HOW TO PREPARE FOR A SELF DRIVE SAFARI IN UGANDA

A self drive safari in Uganda is an exciting way to enjoy your vacation or holiday because Uganda is gifted with a wide variety of flora and fauna, not to mention beautiful breath taking scenery. What you will find even more thrilling is the fact that you can enjoy your holiday or vacation in the driver's seat. All you have to do is hire a car and quality camping gear from a respectable service provider. But, for any safari to be enjoyable, one has to be well prepared so as not to be dragged by worries and small problems that could have been avoided. The last thing you need on your self drive safari is to be frustrated or worried sick because that defies the whole purpose and idea of a holiday/ vacation. Therefore, we shall be sharing some tips on how to adequately prepare for a self drive safari in Uganda and hope you find them helpful as you journey through the Pearl of Africa.

Write your emergency contacts down

It is usually a brilliant idea to save your emergency contacts on your phone and back them up by writing them on a piece of paper in case your battery dies. Your emergency contacts should be made up of your rental car provider, your family and anyone you think is in a position to help you in case you get stranded or have an issue. Alternatively, you can always contact the police by dialing 999 if it’s a serious issue. Similarly, it is also a good idea to keep your loved ones and any concerned persons that matter in the loop, keeping regular communication such that people don't get worried and anxious about what could have happened to you.

Carry a first aid kit

You can never be certain about how smooth a road trip will go and that's why it is very important to carry a first aid kit with you in the car. Don't only stop at that, but also make sure the first aid kit is properly stocked with some painkillers, bandages, and band aids. A self drive safari involves visiting places such as game parks and can involve acts such as mountain climbing which can sometimes result into minor accidents or injuries. That is precisely why you need to carry a proper first aid kit. Unattended cuts, wounds and bruises can get infected during your road trip or safari but with a first aid kit, you wouldn't have to worry about infections.

Book the car in advance

To prepare thoroughly for your safari, it would be ideal to book the car of your choice a few days before your trip. Looking for a car early enough before your safari provides you with plenty of time to look for an affordable car rental service which can save you money. Besides the benefit of saving money, booking a car early gives you time to inspect it before use and ensure it is in the right condition for a safari. To top it all off, you get some peace of mind knowing your means of transport are secured before you even travel.

Insect repellant

While you can never know what to expect during your safari, you can always expect insects all around you. Most of the insects are usually harmless although they can be a little annoying. As you are camping around the campfire, mosquitoes will be the last thing you want to disturb your peace so you should carry some insect repellant to keep away the annoying bites and stings of the insects. Alternatively, you could hire a car with excellent camping gear to keep yourself inside and the bugs outside at the same time.

Get a guide or GPS

If you are not familiar with Uganda's road networks and destinations, you should get a GPS device to help you get around. You can also get a map showing all the different and possible routes so as not to get lost. In case you are going to a game park or touring remote destinations, it is advisable to travel with a guide who knows the area thoroughly. Rangers in game parks are usually available at the entrance and can also help you move around easily to see all the different animals in the game parks without getting lost.

Carry a camera

A self drive safari in Uganda, is bound to awe you with magnificent and breath taking sights and sounds. These sights and sounds would make nice memories, and that’s precisely why you should carry a camera. The pictures you take will not only remind you of your adventures, but will also be souvenirs of your trip in Uganda.3.

Travel light

Uganda is located between the tropics and is crossed by the equator and thus has a tropical climate which can get really hot. Therefore the perfect clothes for one to wear as they self drive and tour Uganda are light cotton t shirts and shorts. In case you are going to game parks filled with savannah grasslands, cargo pants with closed shoes are the ideal gear. However, this does not mean you shouldn’t carry any sweaters or jumpers, as temperatures can drop at night, making them useful.