Trek Misty Jungles, Face the Wild Nile, and Stand with the Giants of the Forest —
Rwanda & UGANDA
12 days starting at $6,550 USD.
Up to 14 solo female travelers.
Booking Note:
A $1,300 nonrefundable, nontransferable deposit secures your spot. We use it immediately to purchase your wildlife tracking permits, which sell out fast and can’t be reserved in advance.
Journey through Uganda’s wild beauty and endless warmth—one of Africa’s most special (and most underrated) destinations.
Stand just feet from mountain gorillas in the emerald depths of Bwindi, cross the golden grasslands of Queen Elizabeth National Park in search of lions, and drift down the Kazinga Channel as elephants and hippos gather at the shore. Sip coffee roasted by local women, taste banana gin bubbling over open fires, and feel the power of the Nile as it squeezes through the narrow gorge at Murchison Falls.
Along the way, you’ll meet the people who make Uganda unforgettable—crafting shea butter in small workshops, sharing stories by the fire, and welcoming you into their kitchens. This isn’t just about seeing Uganda—it’s about feeling it, tasting it, and carrying a piece of it home long after the trip ends.
Table of Contents
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
Track Gorillas in the Wild
Trek deep into Bwindi’s misty rainforest to spend an unforgettable day with wild gorillas, watching their gentle interactions up close.
Walk with Rhinos
Track endangered rhinos on foot at Ziwa Sanctuary, learning about conservation efforts to protect Uganda’s last remaining wild population.
Sip Coffee at the Source
Learn the art of coffee from women in Kyambura—roasting, grinding, and brewing straight from the bean to your cup.
Cruise the Kazinga Channel
Drift along a wildlife-packed waterway, spotting hippos, elephants, and crocodiles as colorful birds skim the surface.
Stand at the Top of Murchison Falls
Feel the raw power of the Nile as it thunders through a narrow gorge before exploding into one of the world’s most powerful waterfalls.
Meet the Chimpanzees of Kibale
Follow the calls of wild chimpanzees through the treetops until you’re close enough to watch them play, groom, and forage.
TRAVELER LOVE
INCLUSIONS
Arrival airport pickup on day 1
Hand-picked, unique lodges and guesthouses including a feature stay at a Lake Resort
11 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 10 dinners
All activities listed in the itinerary including safari tracking permits
Transportation in an air-conditioned Vans and 4x4 Extended Land Cruisers
MOST TIPS (EXCLUDING GUIDE/DRIVER)
Max 14 solo female travelers
Twin share rooms
Expert local guide for the whole tour
MEET YOUR NEW BFF
GUARANTEED SOLO TIME
Spend it with friends or explore on your own, but take time to reflect on your incredible journey.
GET YOUR BEAUTY SLEEP
Enjoy our hand-picked accommodation combining the best of design, location and comfort.
Bucket-List Animal Encounters, All Included
- Gorilla Trekking In Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
- Chimpanzee Tracking In Kibale Forest National Park
- Lion Tracking With A Conservation Research Team In Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Private Boat Cruise On The Kazinga Channel, Home To Hippos, Elephants, And Crocs
- Full-Day Safari In Murchison Falls National Park
- Lake Mutanda Sunset Cruise
- Walking Rhino Safari At Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
- Game Drives In Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Kazinga Channel Boat Safari
Immersive Cultural Experiences Included
- Hands-on Ugandan Cooking Class with Local Women
- Shea Butter Workshop at a Women's Co-op
- Campfire Storytelling Led by a Local Guide
- Visit to the Kyambura Women’s Coffee Cooperative
- Traditional Banana Gin Distillation in Bigodi Village
- Lake Mutanda Sunset Cruise
TOUR AT A GLANCE
Day 1 - Arrival in Rwanda!
Begin your journey in Rwanda’s vibrant capital
Day 2 – From Kigali to Lake Mutanda
Conservation, Volcano Views & Sundowner Cruise
DAY 3 - Gorilla Tracking in Bwindi
A once-in-a-lifetime day with mountain gorillas in Bwindi’s emerald depths
DAY 4 - To Queen Elizabeth National Park
Trade cool highlands for golden savannah and big horizons
Day 5 - Lions & the Life of the Kazinga Channel
Track lions with conservationists, then drift among hippos and elephants on a private boat safari
Day 6 - Coffee & Banana Gin in the Heart of Uganda
Sip coffee at its source, then try your hand at banana gin making in a rural village
DAY 7 - Chimpanzee Encounters
Step into the forest in search of our closest wild relatives
Day 8 - Murchison Falls from the Top
Witness the Nile’s raw power as it squeezes through a canyon and plunges into mist
DAY 9 - Game Drives on the Nile's Edge
Search for lions, giraffes, and elephants in Uganda’s largest national park
DAY 10 - Cultural Immersion in Gulu
Connect with Northern Uganda’s culture through food, craft, and stories by the fire
DAY 11 - Rhinos of Ziwa
Walk alongside Uganda’s only wild rhinos in a protected sanctuary
Farewell to Uganda
Breakfast, goodbyes and check out
Why Choose SoFe Travel?
Built for Solo Women
Every trip is designed specifically for solo female travelers. That means no awkward third wheels, no feeling like the odd one out—just instant community, shared values, and support from Day One.
Real Connection
Almost everyone arrives solo, and 92% of our travelers stay in touch long after the trip ends. It’s not just a tour—it’s a chance to make lifelong friendships in some of the world’s most unforgettable places.
Space to Breathe
We build in solo time, always. Want to wander a market alone or skip a group dinner for some quiet? Go for it. Prefer a travel buddy? There's always someone ready to join you. You do you—with the comfort of community when you want it.
No Forced Single Supplements
Forget the extra fees. Our roommate matching quiz pairs you with a like-minded traveler, or you can upgrade to a private room if you prefer your own space.
Is The Uganda Meetup Tour Right for you?
Active but rewarding
The treks are the kind you’ll tell stories about for years—muddy, humid, and absolutely worth it. You’ll want to be steady on your feet, curious about what’s around the next bend, and happy to get a little dirty.
Comfort in Remote Places
Our lodges are chosen for their charm, comfort, and incredible settings, from lakefront cottages to riverside glamping tents. In some remote areas, Wi-Fi may be limited and the wild may feel close—but that’s all part of the magic.
Cultural Curiosity Required
This is more than a safari. You’ll meet coffee growers, banana gin distillers, and women making shea butter by hand. It’s about sharing moments, hearing stories, and leaving with a deeper connection to the people as well as the place.
Your Uganda Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival in Rwanda!
Begin your journey in Rwanda’s vibrant capital
Touch down in Kigali, where your guide will be waiting with a smile and a wave to start your journey. As we drive into the city, you’ll notice the soft curve of green hills, bursts of color from roadside markets, and the easy rhythm of people going about their day. After settling into your hotel, we’ll head out together for our first dinner—Rwandan dishes rich with spice and warmth, and the kind of conversation that makes strangers feel like friends.
Meals: dinner
Day 2 - Across Borders to a Lake of Volcanoes
From Rwanda into Uganda, via the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund and Lake Mutanda
We’ll set out early, crossing from Rwanda into Uganda. Along the way, we’ll stop at the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund for a moving look at the conservation work that’s safeguarded mountain gorillas for decades—an unforgettable prelude to the wildlife you’ll soon meet.
From there, the road winds through rolling green hills to Lake Mutanda, a peaceful jewel framed by the Virunga volcanoes. After settling into your lakeside lodge, the day ends in pure magic: a private sundowner boat ride, glasses raised as the lake mirrors the fiery glow of the African sky.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Drive time: 5 hours
Day 3 - Face to Face with the Gentle Giants
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Today is the day—the one you’ll tell stories about for the rest of your life. We’ll set out early and step into the emerald depths of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, guided by expert trackers who know every sound, scent, and sign of the gorillas’ presence.
When we find them, the world seems to pause. You might hear the low rumble of a silverback calling to his family, the snap of bamboo as a youngster swings through the branches, or the gentle rustle of leaves as a mother shifts her baby closer. Support staff will carry your bag and lend a hand along the trail, leaving you free to lock eyes with these wild, intelligent beings and feel the connection that words can’t quite capture.
Meals: breakfast, packed lunch, and dinner
Day 4 - Down from the Clouds to the Savannah
Scenic drive from Lake Mutanda to Queen Elizabeth National Park
This morning, we leave Lake Mutanda behind and follow a winding descent from the lush highlands into the golden savannah plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park. The road passes crater lakes, small villages, and wide-open views that seem to stretch forever.
By afternoon, we’ll arrive at Elephant Hab Lodge, our peaceful base on the edge of the park. With sweeping views over the plains, spacious cottages, and an infinity pool that feels made for watching the sun melt into the horizon, it’s the kind of place where you can truly exhale. The rest of the day is yours—unwind, take in the scenery, and let the stillness of the savannah set the tone for tomorrow’s adventures.
Meals: breakfast and dinner
Drive time: 6 hours
Day 5 - On the Trail of the Lions
Track lions with conservationists, then drift among hippos and elephants on a private boat safari.
This morning begins with a rare chance to join a research team for a lion tracking experience in Queen Elizabeth National Park. From our safari vehicle, we’ll use radio telemetry to follow signals from GPS collars fitted to dominant lionesses, leading us off the main tracks and deep into the savannah. The drive not only increases our chances of seeing lions up close, but also offers insight into their movements, behavior, and the conservation work protecting these powerful predators.
After lunch, we’ll trade land for water on a private boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel. This natural waterway teems with life—hippos wallowing in the shallows, elephants cooling off at the edge, crocodiles basking in the sun, and an incredible variety of birdlife overhead.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 6 - From Coffee Hills to Banana Gin Fires
Sip coffee at its source, then try your hand at banana gin making in a rural village.
Begin the day at the Kyambura Women’s Coffee Cooperative, where you’ll follow the bean’s journey from tree to cup—picking, roasting, and grinding alongside the women who run the operation. Taste the freshest coffee you’ve ever had, with the rolling hills as your backdrop.
Then travel to the Kibale Forest region, famed for its rich biodiversity. After lunch at the lodge, you’ll head to Bigodi Village for an introduction to the local tradition of banana gin distillation. Watch as ripe bananas are transformed into a potent spirit, learning how this craft weaves into community life. It’s a day of flavors, stories, and human connection.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Drive time: 2.5 hours
Day 7 - Among the Chimpanzees
Chimp tracking in Kibale Forest National Park
In the cool morning air, set off into Kibale Forest National Park with your expert guide. Follow the calls echoing through the canopy until you find the chimpanzees, some grooming in the branches, others leaping between trees. Spend a full hour watching their interactions up close, from playful juveniles to watchful alpha males.
The afternoon is free for rest at the lodge, with optional activities available for those eager to explore further. Just ask your tour guide! Whether you spend it in quiet reflection or active discovery, the forest remains all around you, alive with sound.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 8 - Where the Nile Roars
Witness the Nile’s raw power as it squeezes through a canyon and plunges into mist.
Today, we’ll journey north to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest protected area. On arrival, we’ll head straight to the top of the falls, where the Nile surges through a narrow gorge and explodes into a thunderous, white cascade. Feel the mist on your skin and the raw energy of one of the world’s most powerful waterfalls; for those eager for more, a short hike offers breathtaking alternative views.
In the evening, we’ll settle into Murchison River Lodge, our tranquil riverside retreat. Relax in a hammock in front of sweeping views of the Nile and national park. You’ll probably spot some hippos and elephants drift by—all from a peaceful spot where the river sets the evening’s rhythm
Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Drive time: 8 hours
Day 9 - Safari from Dawn to Dusk
Search for lions, giraffes, and elephants on safari.
Spend the day exploring Murchison Falls National Park on morning and afternoon game drives. The vast savannah stretches to the horizon, dotted with acacia trees and the silhouettes of giraffes. Keep your eyes peeled for elephants, buffalo, lions, and, if you’re lucky, the elusive leopard resting in the shade.
Between drives, enjoy lunch back at the lodge, where the Nile flows just steps away. The afternoon light often makes the park’s wildlife glow gold, a photographer’s dream. By sunset, you’ll have traversed both riverbanks, witnessing the park’s beauty from multiple angles.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 10 - Flavors, Stories & Starlight
Cooking class, shea butter workshop, and campfire storytelling in Gulu
After breakfast, we’ll travel to the vibrant northern town of Gulu for a day steeped in culture. We’ll start with a hands-on cooking class, preparing traditional Ugandan dishes before sitting down together to enjoy the meal we’ve created. In the afternoon, a shea butter workshop reveals how this locally sourced ingredient sustains women’s livelihoods—and you’ll get to feel its rich, natural texture for yourself.
When night falls, we’ll gather around a crackling campfire, the stars overhead, as a local guide shares stories of community traditions, resilience, and everyday life in Northern Uganda. It’s an intimate, unforgettable way to close the day.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Drive time: 3 hours
Day 11 - Rhinos in the wild
Walk alongside Uganda’s only wild rhinos in a protected sanctuary.
Depart Gulu and head toward Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the only place in Uganda where you can see rhinos in the wild. A guided tracking walk takes you close enough to watch these magnificent creatures grazing, their sheer presence a reminder of the importance of conservation work.
Enjoy lunch at the sanctuary before continuing on to Kampala. Upon arrival, check into your boutique hotel and indulge in a bit of luxury and relaxation—a perfect end to your final full day.
Meals: breakfast and lunch
Drive time: 6-7 hours
Day 12 - Until next time, Uganda
Squeeze in a little more beauty before you say goodbye.
Depending on your flight time, your guide will escort you for last-minute craft shopping in Kampala, where markets burst with woven baskets, vibrant fabrics, and carved wooden treasures. With your keepsakes packed and your heart full, you’ll head to the airport for your journey home.
You leave not just with amazing photos, but with memories of wild moments, human warmth, and the pulse of Africa’s green heart.
Meals: breakfast
HAND-PICKED ACCOMMODATION
From a lakeside retreat with volcano views to lodges where hippos graze just beyond your balcony, each stay is chosen for its charm, comfort, and connection to the land. These are places that feel woven into the journey itself—unique rooms, open-air dining, warm smiles from the staff, and that perfect view to toast the end of another unforgettable day in Uganda.
MUTANDA LAKE RESORT
Mutanda Lake Resort sits on a private peninsula with jaw-dropping views of the Virunga Mountains, glassy lake, and distant volcanoes. Tucked between Kisoro, Mgahinga, and Bwindi, it’s the ideal base for exploring—and the kind of place you’ll never want to leave.
ELEPHANT HAB LODGE
Elephant Hab Lodge is a quiet escape on the edge of Queen Elizabeth National Park, with endless savannah views and the calls of the wild all around. Rooms are comfortable and inviting, with cozy spots to watch the light shift from golden afternoon to star-filled night.
LATITUDE 0, KAMPALA
Latitude 0° is a chic hideaway in the heart of Kampala, ideal for unwinding after your adventures. Think rooftop sunsets, a glittering pool, a soothing spa, and spaces designed for both connection and pure relaxation.
We match you with your most compatible roommate
We get it—sharing a room with a stranger can feel like a gamble. That’s why we’ve partnered with a professional matchmaker and psychologist to create a bespoke roommate matching quiz, designed to pair you with someone you’ll actually click with.
Whether you’re an early riser or a night owl, a social butterfly or someone who values quiet time, our quiz helps ensure you’re matched with the best possible roommate. And if you prefer your own space, you always have the option to upgrade to a private room.
No stress, no awkward surprises—just a trip made better by great company.
Meet Mildred
YOUR GUIDE FOR THE TRIP
For six years, Mildred has been guiding travelers across Uganda and East Africa as a driver-guide, bringing the region’s history, culture, and wildlife to life. From Big Five game drives to primate tracking and birding, she blends adventure with local insight—think village chats, secret viewpoints, and a quick stop to taste a Ugandan Rolex (yep, the beloved egg-and-chapati street snack).
Fluent in English and known for her calm, welcoming presence, Mildred makes every traveler feel safe, seen, and part of the story. She’s a proud member of the Uganda Safari Guides Association, Uganda Women Guides Association, and Uganda Women Birders. Her favorite part of the job? Sharing the beauty of her home, tailoring each day to your interests, and turning unexpected wildlife moments into your favorite travel memory.
What Our Travelers Say
Join 2,000+ women who’ve embraced adventure, found their people, and taken the trip of a lifetime on a tour with us, the largest global community for solo female travelers. This is our first Uganda trip, so here are some reviews from other SoFe Tours in Africa.
Beth B. | Morocco
“Mariam is the absolute best. Everywhere we went, she knew many people who said, “You’re very lucky; Mariam is the best guide!” We were like, you don’t have to tell us. She’s incredibly passionate and knowledgeable about her country, and not just with basic facts. She knows the soul and spirit and nuanced problems, as well. Everything she told us, she did so with clear love for Morocco. More importantly, Mariam is simply a wonderful human. She’s kind, compassionate, patient, tolerant, intelligent, hilarious…I could go on, but I’d bore you with how much I love her. She’s one of my new favorite people on the planet.”
Maddyson | Morocco
“All the women I travelled with were so welcoming and friendly. It was amazing to compare travel stories and experiences with each other and we each contributed something unique to the group that made the trip memorable and special. My favourite activity was the camel ride in the Sahara and glamping. I loved staying in the Riads which were gorgeous. Being able to interact with locals and specifically local women was also a highlight as it gave unique insight into the local culture.”
STEPHANIE I. | Kenya
“[The group] all got along so well and looked out for each other. It definitely enhanced the experience! We had so much fun and the friendships we made was a huge part of what made this trip so great! I loved that SOFE gives an option to match you with a roommate or to travel solo but no matter what, you are going to look out for each other and make sure that each other is safe. And I loved the community portion of the trip is female focused and that a portion of the trip cost is going to support high risk females in the community.”
Elaine D. | Kenya
“Each day I didn’t think it could get any better, but it did! The stays and game viewing at The Country Club and The Ark in Aberdare were phenomenal, then the boat ride on Lake Naivasha. Helen at Tepesua Village was inspiring. What an intelligent and strong women! I enjoyed the hike at Hell’s Gate to get out of the vehicle and get some exercise.”
Dawn | Egypt
“That it is an experience that they will carry for a lifetime and it would be crazy to pass it up. The guide, the hotels, the experience and the overall vibe can’t be found anywhere else. I loved the experience and look forward to the next one!!”
Dates & Prices
Prices listed in USD
Claim your spot
Reserve your spot with a $1,300 deposit applied to your tour’s total cost. For this trip, the deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable.
Flexible payment plans
Pay what you want up until the balance is due 90 days before departure.
We sell out fast!
Once you know you want to join us, don’t wait—our tours fill up fast!
2026 Rwanda + Uganda Tours
June 22, 2026
Arrive on Monday
June 22, 2026
Arrive on Monday
July 3, 2026
Depart on Friday
July 3, 2026
Depart on Friday
$6,550
with a private room +$1,000
$6,550
with a private room +$1,000
Book now with $1,300. Pay the rest at your pace.
Frequently Asked Questions About Uganda
WHAT ARE THE ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE DETAILS?
Arrival:
Kigali International Airport (KGL) in Rwanda
We recommend that you arrive by 3pm in order to have plenty of time to settle in before the welcome meeting at 6pm. That being said, your airport pickup is included any time that you arrive on Day 1. Our driver will take you from the airport to our group hotel in Kigali. If fellow travelers arrive around the same time, we’ll bring you to the hotel together.
Departure:
Entebbe International Airport (EBB) in Uganda
Hotel check out is at 10am. You are welcome to leave any time today. Ask your guide to help you arrange a ride to the airport or share a transfer with fellow travelers.
Please note that your arrival airport is different than your departure airport.
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED?
PAYMENT & REFUND POLICY
Important Booking Note
A $1,300 deposit is required to secure your spot on this trip. This deposit is nonrefundable and nontransferable because, once booked, we must immediately purchase your wildlife tracking permits—these permits sell out quickly and cannot be reserved in advance.
- A non-refundable $1,300 deposit is required to hold your spot.
- Final payment is due 90 days before departure.
- Pay as much as often as you like until the due date.
- If you cancel your spot earlier than 90 days before departure, you can apply your payment to any trip within the next year.
- No refunds on deposits.
DO I NEED A VISA?
Yes, nearly all nationalities will need a visa to travel to Rwanda & Uganda.
Entry to Rwanda
You will need to purchase a 72-hour transit visa on arrival in Rwanda. This costs $30. Prior online application is not required.
Entry to Uganda
For Uganda, online application and approval in advance is mandatory. It is not possible to purchase a visa for Uganda on arrival.
- The visa for Uganda is $50 (visa, ‘Uganda Ordinary/Tourist visa’, single entry) and can be applied for through https://visas.immigration.go.ug/
- Most visas will be processed within 2-3 working days, but we recommend to apply and pay 4-6 weeks prior to arrival. This is because we regularly find that the system is down for a couple of days, payments don’t always work directly, and Uganda has a lot of public holidays which can cause delays as well. Applying in time can avoid stressful situations.
- A Yellow Fever Vaccination is required. You will need to upload a proof of vaccination when applying for their visa.
- If you wish to apply for an East Africa visa, you can only do this through the country where you enter first. In this case, you enter first in Rwanda. However, as you are only transiting in Rwanda, it is cheaper and easier to get the visas separately.
WILL THIS ITINERARY CHANGE?
The itinerary is subject to change due for any reason – weather, unexpected cancellations, impromptu local opportunities, or surprise additions.
All bookings are subject to our terms and conditions.
DO I NEED TRAVEL INSURANCE
Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory or you may be refused to join the tour. See our guide for help choosing a plan.
HOW MUCH LUGGAGE CAN I BRING?
Our tours are comfortable and very inclusive with premium accommodation. This means you can pack a little lighter. In fact, you will be carrying your own bags to the lobby or at the airport, and you will need to be able to manage.
PHOTOS FROM THE ROAD
