support their work. Tonight, we’ll dine at the lodge. Overnight Bwindi National Park - 2 nights
Wednesday, 26 August 2026: Gorilla Mountain Trekking; Women's Cooperative (B,L,D)
We’ll embark on our once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking after we receive essential information about the gorilla family we’ll be visiting, safety guidelines, and best practices to minimize our impact. The difficulty of the hike depends on the gorillas’ location and the condition of the terrain, which can be affected by rain, as well as the 8,200 to 10,000 foot elevation of the forest. Once we find the gorillas, we’ll spend time in their presence. Coming face to face with the gorillas is a breathtaking encounter with one of nature’s most remarkable creatures! Our afternoon will be impactful in an entirely different way. We will visit a local women's cooperative in Bwindi, which is dedicated to assisting women facing the many challenges of poverty. We will tour the center and learn how more than 300 women from 11 different villages learn the skills to make a living from their wares. We will interact with the female artisans and have the opportunity to support them.
Thursday, 27 August 2026: Travel to Rwanda; Village Walk (B,L,D)
We begin our day early as we make our way to Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. After a flight to Kisoro in southwestern Uganda, we’ll drive through scenic rolling hills to Musanze, Rwanda—the gateway to the park. Once we cross the border, we’ll continue on to our lodge in the town of Kinigi, nestled on the slopes of the Virunga Mountains. We’ll have a chance to stretch our legs and immerse ourselves in the local culture with a community walking tour through a nearby village. After lunch at the lodge, the rest of the day is at leisure. We’ll regroup for dinner together in the evening. Overnight Kinigi- 2 nights
Friday, 28 August 2026: Golden Monkey Trekking; Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund Campus (B,L,D)
Our adventure takes us deep into the heart of Volcanoes National Park for a golden monkey trek—a rare and thrilling opportunity to encounter these endangered primates in the wild. The terrain here is gently rolling and more forgiving than the steep trails of Bwindi. Once we locate the golden monkeys, we’ll spend time observing and photographing their playful behavior in the canopy. We will make our way to the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, a conservation hub for the mountain gorillas. Here, we’ll discover how their holistic approach not only protects gorillas but also uplifts the surrounding communities—improving health, education, and economic opportunities while training the next generation of African conservationists. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Saturday, 29 August 2026: Travel to Kigali; Genocide Memorial; Caplaki Craft Village (B)
Today, we journey to Kigali, the vibrant capital of Rwanda. Upon arrival, we’ll stop for lunch before visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial. This powerful and moving site offers a guided tour through Rwanda’s tragic past, honoring the memory of the one million lives lost during the 1994 genocide. It’s a respectful space for reflection, offering insight into the country’s history and the incredible resilience of its people. After this sobering experience, we’ll lighten the mood with a visit to Caplaki Craft Village. Here, local artisans showcase their talents through beautifully handmade woodwork, baskets, pottery, jewelry, and traditional tribal masks—perfect for bringing home a unique memento. Overnight Kigali - 1 night
Sunday, 30 August 2026: Nyamirambo Walking Tour; Farewell Meal; Return Home (B,L)
We'll set out on a walking tour through the bustling Nyamirambo neighborhood of Kigali. Our destination is a non-profit women's center launched in 2007 by 18 local women. Today, their mission is to provide education and training to gain better employment opportunities. We’ll enjoy a delicious, traditional home-cooked lunch prepared by members of the community. After packing and freshening up at the hotel, we’ll gather one last time for a farewell meal, sharing memories and reflections before heading to the airport. Sadly, it’s time to return home. Make your return flight home any time after 7pm. The Tour Leader will assist with coordinating departure transfers.
Uganda & Rwanda Safaris
August 21 - August 30, 2026Pricing
Room Share
$11,360.00Single Room
$13,618.00 (Sold Out)Non-Members
ADD $100.00Status of this Tour
1 Space Remaining
Tour Pricing Includes
- All meals and activities expressly listed in the itinerary, PLUS...
- Tipping of local guides & drivers including safari guides
- Arrival Transfer
- Two In-country Flights
- Park entrance & conservation fees
- Trekking Permits
- Temporary Medical Evacuation Insurance (Medevac) - emergency transport from safari destinations to a nearby city during the tour.
- WTT Tour Leader to enhance the individual & group experience
- Arranged room sharing with another solo traveler
Not Included In The Price
- Airfare or other transportation to and from the tour
- Departure Transfer
- Meals and activities not specified in the itinerary
- Beverages other than coffee, tea & still water
- Any personal expenses or expenditures
- No Travel Dollars will be awarded for this tour
- Visa & Passport fees
- Tipping of Trekking Guides - (budget $25 per trek, 3 treks)
- Tipping of Hotel/Camp/Lodge staff - (budget $5 per stay)
- Any gratuities for the WTT Tour Leader
- Trip Cancellation / Trip Interruption Insurance
Payment Dates -and- Cancellation Terms for This Tour
You have 3 days to cancel and receive a refund. Thereafter, the amount required at time of reservation is non-refundable and the following cancellation penalties will be enforced.
3 Days after your Reservation is Confirmed: $1500 Deposit is forfeited if traveler cancels after this date.
Wednesday, 11 Mar 2026: Interim Payment of $1500 due; Non-refundable upon receipt. A total of $3000 is forfeited if traveler cancels after this date.
Friday, 1 May 2026: Balance Due. Cancellation after this date but before Monday, 22 Jun 2026 results in a cancellation penalty of 75% of your Total Tour Cost.
Monday, 22 Jun 2026: Cancellation on or after this date results in a cancellation penalty of 100% of your Total Tour Cost.
Using Parked Credits: If traveler cancels during the 3-day cancel without penalty period, used credits will be re-parked with the original expiration date(s). Thereafter, cancellation will result in forfeiture of the total amount of parked credits used. If applicable, additional cancellation penalties will be assessed based on date of cancellation.
To Cancel: Should you need to cancel after your space on this tour is confirmed, you must use the Cancellation Form. Cancellation penalties are based on the date we receive your cancellation form. No other method of communicating a cancellation will be accepted.
Insurance Reminder
Trip Cancellation / Trip Interruption Insurance is not included in the cost of the tour. It is your responsibility to determine the amount and type of coverage you require to recoup some or all of your travel investment, whether you cancel, are unable to complete the tour, or the tour cannot operate. Section 4.0 of WTT Terms & Conditions explains what will happen to your payments in the unlikely event that your tour cannot operate.
WTT is not licensed to sell travel insurance. You can purchase travel insurance from any provider you choose. To get an idea of rates, please go to NTA Travel Protection Plan (Enter 206063 for the "Tour Operator Location #") or TravelGuard.
Uganda & Rwanda Safaris
August 21 - August 30, 2026Flights, Transfers & Lodging
Documents Required for this Tour
Passport: Travelers are required to have a valid passport. Most countries require your passport to be valid up to six months after your RETURN date, and have at least two consecutive blank pages.
Visa: US citizens entering Uganda and Rwanda will require a VISA.All other passport holders should check with the Country's Embassy website to determine if they need a visa. Visa requirements are based on your country of residence. WTT will provide US citizens visa instructions shortly after Final Payment.
A valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate is required for this tour.
Arrival & Departure Information
When searching for flights for this trip, be sure to search "Multi-city" or "Multiple Destinations." For comparison, you may also want to search for one-way fares.
Arrival Airport: EBB - Entebbe, Uganda (Entebbe International Airport)
Arrival Date: Friday, August 21st. Arrive at your convenience.
Arrival Transfer: Grouped transfers included based on arrival times provided. Details provided in Final Travel Instructions.
Departure Airport: KGL - Kigali, Rwanda (Kigali International Airport)
Departure Date: Sunday, August 30th. Depart after 7pm.
Departure Transfer: Not Included. WTT Tour Leader can assist in coordinating ride-sharing to airport.
When to Book Your Air
Once you have booked your flights (or other transportation arrangements), use the Travel Arrangements Form to send WTT your flight details. Use the same form to update your information should it change.
Airport Transfer Information
When arrival transfers are included: The Final Travel Instructions will list the transfer arrangements including who is in your transfer group, where to meet the driver, and who to contact in the unlikely event you cannot locate the driver.
Don't Worry. We're Expecting You: One of the reasons we ask for your travel arrangements is so we know when you're arriving and can approximate when you should be at the hotel. Your Final Travel Instructions will have instructions on what to do and who to contact if your flight is delayed.
Lodging / Hotels
Kampala: Latitude 0° Hotel
Queen Elizabeth National Park: Mweya Safari Lodge
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest: Mahogany Springs Lodge
Kinigi: Virunga Inn Resort & Spa
Kigali: Kigali Serena Hotel
Whenever possible, we choose hotels that are near the city center and/or where there are things to do and places to eat within walking distance of the hotel. When the chosen hotel is not within walking distance of much, transportation options, at the traveler's expense, are typically available.
International Tours: Please be aware that hotels outside the US may have smaller room sizes, may involve steps to enter the hotel and may not have air conditioning. While WTT strives to find hotels that are similar to US standards, we cannot guarantee it.
In the unlikely event WTT is unable to provide the hotel accommodation(s) listed, for whatever reason, WTT will substitute similar quality accommodation(s) at no additional cost to the traveler.
Want to Arrive a Day Early?
Worried about possible flight delays? Consider arriving one day before the official tour start date. Many of our travelers choose this optional service. Your pre-tour package includes:
- The room (standard check-in times apply)
- Breakfast the following morning
- Grouped Transfer from airport to hotel
$256.00 Roomshare pp $426.00 Single Occupancy
Early Arrival Hotel: This tour uses the same hotel used on the first night of the tour.
Uganda & Rwanda Safaris
August 21 - August 30, 2026Destination Information
What do others say about this tour and traveling with WTT?
How Does Room Sharing Work?
On the Reservation Form there are 3 choices regarding room-sharing.
Note: Certain room-types may be unavailable at the time you make your reservation. If a room-type is unavailable the choice will be greyed out.
- Select "Yes, I want to share a room" and WTT will assign you a roommate when Final Travel Instructions are sent.
- You can specify a roommate by entering her name where indicated. If your named roommate is not on the tour, for any reason, WTT will assign you a roommate unless you pay to have your own room, if available.
- Select "No, I do not wish to share a room" if you want to have your own room. Additional costs apply.
- All shared rooms have 2 beds
- All shared rooms are non-smoking
- No special requests about your roommate can be accommodated
- See "Frequently Asked Questions" TAB for more details
How Active is this Tour?
The activities on this tour are rated as follows:
- 35% Easy
- 45% Moderate (long drives, bumpy dirt roads on safari)
- 20% Strenuous (gorilla trekking, remoteness)
Your Responsibilities as a Solo Traveler
As a solo traveler you are responsible for yourself, your possessions, your physical fitness, and all other aspects related to participation in the WTT tour you have chosen. Be sure to read the itinerary closely to better understand the physical requirements necessary for the tour.
WTT tours are not suitable for anyone whose mobility is challenged or compromised. If you struggle with walking, standing or negotiating stairs or if you are in doubt as to your ability to meet the physical activity requirements, you should not sign up for this trip.
What is the Group Size?
You will be introduced to the WTT Tour Leader when you receive your Final Travel Instructions, about 2-3 weeks before the tour begins.
Learn about your fellow travelers after final payment by visiting MyWTT. Room sharing assignments will be listed in the Final Travel Instructions.
What meals are included and how are dietary restrictions accommodated?
Each day of the itinerary lists the included meals for that day (B,L,D,O). When a meal is not included, the WTT Tour Leader will have suggestions for where to eat.
You do not have to dine alone unless it is your personal choice. You'll most likely be dining with new acquaintances you've made, or you can join the Tour Leader.
Dietary Restrictions on International Tours: WTT has limited to no control over food selections or variety from meal-to-meal, especially at hotels. While we do our best to accommodate dietary restrictions and ensure variety of options, we cannot guarantee either.
What clothing and items should I pack for this trip?
In general the temperature, rainfall and humidity levels vary based on the time of the year. We suggest you monitor weather apps before you depart for the most current information. For worldwide weather refer to http://www.accuweather.com/en/world-weather.
Note: When dining at the Game Lodge, you'll likely want to wear long sleeves, pants and socks to protect against insects and cooler nighttime temperatures. Be sure to apply insect repellents all over, especially around ankles, ears, knees and knuckles.
Dressing for Game Drives
- Morning temperatures are cool and crisp. Wear long pants and a jacket for comfort.
- At mid-day, the sun is strong; you will want adequate sun protection. You will be most comfortable wearing a light-weight shirt plus shorts.
- Evenings are chilly. You will want to layer and wear a jacket.
For This Trip You Will Need—
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat
- Insect repellent — Insects can be a nuisance. Packaged wipes are easier to pack and carry.
- Long-sleeved, lightweight shirt(s)
- Light-weight, weather-proof jacket
- Lightweight clothing (preferably cotton) in earthy, neutral colors; especially useful on walking safaris
You May Also Want—
- Handkerchief, bandana or scarf to protect neck and nose from the sun and dust.
- Refillable water bottle
- Swimsuit—The lodge and hotels have pools
- Slip-on shoes or sandals to wear around the lodges or to meals.
Do Not Bring—
- Clothing that is delicate, or expensive; the dust will likely ruin them.
- Camouflage clothing
- White shirts & Red clothing—it makes you highly visible to and attracts animals
Good Packing Habits—
- Bring what you need to get a good night's sleep, such as ear plugs, white noise generator, sleeping aids, etc. Unfamiliar noises of all types can disrupt your rest.
- Pack a limited amount of comfortable, casual clothing that layer and coordinate. Your fellow travelers will not mind or even notice – seeing you in the same clothing.
- Bring only two pairs of everyday shoes: one pair of well-broken-in walking shoes, and a second pair that could do double-duty as a walking shoe or a slightly dressy shoe.
- Pare down your beauty regimen to the bare minimum and always pack travel-sized toiletries.
- Pack medication in your carry-on and pack only as much as needed for the duration of your tour plus a few extra days as a precaution.
What are the luggage restrictions for this tour?
- It is best to travel as lightly as possible. Most travelers regret when they have packed too much.
- The luggage requirements for this tour are very specific. There will be two regional flights on small planes. If your luggage does not comply, it will not be allowed on board. No exceptions will be made.
- The combined weight of your check-in luggage and your carry-on luggage can be no more than 33lbs.
- Check-in baggage is limited to one suitcase. It needs to be soft (no hard outer shell) and weigh 30lbs or less. We strongly suggest you use a durable soft-sided bag due to the nature of transport during this tour.
- Carry-on luggage should not be heavier than 3lbs. Bring a small daypack/backpack for carrying personal items while on game drives.
- You are responsible for managing your own belongings. We expect you to take your belongings from the coach to your room and to bring it back to the coach on days we change hotels. We do not provide luggage pulls; they are not safe and are inconvenient.
- Steps exist at most hotel entrances. On occasion the coach must unload passengers and luggage some distance from the hotel entrance.
- If you carry a purse, it should be able to be worn across your body, hands-free.
- If you are planning on shopping, have larger items shipped directly to your home. For smaller items you want to carry home, bring a small nylon zippered bag packed in your suitcase to accommodate these purchases.
- Keep in mind that you will be traversing airports as part of this itinerary and will need to handle your own luggage through customs. You will need to pay any and all charges you may incur by the airlines from overweight luggage.
What are the health recommendations for this tour?
In Rwanda and Uganda, it is recommended to play it safe and only drink bottled water, even when brushing your teeth.
For travel to Uganda and Rwanda, a yellow fever vaccination is mandatory and proof of vaccination is required for entry. In addition, you should be up-to-date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides additional guidance at https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list . Please discuss any vaccine or health concerns with your healthcare provider.
Malaria - This tour operates during the dry season, when the all-around risk is much lower. Taking anti-malarial medication is a personal choice and based on individual health assessments. If you are concerned, be sure to consult your doctor.
Mosquito Statement:
The possibility of contact with mosquitoes exists while on safari. It is good practice to avoid being bitten. You can significantly reduce the chance of being bitten by wearing protective clothing (long sleeves and pants) and using a quality mosquito repellent. Consumer Reports recommends brands containing 20% Picaridin or 25% DEET as the best defense against all types of mosquitoes and biting insects. Avoid natural or herbal based repellents as they do not provide adequate protection from being bitten.
What are the phone and internet recommendations for this tour?
- You should understand what your current cell phone plan includes in terms of data and minutes. Some, like certain T-Mobile plans, include an international package.
- Contact your cell phone service provider before departing about adding an international calling plan. Most carriers have flat daily rates which will allow your US-based phone to be functional upon arrival in a foreign country.
- Managing data while traveling internationally is important. Using WiFi when available and communicating through apps like What's App help you manage data usage while traveling.
- Learn how to make an international call BEFORE you leave. Consult your cell provider and check out the website www.HowtoCallAbroad.com.
What are the electricity requirements for this tour?
The standard voltage in Uganda is 240V and in Rwanda it is 230V. You may need to purchase an adapter. To determine the electric plug configuration needed for your destination, refer to http://www.iec.ch/worldplugs/list_bylocation.html. A universal adaptor supports a wide variety of sockets/plugs. You should also check your electronic devices for voltage compatibility. Most of today's electronics (laptops, phone chargers etc.) are multi-voltage and will work worldwide automatically, without a transformer. Consult your owner's manual for further details.
How much money should I bring on this tour?
Only you can determine the optimum amount of cash to take on tour. When budgeting for out-of-pocket expenses, there are several aspects to consider: whether the country you are visiting is a cash-based society, the number of meals you are responsible for, your individual shopping interests and habits, and tipping expectations.
- Uganda's official currency is the Ugandan Shilling (UGX), however US$ are widely accepted.
- Rwanda's official currency is the Rwandan Franc (RWF), however US$ are widely accepted.
- ATMs are typically the best way of obtaining local currency; they are found in most airports and tourist destinations. ATMs of major banks often give much better exchange rates than currency-exchange kiosks.
- Exchange $100+ into local local currency so you have cash upon arrival. Be sure to keep smaller denominations of cash on hand for taxis, small purchases, tipping, etc. Local vendors will only take cash in the local currency.
- If using a debit card, it is good practice to limit the amount of cash available in the account and simply transfer money from another account if you need more at any point on tour. Always use caution when withdrawing money.
- Many travelers feel more comfortable having local currency before they depart for the tour. You may be able to order currency from your bank.
- Notify your credit card issuer that you will be traveling and provide dates of travel.
- Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, although many cards charge a foreign transaction fee. Be sure to investigate your card of choice as there are many that do not impose these fees and are better suited for international travel.
- If a merchant gives you the choice between making your transaction in USD or the local currency, always choose the local currency, to avoid dynamic currency conversion which includes a conversion fee.
What are the tipping guidelines for this tour?
All tips to drivers and local guides who join the tour to lead individual activities will be paid on your behalf.
- You may want to tip your WTT Tour Leader for an outstanding job. The amount is entirely a personal preference. If you'd like a guideline, consider $8-$10 per day.
Can I transfer my deposit to another tour?
To get off this tour and register for another tour, you must follow these steps - in the order shown:
2) WAIT before submitting your new reservation! You must receive the Cancellation Confirmation email before submitting your new reservation. This can take up to 2 business days. The Cancellation Confirmation email will list the amount of parked credits from this tour that are now available to use on a new reservation.
3) COMPLETE the new Reservation Form and USE the parked credits towards your deposit on the new tour.
Note: If you used Parked Credits to pay the deposit on this tour, these credits cannot be used a second time and are not eligible to be transferred.
What happens if I need to cancel this tour?
Uganda & Rwanda Safaris
August 21 - August 30, 2026SPACE RESERVATION REQUEST
If becoming a member and signing up for a tour at the same time, you only need to fill out this form.

Our Promise to You
It doesn’t matter which tour you choose.
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