Discover the magic of East Africa, a destination that promises a truly unforgettable experience. Escape the typical tourist paths and immerse yourself in the serene beauty and rich culture of these enchanting countries. Rwanda & Uganda both offer opportunities to engage deeply with the continent’s essence, away from the usual hustle of popular destinations and to learn skills to enhance your practice and personal life.
While we offer CE’s for Mental Health Professionals, Non-Mental Health Professionals are not only welcomed, but encouraged to join us to learn, grow, give back.
If you seek genuine, immersive experiences that go beyond conventional travel, this adventure is designed for you. Embrace a journey that connects you intimately with nature and local cultures, offering profound, life-changing moments. Say goodbye to crowded tourist spots and hello to an adventure that will touch your soul in ways you’ve never imagined.
Rwanda/Uganda January 14-24, 2027
Itinerary coming soon:
We will start with 2 days/1 night in Kigali, Rwanda before driving to the Uganda border and crossing. We will spend the remainder of our time making our way from SW to the NE region of Uganda.
Guests will arrive by the 13th. Guests are responsible for their own food & lodging prior to the 14th. Lodging and 3 meals are provided starting on the 14th an up to and including the night of the 24th. Last meal is breakfast o the 24th.
2027 has a few more days added to allow for 2 days in Rwanda and some more down time in between some of the longer driving days.
Guided tours & cultural experiences
CE Trainings for professional and personal development.
Expert guides & trip support
Flights
Passport, visa, and vaccines
Travel insurance
Optional excursions
Alcohol & personal expenses
Tips & gratuities
Deposit is non-refundable
90+ days out: refund minus deposit & permit fees (approx $1500)
60–89 days: 50% refund plus permit fees.
<60 days: no refund
Travel insurance highly recommended
Visa-you will need an East African Tourist Visa, go to www.irembo and apply there. Make a copy of your receipt. Visa will be given upon arrival. This visa will allow you entry into Rwanda and Uganda.
Vaccines & Medications-Please consult with your Primary Care Provider (PCP) about what vaccines you may need or need updates on. Please consult with your PCP about medication for Malaria. Please bring any medications you may need for the trip.
What to Bring-You will get a packing list 6-8 weeks prior to the trip with recommended items to bring including clothing, shoes, etc.
Money-You can change money at the airport upon arrival in Rwanda. You will be in Rwanda only a few days so keep that in mind when exchanging money. In Uganda, you can withdraw money at an ATM when we cross the border and go into Kisoro. *Please Note: Exchanging US dollars for Ugandan Shilings is tricky. Often the US dollars are not accepted if there is a tear, they look old or have markings on them. $1 & $5 bills are not even accepted. The best bet is to withdraw money from an ATM. Please let your financial institution know you will be overseas to ensure your credit cards and debit cards will work.
Climate-in Rwanda and Kisoro, Uganda (the border town of Rwanda), it can get cool at night time. As we head North and North East into Uganda, we will be in Sub-Tropical regions. Days can be hot.
Food-Uganda has a wonderful and delicious array of fresh food and fruits. Vegetarian diets are accommodated for. Most food is wheat free with the exception of chapati, a staple. Rice, green bananas and potatoes are other staples, along with beans, ground nut, pumpkin, spinach and other vegetables. There will be animal protein options at each meal.
*Please bring any snacks, protein bars, etc, that you may want to have for your treks or in the vehicle.
Water-You will have bottled water provided in the Landcruisers for drinking. At your accommodations, you will have bottled water to brush your teeth. It is not recommended to drink the local water.
Laundry-You can opt to do your own or have the hotel wash when we have a two night stay.
Staying Connected-Internet and Cellular can be spotty at best in some locations. Check with your carrier for coverage prior to departure. There should be internet at most hotels but in some cases only in the restaurant or lobby. This is a developing nation so please take that into consideration. There is so much to see on our drives and activities that having less phone time will be a healthy break.
When to Arrive-You must arrive in Kigali, Rwanda the day prior to ensure you meet the group for Day 1 activities on the 14th. You are welcome to come earlier. Hotel accommodations are at your own cost prior to the 14th.
Alice is a Ugandan born Social Worker and Counselor with 10 years of experience in diverse roles. Alice is passionate about her calling in Social Work and Social Development. Alice is currently sharing her skills supporting those living with HIV/AIDS in some of the most socioeconomically disadvantaged communities in Kampala. Alice is fluent in English, Luganda, Lusoga, Kiswahili, Ateso and Akarimojong languages, which allows her to serve a wide and diverse group of people in Uganda.
Alfred Kanbango Baker, aka Alfie, has close to 30 years as Safari Tour owner, Guide & Operator.
Alfie has mad knowledge about East Africa and a passion for sharing his home with those who visit.
Fun Fact: Anjahni and Alfie met in 2006, when she hired his company to take her to see the Mountain Gorillas in the Congo. They have been close friends and now business partners for all these many years.
Moses has close to two decades of experience as a Safari Guide and Driver in East Africa. Moses brings with him a deep knowledge of the culture, natural world and history of his native Uganda.
Moses has a natural way of connecting with guests and a passion in sharing the wonders of his homeland. His calm and steady presence will support you in having a deep and meaningful experience in East Africa.
Anjahni Davi, MA, LMFT, CHT, Founder of Deeper Diving Retreats, Summits & Adventures, LLC, has provided mental health services in both public community settings and in private practice for over thirty five years.
Anjahni is a retreat and conference host, consultant, and educator. Anjahni sits on the Board of the Redemption Center, a re-entry program in Queens, NY. Anjahni is an avid traveler. She follows her heart to far-flung places, usually with teens, and is excited to show you the world, while supporting growth and both professional and personal development.
Emmanuel, aka Ema, has been connecting travelers to the countries of Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania for 30 years.
As a Safari Guide and Driver, he makes sure that his guests have experiences that both bring joy and meaning and alot of laughter. With his wealth of knowledge about his homeland, as well of the continent as a whole, you will leave having learned so much valuable information and with a deep connection the places and people you experience.
We will explore how culture shows up in the therapy room for both clients and clinicians. We will explore our own unconscious bias, investigate ways to increase awareness of our own culture and other cultures, and discuss how to learn about unfamiliar cultures. We will learn through lecture, interactive exercises and hands on exercises; providing a safe place for us to get real about how we hold our own culture and others.
Why self-care is a requirement for all mental health professionals. We will explore through lecture, interactive exercises and hands on experiences the importance of self-care for clinicians. It is imperative that we show up our best selfs, fully present, able to deal with counter-transference, avoid burnout and the complexities that is being a Mental Health Professional. We will define what burnout and compassion fatigue are and how to identify when they start to arise and ways to prevent burnout with self-care.
This presentation will explore the mental health and healthcare situation in Uganda, the value of attending to social and cultural factors relevant to common mental health problems, and subsequent help-seeking behaviors in Uganda. Participants will gain a better understanding of mental health in the Ugandan cultural belief systems. Specific attention will be paid to the Teso Sub-region in Eastern Uganda, and the Acholi Sub-region in Northern Uganda, focusing at the social and cultural beliefs and norms surrounding mental health. This presentation will discuss culture and belief as contributors to mental health and potential implications for seeking treatment among this population.
