With so many ways that you can adventure Uganda’s countryside and its spectacular national parks, camping is undoubtedly that one exceptional Uganda safari experience that takes you through this country’s off beaten wilderness and gets you close to nature. In other words, you have a great chance to explore more about its diverse bird species, wildlife, butterflies and distinct vegetation.
Often at times, backpackers search for adventure and fun places but most importantly a camping tour in Uganda gets you the best of Africa’s wilderness experience. If you have any plans to embark on this adventure then put in mind that a number of things must be put together to your trip successful.
Depending on what your travel interests are, in case you plan to do a camping in Uganda’s national parks or reserve then ensure that you have a right camping gear which includes for instance tents, hiking boots, supplies and clothing.
When considering which clothing to pack for your camping trip, it is advisable that you get along with warm jackets for the night, trousers, long sleeved shirts or t-shirts for you to embark on tour walks as well as sun hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and all that is needed of you during this adventure.
Camping in Murchison Falls National Park
This Uganda’s biggest national park by size and one of the most visited in Uganda. The park is famous for various reasons and chiefly the mighty Murchison falls roars have attracted many tourists to visit the park and watch these arguably the world’s most powerful waterfalls.
Among the most common adventures done at Murchison Falls National Park include; Game drives, Boat launch, hiking to the top of the falls, nature walks, community walks, night game drives, chimpanzee tracking, and also rhino tracking at Ziwa is possible when visited Murchison Falls National Park. Some of the best spots for camping are Red Chilli Campsite, Wild Camping at the Delta, Bwanda Tembo Safari Camp, and Shoebill Campsite.
Camping in Lake Mburo National Park
This small park is beautified not only with the natural golden savannah outlook which is decorated with acacias, but the rich biodiversity makes this small park a cozy place for tourist in Uganda.
When taking your safari on a camping basis, Lake Mburo National Park is very okay with variety of camping grounds. The lodge is located in western Uganda en-route to either Queen Elizabeth National Park or Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Some of the campsites are Leopard Rest Camp, Rwakobo Rock Lodge, Rwonyo Safari Camp, and Timbura Matana Safari Camp.
Camping in Queen Elizabeth National Park
This is Uganda most popular national park globally; it was named to commemorate Queen Elizabeth Visit to Uganda in 1954. The park is the adventure giant of Uganda with the longest list of adventures.
This park is located in western Uganda under the arrays of the Albertine rift valley, and overlooks both the Rwenzori and the Virunga forests. Best spots for camping in Queen Elizabeth National Park include Mweya Campsite by Uganda Wildlife Authority, Simba Safari Camp, Kasenyi Campsite, Ishasha Ntungwe River Camp, and Wild Track Overland Lodge
Camping in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
One of the most common parks in Uganda, the park is common for hosting the highest mountain gorilla population in the world. The park is located in southwestern Uganda under the arrays of the Albertine Rift. Bwindi is the capital of gorilla trekking with the highest habituated gorilla families.
There are varieties of affordable lodging and campsites where you can enjoy your thrilling prior and after gorilla moments. Some of the best campsites for camping in Bwindi include Buhoma Community Rest Camp, CTPH Gorilla Conservation Camp (Buhoma), Ruhija Gorilla Lodge (Ruhija), Broadbill Forest Camp (Ruhija), Karunji Camp (Ruhija), Nsongi Camp (Ruhija), Rushaga Gorilla Lodge (Rushaga), Ruhija Community rest camp (Ruhija), Wagtail Safari Camp, Mucha Lodge and others.
Camping in Kidepo Valley National Park
This drive is an amazing scenic drive which can last for a minimum of 10 hours of driving with en-routes. Kidepo Valley National Park is a unique park in Uganda with a large open space which can be encountered in any other parks.
Kidepo is a great idea for travelers on a self-drive who don’t want to be guided by fixed programs but wants to enjoy the flexibility. These include Apoka Rest Camp, Karatunga Karamoja campsite, Kakine Campsite, Nga Moru Wilderness camp and others.
Camping in Kibale Forest National Park
Uganda’s primate capital which prides itself on 13 primate species is also one of the places where some people find normal accommodation a bit costly. Among the camping options include; Rweteera safari camp, Kluges Guest Farm, Nkuruba campsite, Kibale Tented Camp and many others.
How Best to Do Camping in Uganda?
Currently there are two ways of camping in Uganda; these are ground camping and rooftop camping on top of the safari vehicle. Most Uganda car rentals offer ground camping and with this option, there are three alternatives to consider which are;
- Camping with your own tents; this requires you to access any camping ground with your won camping equipment, and tents. You only pay limited money to access the camping ground and have your roaring night done and well spent.
- Can hire tents from the campsite and make your own camping arrangements at your own pace, this is possible with several camping sites in several parks around Uganda.
- Using the already set camping shelters established by a number of campsites and lodges around almost all national parks in Uganda.
And for the rooftop tent camping in Uganda you need to have your customized rooftop tent camping 4×4 safari vehicle. These in most cases are jungle jeeps that several car rental, and tour operators have customized to arrange for this lifetime moment of rooftop camping.
When is the Best Time to do Camping in Uganda?
Uganda has a good weather throughout the year, and one can camp anywhere at any time while exploring Uganda. However, there country experience two weather seasons a year. The peak season which is experienced in the dry weather has stated to be the perfect time to undertake camping in Uganda. The dry season has always stated to be that perfect season for your camping in Uganda.
During the dry seasons grounds are dry, and it’s less cold favoring the outdoor camping. The dry months are experienced during December, January, February, and another season in the months of June, July, and August.
However, the weather condition is not guaranteed to be consistent as stated. At any time, you can experience heavy down pour, especially in western Uganda. Whatever it maybe, the peak season which is experienced in the dry months stated above is the perfect time for camping in Uganda.
What to carry on a Camping Safari in Uganda?
When planning to do camping in Uganda, then you will have to carry almost everything needed for camping. However, this respects your traveling plans, what you wished to have with your camping program.
Among the things to carry include but not limited to Camping tent (either ground or rooftop tent), mattress, sleeping bags, bed sheets, pillows, a pair of chairs, a table, lamp/torch, cooking gas cylinder, cooking cutlery, and an electric fridge. This means taking a self-drive drive in Uganda with camping gears, it’s a self-catered trip where you can even decide to make your own meals.
What you need to know is that most Uganda camps have self-catering kitchen but of course this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t get along with extra supplies for instance food, fuel, drinking water, camera batteries and others. Otherwise, the restocking centers aren’t that near especially while you are in the countryside.
In conclusion, always be friendly and courteous to the local people with whom you will find in the camping centers because these will help you with some tasks like making a camp fire, washing, fetching water and taking you around interesting places near the camps.
