Uganda with Ally Coucke
Dates
Aug 6–14, 2027
Group Size
8–19 Travelers
Duration
9 days, 8 nights
Activity Level
Challenge
About This Trip
Meet Your Host
View Full ProfileAlly Coucke
Ally Coucke is an author, creator, and traveler. After selling her own business in the Pacific Northwest, Ally made her home in Denver with her dogs, Bailey and the well-known, Loki the Wolfdog. Ally's passion for travel has taken her all over North America, to Asia, and Africa. Writing and photographing every experience along the way, she cannot wait to share and create new memories with you!
Trip Activities
Lake Mburo National Park 4x4 Game Drive
Kibale National Park Chimpanzee Trekking
Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
4x4 Morning Game Drive - Queen Elizabeth National Park
Gorilla Trekking
Included in Your Trip
Double occupancy in 3-star hotels and guesthouses (limited single rooms available)
Local guide throughout trip
All city transfers
8 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches and 8 Dinners
Not Included
Flights (except as noted)
Visas and Travel Insurance
Food and Alcohol (except as noted)
Tips and Gratuity
Itinerary
*All durations are approximate
Welcome to Uganda!
Airport Arrival Transfer
TrovaTrip will provide 3 arrival transfers from Entebbe International Airport (EBB) to the hotel between 8:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M. The exact transfer times within this window will be determined closer to your arrival based on provided Traveler flight information. Travelers arriving outside of the requested flight guidelines will need to make their own transfer arrangements to meet the group at the hotel.
dinner
Dinner at the hotel is included. Your meal will either be a 2-3 course set menu or buffet style dinner with water included, subject to change.
Imperial Heights
(or similar)
Overnight in Entebbe.
Entebbe to Lake Mburo National Park Game Drive
breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel is included. Your breakfast will typically be a buffet breakfast, subject to change.
Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park
After breakfast, depart on a scenic 6-hour private transfer through Uganda's rolling countryside to Lake Mburo National Park. Bathroom and comfort stops will be made along the way as needed.
lunch
Lunch at the hotel is included and will typically either be a 2-3 course set menu or buffet style with water included, subject to change.
Lake Mburo National Park 4x4 Game Drive
The Lake Mburo National Park 4x4 game drive offers an immersive 2-4 hour safari through one of Uganda's most accessible wildlife parks. Traversing open savannah, rolling hills, and acacia woodlands, you'll have the opportunity to spot zebras, impalas, buffalo, elands, warthogs, and a wide variety of birdlife. Led by an experienced driver-guide, the safari provides fascinating insights into the park's unique ecosystems, wildlife behavior, and ongoing conservation efforts while showcasing its diverse and scenic landscapes. As with all safaris, wildlife sightings vary by season and conditions, so seeing specific animals cannot be guaranteed.
dinner
Dinner at the hotel is included and will typically either be a 2-3 course set menu or buffet style dinner with water included, subject to change based on group size.
Mburo Eagle's Nest
(or similar)
Overnight in Lake Mburo.
Chimpanzee Trekking in the Heart of Kibale
breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel is included. Your breakfast will typically be a buffet breakfast, subject to change.
Transfer to Kibale National Park
After breakfast, depart on a scenic 5-hour transfer from Lake Mburo to Kibale National Park. Bathroom and comfort stops will be made along the way as needed.
lunch
Lunch at the hotel in Kibale National Park is included and will typically either be a 2-3 course set menu or buffet style with water included, subject to change based on group size.
Kibale National Park Chimpanzee Trekking
After lunch, the adventure begins! You’ll set out on a guided chimpanzee trekking experience through the tropical rainforest of Kibale National Park, led by experienced rangers as you track chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Along the forest trails, you may witness these primates feeding, grooming, playing, and interacting within their troop, with up to one hour dedicated to observing them once located. The trek can range from approximately 1–5 miles, depending on the chimpanzees’ location that day, although in rare cases hikers may cover up to 6 miles. Because the chimpanzees roam freely in the wild, sightings and trekking distances cannot be guaranteed. Along the way, keep an eye out for other primates, colorful birdlife, and the park’s diverse wildlife.
dinner
Dinner at the hotel is included and will typically either be a 2-3 course set menu or buffet style with water included, subject to change.
Guereza Lodge
(or similar)
Overnight in Kibale National Park.
Cruising the Kazinga Channel
breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel is included. Your breakfast will typically be a buffet breakfast, subject to change.
Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast, depart on a scenic 3 hour transfer from Kibale National Park to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Bathroom and comfort stops will be made along the way as needed.
lunch
Lunch at the hotel in Queen Elizabeth National Park is included and will typically either be a 2-3 course set menu or buffet style with water included, subject to change based on group size.
Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
The Kazinga Channel shared boat cruise takes you along a natural waterway connecting Lake Edward and Lake George in Queen Elizabeth National Park. This relaxed safari experience offers close-up views of wildlife gathering along the shores, including large pods of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffalo, and a wide variety of bird species. Guided by an experienced ranger, the cruise provides excellent photography opportunities and insight into the park’s rich aquatic ecosystem and animal activity along the channel.
dinner
Dinner at the hotel is included and will typically either be a 2-3 course set menu or buffet style with water included, subject to change based on group size.
Buffalo Safari Lodge
(or similar)
Overnight in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Savannah Mornings & Safari Game Drives
breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel is included. Your breakfast will typically be a buffet breakfast, subject to change.
4x4 Morning Game Drive - Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast, you'll set out on an early morning safari through one of Uganda’s most diverse wildlife areas. You’ll hop onboard a 4x4 vehicle with an experienced guide, where you’ll explore open savannah, crater-dotted landscapes, and wetlands in search of elephants, buffalo, Uganda kobs, lions, leopards, warthogs, and a variety of bird species. The early start offers the best opportunity to spot predators and other wildlife before the heat of the day.
lunch
After the morning game drive you’ll enjoy lunch at the hotel in Queen Elizabeth National Park is included and will typically either be a 2-3 course set menu or buffet style dinner with water included, subject to change based on group size.
dinner
Dinner at the hotel is included and will typically either be a 2-3 course set menu or buffet style with water included, subject to change based on group size.
Buffalo Safari Lodge
(or similar)
Overnight in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
From Safari to the Gorilla Highlands
breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel is included. Your breakfast will typically be a buffet breakfast, subject to change.
Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After breakfast, depart on a scenic 7 hour transfer from Queen Elizabeth National Park to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Bathroom stops and a lunch stop will be made along the way.
lunch
You will make a lunch stop roughly 3 hours into the transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
dinner
Dinner at the hotel is included and will typically either be a 2-3 course set menu or buffet style with water included, subject to change based on group size.
Rushaga Gorilla Lodge
(or similar)
Overnight in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
The Heart of Bwindi: Gorilla Trekking Adventure
breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel is included. Your breakfast will typically be a buffet breakfast, subject to change.
Gorilla Trekking
Set out on an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, where experienced trackers will guide you through dense rainforest in search of mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. The trek can be physically demanding and varies greatly depending on the location of the gorilla family on the day of your visit. Typically, hikers cover approximately 1–5 miles each way, although less commonly the journey can extend to 6–9 miles when the gorillas have moved deeper into the forest. Treks may last anywhere from one to six hours before the gorillas are located. Once found, you’ll spend up to one hour observing these remarkable animals interact, feed, and rest. Because trackers locate the gorilla groups each morning, trekking distances and durations may vary and expect trekking through some steep, muddy terrain.
lunch
A packed lunch is included during the gorilla trekking experience. Timing of lunch can vary. The packed lunches typically consist of easy-to-carry meals (sandwiches or wraps), a side (like fruit or chips), and a sweet item (muffin or cookie), and bottled water. The exact lunch is subject to change.
dinner
Dinner at the hotel is included and will typically either be a 2-3 course set menu or buffet style with water included, subject to change based on group size.
Rushaga Gorilla Lodge
(or similar)
Overnight in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Uganda to Rwanda
breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel is included. Your breakfast will typically be a buffet breakfast, subject to change.
Transfer to Kigali
After breakfast, depart on a scenic 5-6 hour transfer from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to Kigali. Bathroom stops and a lunch stop will be made along the way.
lunch
Lunch is included about half way through your transfer en route to Kigali.
dinner
This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner in Kigali with your group. Dinner at the hotel is included and will typically either be a 2-3 course set menu or buffet style with water included, subject to change based on group size.
Chez Lando
(or similar)
Overnight in Kigali.
Wave Goodbye to Your Newfound Friends!
breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel is included. Your breakfast will typically be a buffet breakfast, subject to change.
Airport Departure Transfer
TrovaTrip will provide 2 departure transfers from the hotel to Kigali International Airport (KGL) between 8:00 A.M. and 12:00 P.M. The exact transfer times within this window will be determined closer to your arrival based on provided Traveler flight information. Travelers departing outside of the requested flight guidelines will need to make their own transfer arrangements to meet the group at the hotel.
Airports
Recommended Arrival Airport:
Entebbe International Airport
Recommended Departure Airport:
Kigali International Airport
Add-Ons
Private Accommodation
Pre-Trip Accommodation
Post-Trip Accommodation
Insurance Policy
Physical Activity Level:Challenge
These trips are designed to increase your heart rate. You can expect daily hikes or swims, long-distance bike rides and a good amount of sweat. These itineraries are meant for adventure and are perfect for those with a higher level of physical fitness. Some training may be required to prepare for these trips.
Essential Travel Information
Cancellation Policy
We get it—life happens. However, due to the highly specialized and capacity-limited nature of Antarctica expeditions, cancellation terms are more restrictive than standard TrovaTrip policies:
Spot Pending
Spot Confirmed With 91 or More Days Before Your Trip
No future travel credits or vouchers will be issued for the 25% deposit.
Spot Confirmed With 90 or Fewer Days Before Your Trip
No future travel credits or vouchers will be issued.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Protect Your Adventure-Invest in Peace of Mind
After booking, you'll receive a personalized recommendation for coverage tailored to your trip. For full details on our cancellation policy, please refer to our Terms & Conditions.
Travelers
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FAQ
Traveling with TrovaTrip
What's it like to travel on a Trova Trip?
Trova Trips are curated group travel experiences designed to help you see the world, meet new people, and connect over shared interests. Each trip is hosted by a community leader you know and trust, and run by professional local Operators who handle the logistics. Expect meaningful experiences, authentic activities, and a like-minded group to share it all with.
How does a Trova Trip actually work? Who's involved?
Great question! Each plays a key role in bringing your trip to life:
- The Host is your community leader—the person who brings the group together, sets the vibe, and curates the overall experience. They may lead a workshop or activity during the trip, but their main focus is connection and community, not logistics.
- The Operator is the certified, independent company that runs the trip on the ground. They handle the logistics like accommodations, transportation, Guides, activities, and safety. Every Operator we partner with is licensed, insured, and vetted to ensure a high-quality travel experience.
- TrovaTrip is the platform that powers it all. We connect Hosts with trusted Operators, provide the tools to design and manage trips, and support Travelers before and during their journey to ensure everything runs smoothly.
In short: The Host shapes the experience and brings the vibe, the Operator runs the trip, and we make it all happen. Read more about who does what here.
What's the difference between the Host, the Operator, and Trova?
Great question! Each plays a key role in bringing your experience to life:
- The Host is your community leader who brings the group together, fosters connection, and perhaps leads a workshop or two. They're there to bring the vibes, not the logistics. That's the Tour Operator's job.
- The Operator is the professional travel company that runs the trip on the ground. They handle it all—accommodations, local Guides, activities, and safety. Every Operator we partner with is licensed, insured, and vetted to deliver high-quality group travel.
- TrovaTrip is the platform who connects it all. We help design the trips, partner with Hosts with Operators, and support you before and during your journey to ensure everything runs smoothly.
In short: The Host brings the vibe, the Operator runs the trip, and we make it all happen. Read more about who does what here.
I'm nervous to book. How can I feel more confident?
First, let us say—it's totally understandable, and you're not alone! Travel can feel intimidating, but we built Trova to take the guesswork out of group travel and earn your trust every step of the way:
- Every trip is run by licensed Tour Operators with vetted local Guides.
- Hosts are there to foster connection, meaning you'll arrive solo but never feel alone.
- Itineraries are clearly outlined so you know what to expect, including activity level, example accommodations, and what's included.
- Our team is available to support you pre-departure, and Operators—plus your local Guide—are on the ground to assist during the trip. And rest assured, all our Operating partners are trained in crisis management.
- We always recommend travel insurance for extra peace of mind, whether you're traveling with Trova or solo. It can cover medical issues, lost luggage, or even cancellations.
We know it takes trust to book a trip with new people, and we're here to make sure you feel ready, supported, and excited!”
Can I book solo?
Absolutely! As of 2025, almost 84% of TrovaTrip Travelers go solo. (And yes, we may be a little biased, but we think group travel is one of the best ways to meet new people!) You'll have your own bed and the option to book a private room on most trips. Plus you'll be traveling with others who are just as excited to explore and connect.
What if I need to cancel?
We understand that life happens. Our cancellation policy is designed to provide flexibility while balancing the logistics of group travel:
- Spot pending — 100% refundable. Not confirmed yet? No worries. You can cancel at any time for a full refund.
- Spot confirmed with 91 or more days before your trip — Partially refundable. The required 25% down payment is non-refundable. Any payments made beyond the 25% deposit will be refunded to your original form of payment. No future travel credits or vouchers will be issued for the 25% deposit.
- Spot confirmed with 90 days or fewer before your trip — Non-refundable. At this point, all payments are non-refundable, including the 25% deposit and any additional amounts paid. Expedition logistics, berths, and operator commitments are finalized and cannot be recovered. No future travel credits or vouchers will be issued.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Protect Your Adventure–Invest in Peace of Mind
We strongly encourage purchasing travel insurance with trip cancellation coverage to safeguard your investment. With travel insurance, you're covered in case of unexpected events–from illness to emergencies–that could affect your plans. Life is unpredictable, but your dream trip doesn't have to be.
After booking, you'll receive a personalized recommendation for coverage tailored to your trip. For full details on our cancellation policy, please refer to our Terms & Conditions.
What's included in the trip cost?
Most trips include accommodations, daily activities, ground transportation, some meals, and a dedicated local Guide. Because Travelers are coming from all around the world, flights to and from your destination are not included. Each trip page breaks it all down for you.
Does my Host make money from hosting?
TL;DR: Sometimes! Many Hosts earn income from leading trips, but not always.
Every trip on Trova is uniquely shaped by the Host. They choose the destination, curate the itinerary, and rally their community to come along for the adventure. It’s a big effort (and a rewarding one, or so we hear!).
A Host’s earnings depend on the trip price they set and how many Travelers join. Trova provides the tools, support, and platform—but ultimately, income isn’t guaranteed.
Will I have free time?
Yes! While we pack in incredible experiences, most itineraries include built-in free time so you can relax, wander, or check out personal must-sees.
What do the activity levels mean?
Every trip has a physical Activity Level from 1 to 5 so you can find the right fit for your travel style:
- Level 1 – Relax + Unwind: Minimal movement (spa days, beach lounging, local markets)
- Level 2 – Low-Key Movement: Light, easy-paced activity (snorkeling, boat tours, gentle hikes)
- Level 3 – Moderate Activity: Ready to move (multi-day hikes, skiing, camping)
- Level 4 – Get Your Heart Rate Up: More intense movement (long hikes, biking, active days)
- Level 5 – Extreme Adventure: High-adrenaline travel (challenging hikes, dives, technical climbs – experience may be required)
You'll find the Activity Level clearly listed on each trip page, and a more in-depth explanation of each level here.
Who can I contact with more questions?
Our support team is here to help! Visit trovatrip.com/company/contact-us to reach out. You can expect to hear back within 2 business days, but probably sooner—our Trova elves are pretty speedy!
Accommodations
What does "or similar" mean next to the accommodations?
When we say “or similar,” it means the hotel listed is an example of what you can expect—not always the exact spot you'll be staying. Sometimes Operators adjust accommodations due to seasonal availability or group size. But rest assured: the quality and comfort will match what's shown.
Why would the accommodations change from time of booking?
Flexibility allows Operators to choose the best-fit accommodations closer to your trip—based on availability, logistics, and what works best for the group (like the number of Travelers and room configurations). This ensures a smooth experience without sacrificing comfort or quality.
Finalized hotel info is typically shared about 30 days before departure in your Traveler Portal, along with your final itinerary.
Trip Operations & Compliance
Who actually runs my trip, and how does Trova keep things safe?
Your trip is operated by licensed, certified Tour Operators who manage all trip logistics and safety—from accommodations and local Guides and day-to-day logistics. All trips comply with local legal and regulatory standards. We vet each Operating partner carefully so you can travel with confidence.
Who do I talk to if I have questions about safety or compliance?
If you have any questions about safety protocols or trip compliance, reach out to us at safety@trovatrip.com. We're here to help.
General Travel Questions
Do I need any documentation to travel?
It depends on where you're headed. Though it is not a universal requirement, many countries require that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date. This ensures Travelers have sufficient time to return home even if their visas are extended or if unexpected circumstances arise.
Some destinations may also require a visa. Check our visa page to consult your country's travel resources.
Do I need any vaccines?
It's always best to check with your healthcare provider or a travel doctor before your trip. You can also visit the CDC website (or your local government's travel health resource) for destination-specific vaccine guidance. Health and safety first!
Are flights included in the trip cost?
Because our Hosts and Travelers are coming from all around the world, flights to and from your destination are not included. Some trips include internal flights (like a short domestic hop), and those details will always be listed on the trip page if applicable.
Can you accommodate my dietary needs?
We’ll do our very best! Our Operators aim to accommodate dietary restrictions, though availability varies by destination. For example, some places offer plenty of vegan and vegetarian choices, while others might be quite limited. The earlier you let us know—through your trip form or by contacting our support team—the better we can prepare. Once you arrive, be sure to remind your local Guide about any allergies or restrictions so they can help you enjoy your meals safely and comfortably.