Life is undeniably tough here. In rural areas, subsistence is a daily reality, and access to education and healthcare is far from guaranteed.
There were moments on this trip that caught me off guard emotionally. The contrast with life in the West is stark — not in statistics, but in daily realities.
And yet, what shines through the most is the warmth of the people that I interacted with. Despite economic challenges, the people I met were generous with their time, help, and smiles — especially in Uganda and Rwanda.
Time moves differently here. Life is slower. Patience is essential. And somehow, that rhythm is grounding.
East Africa is breathtaking. The landscapes are vast and dramatic; the lakes, hills, and savannahs are unforgettable.
The contrast in costs is striking. Outside tourist areas, it’s possible to travel comfortably on under £20/day. In tourist zones, costs can quickly rise to £200/day or more — a divide that mirrors broader economic realities.
This journey has been a mix of beauty, perspective, discomfort, gratitude, and admiration.
I’ve eaten more curries in East Africa than anywhere else — even India — a reminder of the region’s layered history and cultural influences.
I’ve clung on to the back of a motorbike more times in the last two months than in my entire life.
And my final country — Rwanda — left me truly inspired. The land of a thousand hills, countless problems, and countless solutions.
Anything is possible in this world — as long as there is a willingness.
This trip wasn’t simple. It wasn’t always comfortable. But it was totally worth it.
There’s a big difference between reading about a place and spending time in it. It’s also easy to have opinions from a distance. It’s different when you’ve been.
