Location
  • Uganda
    • Mukono
Length
2 to 12 weeks

Program Details

Language
English
Age Min.
18
Age Max
75
Timeframe
Spring Break Summer Winter Year Round
Housing
Apartment Guesthouse Host Family Hostel
Groups
Small Group (1-15) Medium Group (16-30)

Pricing

Starting Price
100
Price Details
After you have been accepted into the project by the volunteer coordinator, then you will have to pay a placement confirmation donation of $200. Since we started, the numbers of volunteers applying has increased by each year.

Unfortunately only a third of those who promise that they will come, have in fact arrived. The wastage in volunteer coordinators’ time and the fact that volunteers who could have come were refused due to holding the space for someone else who didn’t turn up, has forced us implement this. We hope that by implementing the fee, only serious volunteers will thus secure the chance to volunteer in our projects.
What's Included
Accommodation Activities Airport Transfers Meals Transportation Wifi
What's Not Included
Airfare Travel Insurance Visa
Jan 20, 2020
Nov 21, 2022
7 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Uganda is one of the most beautiful bastions of the African wilderness and has everything for a global tourist or even a backpacker. From trekking opportunities in the volcanic Great Rift Valley to exploring the Gorillas hideouts deep in the mountains; from sunbathing at the isolated and magnificent beaches on the Ssese Islands that seem to be floating in Lake Victoria to being captivated by the mystic Jinja, the source point for the great river Nile, Uganda has just about anything.

Why Volunteer In Uganda?

Uganda has a wealth of natural resources but at the same time, it is also a poverty stricken country that has been through civil wars, a cannibalistic dictator and also comes under the HIV/AIDS radar. Volunteering in Uganda will not only open your mind to different cultures and a society that has existed since the early civilizations but also to the depravation that people in Africa have learnt to carry in their stride for too long.

Video and Photos

Program Highlights

  • Two days free safari or sightseeing tour
  • Promote sustainable community livelihoods
  • Improve the living standards of local people
  • Immerse yourself in this rural community
  • Make friends for life and Full culture immersion

Related Programs

Program Reviews

4.50 Rating
based on 8 reviews
  • 5 rating 87.5%
  • 4 rating 0%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 12.5%
  • Impact 4.5
  • Support 4.5
  • Fun 4.5
  • Value 4.5
  • Safety 4.65
Showing 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
Default avatar
Catalina
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

it has been the most humbling, eye opening and wonderful experience

I have spent two months in Kyampisi. This has been the best time of my life. The people are so cordial, I directly felt like being home. Once I got to Uganda, everyone was very happy to help and very supportive. I had an amazing time at my project teaching Spanish.

I worked in a local high school and helped the classroom with Spanish lessons, I taught 3 classes. The children were eager and motivated to learn. I was encouraged by Mr. Ssamba to teach Spanish lessons and it turned out to be a really good experience and I enjoyed to be a teacher although that were really exhausting days.

At the end of my volunteer project, I ended my time here with a weeklong safari to Bwindi for Gorilla trekking experience and Queen Elizabeth national park, all organized by Mr. Ssamba.

After the school teaching, I went to the gardens and I always joined the family on farm work, planting beans, matooke (bananas), and feeding the chicken at the volunteer house. Sandy my sister who runs the house was a wonderful host throughout my stay and she is the kindest most loving person you can imagine.

The people I have met have all been so wonderful and with the biggest hearts. There is so much to see and do here. I am very sad to leave Kyampisi, it has been the most humbling, eye opening and wonderful experience. Thank you to everyone who has opened their hearts to me. Uganda truly is a very beautiful place.

55 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Sarah
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The best free volunteer program in Uganda

My trip to Uganda with Ssamba Foundation was incredible. I went for six weeks, and enjoyed every moment of it!! The activities were explorative, the wildlife was mind-boggling, the scenery was awe-inspiring and the staff were utterly fantastic.

This is not my first time volunteering but it is my first time volunteering anywhere abroad. At first, I didn’t know what to expect so I was a little apprehensive but pleasantly surprised when I got there. As an Aussie I can confirm this is the best free volunteer program in Uganda and in the world.

The teaching out there is challenging and rewarding, especially when you get to talk to the locals and begin to understand how much difference you can make to improve lives.
I can honestly say that “I really did not want to leave!”. I hope that, when you consider doing this project, you understand that yes it is an adventure and yes it is a once in a life time experience; but also you get as much as you put in.

The whole experience was brilliant for me. Simply living in the rural jungle and going back to basics, cooking lunch and dinner for each other every day and enjoying a truly communal atmosphere was totally unique and wonderful.

I learnt so much from the endless knowledge of the staff members, more especially Hon. Isaac Ssamba, the Founder and George my daily contact, and learnt even more about myself from simply going out there on my own and seeing how I coped. I took some excellent photos, I grew as a person and I made some now beloved friends in the process.

I would highly recommend this project for anybody who is outgoing, adventurous and enjoys having simply an amazing time.

Pros
  • Community Led Program
  • Affordable & free
  • basic living experience
69 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Sarah
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The best free volunteer program in Uganda

My trip to Uganda with Ssamba Foundation was incredible. I went for six weeks, and enjoyed every moment of it!! The activities were explorative, the wildlife was mind-boggling, the scenery was awe-inspiring and the staff were utterly fantastic.

This is not my first time volunteering but it is my first time volunteering anywhere abroad. At first, I didn’t know what to expect so I was a little apprehensive but pleasantly surprised when I got there. As an Aussie I can confirm this is the best free volunteer program in Uganda and in the world.

The teaching out there is challenging and rewarding, especially when you get to talk to the locals and begin to understand how much difference you can make to improve lives.
I can honestly say that “I really did not want to leave!”. I hope that, when you consider doing this project, you understand that yes it is an adventure and yes it is a once in a life time experience; but also you get as much as you put in.

The whole experience was brilliant for me. Simply living in the rural jungle and going back to basics, cooking lunch and dinner for each other every day and enjoying a truly communal atmosphere was totally unique and wonderful.

I learnt so much from the endless knowledge of the staff members, more especially Hon. Isaac Ssamba, the Founder and George my daily contact, and learnt even more about myself from simply going out there on my own and seeing how I coped. I took some excellent photos, I grew as a person and I made some now beloved friends in the process.

I would highly recommend this project for anybody who is outgoing, adventurous and enjoys having simply an amazing time.

Pros
  • Community Led Program
  • Affordable & free
  • basic living experience
63 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Aileen
1/5
No, I don't recommend this program

Safari tours got cancelled, but I never got my refund. Even if the volunteering was okay, it drops a big shadow on the overall experience with Ssamba Foundation.

I took part in a sustainable Agriculture Development Program (14.02.2022 - 21.03.2022). The communication and help before my arrival in Kalagi was good and easy-going. Accommodation and food was basic. I also enjoyed my volunteer job even if the communication was a little bit difficult sometimes (e.g. neither Isaac or Sandra could tell me what was the plan for the next day or at what time we’ll start working). The big issue I have with Ssama Foundation is that I booked 2 safari tours with them in advance and paid 970 USD. Isaac is cooperating with a tour company and paid them, booked the tour for me etc.. Both safari tours were cancelled last minute and Isaac approved that they’ll refund my money. Till today I didn’t see any of my money back (it’s more than 3 months later now). I wrote Isaac several times about it and he pretended to take care of it. I also asked for contact information from the tour company that I can get in touch with them, but he never send me an e-mail-adresse or phone number (not even the name of the tour company…). Since a few weeks he is not responding to any of my messages. I’m very very disappointed and feel cheated on as I spent 5 weeks working for them, supporting their project, I even donated money for an important surgery for a close family member of them and that’s what I’m getting back. Be cautious before booking anything.

58 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Sophie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Beautiful unforgettable experience, I can’t recommend enough!

This volunteer trip to Uganda was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I stayed a total of three weeks in Mukono doing the childcare support work and it is the best travel experience of my life so far.

I spent most of my days working on creative projects with “my” kids. The caretakers and volunteers at the children’s centre made me feel so welcome. The centre needs more volunteers, please join them.

From the moment I stepped into Uganda, I felt like meeting long lost friends. I stepped out of the airport to a warm welcome from Sandie (my sweet little Ugandan sister). Mr. Ssamba’s family made me feel so comfortable living with them. The support stayed top notch as the everyday love from home to work was extraordinary.

The living accommodation was comfortable and local dishes – wow! This program made me grow as a person and opened my eyes to the world. The weekends were always filled with trips and safaris, I got the chance to explore the Murchison Falls safari park too, Mr. Ssamba organized everything for us. I highly recommended Ssamba Foundation without a doubt!

Pros
  • Great friendship
  • Well Organized
  • Very memorable
Cons
  • None
70 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Jess
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Indeed Extraordinary volunteer safaris

Volunteering with Beacon of Hope Uganda was an incredible experience. I met amazing people and learned so much about Ugandan culture by living with Isaac the CEO of the organization and his family. It was an excellent way to visit the country and become immersed in the culture while still being a tourist. My co-workers were fantastic and very helpful and friendly. Beacon of Hope arranged a 3 days safari to Murchison Falls for us and that was awesome, memorable and super affordable. I will recommend this project.

I am definitely repeating a volunteering experience with BoHU in the near future and Uganda will surely be a place to live a few years. The only cons this experience has is actually leaving Uganda and coming back to the regular mainstream life.

89 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Karen
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

I had a memorable experience

I absolutely loved my experience while I was in Uganda. I lived in Mukono, East of Kampala. I volunteered my time with women micro-finance groups. This was a once in a lifetime experience I do believe.

I was very nervous travelling by myself to a foreign country in Africa. But my host Isaac who happens to be the founder of the organization made my stay wonderful. He (Isaac) and the team were very helpful, he also arranged a safari for me to Murchison Falls, which ended up being very memorable and affordable.

Uganda is beautiful and has lots to offer to any traveler, the night life was amazing and the people are friendly!

Thank you Beacon of Hope and Isaac for making my stay memorable. I highly recommend this organization, if you are looking for a volunteer program in Africa.

94 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Susan
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great time with Beacon of Hope Uganda

I and my daughter had a great time with Beacon of Hope Uganda. Isaac made us feel very welcome in his village and town homes, he also made sure we felt very safe while on the safari, which he arranged for us and it was super affordable, we saved a fortune using his service.

Isaac is very knowledgeable and was able to share with us a great deal of history on Uganda, diverse cultures and he was highly respected in the communities we visited.
We are so glad we chose his organization for our volunteering experience in Uganda. It was an amazing experience that has led to a lot of personal growth.

All of the people we met were so kind and helpful, and we are incredibly grateful for the support and kindness they gave to us. We would definitely recommend this organization to those who are willing to give back and experience a new culture from a different point of view than that of a tourist.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
The Jack Fruit, Grasshoppers, Green Bananas, Lots of unique foods
90 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers