Gap Year Programs in Uganda

With so much green space, it could be tempting to spend your entire gap year in Uganda going on photo safaris, nature treks, and culture tours—but you’ll definitely want to interact with the people, spend time in the capital city, and get some first-hand experience with areas that support the growing economy. So where should you start?

Kampala. The capital city of Kampala is located roughly 30 miles from the largest airport in Uganda. Ranked among the best places to live in East Africa, Kampala was once a hunting preserve that developed into a city center built between seven hills. Kampala offers the most diverse population of Ugandans with more tribal languages spoken than any other location in the country. Known for its museum, theater, dance troupe, and nightlife, you’ll find everything from open bartering markets to casinos here—but one of the more recent developments you won’t want to miss includes the newly created spaces and structures dedicated to urban agriculture.

Uganda’s National Parks. Rather than visiting a single park, you’ll definitely want to map out opportunities to get to several of the more famous parks and conservation areas in Uganda (or consider basing your gap year in Uganda somewhere nearby, like the Kisoro District!). Not only will your modest entrance fees support the protection of the native wildlife, but the Ugandan people, too. The country relies heavily on tourist dollars being spent on visits to places like Murchison Falls National Park—which boasts waterfalls in the winding Nile River along with water birds, lions and buffalo—or Queen Elizabeth National Park, with its volcanic craters, hippopotamus, lions, elephants, and chimpanzees. The parks and conservation efforts are governed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, and if you’re on a gap year in Uganda, you can qualify for special rates for activities like gorilla tracking, or hiking in the park camps and national forests.

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My project in Namibia

August 12, 2024by: Emily Ormond - United KingdomProgram: Gap Year Travel with Oyster Worldwide

9

I have recently come back from my gap year and while I was there I spent a month working on the relationships between humans and elephants. So why would I recommend Oyster? I am so glad I picked to do this project with Oyster because they made me feel very well taken care of and looked after me before and during the project. They talk you though everything you need to know before the project takes place and what clothes and necessities you may need to pack. So what does the project consist of? I would do this project a million times if I could, and if you don’t believe me lots of people who were doing the project had already done it before and had come back because of how much they enjoyed it. So the project is on a two week program and you have the option to stay from two weeks to 3 months. The first week is amazing because you build walls for the local community. Some days some of the locals will come and help, or a few kids will come and keep you company, that is amazing because you feel so immersed, it’s definitely a once in a lifetime experience. The second week is spent tracking elephants. This was my favourite out of the two because you learn all about the elephants foot prints. We also managed to see a two day old elephant which we were lucky enough to name !!! So why pick this project? I think this project and Oyster have a lot of selling points. For starters Oyster takes very good care of you and help you organise yourself before the project starts so it doesn’t feel overwhelming. Secondly you are in the middle of the desert, I don’t think you could get anymore rural than that. You don’t really have much service so it’s lovely to disconnect for two weeks. You get to spend some time with lovely people who you may not meet on a day to day basis, people from different countries, locals, and different ages. You camp under the stars which is also amazing. Overall I would always recommend this amazing project, such a special experience!!

Amazing experience. Professional and helpful company.

June 30, 2023by: Bailey Crossland - EnglandProgram: Gap Year Travel with Oyster Worldwide

10

The last few weeks I have been travelling around South East Asia with Oyster Worldwide, completing my Gold The Duke of Edinburgh's Award.   This has been a truly once in a lifetime experience, meeting many new people from all around the world and learning about the Asian culture and lifestyle.   From volunteering at an ethical elephant sanctuary in Chaing Mai, Thailand to partying on a yacht in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam, I enjoyed every second of it.    Oyster Worldwide have been super professional and helpful throughout the whole experience and made a complex and daunting trip, a breeze in the park!

My project in Namibia

August 12, 2024by: Emily Ormond - United KingdomProgram: Gap Year Travel with Oyster Worldwide

9

I have recently come back from my gap year and while I was there I spent a month working on the relationships between humans and elephants. So why would I recommend Oyster? I am so glad I picked to do this project with Oyster because they made me feel very well taken care of and looked after me before and during the project. They talk you though everything you need to know before the project takes place and what clothes and necessities you may need to pack. So what does the project consist of? I would do this project a million times if I could, and if you don’t believe me lots of people who were doing the project had already done it before and had come back because of how much they enjoyed it. So the project is on a two week program and you have the option to stay from two weeks to 3 months. The first week is amazing because you build walls for the local community. Some days some of the locals will come and help, or a few kids will come and keep you company, that is amazing because you feel so immersed, it’s definitely a once in a lifetime experience. The second week is spent tracking elephants. This was my favourite out of the two because you learn all about the elephants foot prints. We also managed to see a two day old elephant which we were lucky enough to name !!! So why pick this project? I think this project and Oyster have a lot of selling points. For starters Oyster takes very good care of you and help you organise yourself before the project starts so it doesn’t feel overwhelming. Secondly you are in the middle of the desert, I don’t think you could get anymore rural than that. You don’t really have much service so it’s lovely to disconnect for two weeks. You get to spend some time with lovely people who you may not meet on a day to day basis, people from different countries, locals, and different ages. You camp under the stars which is also amazing. Overall I would always recommend this amazing project, such a special experience!!

Amazing experience. Professional and helpful company.

June 30, 2023by: Bailey Crossland - EnglandProgram: Gap Year Travel with Oyster Worldwide

10

The last few weeks I have been travelling around South East Asia with Oyster Worldwide, completing my Gold The Duke of Edinburgh's Award.   This has been a truly once in a lifetime experience, meeting many new people from all around the world and learning about the Asian culture and lifestyle.   From volunteering at an ethical elephant sanctuary in Chaing Mai, Thailand to partying on a yacht in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam, I enjoyed every second of it.    Oyster Worldwide have been super professional and helpful throughout the whole experience and made a complex and daunting trip, a breeze in the park!