Subject to the Unknown
**Note: This is an itinerary from past trips. Our programs are always evolving, so the April 2012 trip may not follow this exact schedule. These are, however, likely to be the elements that are included.
Day 1:
Relax and enjoy the pool at Cassia Lodge. For those who arrived early we will explore Owino Market in downtown Kampala after having lunch at the hotel.
Day 2:
Morning:
Helping at a Bead Sale
We will begin this day at a BeadforLife bead sale. The morning always starts out with singing and dancing, an experience that you will never forget. It is an excellent opportunity to spend time interacting with the women and you will also have the opportunity to work in the buying line, bundle inventory and even make shea butter soap! We will also get an overview of the holistic BeadforLife model and have lunch with the BeadforLife staff.
Afternoon:
Now that you have gotten a taste of Uganda and BeadforLife, we will take some time to get oriented to the rest of the trip. We will also have some time to relax at the hotel before heading to dinner, where we will be joined by Devin Hibbard, Co-Founder and Co-Director of BeadforLife.
Day 3:
Morning:
Harriet drying beads
In the morning we will be joined by Collins and Irene from the BeadforLife staff to explore the Namuwongo slum. Many of the beaders came from this community, and many have started businesses here since graduating from the program. This visit is a powerful experience, and is a dramatic precursor to the BeadforLife village, where you will see the incredible benefits of income, home ownership and a small piece of land for growing food.
Afternoon:
After lunch we will head to “Friendship Village.” The village is about ½ hour outside of Kampala. There are now 130 homes that have been built by BeadforLife graduates in this beautiful place. There is a saying in Uganda: “You are never truly poor if you own your own house.”
Day 4:
You will spend this entire day integrated into the life of the village with your hostess. You might help plant sweet potatoes, carry water, go to the market, cook, or feed chickens. Enjoy! These women are very excited and honored to have you visiting their village and their homes.
Day 5:
Morning:
We will leave the village early in the morning (6:30am!), and stop for breakfast in Kampala. After breakfast we will drive to Murchison Falls National Park.
Top of the Falls
Afternoon:
After entering the park, we will proceed to the top of the spectacular Murchison Falls, where the 100-yard-wide Nile River blasts through a 7-yard-wide cleft in the rocks. Then we will continue to Paraa Lodge, crossing the Nile on a ferry. You should have plenty of time to settle into your room and freshen up in time for sundowners by the pool.
Day 6:
6:30am Game Drive
Early morning and late evening are the best times to see wildlife, so we will head out at 6:30 to see if we can spot anyone returning from last night’s hunt.
You will have from about 11am until 2pm at the lodge to have lunch and relax by the pool.
2:30pm Boat Launch to Murchison Falls
On the Nile
This boat trip takes about 2 hours and travels up the Nile to the base of Murchison Falls. You will pass through rafts of hippos and crocodiles, and will be amazed by the abundant bird life along the shores.
Day 07:
Morning:
We will head out early again for another game drive, and will be back at the lodge by 11. Please pack your bags before breakfast, and store them with reception so that we catch the noon ferry. We will get boxed lunches from the lodge to eat on the way to Kaniyo-Pabidi Ecotourism Site.
Chimpanzee
Afternoon:
Half of the group will go chimpanzee tracking at Kaniyo-Pabidi, and the other half will take a village walk with the Boomu Women’s Group just outside the park entrance. For the chimp tracking, make sure you wear good, closed-toed walking shoes. The hike can sometimes take three hours depending on where the chimps are. And, they are wild animals, so you never know if you will see them. Whether or not you get to see the chimps, it is amazing to spend time hiking through a lush tropical forest with a knowledgeable guide.
Day 08:
Morning and Afternoon:
The groups will switch, so if you did chimp tracking yesterday, you will do the village walk today and vice versa.
We will eat lunch and then drive back to Kampala.
Evening:
In the evening we will attend a dinner show by the Ndere Dancers, a troupe that performs cultural dances from around Uganda.
My son, Nile, in Friendship Village
Day 09:
Morning:
Learn about HIV in Africa from people who are living with it. Hear the stories of outreach workers who are HIV+. Follow the panel with a tour of the Infectious Diseases Institute, the leading research and treatment center in East Africa.
Afternoon:
Return to Friendship Village for another chance to say goodbye to your new friends. We will make a stop for souvenirs on the way.
Day 10:
Ugandan kids
Morning:
After breakfast we will visit the M-Lisada orphanage, a home for kids who were living on the streets. These kids will lift your spirits and warm your heart.
Afternoon/Evening:
Souvenir shopping at a large craft market, closing debrief and final dinner overlooking Lake Victoria
