Uganda or Ghana to visit? | Uganda - Lonely Planet Forum

ONLINE

Sat, 12 Oct 2013 02:32:45 +0000

Hi there,

I've recently been accepted to a program in Africa where I am going to go volunteer in an orphanage for 4 weeks. I'm deciding which country to go to and am debating between Uganda or Ghana. Of the countries available in Africa, these are the two that I have yet to visit.

I can't make up my mind because I've read fabulous things about both. I've heard Ghana has some of the nicest people and Uganda offers more of the unique wildlife excursions, including the gorillas. When traveling, I really like being able to interact with locals as much as I can, I like adventure, a bit of history, and artisan markets. I'm wondering if anyone has any recommendations/feedback on either country to help me decide?

Even though the majority of my time will be with the orphanage (so it's not exactly a backpacking trip), we will have evenings and weekends free to do some travelling and sightseeing. I'm looking to go from mid December to mid January.

Any input that might help me would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks

ONLINE

Sat, 12 Oct 2013 09:20:54 +0000

Hi Sares81,

So good of you to have a Volunteering heart especially with the Orphans. Am glad you have info on both countries and i think Uganda has both what you are looking for; The Great wildlife especially the Gorillas, and most of all, the Locals are so good to visitors, so be sure to mix freely.

Am sure you will have a great experience in Uganda.

Copy and paste the url below to share the link.

Sat, 12 Oct 2013 09:37:08 +0000

This post has been removed because it may not have met our community guidelines.

ONLINE

Sat, 12 Oct 2013 14:08:55 +0000

This is a difficult one as they are my two favourite African countries. They both have extremely friendly people, are relatively safe and have interesting cultures. Whichever you choose I am sure you will have a fantastic experience.

Copy and paste the url below to share the link.

ONLINE

Thu, 17 Oct 2013 08:33:53 +0000

Lucky enough to have been to both, Ghana less recently. Recommend you go to both - the other, next year!
Uganda, superb wildlife, birding, rafting, scenery (especially Kigezi province in south West), contrasts, mountains, lakes...Kampala > Accra, comfortably.

Ghana - also has a reasonable park - Mole for walking safaris too, and has the coast - Cape Coast and El Mina, lakes, markets (Kumasi), and a bit cheaper.
Echoing other comments, people and culture less of a factor as outstanding in both, relatively easy to move in, both lovely countries; read up and choose. Orphan Aid Africa runs a couple of establishments in Ghana that are sound.

Copy and paste the url below to share the link.

ONLINE

Thu, 17 Oct 2013 10:00:14 +0000

Uganda is a more friendly country and am sure with your line of volunteer work Uganda would be suited for you. Uganda has numerous opportunities to serve the local community and its central location is absolute.
Carlos

Copy and paste the url below to share the link.

ONLINE

Fri, 18 Oct 2013 23:33:43 +0000

Geoffwellard, I'm not sure when you've been to Ghana for the last time. I've never been to Uganda (just planning on a trip right now that's why I checked out this forum) but I've been to Ghana for around a dozen visits over that past 7 years and unbelievably the last 2 years have seen prices for the most basic things double while prices for even half decent meals in seated restaurants, chartered taxis and other guilty pleasures have tripled or even quadrupled. All down the West African coast, from Guinea to -and including -Nigeria, Ghana is by a very, very far stretch the most expensive country. Still a great place to be but excessively expensive. Why? Two words: Crude Oil.

Copy and paste the url below to share the link.

ONLINE

Mon, 28 Oct 2013 08:44:56 +0000

Since I live in Uganda, I do recommend it. It sounds like you already have orphanages where you can volunteer in either Ghana or Uganda? Or, do you need help getting connected?

Uganda does have a myriad of activities: safaris, white water rafting, gorilla or chimp trekking, backpacking and hikes, etc.

People are great.

Contact info@routestoafrica.com for more help with anything for Uganda - transport, trips, even just advice. They do a great job and are very helpful.

Enjoy whichever country you decide on and thanks for your willingness to serve!

Copy and paste the url below to share the link.

ONLINE

Wed, 13 Nov 2013 08:40:42 +0000

When are you going? I have heard good about both countries. Personally, I am going to Uganda at the end of this month to volunteer in Uganda at a small organization in Mbale that offers free food and accommodation. Feel free to contact me: Annasofie94@yahoo.dk :)

Copy and paste the url below to share the link.

Pro tip