Camping is one of the outdoor activities for the adventurous and most times it’s to embrace nature, however you need to prepare in order to make it memorable and a good experience. Would you like to go camping on your next Africa tour? Camping can be challenging if you are not aware of what to do or not but with simple basic tips it can be fun filled.

Here are the tips to help you enjoy a camping safari in Africa;

1. Before campsite

• The most important tip is to research and find necessary information about the place or destination to camp. You must be in the know of uncertainties, is there running water at the campsite, enough space, sand how safe the site is.

• Buy the camping gear and test it, in case you are traveling with your own camping items, you need to test their functionality and If they will serve the intended purpose. The mistake most campers do is not trying out setting the camp before, don’t do that, you may end up being disappointed.

Keep it simple but comfortable. And in case you’re getting the camping gear at the site its better it matches your expectations and one that blends with nature.

• Keep the group small of about 6 people and important is for each to carry a personal camp tent which is easy to set up than a big tent of 6 -10 people. You will also not find trouble finding a flat landscape setting up a small tent than a big Tent.
• Find out the likely dangers especially If you are going into the wilderness. Wild animals are not harm to humans if not disturbed but a gain you need to prepare mentally for the unforeseen emergencies
• It is a very important aspect if you are planning camping, you must have the essentials and some of the things on the check list are soap, tooth paste and brush, beddings such as warm blankets, don’t under estimate the weather, rain coats and jacket, sandals, wet wipes, hand sanitizers or easy shoes insect repellent, power back, a portable lantern or lighting touch, ear plugs, comfortable chairs easy to fold. Also don’t forget first aid kit, camping Mat, thermal cover and many others.
• Carry your own lighter for camp fire, and make sure to manage the spread of wild fires. Lighter is most often underestimated but trust me once you forget it your experience may be inconvenienced.

• Be prepared for rain and pack enough rain gear, make sure the camping tents have no leakages and its water proof before departure you may also consider having a portable hoe to clear drainage among others. To be on a safe side it’s important to carry an extra bag or tarpaulin. Don’t ignore the weather, it could rain any time despite being the dry season so you need to be prepared in advance. Warm clothes are more recommended because in the night temperatures tend to drop in the night.
• Cooking Check list, life continues and the body needs to be fed. while planning for camping, think of the food easy to prepare during camping. Remember you are limited to accessing your cooking items therefore remember to pack enough disposable cups and plates. Cutlery, match box, portable gas cylinder and many others. You will also need to pack foods such as rice, noodles, spaghetti, powdered milk, biscuits, snacks, sugar, salt, tomato paste, cooking oil, bottled water etc. The important tip here is to plan meal plan before hand, this will guide on how much quantity you will need for survival.

• Carry a disposable garbage bag for all the waste. This helps to keep safe and the surrounding tidy.

• You also need a small hand back packers’ bag not 13 kgs easy to carry in case you may need to relocate.

2. At the campsite

• Make sure to check and clear the ground before you set up the camp tent. This is to ensure you get away with unwanted sharp objects if any and bushes around for comfort. When setting your tent make sure it doesn’t face where the wind comes from. Another important tip is to set the camping tent before its dark.

• In case its raining or threatens to rain while there, keep beddings and other Important items and documents from the walls of the tent to avoid destruction and leakage.

• While at the camp site, make friends with other campers this makes it an enjoyable experience being in the company of others.

• If you choose to set your camp in the wild, avoid near water bodies. Predators and other dangerous animals may turn you int their next meal. These include Hippos, and Crocodiles that like resting near the shores.
• Do not leave any food left overs, keep the camping site tidy and clean. collect all un washed plates, fruits outside the camp tent and must not put them in the same tent you sleep in. You may also need to get a cover for your vehicle. This helps wild animals keep safe and same some animals like elephants have a strong smell and may attract them for destruction.

• Managing your campfire is one of the essential which many campers may not be aware about. You need to Create a fire circle ring with stones so that the fire doesn’t spread. In addition, keep water close of an emergency. Most wild fires in the camp site are a result of negligence.

3. Stay in the company of your fellows, don’t not roam around in the wild alone without a ranger guide. Wild animals are potentially dangerous and may attack where least expected.

• Let your tent air dry before you fold it in the morning, this will stop it from molding and smelling bad for your next use.

• Don’t camp in one place more than one night, nature gets destroyed easily it better to keep changing location. This helps to preserve eco-system.

4. The last important ethical tip is not to destroy nature, keep no trace of litter. Much as you are camping in the wild, endeavor to leave the place as it was found, don’t know destroy trees, feed wild animals, or litter rubbish everywhere. Pack every thing that may pollute the environment and dispose od at the designated places.

After successfully highlighting the important tips for camping on a safari, we wish you the very best.

When packing for self-drive safari in East Africa, make sure that you start with essential items first. With so much required for you to put together for you to have a successful East Africa self-drive safari in 2021, we advise you to pack lightly. For any plans to go self-drive tour in Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda or Tanzania, consider the following a must-pack;

Google maps

Google maps should be a must-have if you have any plans to explore East Africa on self-drive safari. With google maps at hand, it becomes easier to locate your destination especially when you get lost. They can easily be downloaded and you can use them even when you are offline. It is possible to create your own map and make highlights of stop points using My apps application.

GPS Unit

If you have a smart phone, you can still use it instead of carrying a GPS unit. However, GPS can save you a lot especially if you want to switch between apps or exit navigation to check out for a new location. It is the best means when navigating since it doesn’t need internet.

Sunscreen

To protect your eyes from the sun when driving is essential and that is why sunscreens with high SPF should be a must-have on East Africa safari holiday. This is important especially while exploring hotter safari destinations like Kidepo Valley National Park in Northeastern Uganda.

Insect repellent

Insect repellents are of great value for self-drive as they help protect your skin from biting insects like mosquitoes. They should be a must-have when embarking on game drive, hiking or camping. But always follow instructions before use.

Good camera

Cameras are essential for any trip not only on self-drive tour. You need a good camera to help you take incredible pictures while on your exploration. Ensure that is waterproof.

Torch/Lantern

If you plan to go camping or even at night, you require a torch. Besides, you can’t tell what can happen with the car you rented at night and that is why you need a good torch or head lamps.

Food & drinks

When packing for East Africa self-drive, food and drinks are some of the basic needs you shouldn’t leave out. Yes, hunger can strike you at any time of the day when driving and with your food and drinks, you can be sorted 24/7. You can grab some food stuffs and drinks in the nearby supermarkets or stores.

First aid kit

To some travelers, first aid kit looks obvious but there are higher chances to leave it behind. Consider it a must-have when packing for your self-drive safari tour in East Africa. It is your immediate pharmacy while on trip.

Binoculars

For enthusiastic birders, a pair of binoculars should be a must-have. They can be of great help especially if you want to have clear views of birds.

Comfortable clothes

When packing, not anything should be considered. Ensure that you have the right attire packed for your safari especially long-sleeved shirts, trousers, safari shorts, t-shirt, sweater, rain-jacket or poncho and many others.

Toiletries

Toiletries are as well essential to pack for your East Africa self-drive tour. These include a number stuffs ranging from hand sanitizers, toilet papers, wipes, shampoo, hand lotions, spray and a lot more.

Comfortable shoes

Depending on the kind of activities you plan to engage, you require comfortable and strong shoes. Preferably, you need waterproof hiking boots or shoes that offer support to ankle when hiking or walking. Saddles aren’t good if you plan to go mountaineering or gorilla trekking.

Unlike visiting a resort where you possibly limited into one location, when visiting Africa you could see more diverse wildlife, scenic landscapes and discover unique cultures, or relax even on a short trip. But if you were into visiting remote places like Congo basin rain forest of Central Africa for primate tracking adventures or want follow the wildebeest migration in Eastern Africa you can plan to spend more days on a safari. And the good thing is when you book a safari most of the work is done for you. Travelers can choose their travel time, and determine the length of the trip. Your accommodation, meals and transfers are arranged courtesy of your operator. You will even recommend what other adventures you can do. There are great benefits of choosing an inclusive safari.

Saving on costs

This is possibly the important benefit with an inclusive safari package for a holiday to Africa. Most popular regions like Eastern Africa are vast and if go ahead to book everything like transport, accommodation, meals, the costs will significantly be high in comparison to choosing African safari inclusive package from a tour operator. An experienced operator with experience of the accommodations and places, you can be sure as well to get an inclusive deal that fits in your budget. Of course this does not mean to sacrifice for luxury and comfort lodge but does not either mean booking for a five star lodge at each place you stay.

In addition, you’ll find that many tour operators offer great deals to attract you. Second, there are always promotions during off season to benefit low priced activities and lodge rates, not to mention, you’ll not spend extra money since all things are already included in the price.

Save time when booking

Opting for African inclusive safari, you have nothing to worry about. All you need to do is to choose your travel package, then talk to the tour operator about the dates you prefer to visit Africa. Whichever country you’re based from, your tour operator will greatly handle each important part of your safari than it would consume much time to do on your own. More over there are hotels and lodges which run out of rooms as well as checking for availability of limited wildlife safari permits like gorilla trekking especially during peak seasons. So you’ll have detail booked in advance including hotel reservations, transfer arrangements, purchasing visa which are part of your African safari.

Think about the time you would invest in searching about and booking for different things you want for your safari including hotel, places and activities. These things can be booked at once with inclusive safaris because you pay in advance so is everything planned as well.

Great value for money

Inclusive safaris present an opportunity for travelers to get maximum services from their tour operators. From the moment visitors arrive and picked up, taken for a safari and dropped back at the airport by your guide after the tour, you may not need to incur extra costs unless if you want to do shopping for souvenirs, tipping guides and porters or pay for other services that are excluded from your package. Even most of the lodges near national parks offer free access to amenities like gym, swimming pool, laundry services because they are all already included.

Great accommodation facilities and services

Most of the lodges or hotels organize their own services and entertainment in order to entice their visitors. Usually, you’ll have an African traditional music and dance performances by rural people over an evening fireplace or sunset. If you were visiting African cities, there are night experiences that can be organized such as going to night clubs, enjoying live music and comedy shows among other great fun things.

Diverse round trip experience  

When you’re visiting Africa, apart from the popular game viewing destinations in Eastern and southern Africa, there are few less visited tourist spots and unique cultural adventures that you don’t know about. Then you wonder if you’ll get enough time to visit or do each experience while on your safari. African inclusive safaris are designed in such a way that all the most popular tourist activities and attractions are covered to ensure visitors get great value for their money and a memorable safari. In addition to the expected meals, free internet, among others, you’re also offered optional scheduled excursions such as visits to the traditional African cultural village.

Guaranteed safety on a safari

Eastern and southern Africa generally it is safe to visit any of the destinations. Whereas the travel media keeps warning travelers about insecurity in central African states, most travelers may fear to plan their trips because they’re not sure about the safety situations.

However, organized safaris in Africa are always keen with regard to safety situations around destinations they take their clients. So travelers who want to know whether it’s safe visiting post conflict yet biologically rich central African countries like DRC and Republic of Congo Brazzaville, you’ll always be advised on the safety risks of visiting particular attractions. For instance hiking active Mt. Nyiragongo, mountain gorilla trekking or trekking Eastern-lowland gorillas. In addition, your operators also assign to your experienced guides or drivers who know the routes well. Trust your African operator today that you can have a safe and secure safari.

Road trips in Uganda are becoming popular as there has been a considerable growing number of road trippers. Though these road trips are very interesting, it is upon you the traveler to consider and decide what you should do or tips necessary to have a safe road trip in Uganda.

Exploring this country is always fun but when you take on a road trip, it means more adventure experience as you go through different tourism destinations because it offers independence and abundant scenic views. It gives you the freedom to stop any other time you want and at your own convenience. More so it becomes more fun due to the hospitable nature of the Ugandan people.

These tips are as important to your life as they are in your trip, because they are a guide to shrugging off the hindrances on your way.

Necessary items such as driving license are important for a safe road trip because you can be stopped any time by the authorities, things like travel map for direction, first aid kit just in case of emergency and other medical supplies are key to a safe road trip in Uganda.

Ensure that you abide by the park rules and regulations every time you visit it. This includes maintaining the right speed especially knowing that over speeding attracts a fine of UGX 100.000, off track driving attracts a fine of $150, paying entrance fees, and making sure you are in company of ranger whenever walking within the park.

Check your car properly before you set off for a journey. Thorough checks include the mechanical and physical condition and also take a test drive where necessary. The service tag to ascertain time of last service.

Take caution and always give way to those over driving; this is normally for your own good. It’s recommended for long distance safaris to have at least two spare tires, check oil, any leakages, lighting, water levels plus the existing tires must be in very good conditions.

In case of stopping at any point, make sure that the car is packed in a visible parking space and doesn’t interfere with movement of other vehicles. You should also ensure that you have locked your car and you don’t leave your valuables inside where they can be easily seen. It’s advisable for you to always move with them.

Always drive defensively in areas you are not familiar with, go slow, put in consideration other road users, the pedestrians given the fact that many roads in Uganda have no pedestrian walks, students and cattle crossing. Other drivers and motorists are also road users so be vigilant in playing safe.

Driving in the night can prove to be risky and we don’t encourage it at all, given the fact that outside Kampala is very rare to see street lights. High way robbers are also another risk but in case of any problem, get help from the nearest police station. It is also true that in some places especially where destinations are located, the network coverage is always very poor, so to play it safe you always need a satellite phone for easy communication.

However you should also note that, although traffic laws and regulations do exist in Uganda, they are not always followed.  Don’t be surprised when you are over taken in a blind corner or government cars passing you by on a high speed. As well as poor state of the roads leading to and within up country destinations, they are also bumpy, have a lot of potholes, narrow, with very many obstacles. It is always upon you to be very vigilant on your road trip to fully maximize the experience.

All the above mentioned road trip safety tips should be well with in your grasp before taking on the Ugandan roads to ensure you and your loved ones get to your pre-determined destinations safe and sound.