Journey with Purpose
This thoughtfully designed journey to Uganda and Rwanda weaves together deep human connection, Jewish life, and — for those who choose — one of the world’s most extraordinary wildlife experiences.
The heart of the journey unfolds in Uganda, where travelers move beyond observation into relationship. Time is spent in schools, homes, and community-run businesses, meeting the students, women entrepreneurs, and families whose lives are being shaped through education and economic opportunity. Celebrating Shabbat with the Abayudaya community offers a rare and deeply meaningful experience of faith and belonging.
The journey then continues to Rwanda, beginning with time in Kigali to explore daily life, markets, Rwandan’s history and the city’s contemporary culture. For those who opt in, the experience culminates with a luxury extension to the Virunga Mountains, home to mountain gorillas and golden monkeys — an unforgettable encounter in one of Africa’s most breathtaking landscapes.
Designed for travelers who value meaningful connection alongside comfort, this journey offers impact, culture, and beauty — thoughtfully balanced and expertly guided.
Highlights
- Visit Global Village Connect’s community partners
- Buyanga Primary School We will have an opportunity to visit students in their homes and in their community.
- Enjoy a musical Shabbat with the Abayudaya community, African style.
- White Water Rafting or a peaceful boat ride on the Nile River
- Visits to Kimironko Market
- Gorilla Trekking in Kigali
- Golden Monkey Trek
- Volcanoes National Park
- Hike Sipi Falls
- Visit Kigali Genocide Memorial
Itinerary: 10 days
+ 4 day Add-ons
Nov 8-17
Day 1-2: Depart U.S. > Arrival in Entebbe
Depart the U.S. on an overnight international flight to East Africa, beginning a journey grounded in curiosity, humility, and connection
Arrive in Uganda, often called The Pearl of Africa. After meeting your local team, transfer to your hotel for a good night’s sleep for the start of your journey.
Day 3: Drive to Jinja
Travel east toward Jinja, following the Nile through lush countryside. Visit the legendary Source of the Nile and choose between a peaceful boat ride or an exhilarating white-water rafting experience before relaxing riverside.
Day 4: Jinja → Buyanga → Mbale
Visit Buyanga Primary School, where students and teachers welcome you with warmth and pride. Spend time with scholarship families and see firsthand how education transforms lives. Continue onward to Mbale at the foothills of Mount Elgon.
Day 5: Women’s Empowerment & Entrepreneurship
Go to the local market to help shop for Shabbat meal. Then, meet women entrepreneurs who have launched businesses through Global Village Connect’s training programs. From a community chicken farm to a women-owned salon, these visits highlight dignity through opportunity. Participate in a hands-on activity such as making mandazi or traditional bricks.
Day 6: Shabbat Meal Prep & Abayudaya School Visit
In the morning, help prepare the meal for Shabbat alongside the Abayudaya community, visit nearby Hadassah Primary School and Semi Kakungulu High School, meeting students and educators. Dinner and Shabbat at the Stern Synagogue.
Day 7: Shabbat with Community or Sipi Falls Hike
Observe Shabbat in Mbale with another Abayudaya community and synagogue. Share lunch with the community following services, then conclude the day with a Havdalah under the African stars. Option 2 for those not interested in services will be to hike the beautiful Sipi Falls.
Day 8: Mbale → Entebbe / Kampala
Travel back toward Entebbe, stopping to visit the Mukono Synagogue and community leader Sarah Nakintu. In the evening, enjoy a vibrant cultural dinner and performance at the Ndere Cultural Centre.
Day 9: Depart Uganda, Flight to Kigali or return to US
Depart Uganda and fly to Kigali, Rwanda’s dynamic capital. This transition marks a shift from immersion and impact to reflection and perspective.
Day 10: Kigali: Markets & Modern Rwanda
Explore Kigali through visits to Kimironko Market and a guided city tour focused on reconciliation, infrastructure, and entrepreneurship. Visit Nyamirambo Women’s Centre and experience a cooking class with local Rwandan dishes or learn how to make local handcrafts.
Day 11: Kigali Genocide Memorial & Departure or continue to Volcanoes National Park
Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a powerful and essential experience honoring the past while illuminating Rwanda’s path forward. Travelers on this extension depart for home following the visit.
If you continue on the optional excursion. After the Genocide Memorial, continue north to Volcanoes National Park. Arrive at your lodge nestled in the Virunga Mountains.
Day 12: Kigali → Mountain Gorilla Trek
Set out early for a guided mountain gorilla trek, one of the most extraordinary wildlife encounters in the world. Return to the lodge for lunch and rest.
Day 13: Golden Monkey Trek → Return to Kigali
Enjoy a Golden Monkey trek through bamboo forests before returning to Kigali for evening departure.
Day 14: Arrive home
Arrive home
I fallen so in love with this country and all the people we’ve encountered. I am so grateful to you for showing this amazing place to us and organizing everything so well,
My favorite part of the trip was the village and developing a close relationship with the kids. Their love and hope is so inspiring.
Thank you again for taking care of us!
-Hannah Worrell
Contact us for more information about our summer trip or to learn more about opportunities for your group!
