Hidden Dangers of Booking Hotels and Lodges Online
In most cases, tourists book for Hotels or Safari Lodges on the day of visiting the destination which sometimes can be disappointing. However, the trend has changed because tourists are now opting for Online Hotel bookings for accommodation facilities in Uganda which is faster but also challenging in some other ways. In this country, booking for Hotel or Lodge Rooms is done directly at the front desk or use of online services of platforms such as Jumia House, Trip Advisor, Travelocity and Expedia among others and what we all look for is the best deal with better prices.
However, the challenges of these online booking services is that sometimes the pictures online do not match with what you might find on-ground. Not only that, the websites of these Online Booking services mentioned do not give details on the Hotel that you might want to know such as details on services, general cleanliness and ambience, quality, food offered, offer wrong hotel location in-line with the activities you wish to participate in hence lack the right location depending on your needs.
There are some hidden dangers or pitfalls to expect when booking for hotels or safari Lodges online and these include;
What you may see online will not be the exact detail on ground. This is a common incident for tourists who visit East African countries especially Uganda and Rwanda. Most of the pictures put online are either photo-shopped. Worst of all, even the reviews online about the Hotel are written by the employees of the Hotel themselves, friends or some people paid to write good reviews about the establishment. This is very common in Trip Advisor which has not been able to weed-out the problem.
Not only that, these Hotels can be in wrong location with the tourist activities you intend to participate in. For instance, you might do a mistake of booking a Lodge within Buhoma sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park yet you intend to track the mountain gorillas from Rushaga or Nkuringo sectors or vice versa. Imagine booking a Lodge in Ishasha sector (Southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park) yet you intend to participate in a launch cruise within the Kazinga Channel (Northern sector). Trip Advisor or Expedia will not tell you that you have booked for the wrong location of a Hotel or safari Lodge.
It is also common for good Hotels or safari Lodges not to appear Online. The numbers of Hotels or Lodges you see online are not the only ones in Uganda because there are those that don’t appear online or don’t even have Facebook accounts especially the smaller ones yet they provide quality services at affordable rates.
The rates that appear online are always not the actual prices. In most instances, you will see discounted prices yet in actual sense it is just bed and breakfast. When you then add lunch and dinner, you will end up with a higher price that it appeared on the websites. Therefore, don’t allow to be deceived unless if it is half board or full board rate.
Conclusively, Online booking for lodge or Hotel rooms is faster yet has a lot of hidden dangers such as the difference in the actual appearance of the Hotel and how it appears on the websites and possibility of booking the Hotel or Lodge at a wrong location with the tourist activities.
Read MoreGuided Self Drive in Uganda
Uganda is a pearl of Africa, endowed with many tourist attractions. The country is among the list of the most visited countries in Africa because of what it offers to visitors. Uganda is rich in wildlife, birds, culture, water bodies, mountains, and not forgetting the primates. Self-driving and Renting 4×4 cars are not uncommon. Some visitors find it easy to hire cars and self drive Uganda on their own. themselves with a lot of freedom. There are many destinations in Uganda where different attractions can be seen on car hire and self-drive basis.
Primates.
These involves many categories including the great primates ie, mountain gorillas and chimpanzees. Places where these primates can be seen in Uganda include, Bwindi National Park, Mgahinga national park, kibale National Park, Kyambura gorge, Budongo forest, Kalinzu forest reserve and Ngamba island for chimpanzee orphanage. Visitors rent cars and drive to these places to witness human cousins. Primate destinations are not wildlife parks where game drives are conducted. They are explored on foot. Cars are left parked at the park headquarters.
For Ngamba Island, the place is accessed by boat, its located in Lake Victoria. Visitors Park their cars at safe place near the beach and get into the boat to the Island.
In Uganda here, to track primates especially for gorillas in Bwindi and Mgahinga, and also chimpanzees in kibale and Kyambura, it is necessary to book permits in advance because they are subject to availability, car rental company can purchase the permits on behalf of the clients.
Wildlife
Uganda is endowed with many wild life destinations where game drives are conducted. Some of them include, Queen Elizabeth, lake Mburo, Murchison falls, semiliki and kidepo national parks. The big five can be seen is such destinations which include, lions, leopard, buffaloes, and elephant. driving in national parks is easy, visitors can hire park guides at the headquarters to give them explanations and tracks as they do the safari.
Different bird species can also be spotted in the mentioned destinations, birders rent cars and explore both migratory and resident birds. Birding guides are available who can explain types of birds and also identify track known for different species of birds.
Most self-drive clients who are not on camping, prefer a car with pop up roof which gives a wider view of attractions in the national park. Cars with pop roof include, land cruisers, vans, and others.
Mountains
Uganda harbors the third highest mountain in Africa that is mountain Rwenzori with its highest peak margarita, among other mountains include, Mount Elgon, Mt Moroto and many others, hikers tend to visit these mountains to explore different peaks. It’s possible to drive a car and hike a mountain. Cars are left parked at accommodations near the starting points or at park headquarters. Visitors find the cars after the hiking and continue to other different destinations.
Water bodies
Water sport activities are available in Uganda on water bodies like River Nile, Lake Victoria, kazinga channel and many more. Self-drive clients either start with such activities or end with them on their itineraries, for instance jinja is known to have the source of the Nile the longest in the world, Lake Victoria and activities like white water Rafting, bungee jumping, boat cruises and many more are done.
There are national parks with water bodies and activities like boat cruises are conducted to view different attractions and wildlife, some include, Kazinga channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park, River Nile in Murchison falls, Lake Mburo and others.
How to locate destination on self-drive.
– Destinations in Uganda can be located using Uganda travel maps
– They can be located using google map.
– Also, some clients use Maps. Me app on phone where Ugandan map is downloaded on phone.
– GPS can also act as a navigation system
How to book accommodation on self-drive basis.
– In Ugandan destinations there are different types of accommodation ranging from camping, budget (basic), midrange (standard) and luxury (upmarket).
– it is possible to rent a car and also book accommodation directly or there is also an option of using a car hire company to reserve the accommodation.
– visitors on camping safaris look for accommodation types with camping grounds, with wash rooms and clean toilets and not forgetting security.
– some of the accommodations in Ugandan destinations include, Gorilla most camp, 4 gorillas, Buhoma lodge, Bush lodges, Mweya safari lodge, Paraa, Nile safari lodges and many more.
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Popular and Incorrect Car Hire Myths in Uganda
If you are looking for the most cost-effective and flexible option on your next road trip in Uganda or any part of East Africa, then renting a car should be a must-do. This is regardless of whether you are hiring it for short-term or long-term travel. But there is need to have adequate knowledge or information when it comes to car rental services.
A lot has been said about rental cars –some are true while others are false. This article looks into some of the most popular and incorrect car hire myths. If you plan to rent a car in Uganda, endeavor to avoid most of the myths and make an informed decision.
Some of the most popular and incorrect car hire myths;
Only few caws are available
There is often myth among travelers regarding car hire services that the user is restricted to the types of cars he/she can rent. But this is absolute false. Hiring a car in Uganda with us presents to you variety of rental car options. We have a range of rental cars suiting the travel needs of all kinds of travelers on Uganda safaris. This is whether you plan to hire a van, land cruisers, coaster buses, trucks, Super custom, 4×4 Toyota Rav4, Land Cruiser Double Roof Tent, 4×4 Land Cruiser TX/TZ/V8, 4×4 Land Cruiser Prado, and more. With more options at visitors’ display, renting a car with us guarantees you some level of flexibility, especially when deciding on the category/type of a car that you plan to travel in while on Uganda safari.
Book a car with big international/national car hire service provider
Often travelers are left to think planning or booking a safari with an international company is the best way compared to local agents/companies. The fact is that dealing with a local car hire company is a great thing one can do. First, as a local tour operator, we have knowledge not only on the rental cars a visitor can hire but also the destinations, their terrains and suitable vehicle worth hiring for your road trips regardless of the region in Uganda.
Booking your car hire with an independent car rental company like ours comes with numerous benefits which you may not enjoy if you opted for a bigger corporation. In case there are issues, you won’t know who will be providing road assistance. We offer road assistance and other services like upfront service free of hidden charges.
No difference between car hire companies
Most clients think that car hire service providers operate under the same conditions. Each and every car hire company has its set terms and conditions, except they share sections but still you can easily have a clear differences.
You can be charged for full excess for minor damage
This is one of the commonest myths and it doesn’t happen that way. Usually, very minor damage won’t be charged completely and if it does happen, can be at lowest amount. Amazingly, all our fleets of rental cars are ever fully services and they are in their better mechanical conditions.
You will incur a cost for full day even if you pick up the car late
There is always misconception about car rentals that you can be charged for a full day even if you pick up the car late. The fact is this isn’t true. Unlike others, for our case, we do things differently whereby if you pick up the vehicle at 5:00pm, your day fee runs up to 5:00pm the next day. We don’t charge you for the day you have not used the car. We can also provide half day hire on week days and this is perfect for travelers with limited time.
You can book even on last minute-simply walk in and hire a car without pre-booking
While it is possible to book a car even on a last minute, there are higher chances of not finding one considering the high demand. There is a lot to be put together including correct paperwork, and other process. This is why you must pre-book your vehicle to avoid any chances of missing your rental car.
Car rental companies don’t check for driving convictions
This is false—driving convictions are always checked for. Just ensure that you are honest from the very start. Drivers will be required to present their national insurance number plus valid driving license. Be aware that some convictions may lead to cancellation of your rental car booking. Take note that insurance cover most companies provides only caters for the vehicle excluding visitors.
Read MoreUganda Safari Ideas for Introverts
Uganda is one of the best destinations in the world any introvert traveler can think of exploring. Introvert travelers often prefer enjoying their own company, spending quality time alone as they relax and recharge. Travel is one of the overwhelming industries and how you plan to pair up with the rest of the world an introvert does matter a lot and interestingly, we have got some incredible safari ideas for you.
First, Uganda is an introvert-friendly destination. It is dubbed the “Pearl of Africa” because of its remarkably impressive attraction and plenty of distinct things that the rest of the world isn’t offering. On Uganda safari, expect to engage in more than mountain gorilla trekking. Uganda is home to wide array of wildlife, spectacular waterfalls, scenic Lakes and vibrant cultures. As an introvert, here are some of the incredible Uganda safari ideas;
Go cultural safari
Nothing sparks travel spirits as an introvert like embarking on a cultural tour in Uganda. Uganda is a destination with vibrant cultures, unique traditions and practices and you can experience the country’s distinct traditional music and dance performance. There are plenty of opportunities to experience Uganda’s distinct cultures and traditions including visiting Ndere cultural center, Batwa pygmy community, Kasoga cultural experience, and Entanda cultural experience, etc.
Be part of mountain gorilla trekking safari
Mountain gorilla trekking is a special adventure that introduces you into the jungles to see the endangered mountain gorillas. An encounter with a family of mountain gorillas in the natural forest is such an emotional experience that comes once in a lifetime. These large apes live not anywhere else except only Rwanda, Uganda and DR. Congo with not more than 1063 of them still survive in the wild. The largest population of mountain gorillas resides in the 2 parks in Uganda: Bwindi & Mgahinga NP, and gorilla tour permits are issued at the same rate – USD 700 per person.
Embark on a Uganda safari
Uganda is one of the outstanding destinations where you can experience the most of African wilderness. It has the finest parks for you see the cape buffaloes, giraffes, lions, elephants, leopards, cheetahs, antelopes, birds and more. The top places to visit for a Uganda wildlife safari include Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth, Kidepo and Lake Mburo N.P or Semuliki National Park.
Escape to the untouched Ssese Islands
Comprising of over 84 scenic islands, the Ssese Islands are archipelago on Lake Victoria. These islands are secluded perfect for all introvert travelers on Uganda safari tour. They come with plenty of exciting things for you to enjoy including fishing, sailing, sand beaches, horseback riding, boating and hiking opportunities.
Forest walks/hiking
With plenty of hiking/nature walking opportunities, Uganda is indeed a remarkable spot for solo/introvert visitors. Uganda holds some of the unspoiled natural rainforests that gives you that feel of naturalness and these include Mabira Forest, Budongo, Kibale Forest, Maramagambo Forest, Kalinzu, and more. These places are quiet and allow you experience the best moment of your life away from the bustling city. Other ideal spots for hiking in Uganda include the Sipi Falls, Mount Elgon, Rwenzori Mountain ranges, Mgahinga volcanoes and others.
Safety tips
- Focus on what is going on around you.
- Keep safe your valuables or better have them kept in the hotel room if you plan to take a walk in the city.
- Dress in a manner that doesn’t erode local culture (be respectful).
- Although English is the first language, better to learn some key phrases in the local language.
- Have with you emergency contacts in case of anything
- Don’t walk alone in the night/dark streets
- Don’t display valuables
- Pack well for your trip- have some insect repellent, daypack, safari shirts, trousers, valid visas, passports, and sweater, etc.
- Don’t go hiking alone, etc
The Ultimate Northern Circuit Road Trip in Uganda
Uganda a renowned safari destination accommodates both travelers on fully guided and self-guided safari. Today, several travelers however have wished to test their capabilities of driving in a foreign country. So, hiring a car for Uganda self drive adventure is another amusement to consider when planning for a safari in Uganda.
Among the amusing moments on a safari to Uganda is taking a drive through the Northern route. The northern route remained for unique encounters of which some are not seen with other adventure routes in Uganda.
Considerably, other major safari adventure routes include; northeastern route, western route, Southwestern route and the Eastern routes. All these routes are blessed with unique features as may be we shall discuss in our next write-ups. Now we’re to concentrate and focus this write-up to the northern safari route.
The northern safari road trip is an adventure packed route, when taking this amazing route on your self-drive road trip safari expect to encounter; the big five, world’s most powerful waterfalls, magnificent colorful waterfalls, abundance of wildlife. There are amazing people, one Uganda’s biggest cities of Gulu among many other considerations.
Where the northern safari road trip starts
The route as usual starts from Kampala taking the northern directing through Bombo road, then it turns to be the Gulu-Kampala road. The northern safari route will not branch to west Nile region, continue to Kabong to Kidepo Valley National Park.
Here are the Major tourist destinations to explore while on the Northern Uganda Trail;
Murchison Falls National Park
Uganda’s top visited tourist destination, Murchison falls National Park is among the special places where many tourist don’t wish to have it missing on their travel. A self-drive to Murchison is among the ease to drive places which even needs fewer hours of driving about 5 hours. Murchison is Uganda’s largest protected areas among the 10 National Parks in Uganda.
The park has unique and amazing features that has kept it most loved and most visited park in Uganda. However, though it’s magnificent, Murchison Falls National Park is not the most famous among tourist destination in Uganda, but comes second after Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Murchison Falls National Park is unique with mighty Murchison Falls which is almost the major attraction at the Park. The Murchison Falls are arguably the world’s most powerful falls due to their thunderous rapids that force into a narrow gorge of about 7m wide. The rapids rush to roughly pour 45m down forming the humus brownish bubble flow of the Victoria Nile.
The Victoria Nile continues forming a calm flow which bisect the park into the north and southern sections. The Victoria flow offer one of the best waters for the wild game cruise that leads to the bottom of the falls. The 3 hours boat drive starts from Para ferry dock point leading through the nature rewarding cruise.
The northern section of the park feature the open savannah woods accommodating largest concentration of wildlife. Majorly at the Delta point where the Victoria Nile meets with Lake Albert to make one of the largest deltas in Uganda that host larger numbers of animals, birds and others. The northern section of the Murchison Falls National Park is majorly known for adventure packed game drive. Take a guided-drive here expect to watch prides of lions, herds of elephants, buffalos, antelopes, giraffes, warthogs, leopards on rare occasions, Marabou stork etc.
Taking a kind of self-drive in Murchison you expect to take adventures like game drives, boat cruise, sports fishing, nature walks, and visiting of the falls, bird watching, and chimpanzee tracking in the nearby Budongo forest reserve.
Kidepo Valley National Park
Africa’s remotest national Park according to CNN report 2017. Kidepo is Uganda’s remotest park to access by road. The remote Kidepo Valley Park was rarely visited by tourist due to changes with accessing the park. However, the accessibility of the park has become easy still by road due to improved road facilities. There is no longer worry of taking a self-drive safari road trip into this far designated tourist destination.
Kidepo Valley National Park is among Africa’s amazing destinations which displays the real authentic African. The best landscape view with the endless savannah plain views packed with abundance of wildlife species. Kidepo is divided into the Kidepo Valley and the Narus Valley, and Narus Valley that starts around Apoka is the famous with animals.
The park has one of the highest concentration of wildlife species. The animal sights are decorated with zebras, giraffes, buffalos, elephants, several antelope species, lions are common. All these are common with the immediate Narus Valley. Unique birds are counted among are the ostrich, the secretary bird among many other species.
Kidepo is a special place to see and visit communities of real African people who still hold to their ancestor’s backgrounds. The Karamoja people are unique people and the Ik who live in the mountains of Karamoja sub-region. Among adventure activities done in Kidepo Valley National Park include the game drives, community visits, nature walks, mountain hiking and wild camping.
Driving to Kidepo Valley National Park in the recent years was one of the hectic undertaking. However, the narrative has changed with improved road infrastructures, longer distances are now driven on paved roads and reaching the region the unpaved roads are not such bad. Having your stronger 4×4 safari cruiser makes you wander the regions faultlessly.
Aruu Watefalls
These magnificent waterfalls are located in Padar district en-route to Kidepo Valley shorty after Gulu city. Aruu waterfalls are unique and beautiful waterfalls that give an awesome breathtaking moment of relaxing after your long journey drive. A short drive to Aruu falls takes a minimum of one and half hour. Reaching here have to slope down on sharp stones, and cross ponds by a lop which a great moment in the forest.
Gulu City
One of the major cities in Uganda, Gulu is the major city for the northern region. When driving through the city can take a moment and visit some special places within. Can take up a walk into the main market of Gulu city, or even tasting on the some local dishes prepared in restaurants within gulu city.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
The only natural area to find rhinos in Uganda. Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary makes Uganda the only place you visit and see rhinos. Uganda didn’t have rhinos for a period of about 20 years since when the last rhino was hunted down until 2005. The Ziwa rhino sanctuary is also located alongside the northern safari circuit. When wishing to visit Uganda and track all the Big Five list, then Ziwa should not miss on your travel plan.
The sanctuary is found en-route to Murchison Falls National Park. When visited the sanctuary expect to watch several bird among is the Shoebill stork birds, several antelope species. One of the amazing places in Uganda to track wild species on foot.
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Planning a Self Guided Safari in Uganda
Uganda is one of the most interesting places to visit in Africa. Most people especially from Europe opt to do it themselves because they think it easy and soft to do it. Yes it’s true, but still you have to take caution of certain things when you choose a self drive safari in Uganda. Getting the best car that will suit your vacation comes in everybody’s mind when sending an e-mail to the would be company in help. Always they choose the 4 wheel drive vans this is good but reliability also has to matter here in terms of break-downs.
Take an example when you are stuck in the most beautiful but remote Kidepo Valley National Park in North Eastern Uganda! You got no rescue in the next 12 hours and when it’s availed in the shorter hours it’s costly because you got to use the UWA vehicles. This is not the point but always try to find out those people who got experience in the game, they know which car can much with every situation and any road in Uganda. Always they look a bit more costly but still reliable because they know where to turn. The vans may not necessarily look new as the ones you left home but at least have been tested on the journeys they are up to; so don’t question the model of the car but ask the reliability.
You got time at your budget because you choose what to see and where to go as you have unlimited mileages to cover on your safari; that’s at self drive safari Uganda. Here we aim at a client’s satisfaction because they always need to cover more but time cannot always be on their side. In this case we give you space to find the best you can cover as you pay a visit to Uganda.
Never book a lodge by yourself because you will always get a “Muzungu” rate which is not the case if we made it for you. We know that you got a budget when you plan your vacation stay in Uganda, but we love it if you did not run past it, that’s why we want to come in not because we like a commission but because we like you recommend our services to other would be visitors to our country. We always define for you the best accommodations where you will have excellent services and value for money and where your interests lie depending on what you like to see. For any memorable vacation, you always long to return because you got more than you expected at less than you planned.
This does not only apply for Uganda only but also in Rwanda. When you got to cover Rwanda and Uganda at once then the terms still apply. Rwanda Safaris are almost the same like in Uganda, the differences is that you got many rolling hills in Rwanda and change the diving side from left to right, but this does not seem very tusky to most visitors who tour both countries. You can have slight changes in the cultures of the people short routes to tourist areas like gorilla trekking points, Genocide sites, and the physical appearance of the two countries has got a difference. A self guided tour is all one would need but still depends on ones desire.
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Cross Border Car Hire in Uganda and Rwanda
Do you have plans of crossing the border of Uganda into any of the neighboring East African countries-Rwanda, Kenya or Tanzania? Mum and Dad Uganda Tours can make it happen because we understand that most travelers wish to combine tours/safaris between countries. For instance, you might wish to enjoy game drives in Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park, gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest and chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest. Later, proceed to Rwanda’s Kigali City, Nyungwe Forest and Volcanoes National Park. We totally understand that the idea of crossing the border with a hired car is daunting but once the fine print is read and properly understood, you are likely to go farther than expected.
While the option of Uganda Car Hire with cross border is offered at Mum and Dad Uganda Tours, we only allow it for selected car types and to specific countries. One of the mistakes that most travelers do is crossing the border without informing the company but once you do this, you might be risking because third party insurance isn’t covered in another country. Also, if you fail to inform us of your plans to cross the border to another country, you will be breaking our contractual terms and conditions, in addition to voiding your insurance thus lose any accident or breakdown cover. For this reason, you will need approval from the Company and should be done at least 48 hours prior to the pick-up date of the Car hire.
With most Car Hire Companies in Uganda, a certain cross border fee is required to allow you drive the Car to another country. Also, remember that a number of travel restrictions will be put in place and they include how long you will be allowed to drive the Car out of the country and this varies from one Company to the other. Another important thing to note is that the type/category of Car you rent will have an effect on whether you are allowed to cross the border or not.
Do you know why most Car Hire Companies charge cross-border fees? Well, this is mainly charged to cater for any additional insurance that would be important for driving the Car outside Uganda. This fee will ensure that your insurance covers remains valid and the Company will provide the appropriate documentation. The amount will depend on the vehicle type and where you are heading to (be it Rwanda, Kenya or Tanzania) but varies from $10 and $50 per day.
Requirements for Hiring a Car with Cross Border
Whatever country you are crossing to, you will be requested for documents and these include;
Permission letter from the Car Hire Company
Before you cross the Border to another country, you will be requested (at the passport control at the border) for a letter of permission from the Car Hire Company. This should bear a signature and stamp of the Company, plus the National Identity Card.
Vehicle log book
Besides the permission letter from the Car Hire Company, you will need to present the vehicle log book and this is a proof that you are legally crossing the border with a rented Car.
Reflective sticker on the Rental Car
Besides permission letter and vehicle log book, another important requirement for car hire with cross border is having a reflective sticker on the Rental Car.
Your National/International Driving permit
You will also need to have a valid National or International Driving permit before you can be allowed to cross the Border with the Rental Car.
Is it possible to drop-off the Car in another country?
Yes, it is possible to cross the border with the Rental Car, but this depends on the Company and even those that do offer it at a high rate. All in all, most Companies aren’t so flexible when it comes to dropping cars in other countries than when it is with temporary crossing and returning back into the country.
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What to Pack on a Self Drive Safari in Uganda
Self drive in Uganda is one of the most desired car rental services by travelers in Uganda. It is where travelers explore the country at their own time. Driving your self does not mean that you should come to Uganda with only what you are wearing on your body. It requires planning and preparations because it is not a one day-three days tour. However much it could be, parking some items is necessary for every trip. You may be pissed off with what to park but be relaxed; car rental companies in Uganda have experienced team that will guide you in what to park on your next safari trip. How is it done- never give up your Uganda self drive trip, you can ask any question related to camping and car hire in Uganda will give a feed back to your question. Uganda has various car rental companies that will provide you with a full camping gear for your trip. Below are a few major selected items that would not miss out to park on your journey.
The passport. You may forget each and everything but the passport should be the first thing to be put in your handy bag. It is your entrance key to the pearl of Africa and indicates when you are to arrive in Uganda.
Driver’s permit and identity card. This is necessary to everyone who wishes to be behind the wheels of the car and experience the bumpy roads of Uganda. However, you should note that your country’s driving permit may not qualify you to drive a car in Uganda but only an International driving permit may access you to drive in Uganda.
Enough clothes; while going for a self drive safari in Uganda, one should carry enough clothes for the trip, as sometimes you may not have time for laundry. Laundry services do exist at the lodge but come with a fee. One should also carry light clothes due to the hot climate of Uganda but these should not be skimpy to respect the culture of Uganda. The traveler should also carry a coat for the cold weather in the evening and a rain jacket in case it rains. The sunglasses and hut or cap should also not be forgotten for the sunny days.
In case you are allergic to some diseases, you are advised to come with your medication for the period to stay in Uganda.
The international passport, drivers permit and the medication forms are compulsory items to first think of when you want to travel Africa. Whereas items concerning seeking assistance from car rental companies in Uganda majorly includes the camping gear if you do not wish to sleep in one of the hotel rooms around places of interest like the game parks, sanctuaries. This will not necessitate carrying the whole camping gear on board but rather find them in Uganda from different car rental agencies though a few portable things can be put in your travel bag. Among the things you will inquire, include; A mid-sized tent, sleeping bag, camping chairs, barbecue stove, a portable table, portable mattress, plates, cups cutlery and any other domestic item used at home.
While you think of going it alone, children are the best companion to travel along with on a self drive in Uganda.
Read More5 Tips To Make Successful Uganda Travel Plans
Uganda is a new undiscovered destination in East Africa. Situated across the equator Uganda has the best weather and climate and receives sunshine 365 days a year thus majority of the tourists travel to Uganda to escape winter from North America and Europe. So when the winter arrives you might be looking forward to some holiday to Africa. While there are many destinations in Africa, Uganda can offer you the chance to have enriching holiday experience.
The locals are friendly and welcoming and its one of the reasons why tourists love Uganda because of its people. Uganda is home to half of the world’s mountain gorilla population and the country is becoming a popular destination for gorilla trekking safaris. However, there are lots of good reasons for visiting Uganda. There are things anyone planning to travel to Uganda for a holiday should know.
Have a plan of things you want to do on safari in Uganda
Even if you are to self-drive or backpacking, don’t fail to get advice from a Ugandan travel expert. You have a plan of the activities and destinations but you need to know what to expect on ground. For instance, will you hire a car with a guide or travel from one place to another by public transport. It is important to get in touch with a tour operator will pay attention to all the details of a trip, from booking accommodation to crafting an itinerary that is tailor made to your budget and time. It’s good to get organized before you arrive in Uganda.
The Wildlife
Uganda has 10 national parks, 13 wildlife reserves and several sanctuaries which are home to a diversity of flora and fauna. It has more than 1000 species of birds, half of the world’s mountain gorilla population, big 5 African mammals and highest concentration of primates including chimpanzees. In fact game viewing activities such as gorilla tracking, chimpanzee tracking, birding, game drives, boat cruises are on top of the things tourists come to do in Uganda. If you happen to travel to Uganda for other reasons, the shortest time you ever get can be utilized for 2 days wildlife safari in Lake Mburo national park. As well as there are many short break safaris in Uganda. If you are planning extended or week-long safaris in Uganda, there are tailor made itineraries taking in the western Ugandan tourism circuit that includes Murchison Falls National park, Kibale forest national park, Queen Elizabeth national park and Bwindi impenetrable forest national park.
Beautiful scenery
Uganda is blessed with a variety of spectacular landscapes. From tropical forests, snowcapped mountains and volcanoes, semi-arid, savannah wilderness, to wetlands, lakes and rivers, you can expect to find any kind of environment. Such a collection of breathtaking landscapes means that Uganda a paradise for outdoor and nature photographers.
Activities
You will never run out of things to do when you visit Uganda. With the diverse wildlife national parks, rivers and lakes, mountains and rainforests, it means that there are a lot of activities to enjoy on a safari. The best of all, Uganda offers the chance to hike on foot through rainforests like Bwindi and Kibale in search of the great apes; the mountain gorillas and chimpanzees. In the Southwestern side of Uganda tourists can walk the trails of some of the ancient forest hunter gatherers- BaTwa pygmies the elders of civilization. In the central part of Uganda, there’s Lake Victoria- the largest fresh water lake in Africa which offers access to its tropical islands and beaches. Lake Victoria is believed to be the source of River Nile, the world’s longest river located in Jinja city eastern Uganda. Visitors to Jinja can enjoy rafting or kayaking the river Nile.
Snowcapped Ruwenzori Mountains towering 5109 meters above sea level offer world class mountaineering experience. For avid hikers, reaching the summit of Ruwenzori can take 8-12 days. Those who prefer low altitude hiking can try climbing the Virunga volcanoes in Mgahinga gorilla national park southwestern Uganda.
Straddle the Equator
Uganda is situated across the equator. This is an imaginary line that divides the earth into northern and southern hemispheres. There are three equator monuments in Uganda. The most popular is located in Masaka district along the tourist route to south western Uganda. It is about 1-2 hours’ drive from Kampala thus it’s easier to access and take pictures while standing at the equator. The other equator monument is found in Queen Elizabeth national park and in Entebbe.
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Hiking in Uganda: A Few Reminders to Know
Uganda has a lot of mountains and forest lands with different trails and hikers from natives who first explored the terrains to those that were discovered and developed for urbanization and commerce. Uganda has a variety of hiking destinations for all sorts of hikers.
With all the hiking options Uganda has to offer, it is wise to be prepared too. You may find that this area has a lot in common with other areas popular for hiking but you would also discover lots of differences that are both wonderful and mystifying.
There are a few reminder guidelines you could follow to help you get prepared for the hike. See to it that your back pack is complete with all gears and items you would need during the hike. Unnecessary items must be left behind. As a rule of thumb the following should be found in your bag before you leave the camp:
- First aid kit which includes an insect repellent, sunscreen lotion and toilet paper.
- Food and drink enough for the entire trail and camp. Estimate your supply according to the length and distance you would be hiking.
- Pocket knife, flashlight, water-proof matches or lighter, candles, a whistle, duct tape.
- Enough clothes for the entire tour and extra clothing appropriate for both sudden rise and drop of temperature.
Refrain from going off the trail. Switching to a new trail might help increase erosion while detouring on a muddy trail would likely destroy the surrounding vegetation. Always stay in the company of your guides. Uganda highlands or forests are home to a variety of wild animals which may attack you in case you are alone and with no help.
Always travel in three or more. This will ensure that there are enough people to act on different circumstances. Say in case of accident, the injured person could be attended to while someone goes for help.
Never drink untreated water, always boil the water you get from streams and lakes. For most Uganda hiking tours, water is mostly got from the streams and hikers are expected to travel with some water purifiers.
Be sure that nothing is left behind, including your garbage and other materials you have brought with you.
Do not feed wildlife, interfering in their natural food chain might disturb the balance of nature. Monkeys can be expected along the trails and trekkers are forbidden from giving them food.
Always have these in mind each time you are on a hiking trip to make sure you are safe and also sustainability of the destination.
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