An epic road trip in Uganda is amazingly one of the best ways to experience what this magical destination has to offer. A road trip in Uganda takes you on typical African wilderness experience and you can get the best of it if you are well prepared. In Uganda alone, there are ten national parks to explore plus several other amazing tourist sites worth visiting.
Luckily, Uganda is a safe and secure destination for self-drive tours and guided road trips. To have an unforgettable Uganda safari, here are some of the useful travel tips;
Carry Out Adequate Research
Conducting thorough research is one basic tip that can guarantee you a well-planned road trip in Uganda or any destination. Ensure that you read in depth about the destinations you intend to visit and luckily, material is available online including on our websites. You can watch a video(s) to guide you have a deep insight, especially on what you should expect when you get there. There are also online books/travel magazines rich in information about Uganda as the destination or alternatively, reach out to our team for first-hand information.
Know the Route
When you think of embarking on a Uganda self-drive trip, first things first, get to know the different routes leading to your favorite attractions. While you may rely on Google Maps, at times, you may go astray or may not work where you run out of signal.
Any plans to drive in Uganda, ensure that you have a documented route or alternatives. You can have a print out of the map and directions. Be aware that some routes on the Google Maps come as default and this may make it impossible navigating in areas where floods affects or if anything happens.
Customize your Trip
Pick the right places or attractions to explore. Reach out to your reservation team early enough and share where and when you intend to get there for a vacation. Our team can craft something exceptional depending on your travel desires and budget.
Distances
In case it is your first-time visiting Uganda and you plan to go road tripping, higher chances are that you will encounter some challenges. Do thorough research and planning for your road trip, how you plan to get there and have distances at your fingertips.
Hire a Local Guide
The cheapest and safest way to get around Uganda is by embarking on a road trip with an experienced guide. The local guides are knowledgeable of the routes, destinations, activities and safe accommodations or those nearby to the tourist sites.
Be ready for the Weather Changes
Uganda is known for its favorable weather conditions and regardless, you should be prepared for all kinds of weather patterns. Some of the essentials to have on your packing list include waterproof hiking boots, a rain jacket, sun glasses, safari hat, sunscreen, insect repellents, and others.
Road Conditions
Ugandan road trips often involve exploring far away destinations from the heart of the city. The road conditions up country may not be the same as those in urban areas. Not to be taken by surprise, you should be ready to drive on muddy or murram roads leading to main destinations like National Parks. When hiring a car, this should be at the back of your mind and most preferably, get a full time 4×4 rental car.
Aside from road conditions, some destinations are found in hillsides and 4WD cars are the best option to get you there. This is especially if you plan to travel to Southwestern Uganda for gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga National Park.
Observe the Stipulated Guidelines
While navigating through the park, always be mindful of the park regulations. Failure to observe the wildlife guidelines, means you may incur a cost as there are penalties that come with it. The key guidelines include driving at the stipulated speed to avoid knocking wildlife and when they are crossing, give them way.
Avoid Driving at Night
Whether you are a champion in driving or not, the important travel tip to have at the back of your mind is that never be tempted to drive in the night. This may not apply to Uganda alone but also other destinations.
How to plan a Successful Safari in Uganda
- Decide on the destination.
- Know when to travel.
- Book your safari activities.
- Reserve your flight.
- Purchase travel insurance.
- Check your visas.
- Plan for our travel medication.
- Pack right –start with essentials
What Animals should I Expect to See in Uganda?
Uganda is to all the big five game and diverse primates. The top wildlife not to miss spotting on a Uganda safari include the Rothschild giraffes, rhinos, lions plus the tree climbing, leopards, primates like mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, golden monkeys, colobus monkeys and unique birds like shoebills.
