Join Walker Wellness Retreats on this all-inclusive 8 days/7 nights Rwanda and Uganda Wildlife Safari, where you will experience primates, game drives, cultural encounters, and more!

This Uganda & Rwanda, Wildlife Safari adventure, allows you to participate in several activities, including golden monkey trekking, wildlife viewing, a launch cruise along the Kazinga channel, lion/leopard tracking, and a unique cultural experience. All meals are included.

Highlights include Volcanoes National Park, Bwindi National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Kibale National Park.

The Volcanoes National Park is the most visited site in Rwanda. It is home to mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, and more. While at the Volcanoes National Park, the main activities will be golden monkey trekking and visiting the Ibyiwacu Cultural Centre. 

Bwindi for gorilla trekking and another excellent cultural encounter with the Batwa. 

Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda's most visited and naturally beautiful park. It has four of the Big five mammals, including the rare tree-climbing lions in Ishasha. 

Kibale National Park is known as the primate capital of Africa. The park is home to 13 species of primates, the most popular of which are chimps. 

Inclusions:

• Pickup and drop-off at the airport
• Ground transfers
• Game drives 
• Golden Monkey Permits 
• Gorilla trekking Permits 
• Chimpanzee trekking Permits 
• Lion Tracking Experience 
• Batwa cultural experience 
• Visiting Ibyiwacu Cultural Centre 
• Kigali City Tour 
• Visit the Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary and Local Community 
• Activities in Lake Bunyonyi 
• All activities mentioned in the Itinerary 
• All accommodation and meals indicated in the Itinerary
• Full-time professional English-speaking driver/guide
• 4WD safari vehicle and Fuel
• Accommodation for seven nights (meals included) 
• Bottled drinking water and lunch while traveling or outside the hotel 

Trip Style: This trip is active and will require trekking in the jungle and moving from location to location. There is not a lot of downtime on this particular retreat due to the number of wildlife viewing opportunities we have planned for you.

While we will be on the move, all excursions are optional. If you need more rest, we encourage you to listen to your mind and body and do what you wish during your vacation.

Amy Walker, MSW, LCSW, CCM, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Owner of Walker Wellness Retreats. Amy started Walker Wellness Retreats in 2016 due to her love for travel and helping others experience the world. Amy works as an online mental health therapist when she is not leading international retreats. Amy is passionate about helping individuals and couples work through barriers and find new ways to communicate, connect, and thrive. In addition, Amy loves international travel, wine tasting, whale watching, and the outdoors. Amy works alongside her husband, Brian Walker, to run Walker Wellness Retreats. 

To meet more of the Walker Wellness Retreats team, visit the About Us page on our website. 

If you cancel your trip before the 90-day deadline, 25% of the total trip price is non-refundable, as are any airfare, train tickets, or ferry tickets purchased as part of your trip package due to the strict cancellation policy by foreign carriers (if applicable).

Trip cancellations requested after the final payment deadlines listed above are non-refundable, and guests are encouraged to file a claim with their travel insurance for reimbursement. 

In the unlikely event Walker Wellness Retreats cancels the retreat, guests will be provided a full 100% refund of their booking. 

Lastly, we partner with several third-party booking platforms that have separate deposit and cancellation policies. If you book through a third-party partner, please refer to their specific cancellation policies.

Questions about refunds or cancellations? Click here to view our payment and cancellation policy.

The deadline to book an international retreat is 30 days before the retreat begins; however, some exceptions can be made based on availability. Please email us at contact@walkerwellnessretreats.com to inquire about booking after the deadline has passed.

You will be able to get the Rwanda Visa upon arrival. However, you can also do this prior to arrival to save time. Rwanda Visa - https://www.migration.gov.rw/visa/visitors-visa

You will also be able to get the Uganda Visa at the border, but to save time at the border, getting the Visa before you enter Uganda is also a good idea. Please do not apply for the Visa now because the Visa is valid for 30 days as soon as it's approved. So please apply for the Visa a month before your travel.

Passport/Visa Requirements

US citizens should ensure their passports will not expire for at least six months after they enter the country, even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least two blank pages in their passport for each entry stamp/visa that will be required. A visa is required for both countries.

Rwanda:

Travelers can obtain a Rwandan visa upon entry at the airport for $50.

More information for entry into Rwanda

Uganda:

The Uganda Electronic Visa/Permit Application System performs checks against law enforcement databases. All travelers seeking admission to Uganda are required to obtain a visa using this system before being granted boarding. All persons intending to travel to Uganda for holiday, tourism, business, study, visit, and medical are required to apply and obtain a visa online. Applications should be filled out using the following link: https://visas.immigration.go.ug/. 

For the entry point of Uganda, you will enter via the Cyanika border--which will be your entry point to Uganda.

More information for entry into Uganda:

Vaccinations:

The best thing to do is book an appointment at your local travel clinic, tell them you are going to Rwanda and Uganda, and tell you which vaccines you should get. 

They recommend Hep A and B, Malaria ( though you are going in winter, so less of a risk for sure), Typhoid, and Yellow Fever ( you are suitable for life once you get this one)

It's good to have rabies, meningitis, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap, pneumonia, and influenza.

Your primary care doctor or local travel clinic can tell you which vaccines you've already had and which ones you still need. 

You will need a Yellow Fever vaccine and card to show proof. 

An International Certificate of Vaccination for Yellow Fever is required for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission and for travelers who have transited through the airport of a country with a chance of yellow fever transmission. See WHO recommendations.

http://www.who.int/

Uganda: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/uganda

Rwanda: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/rwanda

RWANDA:

In Rwandan culture, people are very conservative. Most people dress modestly, especially women. Wearing shorts, tight skirts, and skimpy tops will likely get you stared at twice as much as usual.

Greetings are essential in Rwanda. It is impolite not to return a greeting or to start a conversation without a proper greeting. Younger persons must greet older persons first, and women must welcome men first.

When being introduced or greeting a professional colleague, Rwandans shake their right hands and may place their left hand under the right forearm as a sign of respect. Some young urbanites “kiss the air” near each cheek while shaking hands.

Usual greetings include Muraho (Hello, it’s been a while), Mwaramutse (Good morning), or Mwiriwe (Good afternoon/evening). Amakuru usually follows the initial greeting. (How’s the news?) or, among close friends, Bite se? (How are things going?). The typical response is Ni meza (Fine) or Ni meza cyane (Very fine).

Avoid eye contact with a superior or elder. The distance between people when they converse indicates their relationship: friends require little or no space, while superiors must have more. Friends of the same sex often hold hands while walking or talking, but such public contact between members of the opposite sex is inappropriate.

Pass items to an older person with both hands. Rwandans toss their heads aside while uttering ‘eh’ to express disbelief, usually when listening to a personal experience. Pointing with the finger or hand is impolite; instead, the head is used, with the chin and mouth jutting in the direction indicated.

Rwandans will generally never eat or drink in public, apart from restaurants. Rwandan women are rarely seen smoking in public or out in bars unaccompanied.

Although there is no smoking ban in most public places like bars and restaurants, generally, it’s not encouraged. Sometimes, people may complain of being disturbed by your smoking.

Rwandans are very private, reserved people, and loud public confrontations or apparent displays of emotion are frowned upon. If you feel a trader overcharges you, quiet persistence will likely produce results much faster than an angry outburst.

Understand that Rwanda is recovering from civil war and genocide in which approximately a million people were murdered. Many lost relatives and friends. Remember to be sensitive to this extreme tragedy when associating with people. Most people today are trying to forget. It is considered impolite to ask someone about their ethnic origin.

There is not much political discourse in Rwanda due to erupting violence, unlike in many neighboring countries such as Uganda and Kenya, where people talk freely about the government and political issues, people in Rwanda will be uncomfortable if asked about their views or even if seated at a table where national politics is discussed.

UGANDA:

Uganda is a culturally diverse country with a rich heritage, and it is essential to respect and appreciate local customs and traditions while visiting. Ugandans are generally friendly and welcoming, and showing an interest in their culture will be highly regarded.

When interacting with locals, greeting them with a handshake and using appropriate titles such as Mr., Mrs., or Doctor when addressing someone is customary. Polite and respectful language is expected in conversations, and taking the time to learn a few basic phrases in the local language, such as greetings and simple expressions, can go a long way in establishing a positive connection.

Modest clothing is recommended, especially when visiting rural areas or religious sites. Both men and women should avoid wearing revealing dresses and opt for attire that covers the shoulders and knees out of respect for local customs and traditions.

Public displays of affection should be kept to a minimum, as they may not be well-received in Ugandan society. Cultural sensitivity and mindfulness of local norms and expectations regarding personal interactions are essential.

When visiting someone’s home or a local community, it is customary to remove your shoes before entering as a sign of respect. Food and drink are also expected during visits, and it is polite to accept these offers to show appreciation for local hospitality.

Uganda is known for its delicious cuisine; trying traditional dishes is a great way to experience the local culture. When dining, it is customary to eat with your right hand, as many Ugandans traditionally eat with their hands. However, it is also acceptable to use utensils if you prefer.

Please note that the roads can be bumpy and dusty and some places. Please note this retreat requires long drive times. Please keep in mind the WIFI is often not very good and to make sure you have low expectation for internet while on this retreat. This retreat will require you to have good fitness as hiking in thick jungles will be required for primate viewings. Make sure you bring long sleeve shirts, long pants, gloves for the thorny trees and long socks to tuck your pants in or gaiters to avoid safari ants.

As in all countries, basic precautions should be taken, and common sense should be used. Do not carry excessive jewelry and money or leave them lying around.

Use safe deposit boxes where available; secure travel documents and valuables. Do not walk unescorted at night. If in doubt, seek advice from your guide.
 

Currency

Banks and foreign exchange bureaus are available in capital cities.

Most hotels and lodges accept Visa and MasterCard.

In addition to credit cards, travelers should bring US dollars in cash. Small denominations are recommended.

US dollars are widely accepted; however, older or high-denomination notes may not be accepted. Please bring small bills in USD for personal tipping.

Travel Insurance

Adequate travel insurance must be taken out prior to departure. This should cover any medical situation, such as hospitalization, as well as the cancellation, curtailment of arrangements, and baggage.

Safety

Avoid deserted areas, particularly at night. Dress down (i.e., don't wear excessive jewelry) when exploring the city. Concealed travel wallets are recommended.

Rwandans are a very warm and hospitable nation. Please do not hesitate to ask for assistance at any time.

Avoid taking pictures of anything connected with the government or the military, including army barracks, land, or people close to the army barracks, government offices, post offices, banks, ports, train stations, and airports.

Health

You will need a Yellow Fever vaccine and card for proof. Uganda and Rwanda fall into the yellow fever region of Africa. You must obtain a Yellow Fever vaccination no less than ten days before travel. Your country of origin and other African countries may deny re-entry without the vaccination after you have visited a country with Yellow Fever.

You must have travel/health insurance to cover you for the duration of this retreat. Please consult your physician before you travel to Africa for advice on precautions against malaria. You will need to be in good physical condition for this trip as it is an active retreat.

Anyone who has any particular medication should take enough supplies to last the visit.
 

What vaccinations do I need for Uganda?

You should seek medical advice from your local health practitioner before traveling to Uganda and ensure you receive all appropriate vaccinations. As a guide, Polio, Diphtheria, Hepatitis A & B, and Tetanus are strongly recommended. Rabies and Meningitis are also recommended.

Following an outbreak of yellow fever in April 2016, the Ugandan Ministry of Health now requires all travelers to provide proof of yellow fever vaccination.

Do I need anti-malaria tablets for Uganda?

There is a high risk of malaria in Uganda, so it is essential to check with your doctor before you go to see whether malarial medication is required for the areas you are visiting. Generally, it is good practice to avoid mosquito bites by wearing long-sleeved, light-colored clothes and a mosquito repellent containing at least 50% DEET. For more information on the malaria risk in Uganda, visit the NHS Fit to Travel page or the CDC Traveler's Health page.

Photography

Please be sure to bring sufficient memory cards and batteries, as these are not readily available in Uganda and Rwanda. Please ask permission before taking a photograph of any resident.

Please be advised that Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (Drones) are not allowed in any of the conservation areas we manage until their impact on wildlife and anti-poaching initiatives can be assessed. This rule will apply throughout Africa, as our partners in various countries and regions have adopted a similar stance.

Passport & Visa Requirements

All foreign visitors must have passports, which must be valid for six months after the intended length of stay. Please ensure that your passport has at least two consecutive blank visa pages (not endorsement pages). Our recommendation is three or even four blank pages if you are traveling through more than one country. If there is insufficient space in the passport, entry could be denied.

Checking visa requirements with the Ugandan and Rwandan embassies is imperative as it may vary according to your nationality.

Where visas can be obtained at the port of entry, fees are payable in USD cash only, and we recommend small dominations as officials are not in a position to give change.

It is recommended that travelers obtain their visas before arrival, as long queues at all airports are likely.
 

What the Experts Say

Rwandans and Ugandans appreciate those who dress modestly.

Cotton clothing is the most comfortable during the day. Please take note of specific packing guidelines for gorilla trekking.

Only a limited number of permits are available in each gorilla park. It is, therefore, essential to book well in advance.