Welcome to Wild Africa: From Safari to Silverbacks!

Embark on an unforgettable 9-day, 8-night journey through Zimbabwe, Botswana, Rwanda, and Uganda — four extraordinary countries woven into one all-inclusive retreat. From the thundering mist of Victoria Falls to a quiet, humbling moment face-to-face with a mountain gorilla deep in the Bwindi rainforest, this trip blends luxury, adventure, conservation, and culture into the experience of a lifetime.

What to Expect: This is an active, adventure-driven retreat built around extraordinary wildlife encounters. Expect early mornings, scenic drives, river cruises, and three separate primate trekking days through the rainforests of Rwanda and Uganda. Highlights include a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River, an up-close elephant encounter at Victoria Falls, a full day of game viewing in Chobe National Park, golden monkey tracking beneath the Virunga volcanoes, and the trip's centerpiece — trekking to a habituated mountain gorilla family in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. While the primate trekking days are central to the experience, a few add-ons, like the Batwa community visit, are entirely optional — your experience is tailored to your pace and interests. This retreat involves walking through thick brush and requires good balance. It is not recommended for those with mobility issues.

Accommodations & Inclusions: Stay in highly rated hotels and safari lodges, including Pamarah Lodge in Victoria Falls, the Kigali Marriott Hotel in Kigali, the Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel near Volcanoes National Park, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and Mweya Safari Lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park. All private airport transfers, ground transportation, and in-country flights are included, along with all meals, expert local guides, national park entrance fees, and gorilla, chimpanzee, and golden monkey trekking permits.

Let Us Help You Plan: Need assistance booking your flights? Amy Walker, Owner of Walker Wellness Retreats, is happy to help arrange your travel. Reach out directly at amy@walkerwellnessretreats.com for personalized support.

Trip Style: Active and adventure-focused — ideal for travelers who want front-row access to Africa's most iconic wildlife and are ready for early mornings, forest treks, and full days in the field, balanced by comfortable lodges each night. Get ready for the trip of a lifetime — from the roar of Victoria Falls to a quiet moment face-to-face with a mountain gorilla in the misty forests of Bwindi.

Amy Walker, MSW, LCSW, CCM

Licensed Clinical Social Worker | Owner, Walker Wellness Retreats

Amy Walker is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and the founder of Walker Wellness Retreats, which she launched in 2016 to combine her passions for travel, mental wellness, and creating transformative experiences. With a deep commitment to helping others, Amy leads 6–10 international retreats each year, providing all-inclusive experiences that foster connection, self-discovery, and personal growth. She loves showing people the world and creating meaningful, unforgettable travel experiences.

When she’s not guiding retreats, Amy works as an online mental health therapist, specializing in helping individuals and couples overcome barriers, improve communication, and build fulfilling relationships. Her approach integrates evidence-based techniques with compassionate, solution-focused support.

An avid traveler, Amy has visited over 85 countries and counting, with a personal goal to reach 100 countries and all seven continents. She enjoys international travel, wine tasting, whale watching, and spending time outdoors. She runs Walker Wellness Retreats alongside her husband, Brian Walker, ensuring each retreat is a seamless and enriching experience.

To learn more about Amy and the Walker Wellness Retreats team, visit our About Us page.

Passport Requirements

• Your passport must be valid for at least six (6) months beyond your travel dates

• Your passport should have at least four (4) blank visa pages to accommodate entry and exit stamps throughout the trip

• It is your responsibility to ensure your passport meets all entry requirements before departure

Visa Requirements (U.S. Citizens)

Current visa requirements for U.S. passport holders are as follows (subject to change):

• Zimbabwe: Tourist visa required. Most travelers obtain a visa on arrival ($30 USD cash, single entry) or apply in advance through Zimbabwe's e-Visa system

• Botswana: No tourist visa required for stays of up to 90 days

• Rwanda: Tourist visas are available on arrival or may be obtained online (e-Visa) before departure

• Uganda: An e-Visa is required and must be obtained online before travel — it is not available on arrival. We recommend applying several weeks before departure

Travelers holding passports from countries other than the United States should verify entry requirements with the appropriate embassy or consulate, as visa requirements vary by nationality. Visa regulations are subject to change, and guests are responsible for obtaining all required travel documents before departure.

Vaccinations & Health Recommendations

Please consult your healthcare provider or a travel medicine clinic 6–8 weeks before departure to discuss recommended vaccinations and medications.

Recommended vaccinations commonly include:

• Routine vaccinations (MMR, Tdap, Influenza, COVID-19, etc.)

• Hepatitis A

• Hepatitis B

• Typhoid

Depending on your medical history and travel plans, your healthcare provider may also recommend:

• Rabies

• Polio booster

• Meningococcal vaccine

Because portions of this itinerary pass through areas where malaria is present, malaria prevention medication is strongly recommended. Your healthcare provider can also advise on preventive medication for traveler's diarrhea, which is common on itineraries like this one. Mosquito precautions — including insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin, lightweight long-sleeved clothing, and sleeping in screened or protected accommodations — are also highly recommended.

Yellow Fever

• U.S. travelers generally do not need proof of yellow fever vaccination to enter any of the four countries on this itinerary, since the U.S. is not a yellow fever-risk country

• Uganda is specifically recommended by the CDC for yellow fever vaccination due to exposure risk in the region, regardless of entry requirements

• Immigration officials may still request proof of vaccination when crossing between certain African countries, so travelers should carry their International Certificate of Vaccination (Yellow Card) if vaccinated

• If required or recommended for your specific routing, the vaccine must be administered at least 10 days before arrival

• We strongly recommend discussing yellow fever vaccination with your travel medicine provider before departure, since requirements can shift based on your complete itinerary and any other countries visited before or after this retreat

Travel Insurance

• Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended for this retreat given the remote locations visited and the physical nature of the activities. Look for a policy that includes emergency medical coverage, medical evacuation, trip cancellation, lost baggage, and coverage for adventure activities such as gorilla trekking and safari game drives

A note before you start packing: One of the best things you can do to make this trip easier on yourself is to pack light. Private transfers, domestic flights, and safari vehicles throughout the itinerary work best when everyone is moving efficiently, so you'll find that with a little planning you can pack everything you need and still have room for a souvenir or two. The lists below will help you do exactly that.

Luggage Requirement — Please Read: Each traveler is limited to one soft-sided duffel bag only, weighing no more than 42 lbs (19 kg), plus one personal item such as a backpack. Hard-sided suitcases cannot be accommodated — safari vehicle storage space is extremely limited, and a hard suitcase genuinely will not fit.

Travel Essentials

• Passport (valid at least six months beyond travel, with at least four blank visa pages)

• Printed visa confirmations (Zimbabwe and Uganda e-visas, Rwanda visa on arrival or online)

• Printed flight itinerary

• Travel insurance documents

• Yellow Fever vaccination certificate, if required

• Confirmation of your gorilla, chimpanzee & golden monkey trekking permits

• Emergency contact list

• Copies of your passport and key documents, stored separately from the originals

• Credit/debit card plus some cash in newer U.S. bills (printed after 2013)

• Phone and charger

• Universal travel adapter (plug styles vary across Zimbabwe, Botswana, Rwanda, and Uganda)

• Small daypack with a rain cover for excursions and treks

• Reusable water bottle

Clothing

Safari & City Wear:

• Moisture-wicking shirts (5-7)

• Lightweight long-sleeve shirts for sun and bug protection (2-3)

• Lightweight hiking or safari pants (3-4)

• Shorts (1-2)

• A comfortable outfit for dinners and city touring (1-2)

• Sleepwear

• Undergarments and hiking socks for each day

• Swimsuit, if your lodge has a pool

• Neutral earth tones only (tan, olive, brown, khaki, gray) — avoid bright colors, white, and camouflage-patterned clothing, which several countries on this itinerary restrict for civilians

Gorilla & Chimp Trekking Gear:

• Broken-in waterproof hiking boots

• Gardening or hiking gloves for gripping vegetation on the trail

• Gaiters (optional)

• Quick-dry towel

• Waterproof stuff sacks to protect your gear on wet trails

Outerwear:

• Fleece or lightweight sweatshirt for cool mornings in the Volcanoes and Bwindi regions

• Packable waterproof rain jacket or poncho for occasional showers during trekking days

Toiletries

• Toothbrush, toothpaste and floss

• Shampoo, conditioner and body wash

• Deodorant

• Hairbrush and hair ties

• Cleanser and moisturizer

• Broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF 30 or higher (the equatorial and high-altitude sun on this trip is strong, even on overcast days)

• Lip balm with SPF

• Insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin (this itinerary passes through malaria-endemic areas)

• Hand sanitizer and wet wipes

• Razor and shaving supplies

• Prescription medications in their original packaging, including malaria prevention medication if prescribed

Extras and Travel Comfort

• Travel journal

• Offline maps or a guidebook

• Camera or smartphone with plenty of storage

• Extra memory cards and batteries

• Chargers and a portable power bank (especially useful on the roughly six-hour drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park and the flight between Victoria Falls and Kigali)

• Earbuds or headphones

• Light reading material or an e-reader

• Snacks for long travel days

• Reusable shopping bag for souvenirs

Optional Items

• Small first aid kit (bandages, blister pads, pain relievers, antihistamine, anti-diarrheal medication, motion sickness medication, electrolyte packets)

• Binoculars — highly recommended given how much wildlife this trip covers, from elephants and hippos to primates and birdlife

• Travel pillow and eye mask for the long drive and flight days

• Trekking poles for the gorilla, chimp, and golden monkey treks

• Cooling towel

• Small sewing kit

• Earplugs

Packing Tips

• Pack a soft-sided duffel, not a hard suitcase — safari vehicle storage is genuinely limited, and hard luggage will not fit

• Dress in layers: mornings in the Volcanoes and Bwindi regions can dip into the 50s°F, while safari afternoons in Chobe and Victoria Falls can climb into the mid-90s°F

• Break in your hiking boots before you leave home — the trekking trails are steep, muddy, and can run several hours

• Bring more cash than you think you'll need in small, newer-series U.S. bills, since some remote lodges charge a fee for card payments

• Pack a small foldable tote for the Kinigi Women's Group visit and any other market stops along the way

Travel Tips for Zimbabwe, Botswana, Rwanda & Uganda (October)

1. Weather and Clothing

• Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe: 65–95°F (18–35°C) — warm and dry

• Chobe National Park, Botswana: 68–97°F (20–36°C) — hot afternoons, cooler dawn game drives

• Kigali & Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda: 50–78°F (10–26°C) — noticeably cooler and misty at altitude

• Bwindi & Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda: 55–82°F (13–28°C)

• Layer up: early game drives and misty rainforest mornings call for a fleece or light jacket, while afternoons in Victoria Falls and Chobe can get quite hot

• Comfortable, broken-in walking shoes are a must for the Falls' viewpoints and Kigali's city tour; waterproof hiking boots are non-negotiable for the trekking days

2. Money and Currency

• Zimbabwe: prices are quoted and paid in USD almost everywhere on this itinerary; bring clean, small-denomination bills, as change is sometimes given in the local Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG)

• Botswana: local currency is the Pula (BWP); if a card machine or ATM asks whether to charge you in USD instead of Pula, decline — that's a sign of a poor "dynamic conversion" exchange rate

• Rwanda: local currency is the Rwandan Franc (RWF); avoid exchanging money at the airport, where rates run worse than in the city

• Uganda: local currency is the Ugandan Shilling (UGX); only exchange money through licensed banks or hotel desks — unlicensed street exchange is illegal and can lead to real trouble, particularly right at the Rwanda–Uganda border crossing

• A currency conversion app (like XE) is handy for a quick gut-check on any quoted price

• Tipping is customary throughout but not obligatory — see the Dining section below for specifics

3. Financial Safety

• Split your cash, cards, and copies of documents across your daypack and duffel rather than keeping everything in one place

• Notify your bank and credit card company of your travel dates and countries before you leave, so a charge in Kigali or Kasane doesn't trigger a fraud freeze

• Use ATMs inside banks or hotels rather than standalone street machines, and always select "local currency" when given the option

• Use your hotel or lodge safe for cash, passports, and valuables you're not carrying that day

• Keep valuables out of sight in vehicles rather than left visible on seats or dashboards

• A VPN is worth having if you plan to check email or banking apps on hotel Wi-Fi

4. Personal Safety

• Rwanda, Uganda, Botswana, and Zimbabwe's tourist circuits — including Volcanoes National Park, Kigali, Bwindi, and Queen Elizabeth National Park — see very low rates of crime against visitors, and gorilla treks are always accompanied by armed park rangers

• As with any capital city, keep your bag close, avoid openly displaying cash or expensive jewelry, and avoid moto-taxis or walking alone after dark, particularly in Kigali

• Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended for this retreat (see Travel Insurance above for coverage details)

• Review each country's U.S. State Department travel advisory a few days before departure and again while traveling, since recommendations can change: Zimbabwe, Botswana, Rwanda, and Uganda

• Register your trip with the State Department's free Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) before you leave — it lets the U.S. Embassy reach you in an emergency and sends travel alerts directly to your email

• It's also worth a quick check of the CDC's Travelers' Health page shortly before departure for any current health notices

• Keep a photo of your passport and visas on your phone

• Before you go, save these numbers: U.S. Embassy Kigali, U.S. Embassy Kampala, your travel insurance's emergency line, your tour operator's emergency contact, and a family member back home

5. Transportation

• Your flight from Victoria Falls to Kigali typically involves one connection (via Nairobi, Addis Ababa, or Johannesburg) and can take most of a day — build in a buffer and don't schedule anything the evening you arrive

• All ground transport is in private 4x4 safari vehicles with your guide — no need to arrange anything yourself

• At the Cyanika border crossing between Rwanda and Uganda, have your passport and Uganda e-visa printout or downloaded confirmation ready, and politely decline any unofficial money changers who approach you there

• The Kazinga Channel boat cruise and Chobe River cruise are both included and operated by your lodge's guides

6. Sightseeing and Excursions

• The Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre, Dian Fossey campus, and Kinigi Women's Group visit are all included; the Batwa community visit in Bwindi is optional and can be skipped if you're tired after the trek

• For a quieter moment in Kigali, ask your guide about Nyamirambo — a lively, non-touristy neighborhood good for an early-evening walk

• At Victoria Falls, arrive at the falls' rainforest trail early to beat the tour-bus crowds and catch the best light for photos

• A little cultural awareness goes a long way: dress modestly in rural communities, ask before photographing people, and take a moment to learn a few local greetings — small gestures like these go a long way

7. Dining and Cuisine

• Try isombe and brochettes in Rwanda, a Rolex (rolled chapati and egg) or matoke in Uganda, sadza with a peanut-based relish in Zimbabwe, and seswaa (slow-cooked beef) in Botswana if it's on the menu

• All group meals on this retreat are pre-arranged by Amy, so no reservations needed on your end

• For any meals on your own, a 10% tip is generous in Kigali restaurants; elsewhere, rounding up is the norm

8. Health and Comfort

• Carry a reusable water bottle and drink more than you think you need — dehydration sneaks up fast at altitude and in the heat

• Stick to bottled or filtered water, skip ice unless you know it was made from purified water, and choose fruit you can peel yourself or freshly cooked food

• Keep a small personal first aid kit (pain reliever, bandages, blister pads, antihistamine, anti-diarrheal, motion sickness medication, electrolyte packets) in your daypack

• Beyond your prescribed malaria medication, guard against mosquito bites by wearing long sleeves at dusk, using repellent with DEET or picaridin, sleeping under a net where provided, and treating trekking clothes with permethrin before you leave home

• Volcanoes and Bwindi sit at higher elevation than the rest of the trip — take the first morning there a little easy if you notice shortness of breath

• Keep all medications, including malaria prevention, in original packaging with your carry-on, not checked luggage

• During the gorilla and chimp treks, stay at least 7 meters (23 feet) from the animals, skip the trek entirely if you're feeling ill, and follow your ranger's instructions at all times

9. Packing and Luggage

• One soft-sided duffel (max 42 lbs) plus a daypack — no hard suitcases, no exceptions, since safari vehicle storage won't accommodate them

• Pack in earth tones and skip anything camouflage-patterned

• A packable rain layer earns its space — mountain showers can appear even in the dry season

10. Technology and Communication

• Bring a universal adapter — plug styles differ across all four countries on this trip

• An eSIM or local data plan is worth setting up before you go, since Wi-Fi is unreliable at the remote lodges; a portable battery bank is a good companion for this, especially given the region's occasional power outages

• Useful apps to download before you leave: Google Maps (for offline maps), WhatsApp (widely used across East Africa), Google Translate, a currency app like XE, your airline's app, and SafariBookings if you want extra trip-planning reading

• Download some offline entertainment for the longer drives, like the roughly six-hour transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

• Keep digital backups (photos or cloud copies) of your passport, visas, and insurance documents

11. Final Pre-Departure Checklist

• ✓ Register with STEP

• ✓ Review each country's State Department advisory

• ✓ Visit a travel medicine clinic

• ✓ Purchase travel insurance with evacuation coverage

• ✓ Download offline maps and any apps you'll want

• ✓ Notify your bank of your travel dates and destinations

• ✓ Make copies of your passport and key documents

• ✓ Pack a small first aid kit

• ✓ Bring insect repellent and sunscreen

• ✓ Confirm your gorilla, chimp, and golden monkey trekking permits

• ✓ Save embassy and emergency phone numbers

12. Mindset and Enjoyment

This is a trip that rewards patience — wildlife doesn't run on a schedule, and the best moments (a gorilla settling in a few feet away, the mist lifting over the Falls) tend to arrive when you've stopped checking the time. Let the days unfold, lean on your guides, and give yourself permission to just be present for it. You'll come home with more than photos.

Payment Policy

All Walker Wellness Retreats require a 25% non-refundable deposit of the total retreat price to secure your booking. Should you need to cancel your trip, your deposit will not be refunded regardless of the reason for cancellation.
 

For U.S. destinations, the next 25% is due 60 days before the trip, and the final remaining balance is due 30 days before departure.
 

For International Destinations, the next 25% is due 120 days before the trip, and the final remaining balance is due 90 days before departure.
 

Trips can be paid in full at any time. If booking after the final payment deadline, trip payment in full is due at time of booking. Invoices NOT paid in full within 7 days of the above-mentioned deadlines are subject to trip cancellation. No refunds will be issued for trips canceled due to lack of payment.  
 

Cancellation Policy

BEFORE the final payment deadline: If you cancel your reservation before the final payment deadline, any additional payments made beyond the non-refundable 25% deposit will be refunded. However, the 25% deposit remains non-refundable. 

AFTER the final payment deadline: If you cancel your reservation after the final payment deadline, all payments made (including the deposit and any additional amounts) are non-refundable due to financial commitments with our retreat venues, guides, and service providers. 

In the unlikely event that Walker Wellness Retreats cancels a retreat, you will be given a 100% full refund. 

We strongly encourage all guests to purchase travel insurance to protect your investment in case of unforeseen circumstances.  For additional details on travel insurance coverage and pricing, click the link below.

Travel Insurance 

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 info@walkerwellnessretreats.com to inquire about booking after the deadline has passed.

Arrival & Accommodation: Upon arrival at Victoria Falls International Airport, Amy Walker from Walker Wellness Retreats will be there to greet you and provide a private transfer to Pamarah Lodge, where you will be staying for the next three nights. After check-in, take some time to rest, refresh, and adjust to the new time zone.

Main Activities:

• Zambezi River Sunset Cruise — In the afternoon, join the group aboard the Zambezi Royal, a custom-built luxury vessel, for a sunset cruise along the Zambezi River. Enjoy five-star service with imported wines, spirits, and gourmet canapés while watching for hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and birdlife along the riverbanks. Dress in layers and bring your binoculars (Shared Experience)

• Welcome Orientation — Before dinner, Amy will gather the group for a relaxed, informal welcome orientation, usually held in the hotel lobby or a nearby common area. She'll walk through the itinerary, answer questions, and help everyone feel prepared and excited for the days ahead.

Evening Notes: Join the group for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant — a great chance to meet fellow retreat participants, set intentions for your experience, and get an overview of the days ahead.

Meals:

• Dinner: Welcome dinner at a local restaurant

Overnight: Pamarah Lodge, Victoria Falls

Breakfast at the lodge at your leisure.

Main Activities:

• Victoria Falls Guided Walk — After breakfast, set out early to explore one of the world's most awe-inspiring natural wonders on a guided walk along the trails surrounding the Falls, timed to beat the midday heat and the tour-bus crowds. Feel the mist, hear the roar, and take in the sheer scale of the cascading water as it plunges into the gorge below (Private Tour)

• Elephant Encounter — From there, head to Wild Horizons Elephant Wallow for an intimate morning with elephants. Expert guides walk you through the elephants' histories, behaviors, and the conservation efforts behind the program while you observe them up close in their natural habitat. Light refreshments are served on-site before heading to a scenic viewpoint over Batoka Gorge for lunch (Shared Experience)

Evening Notes: With the afternoon free to rest at the lodge during the heat of the day, the group reconvenes for dinner in an elegant setting — a quieter close after a full and memorable day.

Meals:

• Breakfast: At the Lodge

• Lunch: At a scenic viewpoint overlooking Batoka Gorge

• Dinner: At the Lodge

Overnight: Pamarah Lodge, Victoria Falls

Breakfast at the lodge at your leisure.

Main Activities:

• Chobe River Cruise — After breakfast, depart for Chobe National Park in neighboring Botswana. Travel to the Kazungula Border, clear immigration, and cross into Botswana — have your passport ready and bring layers and binoculars. Upon arrival, a local guide leads you on a scenic boat cruise along the Chobe River, where elephants wade into the water, hippos surface nearby, and crocodiles bask along the shoreline. Lunch is served at a relaxed riverside setting before the afternoon adventure begins (Shared Experience)

• Chobe Game Drive — Head deeper into the park for an afternoon game drive through Chobe's diverse terrain. Home to one of the largest elephant populations in Africa, the park also offers excellent sightings of lions, leopards, buffalo, and a wide variety of antelope (Private Game Drive)

Evening Notes: Cross back into Zimbabwe and transfer to Victoria Falls. Back at the lodge, settle in for a relaxing dinner after a big day in the field.

Meals:

• Breakfast: At the Lodge

• Lunch: At a riverside setting in Chobe National Park

• Dinner: At the Lodge

Overnight: Pamarah Lodge, Victoria Falls

Breakfast at the lodge at your leisure.

Arrival & Accommodation: After breakfast at the lodge, transfer to Victoria Falls International Airport for your flight to Kigali, Rwanda. Upon arrival, a private transfer brings you to the Kigali Marriott Hotel for check-in. The drive offers a first glimpse of the city's lush rolling hills and lively atmosphere. Centrally located in the heart of the city, the hotel makes a comfortable, modern base for your first night in Rwanda.

Evening Notes: Once settled, the afternoon is yours to explore at your own pace — whether that means relaxing at the hotel, wandering the surrounding neighborhood, or simply taking in the rhythm of this dynamic capital. In the evening, gather with the group for a welcome dinner at the hotel's restaurant to unwind, connect, and begin immersing yourself in the spirit of Rwanda.

Meals:

• Breakfast: At the Lodge before departure

• Lunch: En route to Rwanda

• Dinner: Welcome dinner at Kigali Marriott Hotel

Overnight: Kigali Marriott Hotel, Kigali

Breakfast at the hotel at your leisure.

Arrival & Accommodation: After breakfast, check out of the hotel and set off for a guided tour of Kigali. The tour includes a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre. This powerful and deeply moving site offers important insight into Rwanda's history, honoring those lost while reflecting the country's remarkable journey toward healing and unity. Following the tour, depart the city and journey toward Volcanoes National Park, passing through Rwanda's rolling green hills and vibrant rural landscapes. Upon arrival in Kinigi, settle into the Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel.

Main Activities:

• Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund — Learn about the ongoing efforts to protect mountain gorillas and the enduring legacy of Dian Fossey

• Kinigi Women's Group — Spend time with local women and experience Rwandan traditions through storytelling, demonstrations, and handcrafted goods

Evening Notes: Return to the lodge for dinner and a peaceful evening in the region's beauty. Rest well — gorilla trekking awaits tomorrow.

Meals:

• Breakfast: At Kigali Marriott Hotel before departure

• Lunch: At Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel upon arrival

• Dinner: At Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel

Overnight: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Kinigi

Breakfast at your leisure at the lodge.

Main Activities:

• Golden Monkey Tracking — Start the day with an early breakfast before heading to Volcanoes National Park headquarters for a briefing. From there, venture into the forest with your guide in search of these lively and endangered primates. You'll have the opportunity to observe and photograph the monkeys up close as they move through their natural habitat — an energizing and memorable start to the day

Arrival & Accommodation: After the tracking experience, return to the lodge to freshen up and enjoy a well-earned lunch. Soon after, depart for the next chapter of the journey, crossing into Uganda at the Cyanika Border and continuing through scenic countryside toward Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Upon arrival in the southern sector of Bwindi, settle into Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge and take in the peaceful surroundings.

Evening Notes: The evening is yours to unwind and recharge. Enjoy dinner at the lodge and rest well — tomorrow is gorilla trekking day.

Meals:

• Breakfast: At Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel

• Lunch: At Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel after tracking

• Dinner: At Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge

Overnight: Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Bwindi

Breakfast at your leisure.

Main Activities:

• Gorilla Trekking — After an early breakfast, set out for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park headquarters with a packed lunch in hand. Upon arrival, receive a detailed briefing from Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers covering rules, safety protocols, and what to expect on the trek. From there, head into the dense rainforest with experienced guides who navigate the steep hills, thick vegetation, and winding animal trails. Trekking time varies depending on the location of the gorilla family, but the reward is extraordinary — once found, you'll spend a full hour quietly observing as they feed, play, and interact in their natural habitat

• Batwa Community Visit — If time and energy allow after the trek, visit the Batwa community for a glimpse into the traditions, music, and storytelling of one of the region's oldest cultures (optional)

Evening Notes: Return to the lodge for dinner and a well-earned rest. Take time to reflect on a day that few experiences in the world can match.

Meals:

• Breakfast: At Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge

• Lunch: Packed lunch during the trek

• Dinner: At Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge

Overnight: Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Bwindi

Breakfast at your leisure.

Arrival & Accommodation: After breakfast, check out of Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge and set off on a scenic drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. The journey winds through Uganda's lush countryside, rolling hills, and rural villages — a peaceful transition from the dense forests of Bwindi to the open savannahs and waterways ahead. Upon arrival, settle into Mweya Safari Lodge and enjoy a leisurely lunch before the afternoon's adventure begins.

Main Activities:

• Kazinga Channel Cruise — Head to the Mweya Peninsula for a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway connecting Lake Edward and Lake George. The channel offers exceptional wildlife viewing — large herds gather at the water's edge while hippos and crocodiles rest along the banks and birdlife fills the trees above (included)

Evening Notes: Return to the lodge for dinner and a peaceful evening, reflecting on the day's journey and everything the week has brought.

Meals:

• Breakfast: At Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge before departure

• Lunch: At Mweya Safari Lodge upon arrival

• Dinner: At Mweya Safari Lodge

Overnight: Mweya Safari Lodge, Queen Elizabeth National Park

Breakfast at your leisure.

Main Activities:

• Chimpanzee Tracking — Begin your final morning with an early breakfast before heading out for a chimpanzee tracking experience in either Kyambura Gorge or Kalinzu Forest, depending on permit availability. After a briefing from your guide, venture into the forest on foot in search of a chimpanzee community. Once located, spend a remarkable hour observing them in their natural habitat — watching their interactions, learning about their behaviors, and soaking in one last extraordinary wildlife encounter.

Departure Details: After your time in the forest, return to the lodge for lunch before beginning the journey back to Kigali. The drive offers one last look at the region's rolling hills and rural landscapes as you cross the border back into Rwanda. Upon arrival, transfer directly to Kigali International Airport for your onward journey home.

Please note: We will not arrive back at Kigali International Airport until late in the evening. Please book a departure flight after 10:00 PM, or plan to spend an additional night in Kigali at your own expense if no suitable flight is available.

If needed, Amy Walker is happy to assist with arranging an extra hotel night in Kigali and helping you find appropriate flight options.

Meals:

• Breakfast: At Mweya Safari Lodge

• Lunch: At Mweya Safari Lodge before departure

Thank you so much for choosing Walker Wellness Retreats for your African adventure. We hope this journey has left you with unforgettable memories, meaningful connections, and a deep appreciation for the incredible landscapes, wildlife, and cultures of Africa. We are so grateful you chose to travel with us and look forward to welcoming you on another adventure soon. Safe travels home!