Safety Tips for Student Trips to East Africa

Safety Tips for Student Trips to East Africa: How to Plan Safe and Successful Educational Trips to Uganda and East Africa

Are you a teacher, group leader, or educational travel coordinator planning a student trip to Uganda or East Africa? Whether you’re leading a group from the USA, UK, Europe, or beyond, ensuring student safety while creating a life-changing educational experience is your top priority. Here are Safety Tips for Student Trips to East Africa.

At Msafiri Tours, we support trip leaders every step of the way, from planning logistics to delivering a memorable, secure, and enriching school tour in Uganda.

Free Uganda Tour for Group Organizers

Did you know? If you organize a group of 10 paying participants, your spot as the 11th person is completely free (land tour only). This exclusive offer is available for trip leaders who accompany the group. Airfare and personal expenses are not included.

Health and Safety Shouldn’t Be Intimidating

Many educators worry about health and safety when planning trips to Africa—long risk assessments, endless paperwork, and responsibilities that can feel overwhelming. But in reality, the UK’s Health and Safety Executive (HSE) advises schools to take only “sensible and proportionate steps.” That’s exactly what we help you do.

Here are practical and proven safety tips for student trip leaders bringing groups to Uganda and East Africa:

Key Safety Guidelines for Student Trips to Uganda

1. Conduct a Thorough Risk Assessment

Before departure:

Identify specific risks for your group (e.g., activities, destinations, transport).
Assess who might be harmed and how.
Update your plan if anything changes before the trip begins (e.g., group size or itinerary).

2. Collect Medical Information Early

Ensure you:

Gather accurate information about each student’s health conditions or allergies.
Know who needs medication and ensure it’s readily accessible during the trip.

3. Meet All Supervisors in Advance

Even if DBS (or similar) checks are complete:

Personally meet all parent volunteers and Msafiri Tours staff in advance or upon arrival.
Build trust and clarify roles for effective supervision.

4. Ensure a Trained First-Aider is Present

Have at least one person with current first aid training on the team.
Carry a well-stocked first aid kit at all times.

5. Set Clear Expectations for Students

Provide detailed daily schedules and rules.
Share emergency contact info and instructions with everyone.
Reinforce group cohesion and safety awareness.

6. Prepare for Emergencies with a Clear Plan

Emergency situations may include:

Medical incidents
Lost students
Accidents during travel or excursions

Have a protocol that includes:

Steps for immediate response
Communication plans with Msafiri Tours and parents
Post-incident reporting procedures

7. Properly Equip and Brief Supervisors

Every adult on the trip should have:

A copy of the trip itinerary and activities
Student health and emergency contacts
The risk assessment and school safety policy
A communication plan in case of emergencies

Note: While Msafiri Tours staff in Uganda will assist with supervision and logistics, ultimate responsibility lies with the trip leader and school.

8. Empower Older Students Responsibly

Older teens often appreciate some autonomy. You can:

Give them limited free time with clear boundaries
Encourage responsibility and maturity
Reduce disciplinary issues through mutual respect

Organise with Confidence, Travel with Peace of Mind

With thorough preparation, smart supervision, and trusted local support from Msafiri Tours, leading a safe student trip to Uganda or East Africa can be smooth, enjoyable, and deeply rewarding.

Get in Touch Today

Planning a school or university trip to East Africa? Let us help you arrange a safe, fun, and educational group tour for your students.
Contact Msafiri Tours to learn more or claim your free leader spot.