1. Murchison Falls National Park Safari — Three days of game drives and a boat cruise along the Nile to the base of the falls, with elephants, lions, giraffes, and hippos along the way.

2. Source of the Nile Boat Cruise — Take a cruise in Jinja right where the Nile begins, in one of East Africa's most recognizable spots.

3. Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary — Stop at the only place in Uganda where you can see white rhinos in the wild, rounding out the Big Five experience.

4. School & Community Visits in Jinja — Visit Small Steps, a community organization supporting students with special needs, and spend an afternoon at Horizon International School connecting with local teachers.

5. Adventure Day in Jinja — White water rafting, bungee jumping, zip lining, quad biking — Jinja is the adventure capital of East Africa and there's a full day to take advantage of it.

Bookbag Tours was built specifically for educators, by people who understand that your time and money matter. We take the learning outside the classroom and into the world, making sure every trip feels as rewarding as it is memorable. From the moment you book to the day you return home, our focus is on creating meaningful, manageable travel that fits your life as a teacher. And the best part? You don't have to go alone. Bring your spouse, a friend, or anyone else who wants to tag along, non-educators are always welcome on our trips too.

✅ Travel With Confidence — Every detail is handled, every partner is vetted, and help is always a message away

✅ Interest-Free Payment Options — Keep your budget stress-free with zero-interest financing

✅ Customizable Payment Plans — Pay on a schedule that actually works for you

✅ 20+ Hours of Professional Development — Built into every trip, ready to document

✅ Graduate Credits Offered — Turn your travel experience into academic credit

✅ Personalized Pre & Post Trip Extensions — Want to explore more? We'll help you plan extra time before or after the group tour

✅ Limited Spots Available — Every trip is intentionally small so every traveler gets the attention they deserve

Jess Matthews

• Daily breakfast and 3 days full board at Pakuba Safari Lodge

• 8 nights in a range of beautiful hotels and lodges

• 20 + Organic Professional Development Hours

• Welcome Dinner

• Tips for In-Country Guide

• Kampala Walking Tour

• 3 night safari including a visit to the top of Murchison Falls, daily game drives and 3 hr boat cruise to Murchison Falls

• Visit to Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch

• Boat cruise where the River Nile begins – Source of the Nile

• BBT Team

• In-Country Guide

• Transportation to all main group locations

• 3 visits to international and local schools

• Airport transfers

• International airfare to/from Uganda

• Travel insurance (highly recommended)

• Meals not listed above (most lunches & some dinners to explore local cuisine)

• Optional activities on free days

• Personal expenses (shopping, souvenirs, laundry, hotel minibar)

• Additional Tips and Gratuities

  • For exceptional service from in-country guides and drivers

• Early/Late airport transfers

Leaders will welcome you at the airport and will get you transferred to the hotel.

Evening 7 PM : Welcome reception - Get to know your group and get excited for the adventures that awaits!

Kampala Serena Hotel Or Similar

Morning guided walking tour through Kampala.

Late afternoon boat cruise to the Source of the Nile.

Jinja Nile Resort or similar

This is a community organization helping primary students with special needs.

There are many markets and craft stores around. Explore the town with your new travel friends!

Enjoy an afternoon at Horizon International School, beginning with a delicious school lunch. Explore vibrant classrooms and engage with dedicated teachers during an hour of focused professional development, where you can learn about their inspiring experiences in education and have the chance to share your own insights.

Meet up with the group and debrief on the day!

Jinja Nile Resort or similar

• Relax by the pool

• Go white water rafting

• Zip lining

• Bungee jumping

• Quad biking

• Jess, our guide, can take a group for a guided village walk on the outskirts of town.

Possibly the sole hope of an organization dedicated to making shoes and preventing jiggers.

Jinja Nile Resort (Or Similar)

Take in the sights and smells as we travel across the country, stopping for lunch along the way. Visit the breathtaking top of Murchinson Falls.

Or possible evening game drive.

TBD

Today is a day of safari tours and a three-hour boat cruise to the bottom of the falls. Exploring a Murchison Falls safari and boat cruise offers an unforgettable adventure, where visitors can witness majestic wildlife along the savannah plains and experience the thundering power of the Nile River as it surges through the iconic falls.

TBD

Time to say goodbye to your new travel friends and reflect on your adventures.

Hotel in Kampala

Kampala Serena Hotel

Souvenir shopping, if flight allows.

Perfect for travelers looking to save and connect. Share a comfortable room with another traveler and enjoy all the same great experiences at a lower cost. If you’re traveling with a friend, let us know your roommate preference at checkout. Otherwise, we’ll thoughtfully pair you with someone of a similar age and teaching level.

Ideal for those who prefer extra privacy. Relax in your own room after each day’s adventure while still enjoying all group activities and inclusions. A great option for travelers who want a little more personal space.

1. Get your vaccinations & health prep early

   Make sure you’re up to date on recommended vaccines (Yellow Fever is required) and pack malaria medication if advised by your doctor.

2. Pack modest, lightweight clothing

   Uganda is warm and humid, but modest dress is respectful, especially when visiting schools or rural communities.

3. Bring USD in small bills

   U.S. dollars are widely accepted, but make sure they are newer bills (2009 or later) and not torn or worn.

4. Use bottled water

   Stick to bottled or filtered water, including when brushing your teeth, to avoid stomach issues.

5. Prepare for bumpy roads

   Road travel can be long and rough, so bring motion sickness meds and be ready for an adventure!

6. Respect cultural norms

   A warm handshake and respectful greeting go a long way. Ask before taking someone’s photo.

7. Stay flexible & open-minded

   Uganda is full of rich culture and beauty, but things may move at a different pace. Go with the flow and enjoy the experience!

Here’s a list of useful Luganda phrases for traveling to Uganda, with simple pronunciation help:

1. Hello – Gyebale Ko

   Pronounced: jeh-bah-leh koh

   (Respectful greeting, especially for someone working)

2. How are you? – Oli otya?

   Pronounced: oh-lee oh-tyah?

   (Warm way to start a conversation)

3. I’m fine, thank you – Gyendi, weebale

   Pronounced: jyen-dee, weh-bah-leh

   (A kind response when asked how you’re doing)

4. Thank you – Weebale

   Pronounced: weh-bah-leh

   (Simple gratitude—always appreciated)

5. Goodbye – Weeraba

   Pronounced: way-rah-bah

   (Use when you’re leaving someone)

6. Yes / No – Yee / Nedda

   Pronounced: yay / neh-dah

   (Quick and helpful responses)

7. Excuse me / Sorry – Nsonyiwa

   Pronounced: n-sohn-yee-wah

   (Useful for being polite or getting attention)

Bookbag Tours is dedicated to providing quality professional development through immersive travel experiences for educators and their family and friends. Our trips offer a truly global perspective, allowing participants to gain insights that enrich their classrooms and lives.

Our mission is to empower educators and their companions with hands-on global experiences, equipping them to inspire students both in and out of the classroom.

With Bookbag Tours, you’ll earn 20+ professional development hours while exploring incredible countries alongside fellow educators and their guests. We also offer specialized trips focused on Marine Conservation and Ancient Civilizations that provide excellent PD without school visits, ensuring valuable knowledge is brought back to every participant.

We’re committed to enhancing the lives of those who strive to make the world a better place through meaningful group trips, professional development conferences, and cultural engagement.

We're here to help you plan the perfect adventure! For any inquiries or assistance, feel free to reach out:

Phone or WhatsApp: +1 (864) 907- 9874

Email: contact@bbtglobal.us

DM us on Socials: @bookbagtours

Our team is available to assist with bookings, itinerary changes, and any questions you may have. Let us help you make your dream trip a reality!