1

I think you need to give us an insight into what you are looking for

If you said just 'Uganda & Rwanda' then it might be for wildlife, particularly gorillas etc, but with Ethiopia in your equation it makes it difficult. One thing is certain, you're not after a beach holiday!

Please expand ... we might be able to help you then!

Kira

2

Hi Kira - thanks for the inquiry and willingness to help. Honestly, at this point I'm open. I've narrowed it down to Africa (putting off, for now, China, Myanmar, Vietnam, Chile, etc.). I picked Uganda and Rwanda because of their recent extreme political/civil histories. Ethiopia was pretty random. I'd like to volunteer a bit, get to know some people, be a tourist but more, if I can - I want to learn culture by immersion - culture shock is what I'm seeking (I'm from a suburb of a small upstate NY city), without too much risk to my liberty or limb. I"m looking for advice from those in this forum who have experience in Africa (all with infinitely more information than I now have). I'm a 50's left-leaning criminal defense lawyer with an interest in civil rights and the day-to-day impact of the criminal justice and political system on people in their every day lives.

Still amorphous, but at least it will provide a perspective to help you all help me decide?

Thanks for your interest and willingness to help - Kelly

3

P.S. - nice weather would be welcome (had enough cold/snow/sleet here already)!

4

To be quite honest, from what you've just said, although I don't know the country personally, I'd say Zimbabwe!

You could combine it with S.Africa, both will give you good weather, both have & have had interesting political histories & as an American you won't get too much both in Zim I suspect.

At the same time you could see some wildlife as well as immersing yourself in culture as your first time in Afria, but SA is a hop away if it gets too much for you in terms of culture shock

Kira

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I just googled Zimbabwe and SA. Weather is right, fascination points are high. Your response re: maybe too much culture shock in Zimbabwe is exactly what I'm seeking - your response is why I asked on this forum. Thanks, Kira - I'll keep you posted

6

It's an option & if you want 'out' you have SA on the doorstep which you will have to pass through to get to Zim ...

Bundubasher can probably explain ZIm's high & low points to you ... amongst others

Let us know!

Kira

7

I live in Rwanda and have been in Uganda also, if you want to have a mixture of tourist, culture by immersion, mingling with the locals, then Rwanda you can check websit. of www.rwanda.org/rw, you will se different things you can do as volunteer.
K T>C