STGF Impact Safari

TRIP DETAILS
You ready for the experience of a lifetime?! In addition to serving and dancing with Impact’s 10-Day “The Pearl of Africa” Tour package, we are providing YOU an UNFORGETTABLE 3-Day Safari at Murchison Falls in Kampala, Uganda! Including a Boat Cruise on the Nile River, a Game Ride & a Special Tour of the TOP of Murchison Falls! Elephants, hippos, lions, oh my!!

MURCHISON FALLS National Park

3-Day Safari with 1000 Shades of Green Tour & Safari Company:
Renowned for its scenic beauty and the spectacular falls from which it gets its name, MFNP has abundant flora and fauna to delight the visitor. From rolling savannah and tall grasslands to thick bush and woodlands, the diversity of this park never ceases to amaze visitors and residents alike. No visit to Murchison Falls would be complete without a visit to the magnificent falls. They can be viewed from the top where the Nile River narrows from 50 meters to crash through a 7-metre gorge, falling 45 meters to the rocks below. The three-hour cruise to the base of the falls is also unforgettable. One can experience the majesty of the Nile while on board, viewing abundant wildlife along the banks.

While on the game drives, Cape buffalo, Rothschild’s giraffe, Uganda kob, hartebeest and waterbuck are commonly seen. You may also spot oribi, bushbuck, Bohor reedbuck, shy sitatunga, bush duiker, warthog and bush pig. Large carnivores include lion, leopard and spotted hyena. Chimpanzees and olive baboons head the list of six species of primates found in the park. Crocodile and hippo will be seen along the banks of the Nile. Some of the more common birds that can be seen include goliath heron, Egyptian geese, pelican, bee-eaters, kingfishers, hornbill, cormorant, saddle-bill stork and the rare shoebill stork. Mixing dance, missions and the experience of a lifetime in beautiful Uganda…

SAMPLE ITINERARY

Day 1: Travel day
Day 2:  Speke Resort in Munyonyo  www.spekeresort.com

Arrive late at night for check-in

Day 3: Welcome & Orientation

Ways to Make an Impact Together in Uganda!

Day 4:  Hotel Kenrock www.hotelkenrock.com

• Tour with Impact’s Global Partners
• Intro to Workshops in Afro House, Traditional Ugandan Dance & Contemporary
• Full day of dance activities to get a sense of our work, the space, and the youth
• Powerful Beginnings program, which includes lots of name games and icebreakers, and developing community trust.

Day 5: Dance Workshops

Full-day workshops (1hr each) sharing skills and learning from each other in a variety of performing arts.
Sample Schedule:

• 08:30-09:00 Make breakfast at dance studio/center
• 09:00-09:30 Warm-up
• 09:30-10:30 Workshop 1: Ugandan Youth Leaders teach traditional Ugandan dance
• 10:30-10:40 Break
• 10:40-11:40 Workshop 2: See Them Grow Foundation participants teach dance
• 11:40-11:50 Break
• 11:50-12:50 Workshop 3: Ugandan Youth Leaders teach breakdance, AfroHouse or other.
• 12:50-1:50 Lunch
• 1:50-2:00 Quick Warm-up
• 2:00-3:00 Workshop 4: See Them Grow Foundation participants teach dance
• 3:00 Cool-down and closing

Day 6 – Rehearsal and Showcase

Rehearse in the morning and afternoon, perform in the evening, and end the night with a dinner and celebration

Day 7 – Drive to Paraa Lodge for Safari with 1000 Shades of Green

www.paraalodge.com Kampala- Murchison falls
Drop Luggage at the lodge and proceed for an afternoon/evening game-drive.

Day 8 – Game and Boat Cruise

Experience native animals, rivers, and waterfalls on day two of the safari! Visit places like the Victoria Nile, Devil’s Cauldron, and Murchison Falls!

Day 9 – Murchison Falls- Kampala

Cross with the ferry to the northern bank and take our ride back to Kampala. We arrive in Kampala in the afternoon and visit Kampala craft markers or African markets. Arrive at Entebbe International airport in time for your flight back home.

Day 10 – Traveling back to USA

PACKAGE PRICING
Available for Ages 15 and up, college work-study credits available.
$2250 pp
4-installment and 2-installment payment plans available. $250 non-refundable deposit is required at time of booking.

Price Includes:

• Pre-Trip Orientation – Making an Impact with the See Them Grow Foundation (3 Total Meetings!)
• Accommodations at Speke Resort Munyonyo (room and board)
• Accommodations at Kenrock Hotel (room and board)
• Airport pick ups/drops
• Transportation to included service projects
• Dance & Community Visit in Kisembi
• Dance Workshops & Performances & Meals
• All Park Entrance Fees
• 3-Day Safari at Murchison Falls, Lodging at Parra Lodge (room and board)
• Post-Trip Orientation

Please note: Uganda country entrance fee of $100, and airfare not included in the listed price above – airfare from the US to Entebbe, Uganda ranges from $850-$1900 RT; and flight numbers itineraries are issued 45 days prior to your group’s travel dates.

*Exclusive Inspiration Performing Arts Center VIP rate of $2150*
**Post-Trip Orientation, and dancers/students receive See Them Foundation certificates, and work-study credits**

Our IMPACT/STGF Safari team leaders have compiled a list of the most Frequently Asked Questions for our Uganda packages. If you have any addition questions and / or concerns, please feel free to email or call us. *We provide specialized orientations for each team.

Q: “Some information about Uganda?”
A:  Uganda is in East Africa and neighbors Tanzania, Kenya, Ethiopia, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Kampala is the capital city of Uganda and it is on the shores of Lake Victoria. The main airport is Entebbe International Airport (EBB). It is located 25 miles (40km) southwest of Kampala. Local time is GMT +3.  The official language of Uganda is English. Other languages widely spoken are Luganda and Swahili. Over 30 tribes live in Uganda and each has its own language and traditions. 60 % of the population is Christian and the remainder comprises of indigenous religions and Muslim.

Q: “How is the climate in Uganda? “
A: Uganda has a tropical climate. The temperature in Uganda usually ranges from 21 to 25°C (70 to 77°F). It is cool in some parts of the country due to the country’s high altitude. The hottest months are December to February and the temperature can reach 29°C during that period. The rainy season starts from March to April and October to November. April is the wettest month. The driest times are June to July.

Q: “What vaccinations/immunizations are required?”
A: We suggest you get vaccinated against the following (visit your local health provider/travel clinic for more details):

• Yellow Fever (vaccination should be taken 10 days before travel)
• Covid19 Vaccination Card & a positive PCR test
• Hepatitis A & B
• Typhoid
• Rabies
• Tuberculosis
• Malaria

Q: “Which city/airport will we arrive at?  What about transportation?”
A: We will fly in to Entebbe International Airport (EBB). It is the main international airport in Uganda and is located near Entebbe town. Kampala, the capital city of Uganda is 35 km (21 miles) from Entebbe where we will stay our first night.  See Them Grow Foundation provides transportation during the duration of your 10-day tour.  Our drivers will pick you and your team up at the airport, greet your Impact/STGF team, and handle baggage upon arrival.  It is important to be mindful that traffic is often very congested in Uganda, we ask that our team members be prepared upon arrival to practice patience for greater ease of travel.

Q: “What about Malaria in Uganda?”
A:  Malaria is common in Uganda. You should visit your doctor 4-6 weeks before travelling for any necessary vaccinations and a prescription for an anti-malarial medication. Protect yourself from mosquito and other insect bites by using insect repellent on exposed skin. Long sleeved shirts and trousers should be worn in the evenings and insect repellent can be used in areas with mosquitoes.

Q: “What about HIV/Aids in Uganda?”
A:  Uganda used to have one of the highest HIV/Aids infections in Africa. It has had however an effective national response to the HIV/Aids problem. The Ugandan government created and implemented comprehensive policies that dramatically slowed the rate of new infections. However, the HIV/Aids problem seems to be on the upsurge again.

Q: “How is Ugandan food?”
A: Ugandan food is varied and healthy. The breakfast usually consist of tea/coffee/cocoa/oats/porridge, bread, fruit, vegetables and eggs. The main dish is Matooke (made from steamed green plantains).

Other dishes include cassava, sweet potatoes, millet bread, rice or yams served with beef or chicken stew or sometimes soup.  Many of the food items are of typical European and American cuisine at the guesthouses and hotels we stay in.  Special arrangements can be made for team members with food allergies and/or dietary restrictions – we ask that you fill out that information on your team application.

Q: “Is it safe to drink tap water in Uganda? “
A: It is recommended that you drink bottled water during your stay with Impact/STGF in Uganda. We provide bottled water during your entire trip.  We ask that team members brush their teeth with bottled water.  You can also buy bottled water from any supermarket and most shops in Uganda. The most common water-borne diseases in Uganda are cholera and typhoid.

Q: “Is it safe to volunteer in Uganda? “
A: You will be well looked after during your venture to Uganda with Impact. We ensure you are placed in a safe environment while serving.  Ugandan people are friendly and very hospitable.

However, it is essential to take simple precautions: Do not carry your valuables around. Take a copy of your passport and/or visas to carry with you. Leave your passport, credit cards, debit cards and other valuables such as cameras and laptops at home.   We assign 1 team member to have a camera during our ventures.  We ask that phones be turned off, and stored in safe during our serving.  Blog posts, social media and phone use will be addressed during your team orientation.

Q: “What other safety issues should I be aware of?”
A: There is poverty in Uganda and you are likely to be viewed as very wealthy. As in any developing country, pick-pocketing is a problem and you will probably attract souvenir hawkers as well as street children and beggars in smaller towns.

Be sure to take some precautions such as:

• Leave your passport, credit cards and debit cards in the room
• Only carry a copy of your passport and little cash
• Limit the amount of worn jewelry
• Do not flash money or your wallet
• Be aware of the exchange rate and cost of items
• Do not walk on your own at night in the major cities
• Always avoid alleys/back streets
• Avoid dangling backpacks and camera bags
• Avoid using your Ipod/Iphone/etc except in your room, at the restaurants or at the hotel/guesthouse during your break. An Ipod/phone/etc in the streets may attract undue attention.
• You need to be aware of your surroundings at all times when walking, using public transport etc.
• Wear a money belt that fits under your clothes or carry money in different pockets and places.

Q: “What clothing is appropriate? Any cultural restrictions? “
A: Bring along some comfortable, casual and semi-casual clothing: sweat shirts, shorts, jeans, skirts and any other clothing that you would ordinarily wear. Avoid flashy items. Dancers & Teachers – dance attire (yoga/jazz pants + tops with full coverage) – no midriffs exposed, dance shoes (most Afro dancing will be done barefoot, but please pack your dance shoes)* When out in the community, it is good to follow local etiquette. Female STGF team members need to wear pants, capris, longer shorts, and/or long skirts. Please ask when you are not sure what is and is not appropriate.  We will address this during your team orientation too. Footwear can be hiking boots, previously worn tennis shoes and/or open-toed sandals.

Q: What do I need to pack for my See Them Grow Foundation/IMPACT Trip?
A: Check our Packing List page for a full packing list for your trip

Q: “What about the electricity supply for laptops, hairdryers etc?”
A: The electricity supply in Uganda is 240 volts AC /50Hz. Plug type G – the rectangular blade plug. Plug shapes, plug sizes and sockets are different in many countries and it is good to check before travelling. Most laptop battery chargers and AC adapters are dual voltage, so they can be used with only a plug adapter for the country you will be visiting. Please plan and pack accordingly.

Q: “Do I need visa and/or a passport to enter Uganda?  What other documents are required?”
A: Impact team members from the US need a passport for travel to, and entry into Uganda. Each team member is charged a single-entry Uganda visa costs USD$50 – $100 depending on time of year upon entry into the country and a multiple entry visa is USD$100. Tourist visas can be extended for longer-term per our long-term Impact missionaries who are interested in serving longer than the 10-day tours.

Required documents –

• Passport + 2 colored copies of passport
• IVC Volunteer Card
• Other form of ID (driver’s license)
• Boarding passes and flight itineraries
• STGF Team Card, if applicable

Q: “What is the Uganda currency? “
A: The currency in Uganda is in Uganda Shillings denoted by UGX. The shilling comprises 100 cents. Coins are in denominations of 50, 100, 200, 300 and 500 shillings. Bank notes are in denominations of 1,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000 and 50,000 shillings. Importation of foreign currency is unlimited and does not have to be declared on arrival. The import and export of local currency is prohibited.

The value of the shilling fluctuates. Check the value of the shilling with a currency converter just before you go. Do not change too much money at one time and use the banks not the money changers.  We will have access to stop at a bank during Day 2 of our trip.     Currency converter

Q: “Are credit cards accepted in Uganda?”
A: Major credit cards such as MasterCard and Visa are accepted, but not every retailer accepts credit cards. American Express, Discover, Solo, Switch and Diners Club are often not accepted. ATMs will mostly accept MasterCard, Visa and Visa Electron cards. Major credit cards are accepted at supermarkets and expensive restaurants and hotels. However, it is advisable to carry some cash as not all locations accept credit cards. Traveler’s cheques are not widely accepted outside Kampala. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take traveler’s cheques in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling. The Banking hours are Monday – Friday 830am – 2pm & Saturdays 9am – 12pm. Forex bureaux are open until 1700 and able to do electronic transfers to and from overseas.

Q:  “What is a typical day like in Uganda for Ugandans?”
A:  With Uganda so close to the equator, the sun schedule is 6AM to 6PM.  Work starts around 9AM/10AM for most Ugandans, and goes until 5PM depending on the industry.  Time is much slower paced in Uganda than in the US and/or Europe.  For westerners, it is encouraged to travel with a flexible “time” mindset to make the most out of your venture with Impact. While our drivers are on “American Time,” we are still traveling in a country with a different time schedule. Breakfast is generally at 7AM/8AM, and is usually larger than the typical American breakfast, Lunch is generally light snacks, and dinner is the largest meal, typically later in the evening around 9PM/10PM.  Conversation, greetings, and manners are very important.

Q:   “What does a typical day look like for STGF team members?”
A:   While each day is compiled with different activities, the structure of our days spent together is generally the same. Wake up at 7AM, get ready for daily activities, team prayer and breakfast at 8AM.  Serving, dancing or on safari from 9AM to 12PM, drive or walk back to hotel, lunch served between 1PM and 1:30PM, followed by afternoon break/rest, evening team activity and daily devotionals, Dinner served between 6PM and 6:30PM (see sample itinerary HERE or your specific trip itinerary for more information).

Q:  “What amenities do the hotels/guesthouses offer?”
A:  Throughout our 10-day “The Pearl of Africa Tour” our teams stay in 3 different hotels/guesthouses together throughout the venture.  Please visit each hotel site for more specific details.

• Speke Resort in Munyonyo: http://www.spekeresort.com/
• Hotel Kenrock in Kampala:  http://www.hotelkenrock.com/
• Parra Lodge in Murschison Falls: http://www.paraalodge.com/

Take A Peek At This List In Order To Pack Your Bags For Making An Impact With See Them Grow Foundation –It is safe to bring your laptop, cameras, video cameras, hair dryers, razors, mobile phone and other electrical products – we will discuss usage at team orientation. Team members are responsible for their own laundry. We believe less is more in terms of packing, and encourage our Impact team members pack light for the venture ahead.  With that said, here are some items that will be helpful or are required (*) to bring along…

UGANDA:

CLOTHES:

Shoes: Tennis shoes and sandals
Dancers: dance attire (yoga/jazz pants + tops) – no midriffs exposed, dance shoes
Teachers/Adults: Yoga Attire if you wish to practice Yoga
Swimsuit*
Raincoat/Poncho
Sunglasses/hat

ACCESSORIES:

• Bible
• Mosquito Net – precationary. Most places provide them
• Journal*
• Snacks (two snacks per day)*:
  • Granola
  • Peanut butter
  • Trail mix
• Binoculars for safari
• Reusable water bottle*
• Toilet paper – 2 rolls
• Malaria tablets (consult doctor)
• Adapter plugs and converters*
• Moisturizing cream
• Sun screen
• Insect repellent with Deet*
• Basic medical kit (e.g. aspirin, imodium, antiseptic cream, anti-histamine cream)*
• Hand sanitizer*
• Antibacterial wipes*
• Personal pillow
• Laptop, camera, cell phones, razors, hair dryer, etc.

PAPERWORK:

IVC Volunteer Card*
Passports (1 color copy of passport given to team lead & 1 color copy to keep yourself)*
Money for entrance fee (inquire)*
Plane tickets*
Students: Embassy Registration for Uganda – Registration is completed through the U.S. Department of State Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)*
Personal money
Donations

 

Trip Deposit (Non-Refundable, applied toward your trip!)

$250.00

Uganda Trip Deposit:
Pay HERE

2-Installment Trip Investment

$1,000.00
2-Installment Trip Investment:
Pay HERE

4-Installment Trip Investment

$500.00
4-Installment Trip Investment:
Pay HERE

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