Uganda

Why Uganda

Uganda pairs legendary hospitality with gorilla forests, Nile river adventures, and vibrant communities—excellent for donor gatherings and alumni immersion. Kampala offers heritage sites like the Namugongo Martyrs’ Shrine, while Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth national parks deliver big-game safaris and Nile cruises. Kibale and Bwindi give close encounters with chimpanzees and mountain gorillas, and lodges provide quiet space for reflection and fundraising conversations supported by our travel commissions guide. Trusted guides and vetted partners keep logistics thoughtful so leaders can focus on people and impact.

Top Highlights by Theme

• Kampala & Jinja: Namugongo Martyrs’ Shrine, Gaddafi National Mosque, and Nile source sailing in Jinja.
• Murchison Falls: Nile launch cruises, top-of-falls hikes, community conservation projects, and delta game drives.
• Queen Elizabeth & Kibale: Kasenyi plains lions, Kazinga Channel boat safaris, tree-climbing lions in Ishasha, and chimp tracking in Kibale Forest.
• Bwindi & Gorilla Highlands: Gorilla trekking with expert trackers, Batwa cultural encounters, and forest lodge reflection.
• Fort Portal & Crater Lakes: Tea estate visits, crater lake hikes, and Rift Valley viewpoints suited for contemplation.

Sub-Regions & Routes

• Base in Kampala for partner meetings, cultural orientation, and martyrs’ heritage tours.
• Visit Namugongo Martyrs’ Shrine, National Museum, and local innovation hubs supporting education and entrepreneurship.
• Day excursion to Jinja for Nile source boat rides, bungee (optional), and community outreach near Lake Victoria.

Northern & Nile Safaris

• Fly or drive to Murchison Falls National Park for private lodges along the Nile.
• Experience top-of-falls hikes, Nile cruises spotting hippos, and delta game drives with chances for elephants, giraffes, and lions.
• Engage with conservation NGOs addressing anti-poaching and community livelihoods.

Western Circuit: Kibale, Queen Elizabeth & Ishasha

• Travel south through Fort Portal’s crater lakes for tea estate visits and Rift Valley panoramas.
• Kibale National Park offers chimpanzee tracking and research center briefings; Bigodi wetlands provide birding walks.
• Queen Elizabeth National Park delivers Kasenyi game drives, Kazinga Channel boat safaris, and tree-climbing lions in Ishasha sector.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest & Gorilla Highlands

• Continue to Bwindi for gorilla tracking permits, forest hikes, and Batwa cultural experiences.
• Lodges provide reflective settings for donor dinners and rest after trekking.
• Optional extension to Lake Bunyonyi for canoeing and contemplative retreat before returning to Entebbe.

Southern & Cross-Border Options

• Add Lake Mburo for relaxed game drives, horseback safaris, and walking safaris en route back to Kampala.
• Combine with Rwanda for Kigali reconciliation visits or with Tanzania’s Serengeti for broader East Africa perspective.

Trip Length & Pacing

• 8 Days

• Arrive Entebbe/Kampala; welcome briefing and partner meeting.
• Kampala heritage: Namugongo Shrine, city tour, and evening donor dinner overlooking Lake Victoria.
• Fly/drive to Murchison Falls; afternoon Nile cruise and sundowner program.
• Morning game drive, top-of-falls hike, and conservation partner visit; travel to Fort Portal.
• Kibale chimp tracking and crater lake walk.
• Queen Elizabeth game drive and Kazinga Channel boat safari.
• Return to Kampala/Entebbe; service project or leadership workshop; depart.

10 Days

• Adds Bwindi gorilla trekking with two nights in the Gorilla Highlands.
• Includes Ishasha tree-climbing lion game drive and Lake Bunyonyi canoe retreat.
• Provides buffer afternoon for rest or donor storytelling session in Kampala.

13 Days

• Comprehensive circuit: Kampala, Jinja, Murchison Falls, Kibale, Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi, and Lake Mburo.
• Adds community development project day, Batwa cultural encounter, and optional Kigali extension before departure.
• Allows a rest morning, fundraising gala at a Kampala rooftop venue, and multiple partner meetings.

Best Time to Go

• Dry seasons (Dec–Feb, Jun–Sep) offer the best wildlife visibility and easier trekking conditions; gorilla permits sell out early.
• Short rains (Mar–May) bring lush landscapes and fewer travelers—expect muddy trails but vibrant scenery.
• October–November short rains are manageable with proper gear; we plan flexible schedules and road-ready vehicles.
• Equatorial climate means warm days (70s–80s°F) and cooler nights in the highlands; layers and rain gear are essential.

Group Logistics

• Airports: Entebbe (EBB) serves as the main gateway; domestic charters connect to Murchison, Kasese (for Queen Elizabeth), and Kisoro/Buhoma (for Bwindi).
• Transport: Private coaches around Kampala, 4x4 safari vehicles for parks, charter flights to reduce drive times, and boat cruises on Nile/Kazinga Channel.
• Typical travel times: Kampala ↔ Murchison drive ~5–6 hrs (or 1 hr flight); Fort Portal ↔ Kibale ~1 hr; Kibale ↔ Queen Elizabeth ~2 hrs; Queen Elizabeth ↔ Bwindi ~4 hrs.
• Lodging: 3–4★ city hotels, eco-lodges near parks, luxury tented camps, and gorilla highland retreats with meeting spaces.
• Meals: Ugandan hospitality with matoke, rolex, tilapia, and lodge buffets; we arrange dietary accommodations and hydration support.
• Mobility: moderate to strenuous—gorilla and chimp treks require uphill hikes; we secure porter support, walking sticks, and alternative activities for non-trekkers.
• Fundraising moments: Nile sunset cruises, crater lake bonfires, gorilla trek celebration evenings, and rooftop Kampala receptions.

Extensions & Combos

• Pair with Rwanda for Kigali reconciliation visits or additional gorilla permits.
• Combine with Kenya or Tanzania for migration safaris.
• Add Israel or Jordan to connect East African programs with Holy Land narratives.
• Route via Dubai or Qatar for rest and donor meetings in transit.
• Explore South Africa or Ethiopia for continental context.

Safety & Stewardship Notes

FAQs

• Q: Do we need visas and permits? A: Uganda requires eVisa approval prior to arrival; gorilla and chimp tracking permits must be secured months in advance—we handle applications, payments, and documentation.
• Q: How fit do we need to be for gorilla trekking? A: Treks can last 2–6 hours on steep, muddy terrain; we brief on fitness, provide porters, and offer alternative programs for those who opt out.
• Q: What health precautions are recommended? A: Yellow fever vaccination proof is required; malaria prophylaxis, up-to-date travel vaccines, bottled water, and safe food protocols are part of every itinerary.
• Q: Is Wi-Fi available? A: Kampala hotels offer reliable Wi-Fi; lodges have limited connectivity allowing reflection—satellite internet can be arranged for essential needs.
• Q: How far in advance should we plan? A: Book 9–12 months ahead for dry-season travel and gorilla permits; earlier if combining with Rwanda or Kenya during peak months.

Review fundraising ideas in our travel commissions guide, or add Uganda to your request via the lead form when you’re ready to plan.