Leaving the comforts of home to go live in Uganda for 3 months was...well, it was an adventure. It was everything I hadn't imagined, and everything I didn't know I wanted. Nothing really prepares you for such a trip, no amount of research or anecdotes. It's one of those things that you have to experience for yourself.

Every day was full of surprises. One day I'd be at the orphanage volunteering, and next thing you know, Freddie would pop up and say, "Let's go!" Off we'd go to visit a school, or attend a burial, or check out bullfighting. See, I got lucky when I chose Uganda. I had no idea what was in store for me, the amazing time I would have, and the emotional connection I would forever have with this country.

Oh and let's not forget all the incredible opportunities I had to take tons of beautiful photos. There was beauty everywhere I turned. And that's what happens when your eyes see something new. They're opened wider than ever, taking in the colors and faces and charm of the surroundings.

There's lots to learn and love as a volunteer Uganda. Here are some things you might want to know before you go:

The Country

Uganda is located in East Africa, surrounded by Kenya to the east, Tanzania to the south, South Sudan to the north, Rwanda to the southwest, and Democratic of Congo to the west. One of the first things that will stand out to you visually is the bright reddish-orange dirt. It was the welcome mat that lay before me as it finally hit me that I was in Africa.

The airport is in Entebbe, just an hour or so away from the capital city of Kampala. The zoo is just a few minutes from the airport, so it makes for a great stop to make before heading to your destination. Murchison Falls, Lake Bunyoni, Sipi Falls, Sisi Falls, Jinja, gorilla trekking, and safaris are just a few of the sights and activities that volunteers have within their reach.

You can even get out of the country for a few days and tour the other East African countries. Kenya's capital city Nairobi is a 12-hour overnight bus ride.

Uganda has a number of local languages, however English and Swahili are official languages.

The Volunteer Work

I got really lucky with my volunteer work at the orphanage. It was hands down one of the most memorable experiences I've ever had. When Freddie told me I had the option to teach, farm, or spend my days at an orphanage, I knew immediately that I'd be volunteering at the orphanage. I had no idea what to expect; I just figured, what better way to spend my day than with children who could use some love and care? I remember being a little anxious about what it would be like. But the anxiety tends to wear off when you enter a room full of babies who don't need much from you...but you.

I'd walk in early in the mornings to these bright faces who, after a couple weeks, knew who I was and awaited my presence. They had all been orphaned, most of them having lost their mothers during childbirth, some abandoned by families who couldn't take care of them, and here they were at this place that offered them a new start at life. And I got to be a part of that in some way. I had the pleasure of hugging them and kissing them, watching them take their first steps, and honestly, just witnessing the power of love and how it can literally nurse a child to back to health.

While I was at the orphanage, other volunteers were teaching English to young students at the local primary school or farming up in the green hills of Wanale or in the beautiful community of Sam. Some volunteers mix it up and volunteer at all different projects to get a full experience. You totally have the option to mix it up. And be sure to inquire about other projects including working with the HIV awareness program, festivals, and more.

The sightseeing

Uganda is known for its gorilla and chimpanzee trekking and safaris, like Murchison Falls located in the northern part of Uganda. Almost all volunteers get a chance to visit Sipi Falls, just an hour outside of Mbale. You can tour bat caves, hike, and get close enough to take some unbelievable snapshots of the powerful waterfalls. There are also beautiful cottages located at Sipi where you could stay for the weekend.

Another popular tourist destination is the town of Jinja where you can do a boat tour of the Source of the Nile, where the Nile River and Lake Victoria meet. Travelers also go bungee jumping and white water rafting.

Lake Bunyonyi is in southwestern Uganda and is known for its beautiful scenic landscape. Take a tour of the lake in a dugout canoe and see for yourself. It's a bit cooler and pretty peaceful and quiet, and a nice change from the busyness of Mbale. Near Lake Bunyonyi you can get started on your gorilla trekking adventure.

Murchison Falls is one of the more popular safaris, where you can see elephants, hippos, and giraffes just to name a few. If you plan to stay for a few days, they offer hotel accommodation, campsites, and guest houses for your convenience.

The Food

Fish, fried eggs, cabbage kachumbari, eggplant, and katogo made with banana and Irish potatoes

I thought eating in Africa would be difficult as a pescatarian being that Uganda is a landlocked country. But lucky for me, Lake Victoria provided plenty of fish for me, and then some!

Every day was full of fish, and fish, and more fish, served with lots of rice and beans, cow peas, posho (polenta-like side dish), matoke (steamed cooking green bananas mashed), kachumbari (chopped tomatoes and onions served fresh), and cooked greens. Chips (french fries), cassava chips, and mandazi are street food you can get any time of the day. If you're a meat lover, you can indulge in muchomo (meat skewers), cooked goat and cow stewed down and served with all the above.

Mbale has a nice variety of cafes to choose from where you can get "western" food, like burgers and pasta. Even some of the local restaurants serve these foods if you're not into Ugandan food, or simply just need a break (as I did at times).

If you like Indian food, you'll love Uganda. I just so happen to love the Indian cuisine there, but just know it is higher priced than Ugandan food. Many volunteers would wait until the weekend and meet up with a group of people and indulge in samosas and curried chicken and masala chips (spiced french fries with onions and peppers) as a nice treat.

The Nightlife

I distinctly remember my first night going to Oasis (now El Tanjia), Mbale's most popular and (at that time) only night club. It was the three of us: Freddie, Malte, and myself. You could hear the music blasting as we pulled up on our bodas. People were on line, while others were hanging off to the side in small groups talking and laughing. Vendors were posted up with their tables full of gum and cigarettes.

We managed to get in free which is quite common when you're with Freddie (lucky us!). As we made our way down a dimly lit stairwell, I thought to myself, holy shit. I'm about to party in Uganda. How epic is this? Soon it was clear we were entering the party as our shirts were glowing from the black lights. The music started blaring as we walked into a tight, but fluid, dancing crowd of happy people who couldn't stop moving. The bass was strong. The rhythms were right. My knees started breaking to the beats and next thing you know, the music took over.

Let's just say, we were at the club more times than I can count. We would usually start at African Golden Gardens, which is now Thatch Gardens. We'd get the night started with a few beers, a bite to eat, and some good, thorough dancing. It's an outdoor spot with a pool table, bar, plenty of space to lounge, and a dance floor under a bungalow. Then we'd head to the club and party the night away, sometimes into the morning.

Years later, there are plenty more clubs and spaces where you can play pool, have a drink, and listen to some good music including Sukali, Sports Club, Freedom, and more.

The Music

Let's just say, when I got back home from my trip, my iPod was full of new music. I still have the CD I made when I got home full of the songs I fell in love with in Uganda.

The music is certainly different. It has its distinct rhythm, and the languages and accents will make it clear you're listening to Ugandan music. But you will certainly hear remnants of other styles of music, specifically Jamaican music. Ugandans loooove Jamaican music. Most of the contemporary music by artists such as Jose Chameleon, Bobi Wine, and Eddie Kenzo exhibit this love when you listen to their songs.

There are always concerts and street jams, and many of the artists make club appearances. You'll also find many opportunities for local, underground artists (even volunteers!) to perform at street jams where they get an opportunity to perform in front of a major audience.

And let's not forget about the festivals. If you're in Uganda in September, you'll have the privilege to attend the 3-day festival, Nyege Nyege, in Jinja, at the source of the Nile River...in the rain forest might I add, where attendees from all over the world come to and jam out and have the best time of their lives. Party goers vibe out to live performances all day and all night, and then fall asleep under the stars and bright moon-- well that's even if you can sleep...because in at atmosphere like that, sleeping is almost nonexistent. There's not one part of that festival you'll want to miss.

THE REST IS WHAT YOU MAKE IT

Some people wonder if they'll have a great time during their time in Uganda. The only thing I can say is, it's what you make it. If you come with an open mind and heart, I guarantee your time will be unforgettable and worth every moment. Nothing in life is perfect, so be prepared for things to go not as planned. Just be safe, be smart, and remember that you have been given an opportunity to have an adventure that will impact you and maybe even change the direction of your life. And that's okay, too!

What would you like to experience during your trip? And for those who have already visited, what was your volunteer experience like?