Uganda is also known as the "Pearl of Africa" for its "magnificence, for variety of form and colour, for profusion of brilliant life". A landlocked country, it is located about 800 kilometers inland from the Indian Ocean. It is bordered by Tanzania and Rwanda to the south, the Democratic Republic of Congo to the west, Sudan to the north and Kenya to the east. The southern part of the country includes a substantial portion of Lake Victoria, which is also bordered by Kenya and Tanzania. A fertile, well-watered country with many lakes and rivers, Uganda takes its name from the Buganda kingdom, which encompassed a portion of the south of the country including the capital, Kampala. Uganda lies almost completely within the Nile basin.

Uganda has the gift of holiday weather year around. The majority of the country has a tropical climate which varies according to altitude. The hottest months are from December to February when the temperature reaches 29 °C while rainy seasons are from April to May and October to November, with the wettest month being April. Temperatures in some parts of the country can be quite cool owing to the country’s high altitude. The mountain areas, for instance, become much cooler and the tops of Mount Elgon and Rwenzori Mountains are often covered in snow. Other parts of the country are much warmer.

Uganda gained independence from Britain in 1962. The current estimated population of Uganda is about 32.4 million and this takes into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS which can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates and lower population growth rates. The country is ranked 10th for HIV/AIDS adult prevalence rate. Uganda has a very strong and diverse cultural heritage. It is composed of many regions, each with different cultures and life styles and the people are remarkably hospitable. Each tribe has its own traditional dance. Culture and traditions are also expressed through a wide range of arts and crafts made from wood and other local materials. These include blacksmith implements, beaded jewelry, wood carvings and batiks. They can be found all over the city in village bazaars, gift shops, hotels, urban galleries and the National Theater Craft Market. The country’s staples include plantains, maize, cassava, sweet potatoes, millet, sorghum, beans, and groundnuts. Their diet also includes a proportion of fruits and vegetables.

Although Uganda has substantial natural resources, including fertile soils, regular rainfall, and sizable mineral deposits of copper, cobalt, gold and other minerals, it is one of the world's poorest countries. It has however commenced economic reforms and growth has been robust. The discovery of crude oil and natural gas for instance in the west of the country have boosted confidence in the economy. Agriculture is an important sector of the economy, employing over 80% of the work force, with coffee as the main export. The service sector accounts for over half of the country’s Gross Domestic Product.

Uganda is a fast growing tourist destination gifted by nature together with its growing stability and hospitable communities. It continues to offer its competitively priced and high quality range of wildlife products offering an awesome experience. The development of tourism and leisure have been enhanced by effective promotion of both the destination and products offered by government and specific businesses. While all who visit the country remark upon the cultural diversity and effortless warmth of Ugandan people, most itineraries revolve around the protected areas under the direction of Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). And these are magnificent, encompassing not only conventional Savannah- mesmerizing tracts of African bush teeming with antelope, buffalo, elephant, giraffe, zebra, Forest Hogs, big cats – but also the snow capped peaks of Africa’s tallest range of mountains , tropical rain-forests of mind boggling biodiversity, and atmospheric lakes and rivers heaving with hippos, crocodiles and birds. Yet untouched by mass tourism, Uganda’s parks are ideal retreats for the discerning Eco-tourist. Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks are just two of the nation’s numerous parks. Uganda is the world’s premier primate – viewing destination, home to half of the world’s mountain gorillas, large populations of chimpanzees and a dazzling variety of monkeys. For bird lovers, Uganda is practically peerless: it is the only African country that has a record of more than 1000 bird species. Each park offers a memorable experience!

The HIV/AIDS pandemic has left many children orphaned in Uganda. Around 1.2 million people including children are living with HIV in the country. Since these orphans and abandoned children and adults cannot care for themselves they need us to provide for them so that they can hope for a better future. With a population of over 32 million, there is a high level of illiteracy in the country. Much of the public education is based on repetition and memorisation as the already limited staff does not have enough time to help teach well. This requires more volunteers to help break this culture of learning. Uganda has one of the worst healthcare records in the world, ranking 186th out of 191 nations. Some 70% of Ugandan doctors and 40% of nurses and midwives are based in urban areas, serving only 12% of the Ugandan population. Our wildlife research volunteer projects offer fascinating insights into current issues, and the chance to get a closer look at how careful studies can contribute to problem solving. Volunteers are therefore required in all sectors of the Ugandan economy.