Uganda is a country of staggering beauty - a lush green land whose stunning diverse countryside supports incredible wildlife - not only the big five which this part of Africa is so famous for, but half of the world's population of Mountain Gorillas, and Chimpanzees.

Volunteer in Uganda

GAP year in Uganda - Our volunteer projects in Uganda are based around Jinja, a sleepy town on the shores of Lake Victoria, where the great river Nile begins its descent to Egypt.  A lush green area which is off the usual tourist track whose people are known for their warmth and vibrancy, at the heart of the adventure capital of East Africa. Here there are hair-raising adventures at your feet, with opportunities to white water raft the powerful Nile, quad-bike nearby in Bujagali or bungee jump on the ' Nile high'. Whatever your interest, Uganda is a hidden gem which claims the hearts of everyone who goes there.

Uganda Volunteer Projects

The community building and teaching projects in Uganda all focus on improving educational facilities in the rural communities around Jinja. While primary education is now free across East Africa, the Government rarely has funds for infrastructure, and where they do, it is rare that they reach the rural villages. Madventurer focuses on the neediest primary schools in the rural areas surrounding Jinja to bring them up to Government standard. This involves renovating crumbling classrooms, building pit latrines, and installing rain water catchment tanks.

Weekend or Independent Travel

Uganda offers its visitors an array of adventurous outdoor activities.  There are opportunities for climbing and trekking to all levels in the various mountain ranges on each of Uganda’s borders.  There are water sports such as sailing, fishing, canoeing and, for the more adventurous, white-water rafting and kayaking on the River Nile with the chance to take part in kayak lessons run by the local kayak school.  Wildlife and eco-tourism options range from the traditional ‘Big Five’ safari in one of Uganda’s national parks to tracking gorillas on foot through the jungle.  There is a lot for you to explore and do!

Rafting the Nile or Visit Game Parks

Possible trips include a trip up to Sipi Falls on the foot of Mt Elgon where you can do various treks, abseil down the side of the falls, or simply sit and enjoy the view! Other options include a trip to one of Uganda’s national parks – lesser known than those of the famous counterparts in Kenya and Tanzania, but just as beautiful! Queen Elizabeth National Park is on the shores of Lake Edward, Elephant sightings are common, Hippos bask in the water, and Uganda’s beautiful national bird: the Crested Crane is often sighted. If a relaxing break is needed, you could take a trip to one of the Ssesse Islands on Lake Victoria where you can sit back on one of the Jungle clad beaches and enjoy the local fresh water fish, Tilapia. 

Remember entry to Game parks is expensive, as is rafting the Nile, something you’re bound to want to do after living at the source of it!  Please cater for this financially for more information see the Bradt to Uganda.  If you wish to do weekend travel then make sure you give yourself enough time to do this.  We advise on doing 4 or 6 weeks on the Uganda Community Volunteer Project to allow for this.

Most volunteers will use their free weekends for independent travel.  Our Madventurer overseas crew can help you to book weekend trips during your stay.  You may want to wait until you see what other volunteers are doing so there is no need to pre-book activities from the UK.  Chat to your crew when you arrive in country about what you can get involved in.

Combos

If you would like to team up this volunteer project with an overland adventure then why not check out 3 combo ideas mentioned below:

Uganda Volunteer Project 7th July - 27th July for 3 weeks, then the Taste of Africa 24 day adventure on 1st August - 24th August 2012.  This would give you a few days in between each trip to chill out and get from the end point to the starting point of each trip.  We can help you to co-ordinate this don't worry.

3 weeks Uganda Volunteering = £795 + £480 Taste of Africa Adventure = £1275 

(plus local kitty payment of USD$590)

Uganda Volunteer Project 7th July - 27th July for 3 weeks, then The Rivers of Africa 43 day adventure on 1st August - 12th September 2012.  This would give you a few days in between each trip to chill out and get from the end point to the starting point of each trip which we can help to co-ordinate.

3 weeks Uganda Volunteering = £795 + £680 Rivers of Africa Adventure = £1475

(plus local kitty payment of USD$845)

Uganda Volunteer Project 7th July - 27th July for 3 weeks, then The Wildlife Journey 65 day adventure on 1st August - 4th October 2012.  This would give you a few days in between each trip to chill out and get from the end point to the starting point of each trip.  We can help co-ordinate this don't worry.

3 weeks Uganda Volunteering = £795 + £1000 Wildlife Journey = £1795

(plus local kitty payment of USD$1060)

(As with all of our trips you will need to budget seperately for flights, travel insurance, innoculations, visas, pre or post trip accommodation, airport transfers and spending money).

Contact Details

If you have any questions then just get in touch for more details on team@madventurer.com or call 0845 121 1996, or request a call back to save some money on your phone bill.

Mad Tribe Blog in Uganda

For photos and blogs from previous travellers check out the link below for the Mad Tribe Blog for Uganda...

Uganda - http://www.madtribe.com/madhq/albums/mad-uganda