Overview
8–16 November 2026 | With Clinical Psychologist Dr Vikki Barnes. This 9-day Travel with Purpose journey is designed for people who want to experience Uganda in a more meaningful way, combining community connection, cultural immersion, wildlife and personal wellbeing. You’ll spend time at Amatsiko Preparatory School, contribute to practical community-led projects in Buzaniro village, learn about nutrition, farming and sustainable living, and connect with local families, artisans and community leaders. Alongside these experiences, clinical psychologist Dr Vikki Barnes will lead two guided mental wellbeing sessions, creating space throughout the journey to reflect, reset and reconnect. There’s also opportunity to discover Uganda’s landscapes and wildlife, from Lake Bunyonyi and the forests of Bwindi to a walking safari in Lake Mburo National Park, with optional gorilla trekking. The trip is presented as a meaningful, practical and respectful way to contribute and experience Uganda beyond the usual tourist trail.
Itinerary
Arrival, border transfer, orientation and welcome dinner.
Upon arrival in Kigali, you will be warmly welcomed by your guide and transferred across the border into Uganda to Kabale (approximately 2–3 hours). Evening orientation, welcome dinner and introduction. Meet fellow travellers and learn more about Amatsiko, the communities you’ll be visiting and the impact work behind the journey. Overnight: White Horse Inn, Kabale.
School visit, cultural exchange and local market visit.
Visit Amatsiko Preparatory School. Storytelling and book-reading session with the children. Interaction and cultural exchange activities. In the afternoon, explore Kabale’s local market and meet local vendors. Overnight: White Horse Inn, Kabale.
School activities, wellbeing session and transfer to Lake Bunyonyi.
Continue engaging with the children and contributing to the school environment. Morning activities at Amatsiko Preparatory School include painting projects, gardening and edible garden activities with the children. Take part in a guided wellbeing session with clinical psychologist Dr Vikki Barnes. In the late afternoon, transfer to Lake Bunyonyi. Overnight: Bunyonyi Safaris Resort.
Cultural discovery and lake experience.
Traditional Ugandan cooking experience. Craft-making with local artisans. Visit to a traditional herbalist to learn about local medicine. Boat or canoe experience exploring the islands of Lake Bunyonyi. Overnight: Bunyonyi Safaris Resort.
Community project participation in Buzaniro village.
After breakfast, travel to Buzaniro village for a hands-on community experience. Warm welcome by the community. Participate in a small community construction project such as building a water tank or rabbit cage for local families. Overnight: Travelers Inn, Kisoro.
Nutrition, wellness and sustainable agriculture activities.
Spend the morning in Buzaniro focusing on health and wellbeing. Nutrition and wellness activities with the community. Learning about sustainable food practices and local agriculture. In the afternoon, transfer to Bwindi (Rushaga sector). Overnight: Rushaga Gorilla Camp.
Batwa cultural visit and forest wellness walk.
Visit the Batwa community to learn about their history, culture and traditional forest life. Guided wellness walk in the forest to discover waterfalls hidden in the jungle. Optional activity: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Gorilla Permit: $800 per person. Overnight: Rushaga Gorilla Camp.
Transfer, museum stop and cultural experience.
Travel toward Lake Mburo National Park. Stop at a local museum along the way. Experience Ankole culture and meet the famous Ankole long-horned cattle. Continue to the lodge for a relaxed evening overlooking the savannah. Overnight: Eagle’s Nest Lodge.
Walking safari, final wellbeing session and transfer to Entebbe.
Begin your final day with an early morning walking safari in Lake Mburo National Park accompanied by a ranger guide. You may encounter zebras, giraffes, impalas and other wildlife. Dr Vikki Barnes will lead a final guided wellbeing session. Afterwards, begin the journey to Entebbe with scenic stops along the way.
Useful Information
- Visa fees are excluded, so a visa is required if applicable. Passports are mentioned as important documents to store securely in the hotel safe. No other document requirements are explicitly stated.
- Price: Single $1940 | Double $1730 PP. Best Time: 8-16 Nov 2026. Secure your place with a $250 deposit. Bookings close 30 September. Small group from 8–16 November 2026. Uganda is generally safe when traveling with an organized tour; basic precautions are advised. Sample itineraries are adjustable and the trip can be customized. Clothing for school and community visits should cover shoulders and knees. If gorilla trekking, pack sturdy waterproof boots, long trousers, long socks, gardening gloves, a waterproof jacket and a small backpack.
