What to expect while camping on a self drive safari is, you should avoid moving at night, not keep food in the tent. Things to expect while camping on self drive safari are guidelines to enable you enjoy your self drive safaris with ease and no inconveniences.
Camping on a self-drive safari is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, as nothing is standing between you and
the raw, stunning Mother Nature. After enjoying the freedom of exploring the open space at your own
pace through a self-drive safari, the best way to end the day is with a Camping experience in the African
wilderness.
However, if it is your first time going wild Camping on a self-drive safari in Uganda, you will need helpful
information on what to expect and how to achieve unforgettable experiences. Worry not, as we are
here to make your first-time trip a memorable one. Here is our ultimate guide on what to expect while
camping on a self-drive safari.
Places you can Camp in Uganda
Uganda boasts several Campsites, some of which are in Protected Areas and others not. Depending on
which destination you are visiting, you will have options of staying in Campsites with luxury permanent
Tents or those where you are required to pitch up your ground tent or with a rooftop Tent.
However, the luxury permanent tents don’t provide the authentic wilderness camping experiences, and
if you are looking for something raw and authentic, then you should prepare to roll out your sleeping
bag on the floor of the rooftop tent or ground Tent.
Much as it is possible to plan for your own Camping experience on a self-drive safari in advance or on
arrival, it is advisable to book through a tour operator like Mum and Dad Uganda Tours, as we know the
reliable and safest Campsites in the country.
Booking your Camping trip before traveling
In the past, visitors would simply arrive at a Campsite and pitch up their Tents, provided there was
space. While this is still possible, it is advisable to first reserve your Camping safari in advance to avoid
last-minute disappointments, especially when planning to do it in the dry/peak season.
What to pack for your Camping adventure while on a self-drive safari
There is an element of self-sufficiency required while camping on a self-drive safari, as some Campsites
don’t have nearby Grocery shops, bars, or restaurants. Therefore, do some research and inquire ahead,
taking into consideration everything you might need for the entire Camping adventure while on a self-
drive safari.
This therefore means packing enough food, matches/light/fire starter, a Camp stove and cooking fuel or
gas, cook pots and frying pans, crockery (plates, cups, dishes, and bowls), cutting board, sharp knife,
bottle opener/can opener/corkscrew, cutlery, and washing-up equipment, especially in a Campsite
without a restaurant.
You also need a sleeping bag/s, a Camping pillow, flashlights/headlamps with extra batteries, Camp
chairs and table (if no picnic table), a lantern, a Camp grill/grill rack (optional), trash/recycling bags,
water bottles, wash bins/Camp sink, and appropriate clothing and footwear (quick-drying pants/shorts,
socks, sleepwear, long-sleeve shirts, and moisture-wicking underwear among others.
Staying safe while camping adventure of a self-drive safari in Uganda
Here are some of the simple tips on how to keep safe while camping on a self-drive safari in Uganda;
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Camping at a Protected Campsite or with a Park Ranger
One of the simple tips of Camping on a self-drive safari is choosing an area that is protected or with a
Park Ranger. It is undeniable that having a pair of eyes to keep watch of the Campsite is a wonderful way
to stay safe while on your trip. UWA Ranger guides are experienced at Camping in remote areas of the
Protected Areas and are knowledgeable about the local wildlife, in addition to knowing exactly what to
keep watch for. These Rangers are usually armed, hence can intervene if a sketchy situation happens.
2. Avoid moving at night
We understand that some situations, such as using the toilet, are inevitable at night. However, you can
minimize them by emptying your bladder just before going to bed or avoiding overconsumption of
liquids in the evenings.
However, if you can’t avoid them, then make sure that you are escorted and wear a head torch, and go as close to the Tent as possible.
3. Not keeping food in the Tent
This might sound unbelievable, but animals aren’t interested in visiting campsites unless there is food
around. For this reason, having food in the Tent is one of the ways of attracting unwanted attention
from roaming animals; hence, it is advisable not to have any.
4. Maintain tidiness around the Campsite
Leaving litter or scraps of food around the Campsite is a way of inviting animals for an invasion of the
Campsite at night. Besides being respectful of the Protected Area, cleaning is also a safety measure.
5. Ensure the Tent is well erected and zipped-up
Ensure that there are no openings to your Tent in the night, especially while ground Camping. Much as
animals aren’t interested in Tents, you wouldn’t want to invite trouble by drawing their attention to a
new unexplored watering hole. There have been cases of spotted hyenas invading and taking advantage
of open Tents.
6. Respect wildlife
Wildlife are only dangerous when they feel threatened, hence if you treat them with the respect they
deserve, they won't be a problem. For this reason, avoid antagonizing them, imitating them or getting too close to them.