Why this
Matters.
Volunteering activities and project contributions at Uganda Lodge and Umusambi Village
Face-to-face with Mountain Gorillas in their natural habitat
Chimpanzee trekking in the ancient Nyungwe rainforest
Meaningful volunteering at Uganda Lodge and Umusambi Village
Support endangered Grey Crowned Cranes conservation
Leaving a Lasting Legacy.
Join us in supporting local education and healthcare at Uganda Lodge, and contribute to the protection of Rwanda's wildlife through specialized conservation projects.
The
Journey.
Arrival in Entebbe
Welcome at the airport and transfer to De Rain eco hotel on the shores of Lake Victoria. Orientation over evening drinks as we look out across the vast expanse of the lake, breathing in the fresh air of the Pearl of Africa. Our team will guide you through the upcoming 15-day mission, preparing you for the deep immersion into the local ecosystem and humanitarian projects ahead.
Day 1
Lake Mburo Walking Safari
Drive to Lake Mburo for a unique walking safari among zebras, impalas, and elands. Unlike traditional jeep safaris, being on foot allows you to connect more intimately with the rhythms of the wild. We’ll learn about the delicate balance of the savanna ecosystem and the efforts being made by local rangers to protect these corridors from human-wildlife conflict.
Day 2
Boat Ride & Ruhanga
Morning boat ride on Lake Mburo, searching for hippos and crocodiles, then travel to Ruhanga to check in at Uganda Lodge. This journey takes us through the heart of rural Uganda, passing rolling hills and vibrant local markets. As we arrive at the lodge, we’ll meet the community leaders we’ll be partnering with for the next few days.
Day 3
Volunteering at Uganda Lodge
Choose between helping at the school, McNeil Medical Centre, or practical building projects. This is where the real work begins—partnering with local teachers and medical staff to support the community’s long-term resilience. Whether you’re reading to students or helping with infrastructure, your presence fuels the education and healthcare systems that serve thousands in the Ruhanga region.
Day 4
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Rocky road journey to Bwindi with breathtaking mountain views and school visits. We’ll wind through some of the most spectacular terrain in East Africa, reaching the edges of the ancient Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Here, the rainforest is dense and alive, home to the elusive mountain gorilla and a wealth of endemic bird species.
Day 5
Gorilla Tracking
An unforgettable morning tracking mountain gorillas in the wild. Our guides will lead us into the heart of the forest, sharing their deep knowledge of gorilla behavior and conservation. For those who choose not to trek, we’ll spend the morning visiting local community projects and cooperatives, learning about how tourism directly supports the protection of these majestic animals.
Day 6
Crossing into Rwanda
Travel day into the "Land of a Thousand Hills". We’ll cross the border and begin the drive to Kigali, witnessing the dramatic change in landscape and culture. As we approach the capital, we’ll see the scars and the resilience of a nation that has moved with incredible purpose toward reconciliation and growth.
Day 7
Kigali Genocide Memorial
Reflective visit to the memorial followed by a drive to Akagera National Park. A powerful morning dedicated to understanding Rwanda’s modern history and its path to peace. Afterwards, we’ll head east to the savanna of Akagera, where we’ll transition from cultural reflection to wildlife immersion in the country’s only Big Five park.
Day 8
Akagera Safari
Full day game drive searching for lions, rhinos, and elephants in Akagera. We’ll traverse the varied landscape of lakes, marshes, and rolling plains, observing how the park’s restoration has revitalized local populations. The afternoon offers a boat safari on Lake Ihema, providing a unique vantage point to see hippos and rare birdlife.
Day 9
Umusambi Village & Nyungwe
Help care for rescued Grey Crowned Cranes at Umusambi Village before driving to the ancient Nyungwe rainforest. We’ll partner with the Rwanda Wildlife Conservation Association to support their crane rehabilitation efforts, gaining insight into the challenges of protecting these iconic birds before we head into the deep forest of the west.
Day 10
Chimpanzee Trekking
Early morning trek into the ancient Nyungwe forest to observe fast-moving primates. This is one of the world’s oldest and most biodiverse rainforests, where we’ll track chimpanzees and colobus monkeys through the high canopy. The experience is intimate and powerful, highlighting the importance of preserving these critical habitats.
Day 11
Nyamirambo Women’s Centre
Cooking class and cooperative tour followed by a celebratory farewell dinner in Kigali. We’ll spend the day at the Nyamirambo Women’s Centre, participating in their cooking and weaving cooperatives, seeing how local empowerment directly fuels economic resilience. We’ll celebrate our 15-day journey with a final feast featuring the flavors of Rwanda.
Day 12
Departure
Airport transfer for onward flights from Kigali International. As we bid farewell to the Land of a Thousand Hills, we take with us the stories, connections, and impact of a journey that has truly been more than just travel.
