BAGGAGE

Label your baggage inside and out with your full name and home address, including country. Also include a destination address with the dates you will be there. It is not uncommon to find luggage identical to yours in the baggage claim areas.  So please mark your baggage in some way for easy identification. Be sure your suitcase can be locked while in the hotel.  It is advised that you inventory (by list or photograph) the contents of your baggage and carry it in your carry-on bag.

Don’t forget to pack any prescription medication (in their original containers) in your carry-on. You may not be able to obtain them while in Uganda.

SPENDING MONEY

Your trip fee includes airfare, entry visa fee,  meals, bottled water, hotel accommodation and in-country transportation. Please be aware that it does not cover additional costs such as telephone calls/internet service from the hotel, personal shopping, laundry, etc.

The local currency is the Ugandan Shilling (UGX). At the time of writing this document $1 USD was equal to 2,057.00 UGX. For the latest exchange rate in your currency, visit http://www.xe.com/ucc/full.shtml.

The amount of spending money you bring is your decision.  For 14 days of travel, you’ll probably find $100-$200 US sufficient. We will have time for a few hours of shopping towards the end of our trip.  We will arrange a one-time currency exchange upon arrival to Uganda. IMPORTANT:  You will need to have your spending money in 50 or 100-dollar bills, 2003 or newer with no tears or markings on the bill.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

Ugandan Water Project requires travel insurance for all team members and it is included in the trip budget.  It may also be beneficial to consult with your medical insurance carrier as to the extent of coverage you have while traveling and doing humanitarian work in Uganda.  Our teams are covered through Talent Trust Consultants- a reputable travel insurance provider with exceptional coverage.  If you would like more information about the policy details and coverage with Talent Trust Consultants please let us know.

WATER FILTRATION

We will be drinking both bottled water and filtered water during our trip.  Ugandan Water Project has a water filtration system with us that can be used by all of our team members to filter water into their own personal bottles. If you would like to purchase your own water filter and bottle, look for one that filters particles up to .2 microns or smaller. http://www.sawyerproducts.com/products.htm and www.katadyn.com have reliable water filtration products. Previous travelers have purchased and been satisfied with the Sawyer Inline Water Filter (with 34 oz bottle) from Wal-Mart for approximately $35.

WHAT TO WEAR

Uganda is a conservative culture and wardrobe selection needs to focus on utility for an active itinerary in hot weather and the conservative choices in style and clothing design.  Many of our team members choose to pack clothing that they can give away after  they wear it. This is not required but it is a meaningful experience for many and you are welcome to do this if you choose.

Women: Most of the local women wear skirts below the knee. Women traveling to Uganda will want to wear long opaque skirts, Capri’s, pants or shorts that are knee length or longer.  Skirts tend to be cooler in the heat, but please be sure you have some work type clothes as well.  Please no form fitting or low cut t-shirts. T-shirts are fine but avoid shirts with offensive slogans or images.  Please make sure tank top straps are at least 1 inch or wider with no visible bra straps. Please include a dress casual outfit (dress or skirt & blouse) for some gatherings.  During personal time we ask that all dress remain modest.

Men: Men traveling to Uganda will want to wear pants/jeans or shorts that are knee length or longer.   T-shirts are fine but avoid shirts with offensive slogans or images.  Please include a dress casual outfit (khakis and collared shirt) for some gatherings. During personal time we ask that all dress remain modest.

Shoes: Comfortable and sturdy shoes are a must!  Avoid open-toed shoes, as you will be walking on rough roads and paths in the villages/slum that can be littered with waste. Flip-Flops or l’il strappy sandals are not a practical choice for the daily activities for our teams, however you may find it convenient to have one pair for use in the hotel.

Personal adornment:  Please keep personal adornment accessories (ex. jewelry) conservative.  It is fine to wear a wedding band, however it is recommended for security purposes to leave the bling behind.

PACKING LIST

Pack only what you think you will need.  You will probably use less than what you think.  It is possible to hand wash personal items at the hotel.  Be prepared for variances in temperature and humidity.  Loose clothing is cool in warm temperatures.  Previous travelers have brought clothes that can be given to the local people upon departure (ex: 14 new white t-shirts).
Clothes:

• Pants/Jeans/capris – preferred for bug protection
• Shorts – knee length or longer
• Skirts – knee length or longer, opaque (not see through)
• Shirts – no slogans or offensive images, no low cut, not form fitting
• Tank tops – 1 inch strap or wider, no spaghetti straps, no visible bra straps
• At least one dress casual outfit – collared shirt and khakis for men, skirt/dress and blouse for women
• Warmer pajamas or appropriate sleepwear (evenings can be cool)
• Undergarments
• Shoes – sturdy, comfortable, avoid open-toe (flip flops for hotel are fine)
• Socks
• Hat – for sun protection or a bad hair day
• Lightweight rain jacket, sweatshirt or windbreaker
• IMPORTANT – Pack one change of clothes in your carry-on for our stop in Dubai
• Please note:  you do not need to bring a bathing suit or towel

Personal Care:

• Bug repellant – at least 40% Deet
• Permetherin based clothing spray (Wal-Mart camping department) – spray your clothes and let them dry before you pack them.
• Travel size hand sanitizer – 2-3 bottles (one for check-in and one for carry-on baggage)
• Sunscreen – SPF 30 or higher and water-resistant
• Lip Balm
• Deodorant – please!!!
• Shampoo/Conditioner – travel size for 2 weeks
• Soap
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Razor and Shaving Cream
• Your favorite anti-diarrhea medicine
• Prescriptions – in original container
• Malaria Medication
• OTC Medications/vitamins
• Small pack of tissues
• Wet wipes or baby wipes
• Feminine care products
• Washcloth – you will get dirty!!!
• Eyeglasses & Contacts
• Sleeping Aids – ear plugs, blindfold, drugs (especially for air travel)
• Roll of toilet paper in zip-loc bag (for carry-on and traveling around Uganda)

Travel Gear:

• Electricity power converter and plug adaptor if needed (Wal-mart)
• Money Belt – to be worn under clothes and large enough to hold Passport
• Lock for suitcase – for use in hotel
• Camera – with extra batteries. memory cards, chargers (don’t skimp on the batteries and memory cards – you will take more photos than you think!)
• Cell Phone and charger
• Small LED flashlight or book light
• Small travel alarm clock (unless you use your cell phone)
• Small clothes line with 6-8 clothes pins
• Trial size detergent
• Sunglasses
• Small umbrella
• Small soft duffle bag – packed empty in check-in bag (for overnight in Jinja)
• Water bottle with filter (optional) – we will drink bottled water during our trip

Extras:

• Journal, books and pens
• Photos from home to share with the team and local people
• Energy bars, trail mix, breakfast bars (sometimes meals are late or not appealing)
• Powdered Gatorade – 2 box of packets
• Gum or candy
• Handkerchief or bandana
• Laundry bag or garbage bag for dirty clothes
• Various sized zip-locs
• Cash, an optional bank card

Donations and Supplies: Please let us know if you plan on bringing any donations so we make sure we have room in our supply bins.  Below are some ideas.

Donations for local children: Quantity is important b/c there will be a ton of kids and we don’t want to come across as playing favorites.

• Small toys (beanie babies, matchbox cars, balls, stuffed animals, etc.)
• Coloring books, crayons
• Temporary tattoos
• Candy
• Balloons
• School Supplies
• Frisbees
• Soccer balls with pumps
• Whistles and field cones for soccer games

Donations for Everyone

• Toothbrushes, floss, toothpaste
• First Aids Supplies – Band aids, ointments, gauze, tape, OTC medications, etc.
• Guitar Strings and picks
• Hand tools – saws, hammer, tape measure, 2 ft levels, work gloves, etc.