Uganda is on the equator and thus enjoys mostly sunny days, with some scattered downpours, with temperatures usually in the mid 70s fahrenheit.

To prepare for the weather, bring light-weight clothing that dries quickly and a very light jacket. (In my experience, you will rarely need even the light jacket.)

Uganda has over 40 tribal languages, and the tribal language is most often the first learned in the home.  However, most Ugandans speak more than one language and English is the language that connects them all together.  They learn English in school (and on the city streets).  Most Ugandans you meet will speak English – at least a little.

In the area of the literacy center where we will serve, the local language is luganda, the local language which is most widely spoken in Uganda.  I will teach you the greetings in luganda so you can greet the children in their local language.  They will love it.  But they also will speak English with you and part of our service is to let them practice with us!

Yes, especially in a group and with our guides.  Most Ugandans naturally love Americans and greet us with friendliness.  

As with anywhere, be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings safe, and stay with a group.

Yes and no…

You will find trash on the streets.  Littering is accepted and done frequently by the locals.

Bathrooms range from ones we are familiar with (in the places we will stay) to ones that are more like a hole in a the ground with four walls. These can take some getting used to if you need to go while we are out and about.

BUT the Ugandan people are clean. They keep their shoes surprisingly clean, for example, even with the red dirt they walk on each day.  They hand wash their laundry and get it cleaner than our machines do.  Even when they have dirt floors and yards, they sweep them to keep them dust free.  (Most floors we will visit are tile or stone.)

They always offer soap and water before serving food.  Their hands are washed while preparing food and dishes are washed and scrubbed with soap and water, as are their food preparation bowls and pans.

My suggestion is to appreciate the cultural differences. And also for your own comfort bring: hand sanitizer, tissues (that can also be used as toilet paper in a pinch), your own towel (they never provide enough), and a washcloth for your own use. (A complete recommended packing list will be provided.)

Ugandan meals typically are a starch and a sauce.  The starch base is often rice, and can also be cassava or a plantain-like local food called matoke.  The sauce can be filled with beans, greens, nut sauce, chicken or meat, and even fish.

One thing to look forward to is the Ugandan fruits.  Fresh pineapple, mango, bananas, passionfruit and others are delicious on their own or in juice.

We will be eating a mix of local foods and some more familiar items we will buy at the supermarket.  Breakfast will be filled with things like yogurt, fruit, toast and eggs.  We will also have some bread with peanut butter and honey anytime you wish for a sandwich.

Local street foods that we will enjoy include chapati (a flat bread), rolex (eggs and veggies rolled in a chapati), mandazi (Ugandan donuts), and sambusa (pastry crust filled with lentils or meat), which also make a great lunch or dinner.

In addition, we will have the pleasure of cooking an American meal or two for our Ugandan friends so they can try some of our food too.  We will decide together what this could be in our meetings before we go.

If you have allergies and/or food preferences you need to accommodate, it is possible, but please plan on buying and possibly preparing anything separate.  We are happy to help when we can. Please reach out if you have specific questions and we’ll let you know what we can do.

Uganda is on another continent! Be ready to experience Africa with its vibrant and friendly culture and lifestyle. You’re going to find differences from home, and that’s part of the adventure! You’re also going to discover that people are people wherever you go, and we have more in common than we have differences.

from previous participants:

“Definitely do it! I was a little hesitant at first because of illnesses and all the unknown, but I would definitely go again, so yes yes go!!! It will open your eyes, and help you know what life’s about a little more.”

“It’s so worth it!! You’ll have a better life after u go and the people and things u do will be something you’ll never forget.”

“That they should do it! It’s definitely worth it! One of the best experiences you could ever have”

“i would tell them to go have the time of your life! and do what you said you would do.”

“Do it! With confidence and courage and the ability to adapt. :)”

“Do it and worry about the costs later it will change your life!”

“This was a life changing experience!”

“go it will make you better”

“It’s worth it”

from previous participants:

“I loved being able to experience the actual culture and eat like them and play their games and be hungry with them, I also loved becoming close friends with our drivers and guides. I loved being able to have the spirit with me and trust Gods guidance so much.”

“First the people, then it would be seeing a new culture. It made me grateful for what I got.”

“The people, and the Gayaza experience”

“Meeting all the wonderful people! ❤️”

“for sure the people”

“Serving others“

“the people”

“za people”