Trek Misty Jungles, Face the Wild Nile, and Stand with the Giants of the Forest —
Rwanda & UGANDA
12 days starting at $6,950 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.
They call Uganda the Pearl of Africa, and 12 days here will show you why. Hike into the misty depths of Bwindi to sit with a family of wild mountain gorillas. Follow chimps through the treetops of Kibale, walk alongside rhinos at Ziwa, and feel the entire Nile force its way through the gorge at Murchison Falls.
Then meet the Uganda most travelers drive right past. Roast coffee by hand with the women of the Kyambura cooperative. Sit down with the weavers whose baskets fill every market in Kampala, and hear how they learned the craft from their mothers. Cook, laugh and swap stories with the women who hold their communities together.
This is Uganda up close: the gorillas everyone comes for, and the women almost nobody meets.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
Trek into Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for an hour with a wild mountain gorilla family.
Rhino Tracking on Foot
Walk alongside white rhinos at Ziwa Sanctuary, the only place in Uganda to see them in the wild.
Chimp Tracking in Kibale
Follow their calls through the canopy until you’re right underneath them. Loud, fast and nothing like gorilla day.
Hand-Roasted Coffee with Local Women
Pick, roast and grind beans by hand with the women who run the Kyambura Coffee Cooperative.
Kazinga Channel Cruise
Drift along a wildlife-packed waterway, spotting hippos, elephants, and crocodiles as colorful birds skim the surface.
Top of Murchison Falls
Stand above the falls as the entire Nile squeezes through a gorge just 7 meters wide. You’ll feel it before you see it.
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, 9 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
- 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 - Rhinos of Ziwa
Walk alongside Uganda’s only wild rhinos in a protected sanctuary
DAY 11 - Kampala City Tour & Market Hopping
Discover Kampala’s culture and creativity through city sites and market hopping
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.
Long Drives
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.
Your Uganda Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival in Rwanda!
Land in Kigali, meet your group and have your first dinner together.
Land in Kigali and your driver will be there to meet you. Drop your bags, relax from the flight, then come meet everyone at 6pm. We’ll head out for our first dinner together.
Meals: dinner
Day 2 - Volcanoes at Sundown
Visit the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, cross into Uganda and take a private sunset cruise on Lake Mutanda.
After breakfast, our first stop is the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund’s Ellen DeGeneres Campus, which is basically the backstory for tomorrow. Then we cross into Uganda and drive through hills so green they look edited, to Lake Mutanda. It has volcanoes on the horizon, a boat just for us, and drinks at sunset.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Drive time: 5 hours
Day 3 - Face to Face with the Gentle Giants
Trek into Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for one hour with a wild gorilla family.
The day you booked this trip for. Rangers brief us, trackers head out first, and we follow them into Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. (Yes, that’s the real name. It earns it.) You might walk an hour or you might walk five, it depends on where the gorillas are. We hire female porters to carry your pack and pull you up the steep bits. When you find the family, you get one hour. The babies show off and the silverback acts like you’re not there. Every SoFe Traveler agrees: a life changing moment.
Meals: breakfast, packed lunch, and dinner
Day 4 - Down from the Clouds to the Savannah
Drive down to Queen Elizabeth National Park and spend the afternoon by a pool with elephant views.
We trade the cold, misty highlands for the golden plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park, passing crater lakes and villages on the way. At Elephant Hab Lodge the afternoon is yours. There’s an infinity pool, and most nights elephants wander past it at dusk. Your legs will thank you for the break and your stomach will love the excellent food served at the resort.
Meals: breakfast and dinner
Drive time: 6 hours
Day 5 - Our Boat, Their River
An early game drive, then a private cruise past hippos and crocs on the Kazinga Channel.
An early game drive while the animals are still up and moving. Think elephants, buffalo, Uganda kob, and lions if they feel like getting out of bed. After lunch we have a boat all to ourselves on the Kazinga Channel. There are hippos grumbling, elephants cooling off, and crocodiles doing their best impression of a log.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 6 - Coffee First, Then Gin
Hand-roast coffee with a women’s cooperative, then learn how a village turns bananas into gin.
This morning we’re at the Kyambura Women’s Coffee Cooperative. You’ll pick, roast and grind beans by hand with the women who run it, and hear how they built it. It’s the best cup of coffee you’ll ever have, and you helped make it. In the afternoon, Bigodi village shows us how they turn bananas into gin over an open fire.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Drive time: 2.5 hours
Day 7 - Chimp Chaos
Track wild chimpanzees through the treetops of Kibale Forest.
If gorilla day felt calm, chimp day doesn’t. We follow their calls through Kibale Forest until they’re right above us, then spend an hour watching them groom, squabble and throw themselves between trees. The afternoon is free. Nap, swim, or explore the lodge.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 8 - Where the Nile Loses It
Drive north to stand at the top of Murchison Falls, one of the most powerful waterfalls on earth.
Real talk: this is the longest drive of the trip. Bring snacks and a podcast. It pays off when you’re standing at the top of Murchison Falls, watching the entire Nile squeeze through a gap about 7 meters wide. It’s loud, the spray is everywhere, and it’s kind of unreal. Tonight we’re at Murchison River Lodge, where the hammocks face the river and hippos float past.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Drive time: 8 hours
Day 9 - Golden Hour on the Nile
Spend the day on morning and afternoon game drives in Uganda’s biggest park.
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 - Two Tons, No Car Doors
Walk with wild rhinos at Ziwa Sanctuary, then check into a boutique hotel in Kampala.
Ziwa Sanctuary is the only place in Uganda to see rhinos in the wild, and here you walk in instead of watching from a car. It’s just you, a ranger and a two-ton animal that could not care less. Then we drive to Kampala and Latitude 0°, with a pool, a spa and a rooftop bar. You’ve earned it.
Meals: breakfast and lunch
Drive time: 6-7 hours
Day 11 - Market Hopping in Kampala
Tour the King’s Palace, then shop Kampala’s craft markets.
We start at the King’s Palace to hear the story of the Buganda kingdom, then hit the craft markets. Think baskets, beadwork and fabric you’ll need an extra bag for. Your guide will teach you how to haggle.
Meals: breakfast
Day 12 - See You Later, Uganda
Last breakfast, last hugs, and your flight home from Entebbe.
Last breakfast, last hugs, and maybe a last trip to the market if your flight allows. You fly out of Entebbe (EBB), not Kigali, so book your flights home from there. You’ll leave with a camera roll full of gorillas and 13 women you’ll be texting for years.
Meals: breakfast
HAND-PICKED ACCOMMODATION
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. Watch for elephants grazing from the infinity pool, and try a passion fruit mojito after a day of safari. 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 stunning African-styled, boutique hotel somehow both in the heart of Kampala and also tucked into a mini forest of its own. Think rooftop sunsets, a glittering pool, an incredible spa, and lots of style.
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.
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!
May 31, 2027
Arrive on Monday
May 31, 2027
Arrive on Monday
June 11, 2027
Depart on Friday
June 11, 2027
Depart on Friday
$6,950
with a private room +$1,600
$6,950
with a private room +$1,600
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.
Still unsure if this trip is right for you?
Book a 15-minute clarity call with Jaqueline or Grace and we’ll walk through your questions together.
PHOTOS FROM THE ROAD
