How much can I expect airfare to cost?
Is it safe?
What shots will I need?
Will I need a visa?
How many people will be on the trip?
How much of the trip cost counts as a donation to BeadforLife?
Can I bring my children?
Will everything go exactly as planned?
What will the weather be like?
What should I bring?
What language is spoken in Uganda?
What types of accommodations will we be staying in?
What is included in the cost of the trip?
Can we bring gifts to the village?
Does MEDEX medical/evacuation also include Trip Insurance or cancellation coverage?
Will we be working alongside the women?
What is the typical dress while in Kampala and Mukono?
What are the weight limits for baggage?
How high of DEET protection is necessary?
Will we receive a cultural orientation?
When will the website be up and running?
Will we visit an AIDS clinic?
What books do you recommend to learn more about Ugandan culture?
Do we need to bring boots for the worksite?
Do people on the team know each other already?
Will people be able to get in touch with us in an emergency?
Can we extend our travel in Uganda?
___________________________________________________________________
How much can I expect airfare to cost?
Generally, from the United States to Entebbe, Uganda, is about $1,500 - $1,800. We are not able to make flight arrangements as a group, as people will be coming from many different places and may want to extend their travels after this trip. The most common carriers that people use are KLM and British Airways. There is a KLM flight that arrives at 8:50pm on February 29th, and a British Air flight that arrives at 9:50am on March 1. Either one is fine, but the KLM flight will give you a full night in your hotel in Kampala before we gather as a group on the morning of the 1st. For the return flight, there is a KLM departure at 10:55pm on March 14th, and a BA departure at 9:50am on March 15th.
It is a good idea to have at least two days worth of clothes in your carry-on in case your bags choose to take an additional layover somewhere without you. One travel agent you might consider is Jennifer at Travel Team (800-788-0829).
Is it safe? <top>
There are always risks involved with travel, no matter where you go. We will be traveling as a group, which increases safety, and with experienced guides. Kampala is widely considered to be one of the safest cities in East Africa. Recent peace accords in the north have led to displaced peoples returning to their homes in the north and there is currently no rebel activity in the north. Even if there were, the National Park we will visit is safe and not the location of any rebel activity. While BFL of course cannot guarantee safety 100%, we feel very confident that this is a safe itinerary that will keep us out of any danger. During the trip, we will be up to date about any political shifts and have superior evacuation coverage in the event of an emergency.
What shots will I need?<top>
We are not doctors, and so are not able to recommend which shots you should get. Your local clinic or hospital should have a travel clinic or should be able to tell you where the nearest one is. You may also be able to get this information directly from your primary physician. Please also ask them about malaria prevention.
Will I need a visa?<top>
Yes. You can purchase a visa at the airport upon arrival for $30 US (bring exact change). If you would like to purchase a visa in advance, you can find information at http://www.ugandaembassy.com/visa.html#6
How many people will be on the trip?<top>
Our goal is to have between 12 – 15 people in order to keep the group size intimate.
How much of the trip cost counts as a donation to BeadforLife?<top>
$200
Can I bring my children?<top>
The minimum age for this trip is 12.
Will everything go exactly as planned?<top>
When Devin and I were living in Uganda, there were regular power outages three to four nights a week. One evening during the power out, we were coming back from dinner and realized we were out of lamp oil. We stopped at a local market where the shop-keeper struggled to locate the oil somewhere in the dark aisles. His memorable comment, as he bumped into one thing after another was, “These Ugandan things are not straightforward.”
We will do everything in our power to prepare for the unexpected, but Africa has a way of surprising you. Often, it is when things don’t go as planned that the most fascinating interactions and adventures happen. Through our experience living there and with the assistance of our very capable Ugandan guides, we should be able to keep these surprises to a minimum, but a good sense of humor will serve you well!
What will the weather be like?<top>
We have timed this trip to avoid the stifling heat of January and February. March is the beginning of the rainy season. The days will be fairly warm (80’s – 90’s), but there will hopefully be wonderful thunderstorms once or twice each day to cool things off. That said, climate change is happening in Uganda just like everywhere else, so it is difficult to predict.
What should I bring?<top>
Stay tuned for a link coming soon to a document that will include a packing list.
What language is spoken in Uganda?<top>
There are over 40 languages currently in use in Uganda. The two most widespread local languages are Luganda, spoken in the south, and Luo, spoken in the north. English is the official language and is widely spoken in the capital city and in tourist centers like the national parks. Swahili is not widely used because of its association with Idi Amin’s efforts to make it the national language, but in September 2005 the current administration did add it as a national language. Time will tell if it will gain favor as a unifying language.
What types of accommodations will we be staying in?<top>
Our accommodations throughout this trip will be basic, but comfortable. Our hotels have beds, running water, and usually air conditioning. While on safari we will be staying two nights at the Paraa Lodge (http://www.paraalodge.com/) and one night at the Nile Safari Camp (http://www.innsofuganda.com/nile.html).
What is included in the cost of the trip?<top>
Includes
• Double occupancy accommodations throughout. Single occupancy is available for an additional fee of $315.
• All meals from arrival in Uganda to departure from Uganda.
• All wildlife viewing by private minibus with photographic roof hatches, chauffeured by a professional driver/guide.
• A maximum of 9 passengers in each safari vehicle.
• Complimentary bottle of water per person per day in vehicles.
• All applicable hotel and lodge taxes.
• All game park entry fees.
• Gratuities to the baggage handlers, driver/guides and other conveyance attendants, waiters and other service staff at hotels and lodges.
Does Not Include
• Airfare and any U.S. and foreign airport taxes.
• Passport and visa fees and service charges for obtaining visas.
• Excess baggage charges levied by the airlines.
• All beverages except those noted above.
• Laundry and other items of a personal nature.
• Souvenirs, and special optional tours and activities.
• Personal, medical, travel and baggage insurance.
• Inoculations
• Cost of anything not specifically mentioned in the listing above.
Can we bring gifts to the village? <top>
Please don’t. It can create awkward power dynamics when gifts are exchanged. This can happen if there is only enough for some people or if the value of the item highlights the wealth disparity. If you have items you would like to donate, you can give them to the BeadforLife staff in Uganda and they will find appropriate recipients.
Does MEDEX medical/evacuation also include Trip Insurance or cancellation coverage? <top>
No. It does not cover a cancelled trip. We are not requiring Trip Insurance, but you are welcome to purchase this on your own.
Will we be working alongside the women? <top>
When able, we will work with the women on-site. There are trained builders to do some of the technical work like brick laying but the team will be working alongside the women to bring materials to the site, carry water, mix cement, plant, etc. You will also have a chance to interact with them at a bead sale.
What is the typical dress while in Kampala and Mukono? <top>
For women, please wear skirts below the knees and/or Capri pants. Tank tops are okay, but be modest to make sure they are not too low cut or cropped. Ugandan men wear long pants. Shorts are acceptable in the game parks and while you are relaxing at the hotel.
What are the weight limits for baggage?<top>
KLM:
British Airways:
How high of DEET protection is necessary? <top>
Use your judgment here. Malaria is present in the region we will be in, so it is important to have some sort of protection. Long sleeve shirts, long pants and socks are great protection in the evenings. We highly recommend being on malaria prophylaxis. Some team members commented about various side effects of some malaria medications so please talk with your doctor about the right option for you.
Will we receive a cultural orientation? <top>
We are lucky to be guided by Ezra Nankwasa, who is a good friend of BFL and is willing to share his wealth of cultural knowledge. He will be available to answer any questions. We will also have a brief cultural orientation when we arrive. Check out the following book for more information:;Tips On Ugandan Culture: A Visitors Guide By Shirley Cathy Byakutaaga. Some team members were able to find it on Amazon.com.
When will the website be up and running? <top>
The website will be made available in the next several weeks. It will include information and links to bios/pictures, books to read, CDC, FAQ, etc. It will also have contact information to pass along to your family. The site will not be available to the general public.
Will we visit an AIDS clinic? <top>
We are hoping to organize a panel on AIDS including HIV+ people, caregivers, etc. We don't yet know if this will take place at a clinic or somewhere else.;;
Will I be able to visit the child that I sponsor through BFL? We can often provide this option for people at a time when others might be headed into town to shop. Let us know as soon as possible if you would like to do this.
What books do you recommend to learn more about Ugandan culture? <top>
There are a variety of books/movies on Uganda.
1) Last King of Scotland (book and movie)
2) Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski
3) Tips On Ugandan Culture: A Visitors Guide By Shirley Cathy Byakutaaga
4) Invisible Children (movie), etc.
Feel free to make other recommendations to the whole team if you have a favorite! Mark’s recommendations are here on Amazon.com.
Do we need to bring boots for the worksite? <top>
Tennis shoes/sneakers should be adequate if you do not have boots. If you have particular issues with your feet/toes, it would be wise to bring sturdy boots. Otherwise, a sturdy shoe will be fine. No open toed shoes on-site.
Do people on the team know each other already? <top>
Some people on the team have met before, but many others have not.
Will people be able to get in touch with us in an emergency? <top>
We will have a number available that family can call in the event of an emergency. There also might be limited Internet access. Please do not count on having this access because power outages might make it difficult to get time on-line.
Can we extend our travel in Uganda? <top>
Yes. It often works out best to extend your trip afterwards, since you will have a better sense of how to move around the country and may have new ideas of how you would like to spend that time. You can make arrangements directly with Ezra, or contact another guide service. Outside the set dates of the trip you will need to make arrangements independent of BFL. Also, many people have inquired about the possibility of volunteering with BFL before or after the trip. Unfortunately, BeadforLife is currently not able to accommodate any short-term volunteers. Mark can give you suggestions on other things to see while in Uganda if you would like to extend your trip.