Exploring Uganda One Coffee, One Garden, One Rolex at a Time

Travel has a beautiful way of teaching us things we didn’t even know we needed to learn.

Recently, I had the chance to explore some of Uganda’s gems with Bradley Eckerson, a traveler from Rwanda. From the very first cup of coffee to the last bite of street food, this trip was filled with laughter, learning, and a few eye-opening moments that reminded me why frontline training is so important in the tourism sector.

Starting with Great Coffee

Our journey began at Kardamom & Koffee in Kampala. If you ever visit, I highly recommend it. Five stars from me! The coffee was perfect, the atmosphere was cozy, and most importantly, the service was warm and welcoming. It’s these simple but memorable moments that create lasting impressions for travelers.

Discovering Botanical Gardens

After coffee, we visited the Botanical Gardens in Entebbe. We strolled through the gardens, learned about different tree species, and enjoyed the peaceful environment. It was an experience that connected us to nature and left us feeling grounded and inspired.

The Adventure to Jinja

Next, we made our way to Jinja. The road was rough, but the destination was worth every bump! Bradley Eckerson was excited to try Uganda’s famous street food: Rolex. And once he did, he couldn’t get enough! Every stop became a quest for the perfect Rolex. We laughed, we explored, and we made beautiful memories.

The Lesson Along the Way

While our trip was full of joyful moments, we also experienced a challenge that many travelers quietly face. Even though Bradley Eckerson had his East African ID from Rwanda, he was frequently treated as an international tourist, asked to pay higher fees, and sometimes met with less-than-welcoming attitudes.

It was frustrating for him, and honestly, it was disappointing for me as a Ugandan.

This is where frontline training makes all the difference.

When tourism staff, whether at gates, ticket booths, hotels, or attractions, understand customer service, cultural awareness, and regional agreements, they can offer better, fairer, and more inclusive experiences for everyone.

Why Frontline Training Matters for Africa’s Tourism Growth

At Learn Tourism, we believe that great tourism starts with great people. We offer frontline training that helps tourism staff:

• Deliver excellent customer service

• Create welcoming environments for all travelers

• Understand how to fairly serve both international and regional tourists

When frontline teams are well-trained, they become ambassadors of their country. They help build a reputation that brings visitors back again and again.

Uganda is beautiful. Africa is beautiful. Let’s make sure the service experience matches that beauty.

Ready to Elevate Your Frontline Team?

If you work in tourism, whether you manage a hotel, a tour company, or a visitor center, we’d love to help you strengthen your frontline team.

Contact us at Learn Tourism to learn more about our frontline training programs. Together, we can make Africa the most welcoming destination in the world.