Rwanda and Uganda are often-overlooked travel destinations – but you won’t want to miss this journey through their wild landscapes, rich history and extraordinary wildlife. Learn about the devastating events that took place in Rwanda, a beautiful country that's continuously striving to move forward. Combine this with the incredible scenery and an unforgettable adventure searching for mountain gorillas, and you’ll experience the full spectrum of emotions and physical challenges.

Enter the world of rare mountain gorillas in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and spend a day tracking and observing these endearing creatures. This soul-stirring adventure won’t soon be forgotten. With gorilla permits included in the price of the trip, seek out the rare mountain gorilla on a trek through Uganda's steamy forests and spend an unforgettable hour in their presence. Tracking gorillas in the dense forest can sometimes be wet, muddy and uncomfortable. The terrain is by no means easy either, so it can be pretty strenuous and often humid. But the sheer thrill in coming across a habituated group of gorillas, dominated by a great male silverback, more than outweighs any difficulty. You need to be prepared and fit enough to walk up to 4 hours - up and down hill. A top tip is to pack some gardening gloves to assist in any up-hill climbs.

In addition, we will visit a Gorilla hospital and a Gorilla conservation and scientific research center so that we can truly understand these fascinating creatures. 

Looking for more Safari? Take a short two night break (add at booking) then join us on the Best of East Africa trip. Learn more here https://tri.ps/REqqv

We specialize in tours for adults only. We take you away from your everyday world and the necessary distractions of family life.

We're committed to ensuring our trips remain safe for everyone — for our travelers, our leaders and crew, and the people we visit along the way. As responsible travelers, anyone who chooses to travel with us has a duty of care to themselves and the people around them. Travelers are required to comply with local regulations and laws.

What are the medical and vaccination requirements?
Medical and general vaccination requirements differ between nations and as we are not medical practitioners, we unfortunately cannot advise on this issue. Please see your local GP or travel doctor for details and advice about current vaccination requirements.

We believe vaccinations play a key role in saving lives and helping to keep people safe. Around 70% of the world is vaccinated against COVID-19 but vaccination rates remain low in some of the destinations and communities we visit.   Therefore proof of up to date COVID Vaccine is required on all of our trips.

All travelers must have a valid passport for international travel and many countries require at least 6 months validity from the date of return. Some countries also require a machine-readable passport and/or unstamped available pages. When assisting with an international travel booking, we will assume that all travelers on the booking have a valid passport. If this is not the case, you must let us know. It is important to ensure you have valid passports, visas and re-entry permits which meet the requirements of immigration and other government authorities. Any fines, penalties, payments, delay or expenditures incurred as a result of such documents not meeting the requirements of those authorities will be your sole responsibility.

Need a passport? Click here -> U.S. Passport

Need to renew your passport? Click here -> Renew U.S. Passport

We exercise care in the selection of reputable travel service providers but we are not ourselves a provider of travel services and have no control over, or liability for, the services provided by third parties.  

In no event do we accept any liability in contract, tort or otherwise, for any injury, damage, loss, delay, additional expense or inconvenience caused directly or indirectly by the acts, omissions or default, whether negligent or otherwise, of third party providers over whom we have no direct control, force majeure or any other event which is beyond our control or which is not preventable by reasonable diligence on our part. We also do not accept any liability in contract, tort or otherwise, for consequential loss (meaning indirect loss, loss of revenue, loss of reputation, loss of profits, loss of actual or anticipated savings, lost opportunities, including opportunities to enter into arrangements with third parties or loss or damage in connection with claims against you by third parties) howsoever caused in connection with your booking.

Risks of Travel and Release: We assume no responsibility for and shall not be liable for the acts or omissions on the part of any other party not under our control or any acts of God, unsafe conditions, terrorism, health hazards including pandemics, illness, weather hazards, or the suitability for a disabled person of any portion of any trip. We have no special knowledge of dangers during travel or at destinations. For information related to such dangers, we recommend going to the State Department travel website at travel.state.gov, click on "Find International travel Information" then click on "Country Information", and fill in the name of the destination country. For medical and health information, we recommend going to the Centers for Disease Control website at cdc.gov/travel, then click on "Destinations" and scroll to the name of the destination country. It is your personal decision to travel, and you are doing so with full knowledge of current travel recommendations and travel restrictions with regards to the risks of COVID-19. YOU HEREBY EXPRESSLY ASSUME ALL OF THESE RISKS AND DANGERS, AND YOU HEREBY EXPRESSLY AGREE TO FOREVER RELEASE, DISCHARGE AND HOLD US, AND OUR AGENTS, EMPLOYEES, OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, ASSOCIATES, AFFILIATED COMPANIES, GUIDES, GROUP LEADERS, AND SUBCONTRACTORS HARMLESS AGAINST ANY AND ALL LIABILITY, ACTIONS, CAUSES OF ACTIONS, SUITS, CLAIMS, AND DEMANDS OF ANY AND EVERY KIND AND NATURE WHATSOEVER WHICH YOU NOW HAVE OR WHICH MAY HEREAFTER ARISE OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THESE RISKS AND Dangers.

Should you cancel no more than 30 days after making your deposit you get a 100% refund minus a $150 admin fee.

Should you cancel between 30 days of booking to 180 days before the trip you will get a 50% refund minus the $150 admin fee.

Once we are within 180 days of the trip starting there are no refunds.

Note-should you find someone to fill your spot I can transfer your balance to them minus the $150 fee if it's 60 days before departure. Should you become sick or have other issues it’s highly likely the required travel insurance would kick in and reimburse you so be sure and check with your provider.

It is the responsibility of the trip attendee to reach out in the event of a cancellation and make their payments on time. We reserve the right to hold payments according to the cancellation policy above to pay our vendors to make this trip happen. 

By making a deposit you agree to above terms of service and cancellation policy.

To ensure smooth operations for our trips, we kindly ask that all payments are made on time. If a payment is 15 or more days past due, a $50 late fee will be applied to your balance.

We understand that unexpected situations can arise. If you need to adjust your payment plan or have any concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Melissa at [melissa@pennypinchingglobetrotter.com]. 

We’re happy to work with you to find a solution. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding!

To make things easier we created a list specific to this trip of things you may want.  You can find it here.

For our best tips on packing in general check this out.

Travel insurance will help protect your investment and is required for all of our trips. We recommend and use World Nomads.  If you are over 70 we recommend using Insure My Trip.

At Penny Pinching Globetrotter, we are committed to providing an enjoyable and inclusive travel experience for all our guests. To ensure a smooth and harmonious trip for everyone, we have established this Group Travel Code of Conduct. All participants are expected to follow these guidelines to promote a respectful and supportive group dynamic. 

 1. Respect and Cooperation - All travelers are expected to treat each other with kindness, respect, and courtesy at all times. This includes: 

 - Listening to others' opinions and experiences without judgment. 

- Offering help and support to fellow travelers when needed.

 - Communicating openly and constructively to resolve any misunderstandings or concerns that arise. 

  2. Personal Attacks and Harassment - Personal attacks, harassment, or any form of abusive language directed at fellow travelers will not be tolerated. This includes, but is not limited to: 

 - Insulting or belittling others for any reason including remarks based on race, nationality, gender, religion, appearance, or personal beliefs.

 - Making derogatory or offensive remarks, either in person or through digital communication channels (e.g., group chats or emails). 

 - Engaging in behavior that causes distress, harm, or discomfort to others. 

 3. Disruptive Behavior - Traveler's should ensure their behavior does not disrupt the group's activities or the overall enjoyment of the trip. This includes:

 - Avoiding excessive arguments or conflicts that disturb the group’s harmony. 

 - Engaging in proactive problem-solving rather than contributing to negativity. 

 - Being considerate of group plans/schedules and communicating any issues promptly to the group leader or host.

 4. Accountability and Responsibility - Each traveler is responsible for their actions. Should conflicts arise, all involved parties are encouraged to: 

 - Address concerns calmly and privately, when possible.

 - Seek the assistance of the group leader or host if mediation is needed.

- Understand that repeated violations of this policy may result in removal from the trip with no refund. 

5. Group Dynamics and Social Interaction - Group travel is a chance to connect and share experiences with others. We encourage all travelers to: 

 - Participate in group activities with an open mind and a collaborative spirit. 

 - Be inclusive and welcoming to fellow travelers, regardless of their background or personal views.

 - Show empathy and understanding toward the diverse personalities and cultures within the group.  

6. Consequences for Violating the Policy - Failure to adhere to this Code of Conduct may result in the following consequences: 

 - A verbal warning from the group leader or host. 

- In extreme cases, expulsion from the trip without refund, if the behavior continues despite prior warnings. 

In addition, any traveler who exhibits consistently disruptive behavior, or who repeatedly violates the principles outlined in this policy, will no longer be permitted to travel with Penny Pinching Globetrotter in the future. We reserve the right to refuse service to individuals whose actions compromise the experience of other travelers or the integrity of the group.

At Penny Pinching Globetrotter, we aim to create positive, memorable travel experiences for all. By following this policy, we ensure that everyone can enjoy their trip in a respectful and supportive environment. 

By booking your spot on this trip, you are agreeing to the policy outlined above. 

Welcome to Rwanda! Your adventure begins with an included flight from Nairobi

  leaving around 11am. Upon arrival in Rwanda, you will be met by a professional representative. who will assist with the immigration processes, and then be transferred to the hotel for check-in. This evening, join your guide and fellow travelers for dinner at a lively East African restaurant popular with the locals. Enjoy live music, cocktails, incredible views, and an authentic shared dining experience full of regional flavour. 

Included:

Flight from Nairobi

Arrival Transfer

Welcome Dinner

Accommodation Nest Kimi Hotel Kigali or similar www.nesthotels.com/nest-kimi/

Breakfast at the hotel then check out and head to Musanze. You will visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre with an audio guide. This is a place of remembering and learning dedicated to the victims of the genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. A powerful yet confronting experience, and important in understanding the tragedy and the resilience of the Rwandan people. 

Then you will visit the headquarters of the Gorilla Doctors. This organization is dedicated to saving the mountain and eastern lowland (Grauer’s) gorilla species using veterinary medicine and science. They provide medical interventions to protect these magnificent animals from human-induced or life-threatening trauma or disease. You'll learn more about their fascinating work during this unique experience.

Included Activities

• Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre visit 

• Gorilla doctors visit

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation Best View Hotel Musanze or similar

Today you will visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. This is a center for Gorilla conservation and scientific research. Here you will find a 360-degree theater, replica of Dian Fossey’s original cabin, a cafe and lots more. You can also learn about the region’s biodiversity while enjoying our many nature trails. A visit to this place will leave you amazed at the good work that is being done to save the mountain gorilla. 

Later, you will  visit the Red Rocks in Rwanda. This is a platform for showcasing and celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Rwanda where you'll get a chance to learn about the local banana beer production, enjoy basket-weaving demonstrations, listen to local drummers and move your hips with some traditional dancing.

Included Activities

• Visit Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund

• Visit to Red Rocks 

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Accommodation Best View Hotel Musanze or similar

Say goodbye to Musanze and head to Bwindi Impenetrable Park. Head towards the border of Uganda and Rwanda where you will cross over to Uganda. After crossing the border, you will drive to the lodge for check-in with the rest of the afternoon at leisure. Relax on the dock or go for a swim. Or there are plenty of optional activities to choose from at the lodge like:

Nature walk with guide - Start with a 30-minutes boat/canoe ride, walk along the swamp and up the hills. A beautiful nature walk with amazing views over Lake Mutanda. The tour takes about 3 hours. Price person 1 $20, every other person $10

Mukozi Community Walk with guide – After a short boat/canoe ride with a visit to Punishment Island you visit the community with locations like (depending on the day of the week) the craft maker, medicine man, the local school and/or church. Takes about 2-3 hours. Price person 1 $30, every other person $15

Lake Mulehe Hike with guide – A full exploration of the surroundings. By boat/canoe you will start over water followed by a beautiful hike. Enjoy views over both Lake Mutanda and Lake Mulehe, meet local people, fishermen, a medicine man and have a local Ugandan lunch along the way. The hike is partly uphill but not extremely tough. A great hike and a perfect combination of being active and really experiencing the surrounding of Lake Mutanda. The tour takes about 6 hours in total. Price person 1 $50, every other person $20

Mutanda Island trip with guide – If you wish to combine a beautiful boat or canoe tour on the lake with a visit to the only habituated island in the lake. Meet the Abagesera people, visit their school and church, interact with the children and do some walking on the island. On the way by boat/canoe you visit Punishment Islands with its heinous history.
Tour with canoe (with local captain but you can help rowing if you wish, it is great fun) takes 3,5-4 hours
Price person 1 $35, every other person $15
Tour with motorized motorboat takes 3 hours
Price person 1 $65, every other person $15

Boat tour Lake Mutanda – Enjoy the lake with our captain and guide and experience the silence and beauty of Lake Mutanda and its surroundings by motorized boat or canoe (your choice). The tour can be made 1 or 2 hours. With 2 hours you cover a bigger area of the lake. Our guide will also tell you a lot about the surroundings, some background of the communities, the birds, the otters etc.
Motorized boat tour of 1 hour: Price person 1 $50, every other person $10
Canoe tour of 1 hour, with captain, you can also help rowing if you want to. Price person 1 $25, every other person $10
Motorized boat tour of 2 hours: Price person 1 $60, every other person $15
Canoe tour of 2 hours: Price person 1 $30, every other person $10

WATER SPORTS

Rental Kayak for 2 hours (1-2 persons per kayak) $25
Rental Stand Up Paddling (SUP) board for 2 hours $15 

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation Lake Mutanda Resort or similar www.mutandalakeresort.com

After an early breakfast make your way to the starting point for your gorilla trek where you will have a briefing about your gorilla trekking adventure. A quick lock of eyes with these creatures is a truly primal moment and visits are strictly controlled to minimise disturbance. Make no mistake, tracking gorillas is no walk in the park – it's called Bwinidi Impenetrable National Park for a reason. It can be wet, muddy, strenuous and uncomfortable, but the indescribable elation at coming across a group of gorillas is worth the effort. Spend a mesmerising hour with the gorillas as they eat, sleep, groom and play as the male silverback watches over them. 

Follow the mountain gorillas as they range freely in the impenetrable forest and discover their gorgeous natural habitat and the many species they share it with. You are allowed an hour with the gorillas before finally sloping down back to your lodge. If your trek was relatively short, you may have a guided nature walk around the lodge and the surrounding communities in the evening. 

Return to the lodge where you will enjoy dinner and discuss this once in a lifetime expereince. 

For an additional cost of $35 you can have a porter assist you on the trek. 

Included Activities • Gorilla trekking 

 Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation Lake Mutanda Resort or similar www.mutandalakeresort.com

Today travel to Lake Mburo National Park, located in the South Western part of Uganda. In the late afternoon go for a game drive across the Lake Mburo savanna, through the acacia trees. The park hosts zebra, hippopotamus, impala, worthog, giraffe, african buffalo and over 300 bird species.. After the game drive, you will return to the lodge viewing animals at sunset at one of the salt lakes there. 

Included Activities • Afternoon game drive Lake Mburo National Park

This morning there is an option to add another Gorilla Trek at a cost of $750 Upon booking. 

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Accommodation Rwakobo Rock Lodge or similar www.rwakoborock.com

After breakfast, check out of your hotel, and proceed to Entebbe Airport for your flight to Nairobi. Upon arrival you can fly home or be pickuped and transfered to the hotel (add a night upon booking) so that you can continue your adventure with us on our Best of East Africa trip which starts in Nairobi. 

Included -Flight to Nairobi and Arrival Transfer 

Meals included: Breakfast

NOTE- extend your trip!!! Add two nights at booking for a short break then book our 14 day East Africa trip here https://tri.ps/REqqv