Featured image: On this trip, meet Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka / Photo by UNEP – Kibuuka Mukisa

November 2026 trip features Uganda’s famed mountain gorilla veterinarian

Due to very high response, MoonLion Safaris has created a second Mountain Gorilla conservation safari to Uganda with  Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka, founder of the award-winning Conservation Through Public Health, in partnership with JourneyWoman. In May 2025, Dr. Kalema-Zikusoma received the Lifetime Achievement Award presented by JourneyWoman at Wanderful’s Bessie Awards. She’s also the author of “Walking with Gorillas”, available here.

This trip is curated by JourneyWoman Women’s Travel Directory partner Rupi Mangat of MoonLion Safaris. Rupi is a third-generation local and leading Kenyan travel writer who focuses on women in conservation in her JourneyWoman articles.  This trip will be led by guide Lilian Kamusiime, an acclaimed Ugandan birder and naturalist whose home borders include Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

As a specially curated trip for JourneyWoman readers, there will also be at least two pre-trip Zoom calls prior to the trip, as well as a private Facebook group and WhatsApp group, so that you’ll meet other JourneyWomen travellers.

Trip details

Date: November 1-9, 2026 (9 days/8 nights) 

Starts and Ends in:  Entebbe, Uganda

Arrival/ Departure: Fly into Entembe Airport. Check Skyscanner for rates and options.

Cost: 

• Trip cost for 9 days/8 nights: Private room: US$8962 / Shared room: US$8230. This includes your money raised to support these conservation projects. Pricing may vary slightly depending on currency rates.

• Payment: 30% deposit due upon confirmation via credit card; Final payment due July 1, 2026

• The trip size is limited to 12 women; 6 are required to make this trip happen; do not book any travel until the trip is confirmed  
• This trip is operated and booked by MoonLion Safaris, which has previously operated two successful JourneyWoman trips in 2024 and 2025. JourneyWoman does not operate or organize trips but we do partner with vetted companies in our Women’s Travel Directory to offer our readers unique experiences that support women-owned businesses. 

Highlights: 

• Luxury Safari in three diverse wildlife areas
• Seeing Africa’s big game including the gorillas and chimpanzees in the wild
• Trek for the Mountain gorilla with Dr Gladys Kalema Zikusoka, Uganda’s first wildlife vet
• And founder of Conservation Through Public Health
• Visit an African village by the edge of the forest of the gorillas
• Stay in unique wildlife lodges, one by the Nile
• See ‘only found in Uganda’ wildlife
• Stay in a luxury hotel on the shores of the world’s 2nd largest freshwater lake that is the source of the Nile
• Sail the Nile to the most powerful waterfall in the world
• Be awed by the Mountains of the Moon
• Toast to Africa every evening
• Indulge in mouth-watering international and Uganda’s cuisine

What’s included in this 9-day trip

• 1 night accommodation at Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort & Spa on bed & breakfast basis and arrival airport transfer
• 2 nights accommodation at Paraa Safari Lodge, Murchison Falls National Park on full board basis
• 2 nights at Mweya Safari Lodge, Queen Elizabeth National Park on full board basis
• 3 nights accommodation at Mahogany Springs Lodge, Bwindi on full board basis
• Murchison Falls: 2 game drives, An excursion to the top of the falls, A boat cruise to the base of the falls
• QE National Park: 2 game drives, A boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel
• Bwindi: 1 gorilla tracking permit per person in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
• Air tickets Entebbe-Pakuba (Murchison Falls)-Mweya (QE National Park)-Kihihi-Entebbe
• Ground transportation and airstrip transfers
• National park entrance fees
• Flying Doctor emergency evacuation
• All statutory taxes
• Fundraising for our chosen beneficiary non-profit, Conservation Through Public Health (CTPH)

Not included:

• Beverages, incidentals, gratuities and items of a personal nature
• Additional meals in Entebbe
• Optional porter, should you require a porter during the trek (payable direct)
• Any optional extra activities not indicated above

Cost and how to book

• Complete our interest form to connect with Moonlion owner and planner Rupi Mangat

• The trip size is limited to 12 women; 6 are required to make this trip happen; do not book any travel until the trip is confirmed  

• Trip cost for 9 days/8 nights: Private room: US$8962 / Shared room: US$8230. This includes your money raised to support these conservation projects. Pricing may vary slightly depending on currency rates.

• Payment: 30% deposit due upon confirmation via credit card; Final payment due July 1, 2026

• Please do not book flights until the trip is confirmed. We will host a Zoom call to discuss logistics and details once guests are confirmed. 
• **Please note that this itinerary and pricing may be subject to slight changes, and the expedition host will keep you informed of any updates. Terms and conditions apply, based on availability. Some activities may be weather-dependent, and while we will do our best to include them all in the itinerary, flexibility may be required. In certain areas, Wi-Fi signal may be minimal or unavailable (offering a great opportunity for a digital detox). Regarding conservation work, the safety of the animals is always our top priority, and we will do our best to participate where and when possible, guided by expert conservationists to ensure we are contributing in the most responsible and meaningful way.

Remember to purchase travel insurance. Check insurance rates here.

Inspiring Stories About Women in Africa from Rupi Mangat