Uganda

Action Aid Ireland

Itinerary

Included

Application Form

THE UGANDA CHALLENGE

FEBRUARY 2006

UGANDA

‘ AFRICA ’S FRIENDLIEST COUNTRY’

Uganda ’s reputation as ‘ Africa ’s friendliest country’ stems partly from the tradition of hospitality common to its culturally diverse people and partly from the remarkably low level of crime and hassle directed at tourists. But this quality extends beyond the easygoing people – Uganda ’s eco-friendliness is demonstrated by the creation of six new national parks – two of which we will be visiting. The climate, too, is highly agreeable, reflecting the combination of an equatorial location and medium to high altitudes. Temperature in October ranges from 18°-28°C. Amenities such as hotels and game lodges rank with the very best Africa has to offer.

From the moment you land at Entebbe ’s modern and efficient international airport, with its breathtaking equatorial location on the forested shore of island-strewn Lake Victoria , it is clear that Uganda is no ordinary destination. Dominated by a century-old botanical garden alive with the chatter of acrobatic monkeys and colourful tropical birds, Entebbe itself is the least obviously urban of all comparably sized African towns. Then, just 40km away, sprawled across seven hills, is the capital, Kampala . The bright modern feel of this bustling, cosmopolitan city reflects the ongoing economic growth and political stability that has characterised Uganda since 1986, and is complemented by the sloping spaciousness and runaway greenery of its garden setting.

Uganda is where the East African savannah meets the West African jungle. Where else but in this impossibly lush country can one observe lions prowling the open plains in the morning and track chimpanzees through the rainforest undergrowth the same afternoon, then the next day navigate tropical channels teeming with hippo and crocodiles before setting off into the misty mountains to stare deep into the eyes of a mountain gorilla? Certainly, Uganda is the only destination whose range of forest primates is as impressive as its selection of plains antelope!

ActionAid Ireland looks forward to welcoming you on this, their first overseas challenge.

Action Aid Ireland

'HELPING TO BREAK THE CYCLE OF POVERTY'

ActionAid is an international development charity whose aim is to fight poverty worldwide. It was founded in 1972 and today it works with more than 13 million of the world’s poorest and most disadvantaged people in 44 countries. We work with local partners to flight poverty and injustice, helping them fight for and gain their rights to food, shelter, work, education, healthcare and a voice in the decisions that affect their lives. Its international headquarters is in Johannesburg , South Africa .

In 2003 ActionAid International was awarded the United Nations International Literacy Prize for its ‘exceptional work in the fight against illiteracy’.

ActionAid Ireland was founded in 1983 and is the Irish member of ActionAid International.

ActionAid has a unique vision and direction: it does not impose solutions but works with communities over many years to strengthen their own efforts to end poverty. It constantly seeks new ways to make the greatest impact with the available resources.

As well as working on the ground in 44 countries, ActionAid campaigns and lobbies at national and international levels to change rules and regulations that exacerbate poverty.

It actively lobbies the world’s most influential institutions – The World Bank, WTO, G8, EU and IMF – to change their policies so that there is a more equitable world, a world where poor people’s rights are ensured.

ActionAid has been working in Uganda since the 1980s – on education, community development and particularly in the fight against HIV and AIDS, an issue on which Uganda has made significant progress.

Participants in the Uganda Challenge will have an opportunity to see ActionAid’s work in the community firsthand and to see where the money they have raised is being spent.

The Uganda Challenge is being supported by Today FM, Ireland ’s biggest independent commercial radio station.

Itinerary

Included

• Return flights Dublin to Entebbe

• 9 nights accommodation in 3/4* Hotels in twin or
  
  double rooms with bath or in campsites.

• Full breakfast each morning.

• All transfers as indicated in the itinerary.

• Lunch on all walking days and drinks where applicable.

• All dinners as included in the itinerary.

• Fully qualified guides and an interpreter on all walking days.

• Full group travel insurance.

• All airport and departure taxes.

• Certificates and Gala Awards Dinner.

• Single rooms can be arranged but at a supplement.

• You can extend your stay with advance notice.

Terms & Conditions

Each participant must sign the application form as confirmation that they have read, and agree with, the terms and conditions of entry.

The participant must be 18 years of age before the departure date of the Challenge or be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Their passport must have at least 6 months to run from the date of return to Ireland . Payment for any visa, airport tax, and gratuities are not included in the cost.

Cosgrove & Associates with the permission of ActionAid Ireland , reserves the right to alter the itinerary, should climatic or any other unforeseen circumstances deem this necessary.

Full Standard Travel Insurance cover is organized for the Challenge. Four areas of cover that should be noted are as follows: Normal luggage and person effects of €2540 and a limit of any single article of €380;Cash – a limit of €635; Passports & travellers cheques - €952; Medical & additional expenses - €6 million. Items of high value eg cameras jewellery may not be covered under the standard travel insurance policy. Participants are asked to read the policy details carefully. They may need all risks cover under their own insurance arrangements. In the event of an accident, loss or claim, participants must personally report it to the local police and all responsibility as pregards processing such claims will be those of the participant without liability to ActionAid Ireland and/or Cosgrove & Associates.

Participants must be relatively fit to take part in the Challenge and must complete the medical questionnaire provided. You may be required to have a medical form signed by your Doctor. By signing the entry form you are confirming that to the best of your knowledge, you general state of health is good and that you take full responsibility for yourself. ActionAid Ireland may at its discretion refuse a participant if in their opinion he/she is medically unfit to take part.

Passport Control and in country authorities will reserve the right to refuse entry.

Participants take part at their own risk and hereby indemnify Cosgrove & Associates and ActionAid Ireland and its agents against claims for loss or damage to personal property, personal injury (or death), and any claim arising from the entrant’s own actions.

Participants must comply with and are responsible for attending to any inoculation and health regulations required for the destination.

If participants are unable to meet the sponsorship requirements they will forfeit their place on the Challenge or theyu may choose to make up the balance themselves.

Participants must carry out all fundraising in accordance with the guidelines set out in the fundraising pack.