Camping is an exceptional outdoor experience perfect for nature lovers who wish to try something new in their travel life. No experience does bring nature enthusiasts close to nature like a camping excursion. The smell of the bush, sounds of wild animals, amazing sunrise and sunsets are just a few of the unique things that you will experience during your camping holiday in Uganda.
There are plenty of places including self-catered options that await you in Uganda. Whether you are looking to ground camping or in a rooftop tent rental car in Uganda, there are better ways to get you back to nature.
We have compiled this guide to provide you with detailed information to help you get started with planning your African camping experience. We believe these tips will make getway not only peaceful but also a truly special one.
Here is a complete camping guide for beginners
Where to camp
There are plenty of camping options in Uganda and other parts of East Africa. Choosing the best camping location should be your first priority. The best places to experience true wilderness camping adventure in Uganda include the national parks, wildlife reserves, Islands and more. You can reserve your camping tour in advance and consider a safe and secure site from wildlife attacks.
Some of the most popular camping areas in Uganda include Red Chili Rest Camp in Murchison Falls National Park, Explorers River Camp, Lake Nkuruba in Kibale, Ishasha Pride Lodge, Lake Nyamirima Cottages, and more.
Get a comfortable tent
Find a budget-friendly tent that is comfortable. It should be bigger in size to accommodate you and your dear ones. Once you have secured the tent, it is a good idea to practice setting it up while still at home. When you get to the campsite, it shouldn’t give you challenge having set up.
Know when to travel
Camping is best done when the weather conditions are favorable. If you are worried about your tent getting wet then the dry season is the perfect period to visit Uganda for your camping experience. In Uganda, the dry months fall around June, July, August to September and December, January to February.
During periods such as the dry season, the tents can be set under some shade. The surrounding can be clear and allows you to spot some roaming animals unlike the wet season which comes with dense vegetation cover. Dense vegetation cover harbors wildlife including the most dangerous ones.
Plan for your meals
Planning your meals should be one of the key area of focus when you think of embarking on camping tour in Uganda or any part of Africa. Save yourself the hassle being first time in the destination by carrying what you can easily prepare but before you consider carrying anything, check with your camping site if cooking or campfires are allowed. In case there is a nearby restaurant then you can opt to have your meals there.
Understand the campground guidelines
There are several regulations that often come about camping in any destination. The key areas of interest include the standards for areas like on-site parking and number of cars, excessive noise during quiet hours, pet type and behaviors, unregistered guests, and keep your campsite and surround cleaner than even you found it.
Camping Checklist
Packing right doesn’t apply to only guided Uganda tours but also camping vacations. On your packing list for camping safari in Uganda, the essentials to consider include tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, headlamps, multi-tool, folding table, camp pillows, camp chairs, for cooking purposes, get a stove, fuel plus lighter, cutting board, cook pots, coolers, water bottles, kitchen towel, plates, trash bags and more.
Medical and hygiene essentials to pack include hand sanitizer, toilet paper, insect repellents, menstrual supplies, small bath towel, and first aid kit.
The sleeping bags for your camping
Consider purchasing sleeping bags while minding about the season and temperatures at the destination where your camping experience is going to be enjoyed from. Feel free to reach out to the local tour operator or Uganda car rental agency for necessary assistance on the best sleeping bags to carry with you.
Clothing to pack
Choose wisely the kind of clothes to wear on camping tour. On your packing list, the following should be a must have; a rain jacket, waterproof pants, safari hat, and a sweater. The clothes you choose should blend well with the natural environment.
Try something different
A visit to new destination or trying something completely unusual guarantees you unique experiences. The beauty about it is that you get a chance to experience authentic cultures and traditions, enjoy a close encounter with wildlife that never saw in the previous destinations, a chance to extend your vacation, spend quality time with your dear ones and more.
Quick planning tips
- Get to know in depth the different camping types.
- Understand how to find to camping sites.
- Know when best to travel for camping regardless of the destination.
- Learn more about the camping costs and expenses involved
- How to get to the destination for camping, etc