GLOBAL GOODWILL TOURS
Uganda: Gorillas, Community & Pearl of Africa
Some places stay with you. Ancient forests, extraordinary wildlife, and communities whose warmth will quietly change how you see the world.
A Land That Surprises Everyone Who Visits
Uganda is often overlooked in favor of its East African neighbors, and that’s exactly what makes it so special. Here, you trek through ancient rainforest to sit with one of the world’s last mountain gorilla families, and share a meal with the Batwa community whose history is woven into this forest.
This trip is built alongside the guides and rangers who know this land, and Mi Bella Mondo contributes a portion of every trip toward rebuilding Rushaga Community School.
DATES: April 4-10, 2027 | DURATION: 7 Days/6 Nights | GROUP SIZE: Max 10-12 passengers |
PRICE: $3,420 pp (double occupancy) / $3,800 pp (single occupancy)
2027 JOURNEY TO UGANDA
Join us April 4–10, 2027, for the core journey. Optional extensions before or after let you build a longer Uganda adventure around Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Bunyonyi, Murchison Falls, or extra time in Kampala.
- Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest — Trek through Bwindi's ancient rainforest for a life-changing hour (or, with the Habituation Experience, up to 4 hours) with one of the world's last remaining mountain gorilla families.
- Rushaga Welcome Session — Rangers, a Batwa community leader, and a conservationist share the story of Bwindi and its gorilla families firsthand.
- Birdwatching & Golden Monkey Trekking — A gentler pace through Bwindi's birdlife, followed by a playful encounter with golden monkeys at Mgahinga.
- Batwa Village & Cultural Experience — Time with a community whose history is deeply tied to this land.
- Lake Mutanda & Kisoro Art Island — An overnight stay at a cultural retreat blending contemporary African art with volcanic Virunga scenery.
- Rushaga School Initiative — A contribution on your behalf toward rebuilding Rushaga Community School.
Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest
Trek through Bwindi's ancient rainforest for a life-changing hour with one of the world's last remaining mountain gorilla families.
Golden Monkey in Mgahinga National Park
Track a playful troop of golden monkeys through Mgahinga's bamboo forest, one of the only places on Earth they call home.
Birdwatching in Mgahinga National park
Wander Bwindi's trails at a gentler pace with an expert guide, spotting some of Uganda's 350+ forest bird species beneath the ancient canopy.
Visit the Batwa Village
Hike into the forest to a Batwa village, spending time with a community whose history and traditions have been woven into Bwindi for generations.
Batwa Cultural Experience
Trek into the forest as Batwa youth reenact their ancestors' traditions through song and dance, keeping their heritage alive for their own generation.
Coffee Plantation
Walk through a Ugandan coffee plantation to see how a bean becomes a brew, then sit down to taste a fresh cup grown from the very hills around you.
Lake Mutanda
Cross the still waters of Lake Mutanda by boat, the volcanic peaks of the Virunga range rising in the distance.
Kisoro Art Island
Step onto Kisoro Art Island, where contemporary African art meets volcanic scenery, and the day slows down for rest and reflection.
Rushaga School Initiative
Mi Bella Mondo contributes a portion of each trip to rebuilding Rushaga Community School, supporting education for children who protect Bwindi's forests.
ITINERARY
7 days across Uganda's most extraordinary landscapes
From the energy of Kampala to the ancient rainforests of Bwindi, the shores of Lake Mutanda, and the bamboo forests of Mgahinga. Below is a day-by-day look at your journey.
A driver meets you at Entebbe International Airport and takes you to your hotel in Kampala. Arriving early? Let us know and we’ll arrange extra nights and pickup. Today is free to rest and settle in; an afternoon market tour is available for anyone who’d like to explore.
Overnight at Fairway Hotel.
An early departure (around 6:00 AM) for the scenic 9-10 hour drive south, with stops at the Equator crossing in Kayabwe and Mbarara for lunch at the Igongo Cultural Centre.
We arrive at Nshongi Camp in the late afternoon, followed by a welcome dinner joined by local UWA rangers, a Batwa community leader, and a conservationist.
Overnight at Nshongi Camp.
After a briefing at park headquarters, trek into Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for an unforgettable hour with a mountain gorilla family (or up to 4 hours with the Habituation Experience).
In the afternoon, visit a local coffee plantation and coffee house for a taste of authentic Ugandan coffee.
Overnight at Nshongi Camp.
A visit to a nearby Batwa village, bringing food and essentials to share, followed by a Batwa Cultural Experience of traditional song, dance, and forest-life demonstrations.
Overnight at Nshongi Camp.
We travel to Lake Mutanda, where we’ll take a boat across to Kisoro Art Island. The rest of the day is yours to slow down, take a chance to relax and explore the island’s blend of contemporary African art and volcanic Virunga scenery, and simply enjoy the quiet after a few full days in the forest.
Overnight at Kisoro Art Island.
A morning excursion to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park to track golden monkeys through the bamboo forest, followed by birdwatching in the same area, home to remarkable birdlife found nowhere else in Uganda.
Overnight at Virunga Hotel
The return journey north to Kampala and Entebbe International Airport for international departures.
What's included
What's not included
- Gorilla Trekking Permit and park fees to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest)
- Golden Monkey Permit and park fees at Mgahinga National Park
- All Accommodations - 6 nights as listed
- All Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Welcome Educational Dinner with Rangers, Conservationist, and Batwa Leader
- Private Tourist Vans - Professional, licensed drive guides throughout
- Batwa Village Community Visit & Cultural Experience
- Coffee Plantation Visit
- Birdwatching at Mgahinga National Park
- Lake Mutanda & Kisoro Art Island
- Rushaga School Contribution - Donation on behalf of each traveler to the Rushaga school rebuild.
- International Flights - Flights to/from Entebbe International Airport
- Uganda Visa - Tourist visa ($50) obtained on arrival or via e-visa
- Travel Insurance - REQUIRED - comprehensive coverage with medical evacuation. Bring your own policy, or ask us about our trusted partner, Faye Travel Insurance.
- Personal Expenses - Souvenirs, snacks, personal items
- Gratuities - Optional tips for guides and lodge staff
- Alcoholic Beverages - Unless specifically noted in the itinerary
Physical Expectations
Activity Level: Moderate – Active (Level 3 of 5)
This journey includes one physically demanding day: gorilla trekking. The trek can take 1 to 6 hours on steep, muddy forest terrain at altitude. All other days involve moderate walking and cultural visits. Travelers should be comfortable hiking on uneven ground for several hours. Porters are available during the gorilla trek and are strongly recommended.
MBM and its guides reserve the right to prohibit participation in any activity if a participant’s physical condition poses a safety risk to themselves or the group.
Gorilla Trek
1–6 hours on steep, muddy forest terrain at altitude. Good fitness required. Porters are available and strongly recommended.
Cultural Visits
The Batwa village visit involves a real hike to reach the community. The Batwa Cultural Experience itself (song, dance, forest-life demonstrations) takes place on flat ground. The Rushaga school visit is close by, minimal walking involved.
Travel Days
One long transfer day at the start of the trip—Kampala to Rushaga, approximately 9 hours on paved and unpaved roads. Other repositioning drives during the trip (e.g., Rushaga to Kisoro) run shorter, typically 3–5 hours.
Optional Add-On Extensions
Extend your journey before or after the core trip. Each extension is priced and booked separately.
Murchison Falls
Stand at the top of Africa's most powerful waterfall, where the Nile surges through a seven-meter gorge. Includes a game drive across the savannah and a Nile boat cruise to see hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife. Includes: park fees, safari vehicle & driver guide, lodging, boat safari.
Lake Bunyonyi
Known as "the place of little birds," Lake Bunyonyi is just 2-3 hours from Rushaga, making it an easy, restorative add-on right after gorilla trekking. Explore its 29 islands by dugout canoe, including the haunting history of Punishment Island, and unwind in the cool Kigezi highlands, the second-deepest lake in Africa, after the physical intensity of the trek. Includes: transport, lodging, guided canoe excursion.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Tree-climbing lions, boat safaris, and one of Uganda's most diverse ecosystems. Includes a game drive and Kazinga Channel boat safari, plus a visit to the Ishasha sector, home to the rare tree-climbing lions found in only two places on Earth. Includes: park fees, safari vehicle & driver-guide, lodging, and boat safari.
Additional Nights in Kampala
Want more time in Uganda's capital before the journey begins or after it ends? Extra nights can be added on either end of your trip. Includes: lodging, breakfast, airport transfer.
Come with us to Uganda!
Come meet the gorillas, the rangers, and the people who will make this the journey of a lifetime.