Overview
For a country the size of the United Kingdom, it is surprisingly diverse; you'll find vast, arid savannahs in the north, to the cooler snow-capped mountains of the south-west. Uganda offers an immense range of experiences from White Water Rafting the River Nile to relaxing on the sandy shores of Lake Victoria, the third largest fresh-water lake in the world.
The people of Uganda are just as diverse as their wonderful nation, with 11 ethnic groups speaking over 40 different dialects. Riddled with guerrilla warfare, human rights violations, corruption and inflation since its independance in 1962 its not always been easy. But what they do all have in common is a passion for socialisation, community and happiness!
Back to topHighlights
- You'll be immersed in the community and the culture, involved day to day in the development of the Nursing School's operations
- You'll learn first hand of the struggles of rural Uganda, its education system, medical provisions and day-today living
- You'll be in a team with other driven professionals; plenty of opportunities to learn, reflect and network
- You'll have the opportunity to spend down-time exploring Uganda's many highlights: trekking to Sipi Falls, zip-lining in the rainforest, White Water Rafting the Nile or extend your stay and see the Gorillas on the Rwandan boarder.
Key Information
- Accommodation within the community (guesthouse/hotel)
- Some long journeys on rough roads and early starts
- Mixture of hard work, learning, guided reflection and active relaxation.
What's included
- 10 Nights accommodation
- 9 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches and 11 Dinners
- All overland transport and listed activities
- Tour leader throughout
- Mental Health first aid training
- Secure storage of belongings during middle weekend (to allow for further group travel)
Not included
- International flight
- Visa or vaccinations
- Travel insurance
- Personal spending money
- Accommodation and meals for middle weekend
Itinerary
Day 1
Depart London
Day 2
Arrive at Entebbe, Uganda's International Airport, about an hour south of Kampala. You'll be met at the airport, have the opportunity to change currency and travel with the team to Kumi Town, before a relaxed evening acclimatising and getting to know everyone.
Day 3-7
You'll spend the week with the team, getting to know the hospital team and emmersing yourself in the community. Tasks this will require leadership and followership skills and basic project management.
Day 8-9
You'll have the weekend free to explore Uganda's highlights: we highly recommend the challenging 2-day village trek (approx 12km per day) to Sipi Falls, organised by 'Rose'. In the foothills of Mt. Elgon, the 95m waterfall is certainly impressive, but so too are the surrounding villages and views and it's well worth spending a day or two. This trek will see you navigate local village trails, soothe your feet in the cool water at the base of a falls before camping overnight in the beautiful natural surroundings, then rise early to complete your trek, enjoying a beer at the magnificent Sipi Falls.
Day 10-11
You'll undertake Mental Health first aid training with the team, in a safe and emotionally intelligent environment. You'll then use your newfound skills to discuss some of the pertinent and relevant issues with the medical professionals at the hospital to help you consolidate the key information.
Day 12-14
You’ll continue the excellent work you started last week within the community, having a few days to wrap up and set the direction and the next steps for the local team to continue with after your trip.
Day 15
Option 1: Return to Kampala to get your flight home
Option 2: Depart the journey at Jinja.
Located on the shores of Lake Victoria, Jinja is the adventure capital of Uganda and the source of the River Nile. The area is most famous for its white-water rafting excursions, but there are plenty of other adrenaline fuelled activities here.
Option 3: Extend your trip to see the Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
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