Trip Overview

Embark on an exotic adventure into the African jungle of Uganda, home to some of the world’s most unique biodiversity. Expert wildlife trackers and primatologists lead you within an intimate distance of awe-inspiring mountain gorillas, pods of hippos, intelligent chimpanzees, abundant birdlife, and Uganda’s own tree-climbing lion!

After arriving and resting for the night in Entebbe, travel to the gorilla and chimpanzee habitat in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Get to know your travel companions while discovering local artwork, trying out a range of optional activities, and enjoying a lively welcome dinner with your new friends.

The next three mornings are dedicated to your search for tree-climbing lions and chimpanzees, the closest living relatives of humans! While tramping through the Kyambura Gorge and lush Kalinzu Forest, lion researchers and your guides teach you how to spot the elusive swishing tail or floppy big paw high up in the acacia trees. You will also encounter an array of different and unique wildlife: stealthy leopards (or signs of leopards), bizarre and curious birds, antelope, wild pigs, other primates, and more.

Continue your wildlife observations as you cruise along the Kazinga Channel, home to one of the greatest concentrations of hippos in Africa. Witness herds of elephants, buffalo, spellbinding aquatic birds, and even the sprightly warthog as they are drawn to the channel to drink.

Get a chance to meet some of Uganda’s working women at a tea plantation who plant, pick, roast, and pack their own tea and coffee – all by hand.

The rest of your trip is dedicated to experiencing an intimate encounter with the imposing mountain gorilla living in its natural habitat. Relocate to the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, an expansive primordial forest and home to one of the last strongholds of the endangered mountain gorilla. You may be lucky and spot them already in the verdant bush around the Bwindi Lodge.

Go on extensive hikes deep into the forest with your guide and gorilla expert to find the awe-inspiring apes. Once you find them you are allowed one hour per trek to quietly observe these majestic and intelligent animals. The one-hour limit ensures the gorilla’s health and safety and allows them to have a wild existence. When you return from your trek, you’ll meet and be inspired by the local businesswomen who started a business to rent and repair bicycles which have evolved into a diversified enterprise that includes things such as weaving, sewing, and running backpacker’s accommodations.

Enjoy the final evening that brings everyone together to share special stories and lasting impressions of this remarkable part of the world. Say goodbye to your newfound friends and toast to the emerald beauty of the primeval jungle where you have experienced some of Africa’s most precious creatures living wild and free and that it may stay safe and healthy for generations to come.

 

Main Attractions

  • Observe endangered Mountain Gorillas in their home in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
  • Learn how to track animals from experienced wildlife guides and primatologists
  • Enjoy a wildlife cruise in Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park
  • Stay in comfortable African lodges located deep in the heart of wildlife habitats

What You'll See and Do

  • 4x4
  • Anthropology
  • Birding
  • Cultural Exploration
  • Gorilla Tracking
  • National Parks
  • Natural History
  • Photography
  • Sightseeing
  • Walking
  • Wildlife Viewing
  • Women-To-Women Exchanges
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If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686
Email Us
Browse Detailed Itinerary

Download Extended Itinerary

Browse Detailed Itinerary

Download Extended Itinerary

Trip Itinerary

The AdventureWomen itineraries are subject to change depending on the chosen departure date. To view a specific departure itinerary, simply click on the "Browse Detailed Itinerary" button above and select your date.

Day 1

Please note that the departure on September 29, 2024 runs in the reverse direction.  

Arrive in Entebbe

Welcome to Uganda! On this spellbinding exploration of Uganda’s biodiverse ecosystems, hike Uganda’s steep, forested terrain for captivating views of the great apes living free, participate in a thrilling game drive and lion tracking research project, and cruise the waterways to see floating herds of hippos while other animals come to the riverbanks for water.

During your adventure, you’ll get to know your expert Ugandan guide, who will lead you to the best wildlife sightings possible. You are also accompanied by an AdventureWomen Ambassador, committed to helping make your experience a fun and personally rewarding adventure, and cheering you on as you reach beyond your comfort zone to take on new challenges in your own unique way!

Arrive in Entebbe, Uganda (EBB) any time today. You will be picked up at the Entebbe airport and transferred to your hotel for the evening.

Dinner is on your own this evening to give you a chance to get over jet lag.

Meals on Your Own

Overnight: Protea Hotel Entebbe

Day 2

Entebbe to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Get up early this morning for your flight from Entebbe to Kasese. The flight will be about an hour and a half.

Arrive at the lodge in time for lunch. During your stay here, you have a complimentary 50-minute massage, so please be sure to schedule it upon arrival.

This afternoon you have your choice of activities. You can go on a short gorge walk, a beekeeping tour, or just enjoy the pool.

Enjoy a lively welcome dinner as you get to know your fellow travelers this evening. Share stories and learn about why each woman in your trip is excited to explore Uganda!

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Kyambura Gorge Lodge

Day 3

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Only seven guests at a time can trek to see the chimpanzees. Half of your group will do this day as
written below, and the other half will do the activities in the opposite order. This is to ensure that the chimps are as well protected as possible.

After an early breakfast, transfer to the Kyambura Gorge, which is a stark contrast with the surrounding grasslands. Start tracking chimpanzees, one of the closest relatives to humans. The chimp population is very mobile, and viewing can be unpredictable. Plan on a strenuous hike for about two and a half hours. Be prepared with all-weather gear.

Have lunch back at the lodge after your time with the chimpanzees.

Head out on a cruise on the Kazinga Channel, which flows between Lakes Edward and George. Kazinga is home to one of the greatest concentrations of hippo in Africa and herds of elephant, buffalo, and other animals come to drink at the water’s edge.

The channel is a magnet for water birds, with great flocks of pelicans and other birds on the shore, and a great spot to see African fish eagle. The boat trip will be about two hours.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Kyambura Gorge Lodge

Day 4

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Depart early this morning for the Kalinzu forest where you will go trekking and look for chimpanzees. You have about a 50% chance of seeing chimpanzees, but the plant life and birds you will see along the way are well worth the hike! The hike will be between two and two and a half hours.

Have lunch back at the lodge.

The Omwani Women’s Coffee Cooperative is a community-based initiative designed to provide vocational training to women and an alternative, but sustainable source of income. Eleven local women and their families are actively involved in the cooperative. At least 30% of the group is HIV positive and many are widowed. They tend to over 1,500 Arabica and Robusta coffee plants in 100
acres of rejuvenated land and process the coffee by hand at a communal processing plant. Members of the cooperative commit to growing the coffee organically, without the use of pesticides or chemical fertilizers. Learn from the women about their lives and families.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Kyambura Gorge Lodge

Day 5

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Heading out with a lion researcher is one of the most interesting experiences you can have in Uganda and is only possible within Mweya Peninsular of Queen Elizabeth National Park under the Uganda Carnivore Project. Join the researchers in the field as they track lion in their natural habitats. This will happen either in the early morning or the late afternoon and tracking lasts between one and three hours.

Have lunch back at the lodge after your time with the lions.

Enjoy lunch at the lodge. Choose an optional activity offered by the lodge, or just relax by the pool.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Kyambura Gorge Lodge

Day 6

Queen Elizabeth National Park to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Pack up and leave your lodge this morning, driving through Queen Elizabeth National Park.Search for tree climbing lions as you travel through the park. Arrive at your lodge in Bwindi in time for lunch.

Enjoy the afternoon at the lodge. There is a beautiful walk to a river at the edge of the property that you might want to try. Have dinner as a group this evening

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Bwindi Lodge

Day 7

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Head out this morning on a gorilla trek. A maximum of eight tourists is allowed in a group, so your group will split into two. Other tourists might join your trekking group as well. You’ll carry your packed lunch in your backpack, and you’ll trek for two to eight hours. If you prefer to not carry your backpack, you can hire a personal porter for $15-20 at the trailhead. You’ll want hiking boots, waterproof pants, a waterproof jacket and thick gloves (think gardening gloves) to protect from nettles.

On this trek you have a 90% chance of seeing the gorillas. Once you locate a group of gorillas, you are allowed to spend one hour with them. Enjoy your lunch somewhere in the forest along the way.

Return to the lodge late this afternoon and share stories with the women in your group about your gorilla experience.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Bwindi Lodge

Day 8

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Simple tea processing in partnership with the local communities began at the lodge in 2013. Head out to see how tea is grown, picked, and traditionally processed in Uganda. You will learn how black, green and white teas are produced and differentiated.

Walk through the local village and learn about the community as well as Bwindi Community Hospital. The hospital started as a health clinic under a tree and now provides vital medical and educational services to over 60,000 people.

After lunch at the lodge, visit the Ride for a Woman project. Women started a business to rent and repair bicycles. Since the start of their business, they have evolved to do other projects including weaving and sewing. They are also starting a budget accommodation for backpackers. Try your hand at weaving as you get to know these remarkable businesswomen.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Bwindi Lodge

Day 9

Bwindi Impenetrable

Head out on another gorilla trek today. Hike up and down the steep, densely forested hills. Coming across the gorillas camouflaged in the vegetation is an awe-inspiring moment.

You’ll either have a packed lunch today or have lunch at the lodge – it depends on how long you must trek to find the gorillas.

Take this afternoon to relax after your strenuous trekking day. Walk around the property, read a book, or chat with your AdventureWomen friends.

Have a farewell dinner with your new AdventureWomen friends. Reminisce over all the memories you have made and celebrate the end of an amazing journey through this truly spectacular country.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Bwindi Lodge

Day 10

Depart Uganda

Leave the lodge early this morning and drive to Kihihi. Catch your flight to Entebbe, arriving midday. Connect with your international flights at the Entebbe airport.

Depart Entebbe, Uganda (EBB) after 4:00pm

Breakfast

Please note: AdventureWomen will attempt to adhere to the itinerary as much as possible. However, certain conditions (political, climatic, environmental, and cultural) may necessitate changes in the itinerary. AdventureWomen reserves the right to alter any itinerary at any time, if necessary. We will attempt to notify participants of changes as far in advance as possible. Costs incurred by such changes will be the responsibility of the participants. 

If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686
Email Us
Browse Detailed Itinerary

Download Extended Itinerary

Traveling to Uganda



Please note that the departure on September 29, 2024 runs in the reverse direction.  

Arrival and Departure Information

September 29, 2024 Departure:

Arrive: Arrive in Entebbe, Uganda (EBB) any time on September 29, 2024.

Depart: Depart Entebbe, Uganda (EBB) after 4:00PM on October 8, 2024.

October 21, 2024 Departure:

Arrive: Arrive in Entebbe, Uganda (EBB) any time on October 21, 2024.

Depart: Depart Entebbe, Uganda (EBB) after 4:00PM on October 30, 2024.

 

We are happy to help you make your flight and travel arrangements. If you’d like to do anything prior to or following the AdventureWomen trip, we’d be delighted to help you arrange any trip extensions you’re interested in.

Note: The recent trend in travel is for travelers to finalize their plans much closer to departure time than was customary in the past. While we try to be as flexible as possible booking last-minute registrants, we must release hotel rooms two to three months prior to departure! Please keep this in mind when making your travel plans.

Preparation and Packing  

Please use the following guides as a reference when preparing for your adventure. We also encourage you to adapt the guides to your travel style as well as the destination’s forecasted weather.  

Gratuities  

Gratuities are a personal decision and are at your own discretion based on your level of satisfaction with the service provided. Gratuities are dependent upon the number of guests on your departure, and they vary greatly from trip to trip. As a general reference, AdventureWomen suggests you plan for $125-$150 (or more) worth of gratuities for this adventure. Specific tipping recommendations for your trip will be provided to you closer to your departure date and may fluctuate due to inflation, exchange rates, and the number of travelers on your trip.

Passports and Visas

Citizens of the United States must have a passport valid for six months beyond your travel dates with at least two blank facing pages. If you do not have a passport, please apply now!

US Passport holders will need a visa to visit Uganda. We will provide detailed information before your departure on how to obtain your visa.

Activity Level

We rate this trip as High Energy. Our High Energy adventures are designed for women who enjoy more of a physical adventure and crave being on the go! You should be prepared for itineraries that include (but are not limited to): a full day of biking on rolling terrain, hiking 5-8 miles on moderate to steep trails, being active at high altitudes, whitewater rafting, or skiing. Please note that this is a general description of what you might encounter; for specific details about your trip, please consult the itinerary.

We recommend training before your trip (with your doctor’s permission) to make the most of your adventure. With this itinerary in mind, we have a partnership with Trailblazer Wellness, a woman-owned, women-run company that will design an individualized fitness plan just for you! Best of all, AdventureWomen guests get a 10% discount with the code AVW. Learn more on the Trailblazer Wellness website.

Health Considerations

Make an appointment with a travel clinic, as they may have recommendations for vaccines and medications based on the destination as well as your age, health, and past vaccination history.

For more health information, go to www.cdc.gov/travel and navigate to the page about Uganda.

How to Register

Call the AdventureWomen office at (800) 804-8686 to determine space availability and register for this trip. We can complete your registration, including taking your credit card deposit over the phone.

If you prefer, you can register online by clicking “Sign Up for this Trip” on the trip page.

Please be sure to read the AdventureWomen policies before registering!

Forms and Final Payment

The deposit for this trip is $2,500 and is non-transferable and non-refundable. The deposit can be made by personal check, Visa, or MasterCard credit cards. Deposit monies are paid to hotels and other vendors on behalf of the trip participant in order to reserve a space on the trip.

Once you book, you will need to fill out and return to AdventureWomen:

  • Information Form
  • Booking Conditions Form
  • Supplemental Trekking Release
  • Copy of Flight Information
  • Copy of Issuing Page of Passport (Photo Page)
  • Supplement Health and Safety Form

Final payment is due to AdventureWomen in a cash form (check, money order, or wire transfer). A maximum of $2,000 per person can be put on a credit card, which includes your deposit.

September 29, 2024, 2024 Departure Final Payment Due Date: July 1, 2024

October 21, 2024 Departure Final Payment Due Date: July 23, 2024

If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686
Email Us
Browse Detailed Itinerary

Download Extended Itinerary

What's Included

Included

  • Accommodations as per itinerary based on double occupancy
  • All meals as listed in the itinerary
  • All ground transportation
  • Flights within Uganda as noted in the itinerary
  • Entrance fees
  • Gorilla and chimpanzee permits
  • Guided sightseeing and activities as indicated in the itinerary
  • English-speaking guide(s) throughout the trip
  • Drinking water available in large jugs to refill personal bottles
  • Laundry, soft drinks, premium alcoholic drinks (except champagne)
  • Kymbura Gorge Lodge and Bwindi Lodge
  • Complimentary 50-minute massage at Kyambura Gorge Lodge and Bwindi
    Lodge
  • Gratuities for lodge staff, drivers, and baggage handling

Not Included

  • International airfare to and from Uganda
  • Optional activities
  • Meals not specified in the itinerary
  • Premium alcoholic beverages (unless otherwise specified)
  • Fees for passport, visas, immunizations, or travel insurance
  • Cost of hospitalization or evacuation
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Gratuities for guides

If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686
Email Us
Browse Detailed Itinerary

Download Extended Itinerary

Accommodations

Protea Hotel Entebbe

This hotel is ideally located on the glistening shores of Lake Victoria and is convenient to the Entebbe airport. With elegant furnishings and a warm, inviting feel, the hotel’s décor and rooms create a comfortable atmosphere. The outside terrace, with its own special ambiance and superb lake views is the perfect place to take it all in.

Amenities: Soap, shampoo, conditioner, hair dryer, electricity, Wi-Fi

Kyambura Gorge Lodge

This eclectic contemporary safari lodge has been converted from an old coffee store to create a breathtakingly beautiful space. The lodge is located on the edge of Queen Elizabeth National Park with sweeping views of the rolling savanna, the distant mountains of the moon, and the sunken Kyambura Gorge.

Amenities: Soap, shampoo conditioner, hair dryer, electricity, limited Wi-Fi

Bwindi Lodge

Overlooking the primeval Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Bwindi Lodge has dramatic views of the forest canopy across a serene stream. The gorillas frequently come to relax in the verdant bush around the lodge! The lodge features a guest lounge and dining area that bring the feel of the forest into the stylish interiors. The main living area has a central fireplace which acts as a focal point for you to relax and discuss your gorilla tracking experience. An outdoor terrace showcases dramatic views of the impenetrable forest and is a great place to spot the monkeys and birds hidden in the foliage.

Amenities: Soap, shampoo, conditioner, hair dryer electricity, limited Wi-Fi

Please note that all amenities were current when written and are subject to change at any time.

If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686
Email Us
Browse Detailed Itinerary

Download Extended Itinerary