Join us for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to connect with local and global conservationists, activists and community systems thinkers in soulful Uganda.
Explore once-in-a-lifetime connections and conversations with a curated cohort of purpose-driven humans. Engage in exclusive workshops, talks and meetings with some of the leading local and global conservationists, activists and community systems thinkers.
With natural riches and over fifty tribes flourishing within a 241,037 sq km land, Uganda embodies a harmonious balance between humanity and nature— thriving side by side.
This Impact Safari is for those who are seeking to re-think the systems they are living in and contributing to, their position in deep time and embracing polarising ways of being. To be in service of a thriving planet, mobilising towards the next economy.
Impact Safari Uganda is designed for a diverse cohort of humans all activating their communities in service to a thriving planet. This may look like b-corp employees/ers, business leaders, impact pioneers, activists, policy makers and capital holders.
If you want to explore your place in deep time, insight into community driven innovation and our inherent connection to nature. This journey is for you.
By application only, with limited capacity.
Our Impact Safaris are expertly curated to guide you through engaging head, heart and hands toward the self inquiry essential to mobilise toward a hopeful future. We believe our inner worlds deeply effect our influence on the earth and the communities surrounding us, therefore its necessary when diving into BIG work to create expansive containers to relate to and question the world around us.
You can expect to be in circle conversations, seminar workshops, solo reflection, partner sharing and somatic experiences.
This 10-day Impact Safari costs $12,395 AUD including GST.
This is an all-inclusive cost for the duration of the program, including accomodation, in-country travel, meals, Gorilla Trek and National Park Permits. This cost is exclusive of return flights from your origin to Uganda. You must obtain your own Visa's and Personal Travel insurance.
The program begins in Kigali, Rwanda and ends in Entebbe, Uganda.
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Arrive in Kigali, Rwanda where our journey into Uganda begins. Meet and share intentions with your cohort of adventure-minded peers over long lunch.
Today we cross the Rwandan border into Uganda. Surrounded by towering extinct volcanoes and crater lakes, we will make our way to Kisoro. Tonight, we will stay at Travellers Rest Guest House, made famous by eminent primatologist, Dian Fossey who based herself at Travellers Rest while undertaking her gorilla research in DR Congo.
Climb the hills above Kisoro, for uninterrupted views of the stunning volcanoes that surround the town - Mt Amahoro, Mt Gahinga and Mt Sabinyo, down to lake Muntanda where you'll row traditional hollowed tree trunk boats. Lake Mutanda sits at an elevation of approximately 1,800 meters above sea level and covers an area of about 29 square kilometers, dotted with at least 15 islands, the largest being Mutanda Island, which is inhabited by the Abagesera Clan. In the afternoon we will make our way to Mabungo Village, nestled into the foothills of magnificent Mt Muhavura, on the outskirts of Kisoro. We will spend the time with the village to experience daily life – music, dancing and food.
Rise early and make your way to the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest headquarters where you’ll be briefed by the Uganda Wildlife Authorities. The trek can be strenuous, wet and uncomfortable at times but the incredible biodiversity of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and the chance to see rare mountain gorillas makes it worthwhile.We will invest in the help of local porters who can carry your pack and provide expert, local one-on-one assistance along the trek. Not only does it make for a more comfortable trek, but it also provides valuable employment opportunities to locals. When you encounter a group of gorillas, you’ll be able to stay with them for one hour – watch them swing from trees, groom each other and play, all under the watchful eye of a giant silverback. Before returning to Travellers Rest to debrief.
Surrounded by towering extinct volcanoes and crater lakes, we will make our way to Enganzi Lodge, through the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Ishasha is famous for its tree climbing lions who perch themselves in the huge fig trees in order to keep a look out for prey or to enjoy the cool breezes on a hot summer day.
The Kalinzu forest, which borders Queen Elizabeth National Park, is home to several families of Chimpanzees. This will be one of the highlights of your Ugandan journey. Once you witness these amazing primates you will understand what inspired Dr Jane Goodall to dedicate her entire life to fighting for their survival.
Today we are back into game driving through Queen Elizabeth National Park. The second largest park in Uganda and is home to a diverse array of wildlife including lion, leopard, elephant and various bird species. We will head into the park for lunch and a cruise on the Kazinga Channel which runs between Lake George and Lake Edward. We will stay overnight at our lodge overlooking the beautiful expanses of the park. Enjoy sundowners and conversation in the warm night air.
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Through the National Park we will travel to Entebbe, a town located on the northern shores of Lake Victoria in central Uganda, situated on a peninsula in Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest lake. Entebbe is a gateway to Uganda’s natural wonders, blending a tranquil lakeside lifestyle with remnants of colonial architecture and a slower, more laid-back pace than the bustling capital.
Rise early for morning meditation. After breakfast we make our way to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, a haven for orphaned Eastern Chimps. Here we will meet Dr. Jane Goodall in her absolute element. Share a meal, ask questions and deepen your understanding of this one incredible humans commitment to this planets wild flourishing, Followed by the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre, to understand the effect of education in conservation - education and experience as a vehicle for sustainable change.
Wake slowly in Entebbe, enjoy breakfast and get comfortable for our closing circle, where we will share learnings, reflections of our deep journey together. Weaving wisdom into action.
Brooke Squires has worked in zoos, national parks and conservation areas around the world for more than 25 years. Her enduring love for the wildlife and people of Africa began as a child when her family was stationed in South Africa. During her 23 years working at Zoos Victoria in Australia, Brooke cared for African wildlife as a keeper then moved to work in the Wildlife Science and Conservation team, developing and implementing community conservation programs in Kenya and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Brooke has worked in partnership with the Jane Goodall Institute, the Northern Rangelands Trust, and various community tourism projects, which has fuelled her passion to ensure that tourism benefits local people and actively conserves the precious wildlife of Africa.
“All the work I have been involved in throughout Africa has convinced me that the most sustainable way to save wildlife and support communities is through linked livelihoods such as community-based ecotourism. I love RAW Africa, I love our programs, our staff, our amazing communities, our unforgettable wildlife and the incredible friendships we make with people who see Africa through our eyes and come on journeys with us. That’s what we do, that’s what makes us RAW.”
Brooke holds a BSc in Zoology and a Masters in International Community Development.
Tamsin is the Head of Programs and the Mastery of Business and Empathy at Small Giants Academy. She brings several decades of leadership experience and systems change in Europe, Australia and Africa. Tamsin believes the best way to predict the future is to create it, change moves at the speed of trust and the superpower of leadership today is our ability to listen. After working as a policy advisor to the Premier of South Australia over two successful campaigns, Tamsin went on to ignite and co-create a string of initiatives including co-founding: Workshop17 inclusive innovation hub in Cape Town; TheBoardroom Africa to bring board gender balance; and The Rallying Cry to shift investment at the intersection of gender and nature for climate outcomes. She is a strategic advisor to CEOs on feminine leadership, gender lens investing and embodiment and holds an MBA from the University of Oxford as a scholar of the Skoll Centre for Social Entrepreneurship.
Benson was part of the team that habituated the first Gorilla group in Uganda and is a Great Ape expert and one of RAW Africa Eco-Tours’ most experienced leaders.“Western Uganda is so rich in flora and fauna, especially the mountain gorillas, the scenery of the highlands will leave a smile on your face that will last a lifetime.”
Olivia is a producer for our Climate Leadership Accelerator: Into the Arena. She is a systems-thinker and storyteller, who sees this global hour of turbulence as an invitation to participate more fully in our personal and collective unfolding.
Away from the Small Giants Academy, Olivia is a joyful student of the Diamond Approach, a conscious dance facilitator and a gardener.
She has a MSc in Development Studies from the University of Melbourne and a BA in Anthropology and Religious Studies from the University College Utrecht in the Netherlands.
This is an all-inclusive cost for the duration of the program, including accomodation, in-country travel, meals, Gorilla Trek and National Park Permits. This cost is exclusive of return flights from your origin to Uganda. You must obtain your own Visa's and Personal Travel insurance.
Impact Safari is an initiative of Small Giants Academy, which is a registered not-for-profit charity. Our cancellation policy is intended to provide you with maximum flexibility while ensuring our team can make preparations to deliver the safari.
Please notify us of a cancellation by email so we can provide you with a refund minus the following cancellation fees:
Up to 12 weeks prior to the trip: Deposits and any balance received are refundable minus AUD$1200 cancellation fee
Within 12 weeks of the trip (unless an approved replacement is provided:) All funds received are non-refundable and can not be used as a credit.
Smart move. To secure your place or ask any questions, please email Impact Safari Producer, Anna here:
Small Giants is located on the traditional lands of the Boon Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.
With thanks to our partners
