MISTAKES TO AVOID ON CULTURAL SAFARI IN UGANDA

Planning your cultural safari in Uganda soon? Fitting into Uganda’s culture on cultural safari comes with so many challenges and higher chances are you are bound to make some mistakes. While on cultural safari in Uganda, you can avoid such cultural mistakes only taking into account a number of tips and advice provided in this article. When planning cultural safari in Uganda, cultural sensitivity is essential as this will help you understand how best to relate with local residents, business community or officials. This usually covers a number of aspects including listening and speaking skills.

How do Uganda see you ‘the visitor to their country?’

Like any traveler in a new destination might have preconceived judgment about Ugandans, they too have them about visitors. The common one is they assume all tourists/travelers/visitors on Uganda safari are rich/wealthy. They have unlimited resources and live a luxurious life. These kinds of preconceived opinions are usually as a result of movies they watch, anecdotal stories among others. The assumption that majority of visitors on Uganda cultural safari are wealthy/loaded is most cases builds potential relationships. The other is they assume or belief anything from outside or abroad is better than that in Uganda.

Most ideas Ugandans have can be traced back in the colonial era. However, they are no longer in the colonial protectorate and the process of decolonization is still on going. Interestingly, Ugandans are some of the friendliest and warm welcoming people in African continent. While we all have cultural differences, it may not be easy to notice on cultural safari in Uganda. As first-time visitor, you are most likely to make mistakes and higher chances are you may not easily notice however, Ugandans won’t disclose to you.

When it comes to African cultures, there are many things the western world may take for granted and Ugandans in particular respect. To have enjoyable cultural safari in Uganda, you need to observe different cultural values.

Learn how to speak like a local

Whereas some local residents you may meet on cultural safari in Uganda won’t speak English fluently, most Ugandans know how to speak English too since it is the official language. However, by learning some words and speak them in local language can be great joy and you will be appreciated for your efforts and time spent to learn say Luganda. When speaking with local residents, ignore their pronunciation since English isn’t mother language.

Know how to greet in Ugandan style

Greeting in Uganda is by hand shake. Hand shake expresses friendship between men and men or women and women, On the other hand, you will find children kneel down on your arrival to their place, let it not be a surprise. When you meet Ugandans on cultural safari or business trip, don’t miss to greet. Greeting is what usually initiates the entire conversation.

Get involved in meaningful and respectful conversations

On cultural safari in Uganda, make sure that you get involved in valuable activities or conversations. Have good listening ear and mostly, listen to amazing stories as told by Ugandans. Share your story and at the end of the day, you will have an incredible experience. Story telling is one way to share your experience and gives in-depth learning about each other.

Dress decently

Ugandans like most Africans like dressing smart. When choosing what wear, please be mindful of the culture preferably culturally friendly. Women can find something long and men can put on trousers. For the few days of your holiday in Uganda, try as much as you can to dry smartly.

Never show emotions

Learn how to control your anger, frustration. While on cultural safari in Uganda, note, things aren’t the way you may want or according to your expectations.

Public affection isn’t in Uganda

Kissing in public or indicating any signs of affection with your spouse aren’t allowed. When you see men hold hands its sign of friendship.

Before taking pictures, please ask

Taking advantage of poverty level of local residents for your self-gains aren’t allowed but rather, empowering them is one essential thing to do on cultural safari in Uganda.

Respect the elders

In Uganda, an old person is a celebrity since most people don’t reach the expectancy life. The elderly persons are respected and, in most cases, you will meet them and they are called Mzee denoting elder. Elders are valued so much because they give good advice or counsel where need be.

In conclusion, while on cultural safari in Uganda, make sure that you are culturally sensitive. With the above tips, we believe you will have enjoyable cultural safari experience in Uganda.