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Home , Lugazi, Mukono Town, Tour guide

DISCOVER

YOUR COMPLETE ITINERARY FROM DAY 1 TO DAY 13 Do You HINTS TIPS Know INFO AND JUICY What to DETAILS Pack? THE ALL

IN ONE A COMPLETE TO YOUR PROJECTS HACK D I S C O V E R U G A N D A | T H E U L T I M A T E T R A V E L G U I D E

Hey there!

Firstly, on behalf of everybody at Bamboo, I would like to offer you our thanks for choosing to experience this incredible part of the world with us. We guarantee you an amazing time and we’re all very much looking forward to meeting you in Uganda soon.

I imagine that right now you’re very excited about your upcoming adventure and this little guide has been put together to help you understand more about what will be happening, what to expect, how to plan and more. We guarantee your time with us will be unforgettable from start to end.

Bamboo is growing as our style of 'travel' has proven to be the 'way' to travel. You are now a part of this journey and we welcome you with open arms and hearts. This growing experience is down to people like you, so do get stuck in, become part of our way of life, live every moment and take nothing for granted.

Peace, Love & Bamboo Mark (& the other Panda, Colin)

Follow me on Instagram to join our Bamboo journey @markbamboo highlights of your tour

SCENERY Amazing lake views

ADRENALINE White water rafting on the

LIONS World famous tree-climbing lions

EXPLORATION in two incredible locations

LEARN Lessons in traditional art making

GIVE Help out in small village communities

DANCE Get a crash course in traditional African dance DAY 1 (SUN) DAY 2 (MON) ENTEBBE This is it; the moment that you’ve been Also known as ‘Kawolo’ by the locals, you will waiting for. Your plane is finally descending venture east to Lugazi, District. Not a town into Uganda! Arrive before 3PM and you will be on many people’s radar, be prepared to witness met at Entebbe International Airport with a the real Uganda, far from the tourist path. warm welcome by our one of our amazing team and driver, after which we will whisk you off on With a chance to learn about the background of the 3- hour journey to before we the Lugacraft Community Development get you checked into your . Organisation from the founder himself, you will be familiarized with the Lugacraft’s mission, which, in At last, you can rest up, relax and calm those their own words, is “to facilitate access to a better excited butterflies in your stomach. A traditional life for disadvantaged youth, children and women Ugandan meal served for dinner will immerse through training them in life-changing skills.” you into the Ugandan culture from the start! This is a great opportunity for you to meet your fellow We'll be in the garden with one group of ladies travellers who have arrived already and settle and then have lunch and a traditional basket weaving last minute nerves over a nice, cold beer. lesson with another women's group about 5 minutes away. Meals Included: Dinner Those of you with green fingers can lend a hand in the women’s communal garden and the day will be topped off with the moment highly anticipated by all travellers; make sure you pack your dancing shoes ready for a traditional Ugandan dance class!

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Please note: The traditional dance lessons coincide with school holidays (January, May, August and December). DAY 3 (TUES) K ABEMBE

A short drive away from Mukono Town will take you to the stunning agricultural landscape of Kabembe, .

Here you will be greeted by the Balamu Community Outreach team who are building energy efficient clay stoves for local residents. This is an innovative program that supports conservation and public health improvement.

Each stove is built with materials found only in the garden. When in use, the firewood needed for each meal is reduced by 90%. Cooking smoke is also funneled out of the kitchen, saving the chef's lungs!

Come ready to get dirty and have fun in the mud with our community members!

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner DAY 4 (WED) MAYINDO Get ready to join in on a day-in-the-life of the Ugandan Woman as you visit Hopeline Organization in Mayindo, .

Just a short 45 minute drive away from your hotel, you'll enjoy a rousing welcome (the kind that makes you shake your tail feathers!). After a warm introduction you'll get into some chores: fetching water and gather firewood the traditional Ugandan way.

After a joyful and filling lunch, you'll get a Kabalagala cooking lesson. The ladies make and sell these traditional banana pancakes to earn quick cash for immediate household needs. If there's time after all this - we'll settle into a beading circle and learn yet another way these amazing women make their living in rural Uganda.

You'll learn that life in Uganda is tough, but so joyful when you have your girls by your side!

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner DAY 5 (THURS) DAY 7 (SAT) NAJJEMBE JINJA Finally, let your inner teacher free! Travelling Choices, choices, choices! Today is jam-packed full into the jungle of the Buikwe District to the of exciting optional activities. You will have the Christian Heritage Centre, you will be able to choice of an adrenaline-fueled whitewater rafting meet, connect and play with the children at this experience on the River Nile, or the more relaxed school. A primary school that strives to ‘provide option of spending the day craft shopping at the a high quality education to local children who source of the River Nile. might not otherwise be able to access such’, you will be able to spend time making arts and Whitewater Rafting crafts with the children or having a kick around It’s time to break out that swimming costume as in the yard outside. The children here will be so we head off to the River Nile! The second longest grateful and happy to see you, and delighted to river in the world, the River Nile is home to Ripon become friends. falls and the best whitewater rafting track you’re likely to experience, as you spend the day The day will be kicked off with a talk from the speeding down the world-famous river. And to Christian Heritage Centre’s founder, and you will top it all off, enjoy a fully catered lunch on a small witness a rousing performance from the school island in the middle of the river. choir; one that will make you love the children of Uganda even more! Craft Shopping Or maybe today is better for relaxing those hard- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. at-work muscles? How about spending the day shopping for local crafts at the source of the River Nile? After you’ve bought a few for the family, we’ll then take you on a gentle guided DAY 6 (FRI) boat ride to the Source of the Nile and Lake MABIRA RAINFOREST Victoria, learning about the history and geography of the area. An early start will lead to a hike through the spectacular . With Later today we'll drive to (3.5 hrs) to breathtaking views, and an abundance of spend the night there before tomorrow's wildlife beautiful wildlife to spot, you’ll feel like an extra adventures! Dinner is not included but the hotel in ‘The Jungle Book’ as you trek through the offers an array of tasty treats! exquisite scenery, just with less talking bears!

Please let us know which activity you would Top the day off by feeling the wind through like to experience before arrival. your hair as you speed through the trees on an

exhilarating zipline across the treetops; get Meals Included: Breakfast for both groups, lunch ready for that sky-high selfie! included for those who are rafting.

An afternoon off allows you time to relax, reflect on your previous projects and finally catch that tan you’ve been trying to get since you arrived, before we take an hour drive to your accommodation in Jinja in the evening.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. itinerary DAY 8 (SUN) LAKE MBURO NATIONAL PARK Spanning over 40,075 kilometres in total, you can tick visiting the equator off your bucket list as you spend a morning jumping across the equator line. Don't worry, we'll stop for coffee and the obligatory photos!

Following this, you head west a few hours to DAY 9 (MON) Lake Mburo National Park, where you can enjoy LAKE MBURO NATIONAL a relaxing boat cruise along the shore of the Lake. Kick back, relax and grab some Instagram PARK worthy photos; don’t forget our hashtag, Track warthogs, topi, impalas, duikers, bushbucks, #WeAreBamboo waterbucks, giraffes and zebras as you take on a 4-hour walking safari through Lake Mburo In the evening, the time has come for your first National Park! game drive. Despite the fact that Lake Mburo is only a small game park, it’s home to over 200 Remember your hiking boots! different species of animal. The afternoon can be spent relaxing and Think of it as a ‘Where’s Wally’ game with an watching the wildlife pass by from the window of array of animals to find, including hippos, your lodge accommodation. impalas, hyenas and zebras. Alternatively, for those who would prefer a more Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch & Dinner. action-packed evening, you can participate in a cycle through the National Park or pull out your binoculars and head off on another evening game drive (at an extra cost and subject to availability!).

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

itinerary DAY 10 (TUES) DAY 11 (WED) QUEEN ELIZABETH Q UEEN ELIZABETH

NATIONAL PARK NATIONAL PARK An early rise this morning equals a chance at an After an early breakfast, we will spend the early morning game drive through the morning travelling to the Queen Elizabeth picturesque landscape of the Queen Elizabeth National Park! The Queen Elizabeth National National Park. With zebras and giraffes galore, Park’s diverse ecosystem of grassy plains, tropical your memory snapshots will cause severe forests, rivers, swamps, lakes, and volcanic craters jealousy from friends and loved ones, and is home to an incredible abundance of wildlife. immense amounts of social media love. With a rare chance to possibly see elephants,

leopards and bushbucks, you can spend the day The icing is added to the Bamboo cake with a observing the awesome tree-climbing lions that boat ride down the Kazinga channel! A popular are native to the Queen Elizabeth National Park. watering hole among the wildlife folk, this boat

cruise offers an excellent platform for Your evening will be spent driving into the sunset photography (your pictures will look like they with your travel buddies on an evening game have been taken from the National Geographic drive! itself).

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. There’ll be an abundance of wildlife gathering just mere metres from you grabbing a quick refreshment to quench their thirst before being on their way. To add to this, the Kazinga Channel is any avid bird-watchers dream come true, with various species of exquisite and colourful birdlife residing in the area.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

itinerary DAY 12 (THURS) DAY 13 (FRI) ENTEBBE ENTEBBE A long journey back to Entebbe marks the end of The moment every traveler dreads is finally upon your adventure in paradise. us; it’s time to go home.

For those feeling energized enough after the After taking one final selfie and group photo, the drive, there is plenty of time for one last dinner time has come to wave goodbye to your travel with your travel buddies to reminisce over your buddies, and the friends that you’ve made in whole experience with a nice cocktail or beer Uganda. and share stories of your adventure! There are plenty of options for a nice dinner too. You are now a fully fledged member of the BamFam! Woohoo! Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch. But, as they say, “once bitten by the travel bug, Please note - Day 12 is the start of the Gorilla one shall remain happily infected forever.” Bolt-On. If you are booked on this, you will not return to Entebbe, instead heading Meals Included: Breakfast. straight to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Time to say goodbye to the main group!

itinerary What's included DISCOVER UGANDA

1. Airport Arrival Pickup on the official start date 2. All Accommodation 3. All activities outlined in the itinerary above 4. Donation to the projects 5. Our team to accompany you 24/7 6. All meals stated above 7. All in-country T H E I N F O R M A T I O N Y O U N E E D T O K N O W B E F O R E W E B E G I N D I S C O V E R B A L I THE NITTY GRITTY

UGANDA ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Visas are required to enter Uganda. These can be obtained before you travel either from the Ugandan embassy or using the E-Visa system. Please plan in at least 5 working days for processing.

Visa costs can be anywhere from $50 - $200 depending on the type of visa you wish to receive. If you want to get your visa before arrival, the address you write on the form should be: Plot 130, Jinja Road, Mukono, Uganda.

All visitors must hold a valid for 6 months after your date of entry. You must also be able to show proof of a return or onward ticket. FAST FACTS To find out more details about visas please visit the below Please note that entry into link: Uganda is at the discretion of

the Immigration officer at the https://volunteertherealuganda.com/uganda-e-visa- Passport Counter. application-procedure/ VISA, passport requirements and yellow fever vaccination certification are YOUR responsibility It is essential that you arrange travel insurance that provides suitable cover for the duration of your trip before you travel.

Bamboo offers a comprehensive policy through our partners, Chubb. Please contact us for more information. ACCOMMODATION

MUKONO HOTEL You'll get your own room here unless you're sharing with a partner. All rooms include a satellite TV, and a private bathroom.

There is no air-conditioning available here.

JINJA GUESTHOUSE Your accommodation will be twin shared. All rooms are fitted with a private western style bathroom.

Free WIFI & air-conditioning is available through all rooms. There is a restaurant and a pool onsite.

KAMPALA HOTEL

Rooms are twin share. All rooms include air conditioning, a satellite TV, and a private bathroom. ACCOMMODATION

LAKE MBURO NATIONAL PARK LODGE

Your accommodation will be twin-shared tents with a private eco bathroom.

This location offers a stunning view of Lake Mburo National Park.

QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK LODGE

Marafiki Safari Lodge is in a unique location and has been designed and handcrafted using local materials, fitted by artisans from the local community.

You'll be staying in luxury safari tents on a twin-share basis here.

ENTEBBE HOTEL Your accommodation will be twin-shared. All rooms are fitted with a private western style bathroom.

Free WIFI & air-conditioning is available. MONEY

When it comes to advice on how much money to bring, it’s impossible to say. All our intrepid explorers are very different. Where some go all out, others are on a budget. You can find both high end and budget , bars and shops across Uganda. A rough guide for meals and drinks can be found below:

Typical exchange rates are:

$1 - 3,771 UGX £1 - 4870 UGX

ATMs, or cash machines, are prevalent throughout Uganda and will issue the local currency. If you do plan on bringing your ATM card with you, we recommend that you inform your bank. This should prevent your card from being suspended due to irregular withdrawals.

We don’t recommend bringing traveler's FAST FACTS: cheques with you. The reason is that banks across Uganda have odd hours of operating, MONEY and it may cause unnecessary hassle finding a bank open when you wish to make a Basic costs of things: transaction. Local meal 10,000 UGX If you do bring your own currency in cash Bottle of beer 5,000 UGX please ensure you change this to UGX before Bottle of water 1,000 UGX departing the airport.

The currency in Uganda is known as Negotiating a purchase, known as bartering, the Ugandian Shilling or UGX still happens in the tourist areas of Uganda however not so much outside of these areas. Remember to tell your bank that you If you’re unsure as to whether or not you can are leaving the country to avoid your barter for a discount please speak to your card being suspended guide. TRAVEL

VACCINATIONS

For up to date information about the best travel vaccinations to have before arriving in Uganda we urge you to contact your own GP, a travel health clinic or to check the World Health Organisations website. Bamboo are not medical professionals and therefore can’t offer you medical advice.

Please note that a yellow fever vaccinations is mandatory for entry into Uganda. If you can not show prove of a recent yellow fever vaccination certificate you will be required to get on arrival for an extra cost

FLIGHTS

Thanks to the world wide web we all now have access to great flight deals through websites FAST FACTS: TRAVEL such as Skyscanner, Google Flights and more. If you’d rather use the services of a booking agent, the likes of STA Travel, Trailfinders and Did you know? Flight Centre, are all available online. Uganda has a law that states for every tree cut down 3 more must be planted in its place. This was IMPORTANT NOTICE introduced to combat deforestation.

Once you have booked and confirmed your flight to Entebbe, please make sure that you have shared your flight arrival time and flight On a flight the bathroom door isn’t number with our team. Without those details, really locked when you’re inside. we will be unable to guarantee that one of our Lavatory doors can be locked and team will be at the airport to meet you on unlocked from the outside for a arrival. multitude of reason. It allows flight attendants quick access to locked lavatories in case of emergencies. In other instances, it allows the cabin crew to restrict access to bathrooms during takeoff and landing. ARRIVAL

Entebbe International Airport is a very busy airport and can be a confusing place.

You will be staying at Jobiah Hotel. Please keep this address handy as it will be requested on your arrival form when entering Uganda:

Address: Jobiah Hotel,Kampala Road, Mukono, Uganda.

Once you’ve passed through Immigration (Passport Control) you’ll need to collect your luggage from one of the carousels. Once you have your bags please make your way to the exit passing through the ‘nothing to declare’ channel. Once through you will enter the busy main arrivals area. (Remember this is the point to exchange any currency needed for your trip).

Please keep a look out for our team. They should be ARRIVALS INFO easily recognizable with their Bamboo T-shirts and holding a sign showing the Bamboo logo. Once you’ve spotted our team, please head over and introduce Please make sure to arrive before 3 yourself. You’ll then receive further instructions. Please pm on the tour start date. If you bear in mind that we may be waiting for others to arrive arrive the night before the tour guide so your transfer to the hotel may not be immediate but will pick you up from your hotel after we’ll get you there as soon as possible. collecting the new arrivals from the airport. In the unlikely event that you can’t find our team, please don’t panic. As long as you have provided us with your correct flight details one of our team will be there. Please check again in the arrivals area. If you still cannot locate one of our team please call the following number +256-782-513140.

If you have supplied us with a mobile phone number, please make sure your phone is turned on as we may be trying to contact you.

On arrival to the hotel, we’ll help you to check in and give you more details of what’s happening next. TRANSPORT

ENTEBBE TO MUKONO The journey from Entebbe to Mukono takes approximately 3 hours. Transportation times can vary according to the season, traffic and the road conditions at the time.

We will be take a private comfortable A/C minivan or bus.

JINJI TO KAMPALA The journey from Jinja to Kampala takes approximately 3 hours. Transportation times can vary according to the season, traffic and the road conditions at the time.

We will be take a private comfortable A/C minivan or bus. FUN FACTS: TRANSPORT KAMPALA TO LAKE MBURO AND THE EQUATOR The No.1 form of transportation in towns are bicycles; The journey from Kampala to the Equator takes approximately 5.5 hours. Transportation times can Vehicles drive on the left side of the vary according to the season, traffic and the road road. conditions at the time. For magnificence, for variety of form and We will be take a private comfortable A/C minivan color, for profusion of brilliant life — bird, or bus insect, reptile, beast — for vast scale — Uganda is truly “the Pearl of Africa.” -Winston Churchill LAKE MBORO TO QUEEN ELIZABETH PARK The journey from Lake Mburo to the Queen Elizabeth Nationalpark approximately 3.5 hours. Transportation times can vary according to the season, traffic and the road conditions at the time. We will be take a private comfortable A/C minivan or bus

QUEEN ELIZABETH PARK TO ENTEBBE The journey from Queen Elizabeth National Park to Entebbe takes approximately 7 hours. Transportation times can vary according to the season, traffic and the road conditions at the time. We will be take a private comfortable A/C minivan or bus

Any tour is only as good as the guide – fact. The input of a tour guide cannot be understated. Their input into your tour, their little insights, the off-the-beaten- track adventures, the knowledge and experiences that they share with you will make or break your time wherever you are in the world.

At Bamboo, we take the selection and training of our guides and coordinators very seriously. Each guide undertakes a structured training program of three months and only once we’re convinced that they are genuine representatives of Bamboo are they signed up to the family.

Each of our tours has English-speaking guides to support you, answer your questions, educate you and to ensure that your time is unforgettable. From time to time we may have new guides-in-training on our tours. If you’re lucky to have a trainee on your tour, please be patient. They are undergoing training and therefore their knowledge won’t be that of the FAST FACTS: GUIDES trained and experienced guide who will be accompanying them. Our guides are the face of Bamboo, and they come in all shapes and smiles. TIPPING We love each and every one of them Although not in any way expected or encouraged, more than Elephants love bananas. anybody who goes over and above the call of duty to ensure that you have the very best time, may deserve Whilst most of them are elite travel a special little thank you. mavericks in their own right, you may

come across newbies who are on the Did you have extra special service in a restaurant? Did path the greatness. the bus driver make an additional pit-stop just for you? Did your guide go out of the way so that you If you're lucky enough to meet a could experience something unique? At Bamboo fresh-faced newbie, be sure to show we’re firm believers in Karma – what goes around them your support and patience, most definitely comes around! most guides remember their first tours forever, so let's play nice. The 'must brings' Have you packed the following?

0. An open mind 1. Backpack or suitcase 2. Travel towel 3. Light, loose-fitting clothes 4. Long trousers & t-shirts 5. Flip flops or sandals 6. Trainers or sneakers 7. Day pack/bag 8. Insect spray 9. Hat & sunscreen 10. Reusable water bottle 11. Multi-use plug adapter The 'can brings' Everyone is different, so the following list is just a few suggestions of things you may like to consider bringing.

1. Medical Kit 2. Toiletries 3. Padded gardening gloves 4. Small umbrella or water jacket 5. Pillow (for added comfort) 6. Headlamp 7. Earplugs 8. Bandana 9. Water shoes 10. Home luxuries (can't live without) YOUR PROJECT MARINGEUIDE CONSER VATION

Way back in 2005, The Real Uganda began as an initiative to bring skills and funding to tiny, locally-led community-based organizations. In just over a decade, it grew into a network of international volunteers and Ugandan leaders transforming rural communities.

HOW?

By introducing volunteers to the beauty and complexity of Ugandan culture, and encouraging them to build relationships with ordinary Ugandans working hard to improve their society.

The Real Uganda is successful because they put organizations and the communities they serve at the forefront of all planning. The outcomes and impact of our programs are set and evaluated by local people. Volunteers join in, learn, and support local solutions to local problems.

And they learn a tonne about the reality of life in Uganda.

After 13 years working exclusively in Uganda, The Real Uganda has learned what motivates local organizations to host international volunteers. OPTIONAL MBAOLRTI-NOEN CONSERVATION

It was only 1981, when it was estimated there were only 254 mountain gorillas left in the world, but the small population is rising slowly thanks to intense international conservation efforYts aOnd UfunRdin gP froRm OvisitJorsE whCo pTay fGor pUermIDits tEo observe these primates in the wild.

Since these critically endangered creatures can’t survive in captivity, the only way to see them is by trekking up to their natural habitat. One of the few places Mountain gorillas live in is the dense vegetation of Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, which is the location of our Discover Uganda add-on.

Join us on a search through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park (also called “The Place of Darkness” due to its dense treetops) is an ancient, montane and lowland forest spanning 128 square miles.

It’s hard work to reach the gorillas. It requires navigating uphill and downhill through thick tangles of vines, thorns, and roots and is only accessible by foot.

There are no paths, no signs, no directions—and more often than not, no clearings (which is why the park rangers carry machetes). The good news? The reward seems that much better after all of the hard work.

Contact our bookings team to find out more about the perfect add-on to your Uganda Experience. BEFORE YOU ARRIVE

Please ensure you have given the following information to our team before arrival so that we can ensure you have the best experience ever!

Please email [email protected] with the following information:

ARRIVAL HEALTH DETAILS & SAFETY - Arrival Flight Date (dd/mm/yyyy) - Your Travel Insurance provider

- Arrival Flight Time - Travel Insurance Policy Number

- Flight Number - Travel Insurance Emergency Number - Any medical conditions and allergies - Any medication you're taking

PERSONAL FOOD DETAILS ALLERGIES

- Name On Passport Please inform us if you have any - Passport Number intolerance to the following foods - Other Passport Information and ingredients: - Nationality - Date Of Birth (dd/mm/yyyy) Dairy Corn - Gender Soy Gluten Eggs Lactose Fructose - Contact Number Peanuts Histamines

Tree Nuts Fructans Fish Galactans Shellfish Salicylates Sesame Other (Please Specify)

TERMS & CONDITIONS

Please read these Terms and Conditions carefully as they form the basis of your contract with WeAreBamboo. This agreement is made at the time of booking and becomes legally binding upon payment of your deposit. By booking a program with WeAreBamboo, you signify you have read and accepted these Terms and Conditions

All programs advertised on our website and/or on Facebook are offered and/or operated by WeAreBamboo Ltd. (trading as Bamboo and referred to as Bamboo or ‘we’ hereinafter) with company number 59926953 whose registered office is:.

WE ARE BAMBOO LEVEL 2 61 SEAVIEW ROAD LOWER HUTT, NEW ZEALAND 5010

All travel arrangements are sold subject to the following conditions. Bamboo reserves the right to update the Terms and Conditions at any time.

Please view our full terms and conditions here: https://www.wearebamboo.com/about/legal.php

Please note that the information in this pack is subject to change at any time without notice.