Join Together Women Rise for an incredible journey to Uganda, where you will visit and interact with three organizations that Rise has supported:
Growth Through Learning - Growth Through Learning (GTL) empowers underserved girls and young women in Uganda through full secondary‑school scholarships, including boarding, meals, books, uniforms, and support allowing recipients to earn high‑school diplomas and pursue higher education or careers.
MindLeaps: MindLeaps Uganda transforms the lives of vulnerable and refugee youth through free, structured dance classes that develop core cognitive and social-emotional skills like teamwork, creativity, and self‑esteem.
Women’s Microfinance Initiative: Women’s Microfinance Initiative (WMI) empowers rural women in Eastern Uganda by establishing village‑level loan hubs managed by local women, offering medium-term, collateral-free loans.
Between grantee visits, take time to explore the vibrant cities of Kampala and Jinja, immersing yourself in the rich culture, history, and natural beauty of Uganda. In Kampala, learn about the nation’s story with a visit to the King of Buganda’s palace and the iconic Old Kampala Mosque, both steeped in historical significance. Then, enjoy Jinja, a lush and tranquil escape from the city’s fast pace. Take a scenic boat cruise to the source of the Nile River, the world’s longest river, and marvel at the diverse flora and fauna along its banks. This blend of urban exploration and riverside relaxation offers the perfect balance of discovery and rejuvenation.
Please note: The details of this itinerary are subject to change and will be updated throughout the trip-planning process.
Rise members have priority booking until September 1, 2025. Rise members are those who have donated in the last year. If spots remain, registration will then be available for non-Rise members starting on September 2, 2025. Click the “Book Now” button in the top right to complete. The registration deadline is March 12, 2026.
Visit Together Women Rise grantee partners, Growth Through Learning, MindLeaps, and Women’s Microfinance Initiative (WMI) to explore their inspiring work empowering women and girls in Uganda through secondary education scholarships, dance-based programs that build cognitive and emotional skills in at-risk youth, and community-run microloans paired with business training.
Spend time in Kampala, the Ugandan capital, visiting historic sites and shopping at the craft market where you can support local artisans.
Enjoy a cultural experience at Ndere Centre, with live performances of traditional dances and songs from Uganda’s diverse ethnic groups—each blending storytelling, music, and movement to showcase the nation’s rich cultural heritage.
Cruise along the legendary Nile River— the longest in the world— and journey to its iconic source at Lake Victoria.
Questions about this journey? Contact Rebecca at [email protected].
Welcome to Uganda! Arrive at Entebbe International Airport, clear immigration, and collect your luggage. Meet your driver in the Arrivals Hall, transfer to the hotel (approximately 1 hour away), and check in.
Meet as a group for the first time over a Welcome Dinner at the hotel—a chance to get to know each other and kick off the week together!
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a Kampala city tour that will include a visit to the Old Kampala Mosque where you will tour inside and walk up in the minaret for a view of Kampala and Kabaka’s Palace, the official residence of the King of Buganda and a symbol of the Buganda Kingdom's rich history and cultural heritage.
Break for lunch then enjoy a chocolate tour & tasting at Latitude Craft Chocolate. End the day with a visit to a local craft market with an abundant selection of handmade and hand-painted goods.
Return to the hotel and refresh before dinner.
Start the day with an early breakfast at the hotel before departing for Mityana, a two-hour drive from Kampala.
Spend the morning and early afternoon at St. Kizito High School Bethany, where you will meet some of the girls who have benefited from scholarships provided by Growth Through Learning, an organization that has received multiple grants from Together Women Rise (most recently in 2023). You will engage with students and staff through interactive discussions focused on education, empowerment, and community impact. Lunch will be provided during the visit.
In the afternoon, return to Kampala and conclude the day with dinner and a cultural performance at the Ndere Cultural Centre, an engaging showcase of Uganda’s cultural diversity through traditional music, dance, and storytelling. The lively performances highlight the rhythms, costumes, and customs of various ethnic groups throughout the country.
After the show, return to the hotel.
Begin the day with a relaxed breakfast before driving 30 minutes to Katwe for a visit to MindLeaps, another one of Rise’s grantee partners. Rise funded the Safe Bodies & Healthy Minds project that involves a Sexual and Reproductive Health program for girls in order to prevent school dropouts due to pregnancy, improve the girls’ social-emotional health and self-confidence, and allow them to achieve their full potential.
The full-day visit includes participating in a dance class, a Q&A session with the girls, learning about the organization's monitoring and evaluation systems, and making small group home visits to meet families benefiting from small business funding. Enjoy lunch on-site, followed by an afternoon of continued engagement at MindLeaps.
Return to the hotel to refresh before dinner.
Eat a final breakfast in Kampala and check out of the hotel before embarking on a five-hour drive to the Mbale region. A stop for lunch along the way is included.
Upon arrival, check in at Mount Elgon Hotel and enjoy a relaxing group dinner in the evening.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, then travel to Buyobo for a full-day immersion experience with Women’s Microfinance Initiative (WMI), which Rise funded with a Featured Grant in 2014 and a three-year, Sustained Grant in 2019-2021. By providing business/financial skills training and loans, the Rise grant has allowed women to establish successful businesses.
The full-day visit includes learning about loan collection day, engaging in conversations with women participating in the loan program, and taking part in additional activities organized by WMI.
Return to the hotel to refresh before dinner.
After an early breakfast, check-out and begin the five-hour drive back to Entebbe.
Along the way, stop in Jinja and visit the Source of the Nile. Take a guided boat ride to the exact spot where the Nile begins, marked by bubbling water from an underground outflow of Lake Victoria and a stone monument commemorating Speke's discovery.
Cruise to Nile Safari Lodge and enjoy lunch before continuing to Entebbe.
Upon arrival in Entebbe, check into the hotel and come together one last time for a meaningful Farewell Dinner—reflecting on the week’s journey.
Enjoy breakfast at your leisure this morning. Day rooms have been reserved for your comfort until 6:00pm. Lunch will be at your own expense.
If you are participating in an extension, check out of your room and depart for your activities.
If you are departing Uganda this evening, airport transfers will be arranged based on individual flight times.
Double occupancy: $5,105
30% Deposit (due upon booking): $1,531.50
Single occupancy: $5,615 ($5,105 + $510 for single supplement)
30% Deposit (due upon booking): $1,684.50
Rise member priority booking: Until Monday, September 1, 2025
Booking & Final Payment Deadline: Thursday, March 12, 2026
What’s Included:
Shared accommodations
Ground transport and airport transfers
All meals and non-alcoholic drinks
All activities mentioned
Private English-speaking guide & tour manager
Gratuity for drivers, guide, restaurant staff
Evacuation insurance
What’s not Included:
Visas
International flights
Travel & medical insurance
Alcohol
Personal expenses (shopping, phone calls, laundry, etc.)
Gratuity for airport transfer drivers & housekeeping
Lunch on arrival and departure days: June 10 & 17
The main program begins on Wednesday, June 10 in Kampala and ends on Wednesday, June 17 in Entebbe. Arrival and departure flights are booked by travelers independently. Here are our recommended arrival and departure times:
June 10, 2026: Arrive at Entebbe International Airport (EBB) by the afternoon. The trip will kick off with a Welcome Dinner at the hotel this evening, likely around 6:30 PM.
June 17, 2026: Depart from Entebbe International Airport (EBB) anytime.
Please note: If you book an extension, your departure date will differ.
Flight Booking Assistance:
If you would like assistance booking your flights, please complete this form and a flight booking specialist from our partners at AirSupply will contact you directly to assist with your booking. Under the line “Traveler / Group Name,” write “Your Name / Elevate Destinations.” Note that there is a $35 service fee per booking.
EXTEND YOUR TRAVEL
If you would like to arrive in Uganda before June 10th or stay after June 17th, please email [email protected] to arrange any extra nights of accommodation or discuss options for extending your travels in Uganda.
Experience comfort at Four Points by Sheraton Kampala, ideally located near the city center and top attractions. Enjoy modern amenities like a fitness center and an inviting outdoor pool. Don't miss the rooftop bar with breathtaking views and the chance to explore local culture through the hotel’s curated tours.
High in the misty hills of Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, gorilla trekking in the Nkuringo region offers a truly once-in-a-lifetime encounter. Guided by expert trackers, you’ll journey through dense jungle and observe endangered mountain gorillas, an experience both humbling and unforgettable.
You will need a good degree of fitness, as well as a sturdy pair of walking shoes. The trek can be physically demanding, involving navigating steep, uneven, and sometimes muddy terrain through dense vegetation in the rainforest with steep inclines, often on narrow, unmarked trails.
Dates: June 17 –19, 2026
Pricing:
Shared: $3,340 per person, due upon booking a deposit of $1,560 (inclusive of $800 gorilla permit and 30% deposit)
Single: $3,600 per person, due upon booking a deposit of $1,640 (inclusive of $800 gorilla permit and 30% deposit)
Final Balance: Due Thursday, March 12, 2026.
Group Size: A minimum of two participants is required for the trip to operate.
Pricing Guarantee: The trip cost is fixed and will not fluctuate, regardless of the number of participants.
Please see more detailed information here.
Experience an unforgettable extension to Queen Elizabeth Park in Western Uganda paired along with an experience with one of Together Women Rise’s grantees, Babies and Mothers Alive. Stay at the breathtaking Kyaninga Lodge, perched on a crater lake with sweeping views of the Rwenzori Mountains. More than a comfortable retreat, Kyaninga Lodge exemplifies sustainable hospitality by channeling its proceeds to support children with disabilities through the Kyaninga School.
Your adventure begins with an early flight to Kasese airport, followed by a guided game drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park, a scenic lunch, and a boat cruise along the wildlife-rich Kazinga Channel. We’ll spend a day exploring maternal health initiatives with Babies and Mothers Alive, and also visit the Kyaninga School to see firsthand how the lodge’s proceeds are making a meaningful impact in the lives of children with disabilities.
Dates: June 17- 20, 2026
Pricing: Final pricing will be between $3,234 for a minimum of 2 people and $2,482 for 6 participants in shared accommodation. We will calculate the final costs once the number of participants is known. Please note, there is an additional single supplement of $325 if you wish to have a single room.
Deposit: A non-refundable deposit of $970 is due upon booking.
Final Balance: Due Thursday, March 12, 2026.
Group Size: A minimum of two participants is required for the trip to operate.
Please see detailed information here.
UPLOADING TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: After completing a booking form and paying your trip deposit, you will receive an email with your WeTravel account information. Please click on the blue "manage your booking" button at the bottom of the email. Then navigate to "complete your info" which is where you can upload the following documents at your earliest convenience.
Passport & Visa:
• Check that your passport is current and valid for at least 6 months beyond your trip departure date, December 17, 2026. If your passport expires before December 17, 2026, you will need to renew your passport. We recommend using A1 Passport & Visa Services. You can email them at [email protected].
• Check that your passport has at least 2 blank pages for the entry and exit stamps, or more. The last two amendment pages are unacceptable for visas and immigration stamps.
• Visa: Citizens from the United States are required to obtain an e-visa to travel to Uganda. Detailed application instructions will be emailed to you in March 2026.
Physician’s Form:
A physician’s approval is required to participate in this trip. Please download the physician’s form here and upload it within 30 days of completing your registration form.
Flights:
Upload your round-trip flight itinerary to your WeTravel account.
Insurance:
Elevate Destinations will purchase emergency evacuation coverage for you. This policy covers emergency evacuations due to medical, political, or natural disasters from June 10 - June 17, 2026. This policy also provides $5,000 of emergency medical coverage. More details about this coverage are noted in this brochure.
This coverage does not include trip cancelation or interruption benefits and also does not cover pre- or post-trip days of travel booked outside of Elevate Destinations. We strongly suggest you purchase additional coverage to cover your non-refundable expenses in the event you need to cancel your trip or have additional expenses incurred on the trip.
Elevate strongly recommends purchasing additional travel and medical insurance and Cancel for Any Reason Coverage (CFAR) to cover trip related expenses. Please note that some CFAR insurance options are time-sensitive. Please be ready to purchase an insurance policy within 14 days of making your first trip payment.
Medical insurance that covers you in Uganda is recommended for this trip. If you would like to purchase additional medical insurance in the country of travel, below are two insurance brokers that Elevate Destinations recommends.
USI Travel Insurance Services
Email: [email protected]
Phone Number: (800) 937-1387
Travel Insurance Center (Dan Drennen)
Email: [email protected]
Phone Number: (402) 343-3621
Elevate Destinations is not equipped to answer specific questions on insurance. Please contact the insurance broker or company for specific information.
Important note: a Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate is required to enter Uganda.
Prior to travel, Elevate Destinations strongly recommends that you look into other recommended immunizations for your time in Uganda. Given that we are not a licensed healthcare provider, we cannot advise travelers on which immunizations they may need. We recommend that all travelers do the following:
Travel Doctor: Consult with a travel clinic or your primary care physician regarding immunizations or other precautions you may need to take in order to participate in this journey. You will need to do this well in advance of your trip as some vaccinations require time to take effect, and you may need to allow time between a series of shots.
Resources for Health Guidance: Please consult with a travel clinic or your personal physician read through the following resources for information on immunizations and other health preparations and individual requirements to travel to Uganda.
CDC Website - US Based
Travel Pro - UK Based
Medical Insurance: Elevate Destinations covers evacuation insurance for this trip. All travelers are recommended to also have health insurance that will cover them while abroad. Check that your health insurance covers you in Uganda.
Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
We recommend that all travelers from the U.S. sign up for the U.S. State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). This is a free service provided by the U.S. Government to U.S. citizens who are traveling to, or living in, a foreign country. STEP allows you to enter information about your upcoming trip abroad so that the Department of State can better assist you in case of an emergency. Enrolling in this program has enormous benefits in case of an emergency while abroad:
You will receive information from the Embassy about safety conditions in your destination.
Enrolling lets the U.S. Embassy in that country know that you are there and helps them contact you in an emergency, whether natural disaster, civil unrest, or family-related.
COMING SOON: A downloadable Country Guide, which will contain comprehensive information about money, local customs, expectations for the trip and travel tips.
COMING SOON: A downloadable Packing List for traveling to Uganda in June.
Elevate Destinations specializes in planning group travel for philanthropic organizations. As international event planners, our team is equipped to handle all of your on-the-ground arrangements, from airport transfers to extra nights in-country to a post-trip excursion.
We welcome any questions you have about how to prepare for your trip, in-country arrangements, and cultural information. For questions about your international flights, including how to purchase tickets, cancellations or delays, lost items, or layover arrangements, please contact your airline or booking agency. For questions about travel insurance, please contact your insurance company.