CAMPING IN UGANDA – THE BEAUTY IN A UGANDA NIGHT CAMP

Frequently Asked Questions about Uganda Camping safaris.

Uganda is one of the most beautiful camping destinations in East Africa. It is truly blessed with a lot of treasures ranging from good weather, hospitable people, and great entertaining cultures. Talk about wildlife, man-made wonders, Religious symbols, and History. All these cannot be exhausted in a one-day trip. The nightlife alone around the city is so wonderful and worth a trial. With this on your bucket list for the day, the wilderness will be eagerly waiting for you. It comes with an offer of a camping space as you watch the animals move at night. Camping in Uganda is done in designated places within the parks, forests, and game reserves. Camping in Uganda can be undertaken by both solo travelers as well as group travelers. Those who are passionate about backpacking usually find camping in Uganda one of the best safari experiences ever.

Those who think that the best African safaris can only be realized by those who embark on luxury and high-end accommodations should think again. Imagine setting up your camp on an island in the middle of a lake! Or spending a night on the rim of a volcano. Surrounded by forest and watching your neighbors, mostly monkeys, rejoicing around you! Waking to the sweet melodies sung by the different species of birds. In some places, you may be just a few meters away from the giants of the savannah such as elephants, rhinoceros, and hippopotamuses. Camping is a trip to heaven and a stellar safari experience.

Goosebumps

Fortunately, the idea of setting up a flimsy tent in a National Park full of the world’s greatest predators may seem to be life-risking and scary. Fear not, there are some basic concepts about the bush in Uganda that may be of great help to you. You must imagine a tent looks like that of an animal. Close your tent every time you step out of it because animals like hyenas are very curious. They will seek any possible way to enter an open tent also do not run or shout when you see a wild animal from far or near, just know it is you in their territory.

What makes it the best safari experience?

Camping and backpacking are one of the Adventure Tours in Uganda, it draws you near to the closer feel of Mother Nature’s gift of wildlife, birds, butterflies, flora, and fauna. This comes along with a lot of fun and adventure enjoyed by the only tourist who looks for it. Besides this, camping in Uganda becomes more fun when you are in possession of the following camping Gear, Tents, Hiking boots, Supplies, and clothes.

The equipment talked about should be of good quality for a better camping safari experience. Your backpack should have extra pockets on the back to keep items you need to use more often like drinking water bottles, sunscreens, ointment for insect bites and bruises, sunhat, and other items. A Padded back bag is important for your comfort. Make sure your bag has a lock for safety purposes. Carry the right camping clothes such as warm Jackets, trousers, and long-sleeved shirts for the Night.

Beyond the views

Other than the spectacular views that come with camping safaris in Uganda, camping is one of the cheapest and most budget ways of traveling to any corner of the world. You do not have to break the bank to go camping in Uganda or any East African country. Camping sites in Uganda are relatively cheaper than lodges and hotels. Remember you are not here to sleep but to explore and bless your eyes with new looks. Camping safaris in Uganda are DIY (Do It Yourself) in nature.

In other words, what you wish to do is what is done. The other advantage of embarking on a camping tour in Uganda is the fact that many camping sites do not usually get full like it is with safari lodges. This implies that a camping safari can be booked at the last minute. Additionally, camping equipment such as tents and gear can easily be got from the local markets thus making it an easy–to–do safari trip.

A Uganda Budget trip

When we talk about a budget trip in Uganda, we are talking about the best ways of reducing costs without cutting the experience. Some travelers usually think that for one to travel budget, they should reduce their safari activities. Let me tell you something, traveling in a budget way should not necessarily come with a reduction or cut down on safari activities. Instead of sleeping in an accommodation facility worth 500 USD per night, why not do camping for 10 USD or below and use the remaining money for another amazing safari activity?

The Pearl of Africa

Uganda was nicknamed the Pearl of Africa for many reasons. The major reason was her diverse nature when it comes to climate, physical features, and hospitality of the people. Activities such as bungee jumping, kayaking, white water rafting, and zip lining are much better than a luxury hotel room for someone on a safari. This is one of the reasons why Uganda’s camping safaris are spectacular in one way or the other.

Yes, camping in the deep villages of Uganda might look much more basic characterized by outside toilets, local food, bathrooms with no cold water shower, etc. you are guaranteed utmost cleanness and good sanitation. My advice would be that you camp at a local campsite or backpackers’ lodge. Here, services are cheap and classic as they are meant particularly for travelers. You are guaranteed a coffee shop and a small bar from where you can grab a bottle of Nile Special and have a taste of the beer made in Uganda as it is nicknamed – the true reward from the source.

Fire is also one thing that makes camp life so safe and enjoyable, what you must put in mind is that you are in another person’s territory, and a lot of caution must be followed in order to have an enjoyable experience, Animals in the wild are afraid of fire. From hippos to lions, they know it means death and destruction and so they will search for all possible ways to avoid it. Set your campfire points and the park guides will camp and light it for you.

Camping near local communities

Camping near the local communities is a perfect opportunity for you to have a long chat with the local members of the community. There is no tourist that does not admire spending time with the hospitable Ugandan people. These people make the whole trip an amazing experience characterized by storytelling, trying local cuisines, participating in traditional fire making, and craft making, learning some hunting technics, and some ways of communicating with animals. Such an encounter is usually missed by travelers who spend nights in a hotel room.

The social concept of camping on a safari is something that should not be taken for granted. It is equally the same as a conference but this time around not in a conference hall but in the bush. Do you want to reconnect with your family members or get new friends, you should go camping. It gives you an opportunity to reflect on the past and refresh your mind as you enjoy spectacular views of the sunrise and sunset at twilight as well as the breeze of the lush green vegetation. Such an experience is a therapy and a chance for you to reduce the stress found in urban centers. The talks that happen around the campfire give travelers unforgettable moments. During the Uganda camping safari, you only get bored when you wish to. Getting excited is usually not a choice but a mandate.

Expectations

You need to remember that most of the safari lodges in Uganda both in rural and urban areas offer camping sites at a relatively cheap price. You are given access to a lodge or hotel facilities such as a swimming pool, bar, restaurant.  Night payments usually come with breakfasts. Uganda Camping safari packages usually comprise a safari guide to walk you to the wildernesses. They also have hot showers, flush toilets, bush bars, sundowners, and other amazing additional offers that turn moments into memories.

As a camper, the benefit you get from camping in Uganda includes; watching the sunset over some of the most beautiful landscapes on earth. Hearing a Lion Roar in distance will give you a true understanding of what it means to be in the wilderness. Another sweet part of camping is that you get the full joy of a game drive and in most cases tour the park alone hence getting a chance to spot lions, leopards, hyenas, and other various wildlife before they seek refuge from the vehicles that will head their way.

How much money do you need?

Camping on a Uganda safari is considered one of the cheapest safaris in Africa. As I have said earlier, it is one of the ways that travelers minimize costs without reducing the safari activities. Depending on where you choose to set your camp, camping during a Uganda safari ranges between 5 USD to 550 USD. Compared to other accommodation options, camping becomes the best of all. In the event that you do not have a lot of money to embark on Uganda luxury safaris, do not fret, come do a cheap camping tour, you will thank me later.

Where wild camping is allowed in Uganda?

As time goes by, camping sites in Uganda continuously increase in size and number. Starting from Entebbe where Uganda’s major airport is found to the deep villages such as Bwindi Impenetrable national, Queen Elizabeth national park, Jinja at the Source of River Nile (The longest river in the world), and Kidepo Valley national park. Below are some of the suggestions about camping sites in Uganda though the list is endless;

• Bush camping at the UWA special campsite on the Nile Delta near Paraa in Murchison

Falls National Park

• Camping on top of the world viewpoint at the Crater Lakes, Fort Portal area.
• The camping facilities at Enjojo Lodge, Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
• Camping with elephants and hippos at Uganda Wildlife Authority Mweya Public Campsite, Queen Elizabeth National Park.
• Roaring lions in the background at Nagusokopire Campsite, Kidepo Valley National Park

Is it okay to camp anywhere in Uganda?

Uganda has many tempting places that look good for camping but my advice to you is that not every place can be used as a camping site in Uganda. Some of the lands are privately owned while the other belongs to the government of Uganda. For land within the protected areas, tourists are only allowed to camp in areas where camping is legal. Otherwise, you may attract danger. You do not know where dangerous wild animals live and before you know it, you might be near a lion’s den. Much as these animals fear human beings, they fear nothing when it comes to protecting their territories and breeding places. This is why you need a professional and experienced safari guide or park ranger to be your watchman whenever you are camping in Uganda’s wildernesses.

The best camping sites in Uganda 2023 / 2024

• Lake Nkuruba Nature Reserve and Community Campsite
• Bunyonyi Overland Resort
• Queen Elizabeth national park
• Bwindi Impenetrable national park
• Entebbe Backpackers Hostel and campsite
• Murchison falls national park

What should I carry while going on a camping safari in Uganda?

While embarking on a Uganda camping trip, you will have to invest in a few things. These may include among others but are not limited to the following;

 North face camping tent which is small enough to fit in your back bag. These can be rented in Uganda.

• Sleeping bag or sleep sack
• An Inflatable pillow
• Camping mattress
• Headlamp
• Hiking boots
• Supplies
• Clothes
• Drinking water bottles
• Sunscreens
• Ointment for insect bites and bruises
• Sunhat,
• A Padded back bag

Can I camp in a Forest in Uganda?

Camping is not allowed in all the forests of Uganda but in some areas, one can do camping for instance, travelers who are interested in forest camping can visit Kibale forest national park and Bwindi Impenetrable national park.

Do I need to pack food? What food should you expect in Uganda?

Uganda is diverse when it comes to food. It is one of the few countries in the world with a variety of foods. During your camping safaris, you should expect some local foods such as Luwombo made of steamed plantain, and other street foods such as the famous Ugandan Rolex made out of fried eggs and chapatti. Packed foods can also be bought from local supermarkets and food stores. Lodges and hotels in the national parks also provide food services and a meal can be organized in the bush in the event that you have ordered earlier. Do this with the help of tour operators such as Love Uganda safaris and tours Ltd prior to your trip.  Within the rural areas, you can get fresh foods straight from the garden such as cassava and this can be easily roasted using your campfire.

Ugandan bush may seem to have nothing to offer. But the people who have tried it a few times refuse to stay anywhere else for nature lovers. It feels like paradise since it has much to offer. Camping is an inexpensive way to enjoy your life. Try Camping in any Ugandan park and fill your world with Joy and Happiness.