Adequate preparation is very important if you want to enjoy your holiday in any country. Below are some of the sorted tips to put into consideration:
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While most visitors regard Uganda as an all-year-around holiday destination, knowing its weather and climate is one of the most significant things any enthusiastic visitor should do before embarking on an actual trip. Uganda’s weather conditions are very favorable, which is one of the reasons why it features among the few unique most thought-about destinations in Africa.
Uganda’s weather ranges from warm especially in the lowland regions to cool while in the highlands just as the old saying ‘the higher you go, the cooler it becomes’. The best months of the year to carry out safaris in Uganda are during the dry seasons between June to September and December to March. These months are usually warm but rarely too hot with temperatures that do not fluctuate but are consistent year around.
Although most Uganda safaris are ideal during the dry season, visitors to Uganda may tour during the wet seasons and save a lot of money during what is known as the ‘off season’ which usually rewards visitors with discounted rates, especially from the accommodation services. Uganda has two main rain seasons a year characterized by short and long rains that require a visitor to prepare for them adequately since they can get extremely wet, especially during the long rainy seasons.
Usually, the months between April to May are characterized by short rains annually accompanied by fantastic thunderstorms. Between the months of September to November, the weather is characterized by long rains often with a thunderstorm. These rains may occur during the night or early morning before 10 am. When planning a safari to Uganda, one needs to know what to pack during either season (dry and wet) which can be quite difficult if one doesn’t know the weather conditions. Here are some of the essential items to pack for a safari based on the weather season;
Wet season packing list
- Heavy sweater
- Rain jacket/ poncho
- Waterproof backpack
- Waterproof shoes
- Warm gloves
- Cotton socks
Dry season packing list
- Short/ long light-sleeved shirts
- Lightweight pants/ trousers
- Sun hats
- Scarf
- Sunscreen
- Long-sleeved sweater/ fleece for evening
Having all the above-listed items, you are guaranteed a safe and enjoyable trip making it important that you get to know when it is best to visit this stunning safari destination
Drink less and from descent places
Alcohol has been believed by a number of researchers to affect the authentic performance of an individual. This is quite different from the odd drink, but any more than that, one may become prone to injury. Visitors to Uganda are free to drink any alcoholic drinks however this must be limited due to a number of effects it may have on a guest or the safari in general.
Under circumstances where a guest gets too drunk, he or she may get involved in an accident or incur other challenges like missing out on some activities or arrive for very late due to oversleeping as he or she tries to sober up. It is because of these inconveniences that one is encouraged to drink fewer alcoholic drinks and endeavor to do so from a decent place.
Alternatively, visitors are encouraged to drink plenty of bottled water to quench one’s thirst while on safari to Uganda. This is often during the dry season when they tend to get sweaty because the conditions are usually hot making it necessary for an individual to keep hydrated. Try to drink two liters of water each day while on your safari to ensure you get a safe and enjoyable trip in Uganda.
Remember that chewing gum and smoking in public are banned
For the longest time, chewing gum in public has been proven as distracting, gross, and one of those things which makes one look sloppy. This is why it is advisable to avoid chewing in public. If it is necessary for one to chew gum then he or she should chew with their mouth closed and avoid popping the gum or sticking it in public places.
Similarly, smoking in public is prohibited in Uganda, especially in public places (bars and restaurants). Smokers are only permitted to smoke 50 meters away from public spaces such as schools, hospitals, taxi ranks, and game parks. Under circumstances where one violates the anti-smoking law, he or she is fined with a charge of 60 USD or jailed for two months.
Although it is common practice for people to claim that vaccines will curb the effects of smoking, some effects are very fatal such as bushfires. These pollute the natural environment and disrupt the life of wildlife. Thus, your behavior or what you do in relation to smoking on the safari is very important.
Follow traffic rules and regulations (if self-drive)
Traffic rules and regulations are designed to protect the person driving and other road users on the road. In case a visitor opts for a self-drive while on safari to Uganda, he or she needs to follow traffic rules and regulations. This helps one to maintain harmonious use of the road keeping him or her safe from accidents and collisions rewarding you with an incredible safari experience. Here are some traffic rules and regulations;
- It is illegal to drive any motor vehicle or safari vehicle without a valid driver’s license.
- The minimum age for driving in Uganda is 18 years
- It is illegal to drive any vehicle under the influence of alcohol. The permitted blood alcohol level is 0.08%.
- The permitted speed limit on highways is 100 km per hour, for outside built-up areas 80 km per hour is recommended, and 50 km per hour in urban build areas.
- The driver and all passengers are required to wear protective seat belts at all times.
- Valid third-party insurance is mandatory for all motor vehicles.
- Use of a mobile phone whilst driving is illegal and can lead to penalty.
A guest to Uganda whose interest is self-drive is advised to process an international driving license from the Auto Mobile Association of Uganda allowing him or her to drive in the country. Enjoy the thrill of a self-drive safari by following traffic rules and regulations guaranteeing you Africa’s greatest safari moments.
Credit cards are not widely used in the country
Uganda is a ‘cash-based society’ where only a few banks and service centers use credit cards. It is thus not recommended for a guest to travel to Uganda without any cash intending to rely on his or her credit card. This is because of several factors; usually withdrawing cash by credit card often attracts additional charges (foreign transaction fee) while in a foreign destination.
It is also quite difficult to use credit cards in Uganda since they add to the potential theft of credit card information. Using the credit card in an unknown location may also cause a credit card freeze by your bank leaving a visitor with embarrassing consequences. These include having unnecessary delays during the trip because one lacks enough cash to afford a number of services which can be a big disruption when on safari.
All the fore mentioned factors tend to hinder a visitor from the opportunity of enjoying an ultimate safari; which is why guests are advised against using credit cards unless they are sure that credit cards are accepted for instance at a few luxury lodges. Therefore, it is highly important to carry enough cash preferably US dollars when coming for the safari to Uganda to curb the risks of having the worst safari experience.
Anti-malaria tablets
Uganda as a country greatly loves and needs its visitors to be in healthy conditions all the time because a healthy tourist enjoys his or her safari adventure. Most areas for safari in Uganda are malarial not to mention most areas in Africa that one may visit on a completely unique safari. Therefore taking preventive measures is highly recommended for people on safari to Uganda than being sorry. It is the best way to set your mind at ease.
Is the need to prevent you from having malaria as a visitor that you are advised to carry with them enough anti-malaria tablets for the entire length of the trip before going on safari? Starting anti-malaria medication 10-14 days prior to arrival and continuing the same for 14-21 days after leaving East Africa is very advisable. This is because if left untreated malaria can be a potential killer. Thus, a completely unique safari cannot go without malaria advice.
Other malaria prevention measures needed include the use of a mosquito net to prevent malaria or even mosquito repellents. In addition, as soon as a visitor suspects malaria he or she is advised to search for the nearby health center for a blood test and then a pharmacy in case one needs to purchase anti-malaria tablets while on their safari. Taking the right steps to protect yourself from potential malaria transmission is an important part of preparing for your safari.
Finally, when traveling to Uganda for a safari, it is important for a visitor to consider the above tips so as to enjoy amazing safari encounters.