Join us for a stress-free travel experience! Our trip leaders will be with you every step of the way, from meeting you at the airport on arrival day to ensuring a safe transfer on departure day, and everything in between. We’ve got you covered!
Experience the Heart of Uganda: 8 Days of Culture, Adventure & Safari ✨
From the bustling streets of Kampala to the thundering waters of Murchison Falls, this journey offers the perfect balance of discovery, relaxation, and unforgettable encounters. Begin with a warm welcome dinner in Kampala before exploring Uganda’s vibrant capital and traveling east to Jinja—the adventure capital of East Africa—where you’ll cruise to the Source of the Nile, wander local markets, and connect with inspiring community organizations making a real difference. Enjoy time to relax by the pool or dive into adrenaline-filled activities like white-water rafting, quad biking, or bungee jumping. Then set off on safari to Murchison Falls National Park, where breathtaking landscapes meet incredible wildlife: elephants, lions, giraffes, and hippos. A visit to the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary completes the “Big Five” experience. With cultural immersion, community engagement, thrilling adventure, and world-class safari moments, this 8-day Ugandan journey is a once-in-a-lifetime experience you’ll carry home forever.
Professional Development: You will have the opportunity to visit children with disabilities at the Small Steps Community. Learning about a new culture and making connections with locals provides an authentic learning experience for you to reflect on and bring back to your classroom.
Terrain: Difficult at times/ Hot and Dusty
Activity Level: Moderate to High
PD Level: Medium. Please note the magic of these trips is the time you spend with fellow educators on your trip engaged in ORGANIC PD, so you really get out of it what you put into it. That said, because this trip has a school visit and discussions with teachers, it is considered a Medium Level PD. Also, please consider registering for graduate credit through us and Friends University.
Professional Development Certificate- All Participants will receive a certificate for 20+ professional development hours.
Graduate Credits- In addition, we have partnered with an accredited university to allow participants to earn 1 graduate credit for an additional $100 or 3 graduate credits for an additional $300.
**Roommate Disclaimer**
Heads-Up, Snoozers! 😴💤 If you snore like a bear 🐻, rock a CPAP machine 🛏️, need white noise 🌊, or have any other quirky sleep habits, we totally understand — everyone has their bedtime vibe! But to keep things peaceful for your fellow travelers, please consider booking a private room 🛌.
Even better? Bring a friend you’ve already shared a room (and some laughs) with, and have them register too! 👯♀️
Let’s keep the Zzzs drama-free and the vibes just right. Thanks for being the considerate rockstar you are! 🌟
Secure your spot on this unforgettable adventure with just a $300 nonrefundable deposit. From there, 40% of your trip cost will be due 6 months before your travel date, and the final payment will be due 3 months prior to departure. It’s a simple, flexible way to lock in your journey and start counting down to the experience of a lifetime!
Trip pricing can change at any time due to fluctuating travel costs. Book now to lock in your rate and secure your spot at the current price!
Daily breakfast and 3 days full board at Pakuba Safari Lodge
8 nights in a range of beautiful hotels and lodges
20 + Organic Professional Development Hours
Welcome Dinner
Kampala Walking Tour
3 night safari including a visit to the top of Murchison Falls, daily game drives and 3 hr boat cruise to Murchison Falls
Visit to Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch
Boat cruise where the River Nile begins – Source of the Nile
BBT Team
In-Country Guide
Transportation to all main group locations
3 visits to international and local schools
Airport transfers
International airfare to/from Uganda
Travel insurance (highly recommended)
Meals not listed above (most lunches & some dinners to explore local cuisine)
Optional activities on free days
Personal expenses (shopping, souvenirs, laundry, hotel minibar)
Additional tipping for extraordinary service
Early/Late airport transfers
Leaders will welcome you at the airport and will get you transferred to the hotel.
Evening 7 PM : Welcome reception - Get to know your group and get excited for the adventures that awaits!
Kampala Serena Hotel Or Similar
Morning guided walking tour through Kampala.
Late afternoon boat cruise to the Source of the Nile.
Jinja Nile Resort or similar
This is a community organization helping primary students with special needs.
There are many markets and craft stores around. Explore the town with your new travel friends!
Enjoy an afternoon at Horizon International School, beginning with a delicious school lunch. Explore vibrant classrooms and engage with dedicated teachers during an hour of focused professional development, where you can learn about their inspiring experiences in education and have the chance to share your own insights.
Meet up with the group and debrief on the day!
Jinja Nile Resort or similar
Relax by the pool
Go white water rafting
Zip lining
Bungee jumping
Quad biking
Jess, our guide, can take a group for a guided village walk on the outskirts of town.
Possibly the sole hope of an organization dedicated to making shoes and preventing jiggers.
Jinja Nile Resort (Or Similar)
Take in the sights and smells as we travel across the country, stopping for lunch along the way. Visit the breathtaking top of Murchinson Falls.
Or possible evening game drive.
TBD
Today is a day of safari tours and a three-hour boat cruise to the bottom of the falls. Exploring a Murchison Falls safari and boat cruise offers an unforgettable adventure, where visitors can witness majestic wildlife along the savannah plains and experience the thundering power of the Nile River as it surges through the iconic falls.
TBD
Time to say goodbye to your new travel friends and reflect on your adventures.
Hotel in Kampala
Stopping on the way at the Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch, which is the proud home of the only white rhinos in Uganda.
At a Traditional Uganda restaurant
Kampala Serena Hotel
Souvenir shopping, if flight allows.
Perfect for travelers looking to save and connect. Share a comfortable room with another traveler and enjoy all the same great experiences at a lower cost. If you’re traveling with a friend, let us know your roommate preference at checkout. Otherwise, we’ll thoughtfully pair you with someone of a similar age and teaching level.
Ideal for those who prefer extra privacy. Relax in your own room after each day’s adventure while still enjoying all group activities and inclusions. A great option for travelers who want a little more personal space.
Get your vaccinations & health prep early
Make sure you’re up to date on recommended vaccines (Yellow Fever is required) and pack malaria medication if advised by your doctor.
Pack modest, lightweight clothing
Uganda is warm and humid, but modest dress is respectful, especially when visiting schools or rural communities.
Bring USD in small bills
U.S. dollars are widely accepted, but make sure they are newer bills (2009 or later) and not torn or worn.
Use bottled water
Stick to bottled or filtered water, including when brushing your teeth, to avoid stomach issues.
Prepare for bumpy roads
Road travel can be long and rough, so bring motion sickness meds and be ready for an adventure!
Respect cultural norms
A warm handshake and respectful greeting go a long way. Ask before taking someone’s photo.
Stay flexible & open-minded
Uganda is full of rich culture and beauty, but things may move at a different pace. Go with the flow and enjoy the experience!
Here’s a list of useful Luganda phrases for traveling to Uganda, with simple pronunciation help:
Hello – Gyebale Ko
Pronounced: jeh-bah-leh koh
(Respectful greeting, especially for someone working)
How are you? – Oli otya?
Pronounced: oh-lee oh-tyah?
(Warm way to start a conversation)
I’m fine, thank you – Gyendi, weebale
Pronounced: jyen-dee, weh-bah-leh
(A kind response when asked how you’re doing)
Thank you – Weebale
Pronounced: weh-bah-leh
(Simple gratitude—always appreciated)
Goodbye – Weeraba
Pronounced: way-rah-bah
(Use when you’re leaving someone)
Yes / No – Yee / Nedda
Pronounced: yay / neh-dah
(Quick and helpful responses)
Excuse me / Sorry – Nsonyiwa
Pronounced: n-sohn-yee-wah
(Useful for being polite or getting attention)
At Bookbag Tours, we empower educators through immersive professional development journeys, fostering growth, inspiration, and lifelong learning.
Bookbag Tours is dedicated to providing quality professional development through immersive travel experiences for educators and their family and friends. Our trips offer a truly global perspective, allowing participants to gain insights that enrich their classrooms and lives.
Our mission is to empower educators and their companions with hands-on global experiences, equipping them to inspire students both in and out of the classroom.
With Bookbag Tours, you’ll earn 20+ professional development hours while exploring incredible countries alongside fellow educators and their guests. We also offer specialized trips focused on Marine Conservation and Ancient Civilizations that provide excellent PD without school visits, ensuring valuable knowledge is brought back to every participant.
We’re committed to enhancing the lives of those who strive to make the world a better place through meaningful group trips, professional development conferences, and cultural engagement.
We're here to help you plan the perfect adventure! For any inquiries or assistance, feel free to reach out:
Phone or WhatsApp: +1 (864) 907- 9874
Email: contact@bbtglobal.us
DM us on Socials: @bookbagtours
Our team is available to assist with bookings, itinerary changes, and any questions you may have. Let us help you make your dream trip a reality!