Uganda
September 13-19, 2026
gorillas, Chimpanzees & Game drives!
This adventure is rated 2 out of 5 difficulty level. Moderate level activities (i.e. short to medium hikes up to 5 miles, some elevation, intro to new skill/activity that is guided by 3rd party like mountain biking, climbing, rafting, etc.). Activities are included, but optional if outside of your comfort zone.
Join us for a bucket list experience on this 7-day women-only journey through the heart of Uganda!
Hike in Biwindi National Forest, an UNESCO world heritage site, encounter the awe-inspiring mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, visit a local family of Chimpanzees living in the Kyambura Gorge, enjoy local game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and connect with local culture through meaningful experiences at Ride 4 a Woman, a community initiative empowering Ugandan women. This is a powerful blend of adventure, sisterhood, and purpose - an unforgettable experience that will stay with you forever!
ITINERARY
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Arrive in Entebbe International airport where you will be met by your female guide who will assist you with your transfer to the hotel for the evening.
Check in begins at 2 p.m. Enjoy some free time to rest and settle in.
If you are are up for a little exploring today, visit the Ngamba Chimpanzee Island sanctuary, a project for orphaned chimpanzees, take a nature walk in the botanical gardens or enjoy a cycle tour around Entebbe.
Meet with your fellow travelers to enjoy a welcome dinner.
Meals: Dinner
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After breakfast, we will pack our bags, check out and head to the airport to catch our flight to Kihihi.
Upon arrival, we will head to the lodge to check in and enjoy lunch.
In the afternoon, we will visit Ride 4 A Woman, a locally founded women’s empowerment initiative offering a truly authentic connection to the local culture through hands on experiences. Over the next few days, we will be visiting the organization where we will have opportunities to immerse ourselves in the local culture by learning the traditions from local women.
In the afternoon, hop on a pedal bike and explore some of the local villages with an English speaking guide from the organization.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
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Fill up on an early breakfast before a once in a lifetime adventure today.
BUCKETLIST DAY!!! Gorilla Tracking is today’s activity. After a short briefing by an Ugandan Wildlife Ranger, it’s time to head out for a trek to encounter Gorillas. The trek can take anywhere from 3 to 6 hours and a reasonable amount of fitness is required. The ranger will guide the group into the jungle-like forest where at times they may need to cut the thick bush with machetes as you search to locate the Gorillas. Once the Gorillas are located, all belongings will be left to one side so you can approach them with your camera only. To reduce transmission of disease from human contact, a minimum distance of 7 meters (23 fees) is advised at all times. Each group is allotted one hour to spend observing the Gorillas before returning back to base camp. Guest to guide ratio is 8:1. This experience may include others outside of the group.
Enjoy lunch back at camp after our incredible Gorilla experiences has finished.
In the afternoon, we head back to Ride 4 A Woman where we will spend time getting to know the local women of Buhoma as they teach us their traditional basket weaving skills.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
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Enjoy breakfast at the lodge surrounded by the sounds of birds and the views of the lush forest around you.
Today join in for an optional hike in Biwindi National Forest. The adventure begins with a short drive to the north side of the park where we will meet with the Uganda Wildlife Authority for a short brief. The exact hike will be determined by our guide but will range easy-moderate. Most hikes take around 3-4 hours to complete. Muyaga Waterfall, Waterfall, Mubiwindi Swamp are a few of the trail options.
In the afternoon, return to Ride 4 Woman and learn to cook traditional dishes of the Bakiga Tribe including Kali Bread, Matoke, lmonda and Obushera.
After a hearty meal, we’ll learn the Kiga dance, local to Buhoma and a key dance in the region.
Dinner is provided back at the lodge and enjoyed at your leisure tonight.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
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Enjoy a leisurely breakfast you soak in the last views of Biwindi. Today we pack our bags, check out and make our way to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Our drive today passes through the Ishasha Sector home of the rare tree climbing lions. With luck, we will have an opportunity to see these amazing creatures in their natural habitat.
Arrive at the lodge, check in and enjoy lunch.
Relax on an afternoon boat cruise through the Kazinga Channel. On this water safari. you’ll have opportunities to spot hippos, crocodiles, many species of birds and large herds of elephants and water buffalo. Here you will also learn about the 100 bird species that call this place home including the African Skimmers, Spoonbill, and a number of Bee-eater species.
Dinner is provided back at the lodge and enjoyed at your leisure.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
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Enjoy breakfast as you prepare for another bucket list day!
BUCKETLIST ALERT - Chimpanzee Trekking!! Take a guided nature walk to meet the chimpanzees that call the Kyambura Gorge home. On the walk you will also be able to see other primates such as monkeys and olive baboons along with a variety of species of birds. Duration of the walk is 2-5 hours and you will be accompanied by forest rangers. Ratio is 6:1.
In the afternoon enjoy a final game drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Dinner is provided at the lodge and enjoyed at your leisure.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
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Enjoy breakfast, pack up, and check out by 9 am.
Today we make the return trip to Entebbe to catch an evening flight home. The drive is approximately 9-10 hours with stops along the way. If you plan to fly out, your flight should be for after 9 pm in the evening.
Alternatively, you can book a one-way flight back to Entebbe from the domestic airport in Kasese and catch an earlier flight back home. The airport is approximately a one hour drive from the lodge. Upgrading to a domestic flight is an additional cost and flights are booked independently. A transfer to the airport can be arranged upon request.
An additional night in Entebbe can be arranged on request.
Meals: Breakfast
Ready to Book?
Ready to Book?
QUESTIONS? PLEASE REACH OUT TO INFO@WOMENWHOEXPLORE.COM
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$4,995 USD double occupancy.
$5,895 USD single occupancy.
If you are traveling solo, you will be assigned a roommate upon request. Rooms are assigned on a first come basis.
A deposit is due at booking to hold your spot with regular monthly payments. Additional payments may be applied to the trip balance prior to payment due dates.
Please note this trip has a special cancellation policy as the price includes a non refundable $1,400 deposit for Gorilla and Chimpanzee permits and one domestic flight.
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• 7 days/6 nights in 3 star and 4 star hotels and safari lodges in a double occupancy room
• Domestic flight from Entebbe to Kihihi airstrip (KHX)
• Two group airport transfers from Entebbe International Airport (EBB) on arrival day
•Local in country transportation in a 4×4 pop roof top 7-seater Land Cruiser
• Visit Biwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Ugandan Ranger guided Gorilla tracking experience with 8:1 ratio and Chimpanzee trekking experience
• Donation made on behalf of the group to support the local women’s organization, Ride 4 A Woman
• Donation made on behalf of the group towards conservation of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
• Basket weaving experience with Ride 4 A Woman
• Cooking experience with women from the local Bakiga tribe
• Cycling through local Buhoma villages in the Biwindi National Forest with a local guide. Bike and helmet included.
• One Gorilla tracking permit in Biwindi National Park
• One Chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge
• Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Forest and water safari
• Local experienced English-speaking female guide with you for the duration of the trip
• All entrance fees to Biwindi Impenetrable Forest national park and Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Meals as noted in the itinerary - included 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 6 dinners. Mineral water is provided in the vehicle during tours.
• Trip checklists, detailed packing list, training guide, and pre-travel support provided in a private Facebook and/or WhatsApp group
• Pre-trip Q&A Zoom call to meet your fellow travelers, trip host and ask any questions
• WWE Swag to make your heart happy!
• Small group; maximum of 11 women + your WWE trip host and local female guide.
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• International flights to Entebbe International Airport (EBB)
• Domestic flight to return to Entebbe from Kasese airport (KSE) This is optional if you would like to bypass the return drive and is booked independently.
• Tips and gratuity for guides, drivers, hotel staff, etc. The value of the tip is at the discretion of the guest
• Airport transfers outside of designated times and meeting locations as noted in the itinerary
• Local transportation outside of times designated for excursions and tours
• Alcohol, additional beverages, snacks, and meals as noted above
• Any additional excursions or activities not included in the above itinerary
• Visa and entry requirements as applicable
• Vaccines (Yellow Fever is mandatory), immunizations or any pre-travel medical expenses such as Covid-19 testing
• Travelers insurance to cover medical expenses while traveling abroad (proof of insurance required)
• Personal expenses not included in the itinerary such as additional accommodations, transportation, meals, souvenirs, etc.
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While meals are not provided on this trip, the house will remain stocked with basic food items for all guests to utilize. This will include (but not limited to) coffee, milk, cheese, bread, sandwich fixings, vegetables, snacks etc. Some dinner ingredients will be purchased and arranged for the group ahead of the trip such as pasta, rice, and soups. Please reach out to the trip host after booking if you have any food allergies/sensitivities. We always do our best to accommodate dietary restrictions but cannot make any guarantees.
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This trip requires a minimum number of women to register in order for it to be confirmed. Once the trip reaches the minimum participant number, you will receive a trip confirmation email and a link to be added a private Facebook group just for trip guests. In this group further trip details will be provided along with pre-travel support. Please let us know if you do not have or use Facebook (see contact information below).
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Please see our Terms of Service.
All deposits are non-refundable at the time of booking, but may be transferable if done so within the timeframe outlined in the Terms of Service.
Once a trip has been confirmed (no matter the booking or trip timeline), the deposit is both non-refundable and non-transferable. Please make sure you are purchasing adequate travel insurance at the time of booking to ensure you are covered in case you need to cancel.Please note: some of our trips have a non-refundable fee that will be stated in the trip description. Please make sure to refer to the full Terms of Service to make sure you understand fully the Cancellation Policy of each trip.
SPECIAL CANCELLATION POLICY FOR UGANGA TRIPS: Due to the special nature of this trip, once this trip is confirmed, a deposit of $1,050 will be added to the initial deposit by a subsequent payments to secure both the Gorilla and Chimpanzee permits. This deposit is non refundable and non transferable at the time of payment. Please note that once the domestic flight is secured, you will be charged an additional deposit of $350 which is nonrefundable and nontransferrable.
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Travel (and medical) insurance is required for anyone traveling on a Women Who Explore adventure. Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. Your insurance policy should also include specific Covid-19 cover, including cancellation and curtailment cover if you or a close relative are diagnosed with Covid-19.
For recommended travel insurance providers click here.
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Please note that the itinerary provided for your adventure is subject to change. While we strive to adhere to the proposed plan, unforeseen circumstances such as weather conditions, safety concerns, or other factors beyond our control may necessitate adjustments to the itinerary. We prioritize your safety and enjoyment throughout the adventure, and any modifications made will be done with careful consideration. We will make every effort to inform you in advance of any changes and provide suitable alternatives to ensure a fulfilling experience.
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Please note that the both the gorilla and chimpanzee trekking experiences are highly regulated to protect the gorillas, chimps, and visitors. Each trekking group is limited to a maximum of 8 people and may include other travelers outside of your tour group, meaning the experience is not private. Once your group locates the gorillas, you will have a maximum of one hour to observe them in their natural habitat. Gorilla trekking permits are non-refundable and non-transferable once your trip is confirmed, as they are issued by the Ugandan Wildlife Authority and are strictly limited.
