School for Life Uganda Travel4Good 2026

►Introducing Uganda

Uganda, affectionately known as the "Pearl of Africa," is a captivating country that combines breathtaking natural beauty with a rich cultural heritage. Its landscapes are incredibly diverse, ranging from rolling savannahs teeming with wildlife to misty mountain ranges and lush rainforests. 

At the heart of Uganda’s allure lies one of the most profound and unforgettable wildlife experiences on Earth: Gorilla trekking. Nestled in the heart of dense, emerald-green forests, Uganda is home to more than half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Trekking to see these gentle giants in their natural habitat is not only a bucket-list adventure but also a deeply emotional journey. The awe of standing just meters away from a gorilla family—watching them feed, groom, or play—is a moment that lingers long after the trek ends.

When is the best time to visit Uganda?

• June to September and December to February
  • These months fall within Uganda’s dry seasons, making it the best time to go gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The trails are less muddy, and the weather is more manageable for trekking. Though it can rain unexpectedly, the dry season provides the most comfortable trekking conditions.

What do I need to know about travelling to Uganda:

• Visa Requirements:

  • Most visitors need a visa, available on arrival or via e-visa.
  • East African Community countries (Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Sudan, Burundi) don’t need a visa.

• Currency:

  • Local currency: Ugandan Shilling (UGX).
  • US dollars are accepted; carry shillings for small purchases.
  • ATMs are common in major cities.

• Health and Safety:

  • Yellow Fever vaccination is required.
  • Malaria is present; use mosquito repellents and consider antimalarial medication.
  • Drink bottled or filtered water.

• Language:

  • Official language: English.
  • Swahili and regional languages like Luganda and Runyankore are widely spoken.

• Cultural Etiquette:

  • Respect for elders is key.
  • Greet with a handshake or nod in rural areas.
  • Dress modestly at religious sites or villages.

• Electricity:

  • Voltage: 230V, 50Hz; plug type: G (three rectangular pins).
  • Bring a power adapter if needed.

• Time Zone:

  • Uganda follows East Africa Time (EAT), UTC+3.

What are the best things to do in Uganda?

• Chimpanzee trekking: Kibale (Chi - ba - lee) & Kyambura Gorge (Cham - bur - a)
• Trek with giant mountain gorillas 
• White water rafting on the Nile River
• Safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Murchison’s Falls
• Lake Victoria
• Golden monkey treks
• Mt Sabyinyo (meeting point of the Rwanda, Uganda & DRC border)

If you’re ready to start planning your trip, check out our blog: 'Ultimate guide to trekking with mountain gorillas and chimp'.

School For Life partner with, and empower, emerging communities around the globe to educate as many children as possible and achieve lasting self‑determination, through sustainable and scalable capacity and infrastructure development.

School For Life have been operating for 15 years. Our pilot model in rural Uganda has empowered local leaders with the skills, capacity and resources they need to support the delivery of holistic, quality education to more than 2,000 vulnerable children across early childhood, primary and high school. Every single child who has the chance to go to school will have the chance to change the course of their lives and the future of their communities. A community with education at its heart can become a force for social change and economic progression in a nation.

With a purpose‑built school, qualified teachers and healthy, nurtured children we know that anything is possible. Education is a never‑ending gift that can be passed on from generation to generation, and can never be taken away.

Learn more about School for Life in this short video:

The fundraising target for this adventure is A$2,500pp.

What Impact Will My Fundraising Have?

Your fundraising will go towards providing 4 primary school children in Uganda with everything they need for a full year of study, including all their educational materials and equipment, school uniform, three nutritious meals a day, access to clean water, and healthcare.

In Uganda, only 58% of students transition from Primary to Secondary, however School for Life boasts an almost 100% transition from Primary to Secondary! We believe education is for all children and actively work towards increasing education for children in rural Uganda. Giving education to children is a central part of eradicating global poverty, as education is a gift that cannot be taken away.

Fundraising Options

There are a few different ways you can approach your fundraising:

1. You can fundraise by asking friends, family and work mates to support the cause.
2. You may choose to donate the $2,500 as a personal donation and receive a tax deduction for your donation.
3. You can fundraise as much as you can and if you don’t make it, personally fund the gap to hit your target.

The School for Life team will support you to reach your target and make the most of this once in a lifetime opportunity. Once you EXPRESS INTEREST in this trip, School for Life will be in touch to help you kick start your fundraising. We will also send you a Fundraising Guidebook to help you fundraise.

Africa has a tipping culture that is similar to America and it is appreciated when you tip guides, hotels, restaurants, and other key service providers.

Here are a few notes about tipping:

• Tipping can be in USD or in the local currency. 
• The best way to tip:
  • Lodge staff is to place the tip in the communal tip box upon check-out.
  • Guides/drives is to fold the notes in your hand and shake their hand at the end of the activity/tour.  

Here is a guide to help you with tipping:

• Bus drivers
  • We recommend you tip US$15 - US20pp for the 6 days of transport. 
• Lodges
  • We recommend you tip US$5 per person, per night.  
  • These tips are shared between all of the cleaners, cooks, reception staff, etc. 
  • The best way to tip at lodges is to deposit the tip into the tips box when you check-out. 
• Restaurants
  • There is no general rule, we usually recommend to round the bill up with a tip of between 10 - 20%. 
• Charity partner visits
  • Tipping is not expected at our charity partner visits.
  • If you would like to contribute, please sponsor or make a donation. 

In the event of an emergency, please contact the following in the order provided:

1. Our Australian office (first instance)
   • WhatsApp: +61 432 822 652
   • Email: [email protected]
2. Our East African office (second instance)
   • WhatsApp
     • Aloyce (Guest Relations | Tanzania): +255 624 009 895
     • Jacob (Guest Relations | Kenya): +254 726 555 776
   • Email: [email protected]
3. The Australian Embassy
   • High Commission of Australia in Kenya (for all East African countries)
     • Address: Limuru Rd, Nairobi, Kenya
     • Phone: +254 204 277 100

If you are unable to reach Adventure Out Loud, please contact:

• Uganda 
  • School for Life 
    • Brenda Isingoma: +256 774 616 585

Here are our favourite East African adventures. Each pairs perfectly with your School For Life charity adventure and you can click the image to find out more about each. 

GORILLAS, GOLDEN MONKEYS & KIGALI 10 - 17 July (incl. transit to Australia) Min. age: 15 years | From: A$4,250pp

UGANDA: PRIMATES & SAFARI 10 - 15 July (incl. transit to Australia) Min. age: 15 years | From: A$8,500pp

HISTORIC ZANZIBAR 10 - 18 July (incl. transit to Australia) Min. age: 2 years | From: A$1,250pp	MT KILIMANJARO TREK 10 - 20 July (incl. transit to Australia) Min. age: 12 years | From: A$5,500pp
MASAI MARA GREAT MIGRATION SAFARI 10 - 18 July (incl. transit to Australia) Min. age: 2 years | From: A$7,750pp Note: this safari extension is designed for adult, specifically couples and friends. If you are travelling as a family, or are on a budget, please contact us for alternative safari options.

Alternatively, speak to one of our African experts about adding (+61 432 822 652 | [email protected]):

VICTORIA FALLS	MADAGASCAR	EGYPT
CAPE TOWN	MAFIA ISLAND	ETHIOPIA