TRAVEL THAT GIVES BACK
Social Impact Nomads brings together travellers, entrepreneurs, changemakers and curious humans who want their travels to mean something. Our Impact Trips are organised in partnership with the 22STARS Foundation and its locally led community organisations in Kampala and Jinja.
For more than a decade, our Ugandan and international teams have worked together to support children and families through education, nutrition, entrepreneurship and community empowerment.
When you join us, you don't arrive as a volunteer coming to "help". You arrive as a guest. You meet the people behind the projects, learn from one another, share experiences, support the local economy and contribute financially to programmes that continue long after your flight home.
CONNECTION
PROJECT VISITS
ACTIVITIES
SIGHTSEEING
WORKSHOPS
COMMUNITY
WHY TRAVEL WITH US?
- REAL IMPACT—Your trip directly contributes to the long-term programmes of 22STARS, supporting education, nutrition, entrepreneurship and community development.
- REAL CONNECTION — Spend meaningful time with our Ugandan team, families, entrepreneurs and young people instead of simply observing from the outside.
- EXPERIENCE UGANDA — Discover Kampala and Jinja through the eyes of people who live there, from busy markets and local food to Lake Victoria and the River Nile.
- A SMALL GROUP — We deliberately keep our groups small, creating space for genuine conversations, reflection and connection.
- A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE — Come home with more than photos. Come home with new friendships, stories, ideas and a deeper understanding of what sustainable impact can look like.
- REAL IMPACT—Your trip directly contributes to the long-term programmes of 22STARS, supporting education, nutrition, entrepreneurship and community development.
STORIES FROM OUR TRIPS
“On my second visit to Uganda, the cooking workshops were once again one of my favourite experiences. The food is incredible, but what I love most is learning from the women, cooking together and all the laughter in the kitchen. I always leave with a full stomach and something new I’ve learned.”
— David Schmidt, Germany
WHAT YOU'LL EXPERIENCE
Over eight days, we combine community, culture, impact and adventure.
You can expect:
• Visits to the 22STARS projects in Kampala and Jinja
• Cultural exchange with children, families and community members
• Workshops with local entrepreneurs and community leaders
• A hands-on jewellery workshop
• A Ugandan cooking experience
• Exploring Kampala and Jinja with our local team
• A boat trip at the Source of the Nile
• Time to reflect, connect and simply enjoy Uganda
• Plenty of spontaneous moments that could never fit into an itinerary
And if eight days aren't enough, you can extend your stay and explore more of Uganda before or after the trip.
YOUR TRIP. THEIR COMMUNITY.
SHARED IMPACT.
Your participation helps make the trip possible while contributing to the communities you visit.
Trip funds cover local accommodation, transport, activities, meals and fair compensation for the Ugandan team involved in organising and hosting the experience. The trip also contributes directly to the long-term programmes of 22STARS.
Our aim isn't to create impact for one week. It is to make sure your visit strengthens work that is happening 365 days a year. These programmes support more than 500 children, as well as their families and communities through:
EDUCATION
School fees and long term educational support.
NUTRITION
Regular nutritious meals for children in our programmes.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Small business support, loans, savings and skills development.
COMMUNITY PROGRAMMES
After school activities, workshops, mentorship and community initiatives.
MEET YOUR HOSTS
Stella Airoldi
Founder & International Host
Stella first came to Uganda in 2009 and has remained deeply connected to the communities she met there ever since. She later founded 22STARS Jewellery and the 22STARS Foundation and has organised Impact Trips that bring people from around the world closer to the realities, challenges and incredible strengths of Uganda.
Susan Laker
Kampala Project Leader
Susan has been part of the 22STARS story from the very beginning. Today she leads the Kampala programmes and brings years of experience, humour and local knowledge to every Impact Trip.
Aidah Nambozo Wafula
Jinja Project Leader
Aidah has worked alongside Stella since the earliest days of 22STARS and today leads the programmes in Jinja. She connects visitors with the community while coordinating education, family and entrepreneurship programmes throughout the year.
David Wafula
Uganda Coordinator & Host
David supports the Kampala and Jinja teams and helps coordinate our work across Uganda. During the trip, he is also one of the people making sure everyone gets where they need to go, understands what is happening and probably has a good laugh along the way.
David Schmidt
International Co-Host
After joining an Impact Trip himself, David became an active supporter of 22STARS and now helps others experience Uganda
for themselves.WHERE YOU'LL STAY
KAMPALA
For four nights, our base is a peaceful green oasis in the heart of Uganda's energetic capital. Relax by the pool, enjoy the garden and recharge between exploring Kampala and spending time with the 22STARS community.
JINJA
For four nights, we slow things down surrounded by nature and close to the Source of the Nile. It's the perfect place to unwind, connect with the group and enjoy one of Uganda's most beautiful regions. And if you still have energy left, Jinja offers everything from rafting and kayaking to cycling, yoga and plenty of other adventures.
Twin-room accommodation is included throughout the trip.
