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Netherlands · Uganda · Serah Project

Your Uganda journey starts in the Netherlands — and continues in the forest.

Q: How is Mwanzo different from large Dutch safari agencies?

Mwanzo offers four curated flagship experiences tailored to solo travelers, couples, and groups — plus a visitable Serah Project partnership, transparent pricing, and direct access to Anthony and Hanna Lukács — not a multi-destination catalogue.

You don't need a massive tour catalogue or a faceless booking engine. Mwanzo Tours offers intimate, community-rooted Uganda safari tours for conscious Dutch travelers — gorilla trekking, wildlife, culture, and real human connection. 100% locally operated. European planning support through Hanna Lukács.

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Solo, couples & groups welcome Gorilla permit secured on booking Every booking supports Serah Project

Why Uganda

Why more Netherlands travelers are choosing Uganda over Rwanda

Uganda offers the same extraordinary mountain gorilla encounter — often at half the permit cost. A standard gorilla trekking permit is $800 in peak season (April, May and November: $600). Rwanda's permit is $1,500. For a couple flying from Amsterdam, that difference alone can fund several nights in a beautiful lodge — or extend your trip to chimps, Murchison Falls, and Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Uganda is one of the few places where a single trip combines gorillas, chimpanzees, the Big Five, the Nile, and genuine community encounters. It is not the easiest "weekend safari." It is the richer one.

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest
Game drives & tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth
Murchison Falls & Nile boat cruises
Community visits that support local families — not staged performances

Uganda vs Rwanda comparison →

A different kind of safari

Curated journeys — not another catalogue of fifty trips

The Netherlands has excellent established safari agencies with decades of experience, award-winning reputations, and deep destination catalogues across East and Southern Africa. If you want a standard group departure to Tanzania or a brochure with thirty identical packages, those operators serve that well.

Mwanzo is built for a different traveler: someone who wants Uganda specifically, intimate curated travel, a named impact story, and a direct relationship with the people running the trip — not a call centre.

Large catalogue operators

Multi-country safari catalogues
Prices often hidden until quote stage
Generic sustainability messaging
Group sizes up to 12+
Strong on trust marks & awards

            Mwanzo Tours
            Uganda-first · 4 curated flagships
Transparent indicative pricing
Visit Serah Project — see your impact
Women's Journeys flagship
Anthony on ground · Hanna Lukács in Europe

          

What you get either way

Gorilla permit booking support
Experienced driver-guides
Pre-departure planning advice
4×4 transport & park fees
Memories that last a lifetime

Why Mwanzo

Most operators have logistics. Very few have soul.

If you have searched "Uganda safari" from the Netherlands, you have seen the same templates: endless trip lists, orange buttons, and paragraphs stuffed with keywords. Mwanzo is different.

We are a locally owned Ugandan operator. Anthony knows every road, lodge, guide, and community personally. Hanna Lukács, our co-founder in Europe, helps Dutch travelers plan with clarity, trust, and fast communication — so you are never guessing who you are booking with.

Every safari supports the Serah Project — meals, education, and safe care for vulnerable children in Uganda. Your trip does not end when you fly home from Schiphol.

Anthony Co-founder · Uganda operations · guides, logistics, safety

Hanna Lukács Co-founder · Europe & strategy · planning, trust, conscious travel

Read our story → · See Serah Project impact →

Curated journeys

Four signature experiences — depth, not checklists

We tailor every journey to you — solo, as a couple, or in a group. Choose a curated experience or ask us to tailor one around your dates.

Signature · 10–12 days

The Uganda Awakening

From ~€3,800

Our definitive journey — gorillas, Nile, Sipi, community, conservation.

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Women's journeys

Women's Journeys

Dedicated departures · female guides

Adventure with space for reflection — nature, photography, wellness.

View experience →

B2B · Custom

Leadership & Impact Retreats

Founders & organisations

Regenerative leadership meets East Africa.

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University

Student & University Programs

ESG field immersion

Learning inside communities where conservation is lived.

View experience →

Also available: 3-day gorilla express · 8-day gorillas, chimps & Big Five · custom private itineraries on request.

Practical info

Everything you need to plan from the Netherlands

Flights

Most Dutch travelers fly Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) → Entebbe (EBB) via Nairobi, Addis Ababa, Doha, or Istanbul. Typical journey: 12–16 hours including one stop. Book 4–6 months ahead for peak season (June–September, December–February).

We can advise on routing — enquire before you book flights.

Visa

Dutch passport holders need a Uganda tourist e-visa. Apply online via the official Uganda e-visa portal before travel. Allow at least 2 weeks processing time.

Best time to travel

Season	Months	Notes
Dry / peak	Jun–Sep, Dec–Feb	Best trail conditions; book permits 3–6 months ahead
Value season	Apr, May, Nov	Lower permit ($600) and fewer crowds; trails can be muddy

Gorillas are present year-round. Best time guide →

What it costs (indicative, per person, excl. flights)

Trip type	All-in estimate	Includes
3-day gorilla express	€1,400 – €2,000	Permit, lodge, transport, guide
8-day gorillas, chimps & wildlife	€3,200 – €4,500	Permits, parks, lodges, meals
10–12 day Uganda Awakening	€3,800 – €5,500+	Full circuit, mid–upper lodges

Add €600–€1,200 return flights from Amsterdam. Permit only: $800 peak / $600 low season. Gorilla habituation: $1,500. We handle gorilla permit booking on your behalf — permit guaranteed when you book with us.

How it works

Simple, personal — no call centre

Tell us who you are

Dates, group size, interests, budget range — via form or WhatsApp.

We design your journey

Usually within 1–2 business days. Hanna Lukács supports planning from Europe.

Clear quote in EUR

What's included, permit status, lodge level — no hidden surprises.

Confirm & we handle the rest

Permits, lodges, guides, airport transfer.

Arrive in Uganda

Anthony's team meets you on the ground.

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FAQ

Questions from Netherlands travelers

Do I need to book gorilla permits myself?

No. We secure permits through the Uganda Wildlife Authority as part of your package. Peak season permits sell out 3–6 months ahead — contact us early. When you book with Mwanzo, your permit is guaranteed.

How is Mwanzo different from large Dutch safari agencies?

Established Dutch operators excel at multi-destination catalogues, group departures, and industry trust marks. Mwanzo is Uganda-first: four curated experiences, tailored to solo travelers and couples, transparent indicative pricing, a visitable Serah Project partnership, and direct access to Anthony (Uganda) and Hanna Lukács (Europe). We are for travelers who want depth over volume.

Is Uganda safe for solo travelers and women?

Yes, with a reputable local operator. Our guides know every route and lodge. Women's Journeys departures are designed specifically for female travelers seeking a supported, meaningful experience.

Can I pay in euros?

Yes. Quotes are prepared in EUR for Dutch travelers. Payment details confirmed at booking.

What is the Serah Project?

A registered community organisation in Uganda caring for vulnerable children — education, meals, shelter, and family reunification. A portion of every Mwanzo journey supports this work. You can visit during your trip. €1/day can sustain a child beyond your trip. Learn more →

Uganda or Rwanda for gorillas?

Rwanda suits travelers wanting ultra-luxury lodges and a 2–3 hour drive from Kigali. Uganda suits travelers who want more wildlife variety, lower permit cost, and a deeper, longer journey. Most of our Dutch guests choose Uganda — and often say they want to return. Full comparison →

Ready to begin?

Tell us who you are and what you are seeking — from Amsterdam to Bwindi, we will help shape a journey that stays with you.

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