Trip Planner | Backpacking Uganda

Wilderness Camping in Uganda

Wake up under the arrays of the sunset, enjoy the night melodies of wild roars, and wake up below exotic bird vocals. Uganda is blessed with different kinds of treasures, one of which is called the Pearl of Africa, the untamed natural landscape that rightly accelerates from the embryonic landscape of moderately gently sloping across the country.

One of the things that suggests a perfect safari in Uganda is doing a camping trip. This mainly comes for travelers traveling on their own, who tend to hire a car with all camping gear and consider it a self-drive. The natural wonders have always suggested a great wild offer where you can enjoy a coffee while watching birds cross over and a great number of animal scenery. To watch and explore Africa on an intensive scale, then consider this super camping adventure tender.

Camping is not only for luxurious travelers; it’s also a perfect way to spend a little money. It’s an economized venture of exploring greater places, not, as many may assume, a high-end traveling venture.

Forms of wilderness camping

There are three ways to experience nature on a camping vacation in Uganda: self-handled, partial, and fully guided camping. However, all the alternatives they drive to cause face the true nature of wilderness by giving the real feel of an outdoor camping experience.

Self-guided camping adventure

Here, rent a 4×4 safari vehicle and sit behind the wheels to decide everything on the trip. Many of the travelers traveling on an economy budget have agreed to take on this new venture and go on a self-drive adventure. It’s really an amazing deal to enjoy the freedom and privacy of driving and decide everything concerning whether to prepare your own meals or buy meals from nearby restaurants.

Partially guided camping adventure

On this adventure, hire the 4×4 vehicle and camping gear; most preferred is the 4×4 rooftop tent rental with a driver, as well as a chef to aid in meal preparations. When renting a car with the driver, you still have full control over every decision made on the trip. This is common on luxury camping adventures for those who wish to experience African nature at their own pace. They then choose to rent a 4×4 car with a driver and other helpers on the trip and remain with the lousily exploring unlimitedly.

Full-guided camping adventure

All things are catered for by tour operators; it’s also okay to decide to have a camping adventure. This is the most common way many travelers across the globe explore beautiful places. You only have to inform your tour operator and make prior payments to the operator, and they can organize everything exactly as you would prefer.

How are camping adventures in Uganda organized?

Camping can either be ground camping or rooftop tent camping. Can drive to any tourist destination and have an overnight stay at camping sites of various lodges and campsites, which are widely spread to various tourist destinations, especially parks and reserves.

If you’re to use camping set up by lodges and campsites, it’s quite expensive; this is only ground camping and Bandas. But when opting for the tremendous rooftop camping adventure, you have to rent a 4×4 rooftop vehicle, which is widely available.

In all national parks in Uganda, there are opportunities for camping adventures in all montane, tropical, and savannah parks. Camping adventures are so special in savannah parks where tourists have a chance to sleep in the wildness in the midst of animal roars.

What to carry on a camping adventure

Depending on the nature of camping, I would prefer the adventure, knowing that ground and rooftop camping are varying ways of adventure camping. What you need to carry also depends on what kind of camping you’re doing; if you’re going to use lodge-set camping gear, you may only need to drive to your reserved lodge.

Camping kits include a camping tent (ground or rooftop tent), foam mattresses, a sleeping bag with pillows and bed sheets, Camping chairs, Table, A cool box serves as a storage box (not electrical), cooking gas cylinder, Plastic cups and plates Pots, frying pans, knives, and cutlery set with a can opener, cork screw, Strainer , Coffee percolator, Cutting board, dish towel, washing line, and pegs Headlights and a solar table lamp.

Benefits of Wilderness Camping in Uganda

Unlimited privacy

It’s time you found the best way to experience all that adventure can offer. When seeking privacy on your holiday, wilderness camping has the best offer. With camping, one can drive around with everything needed for the trip in the vehicle. Enjoy the freedom of doing whatever you wish on your trip, manage your own time, and face the best time of self-exploration in a foreign land. This freedom allows you to be flexible, which is something every traveler wishes for.

Alternatively, a cheaper option

Compiling an amount to spend on a car rental with camping gear as requested is a bit cheaper than when all things are handled by a tour agency. When you’re looking to spend little money and have a great time, we’ve got a self-drive camping option for you. Imagine having a 4×4 safari vehicle and all camping gear and sorting out transport and accommodation for less than $100. It’s a great deal for every traveler, and it’s recommendable.

Adventurous Encounter

Reaching your destination, choose the best wilderness spot, either at campsites or in the wilderness, to spend your outdoor night. This is so adventurous and not for the faint-hearted, where you spend a night amid carnivorous roars. Irrespective of whether it’s a ground or rooftop camping option, sleeping in the wild is an improbable token of an escapade experience.

Pop-up Rooftop Car Rental in Uganda

Do you ever imagine watching the true wilderness on a cruise? With a pop up rooftop car rental makes a remarkable wilderness cruise watching variety of wildlife. Renting a pop up rooftop car rental makes you vulnerable to watching spacious wildlife. All is perfect wildlife sighting especially in the African golden, and emerald savannah which are the masters of safari adventures.

When opting to rent a car for adventure purposes, then should lookout for the pop up rooftop car rental. The pop up is customized to offer such an amazing scenic view experience to any of the savannah parks which in Uganda include; Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, Lake Mburo National Park and Semuliki National Park.

Looking for a 4×4 car rental with a pop up roof explore Uganda? Opting for a land cruiser or safari van with a pop up roof is a perfect way to travel around the scenic Savannah for exclusive game viewing and photography.

Either looking forward for a vehicle for self-drive or guide trip, should not be worried when in Uganda, we got you covered. A wider range Toyota Land cruisers and safari vans with pop-up roof for either your self-drive or driver guided adventure safari clients for an excellent game drives.

Car rentals with pop up roofs are all on 4×4 vehicles giving travelers the freedom to explore on the unlimited cruise across on their choice. Comfortable, reliable and strong enough to navigate through all kinds of roads, so you can enjoy the untouched nature in East Africa.

Pop-up rooftop Safari rentals used in Uganda

There are various fleets customized for wildlife drive viewing with pop up rooftop that travelers can choice from. All the fleets are 4×4 rentals with pop up roof among which include; Land cruiser LX 70 series, land cruiser GX, Land cruiser TX/TZ, Land Cruiser VX, Safari vans or mini vans.

Why a pop up rooftop rental?

Doing a wildlife safari in Uganda is more exciting when done with this super safari customized vehicle with a rooftop tent. Watching wild games at 360 degrees on a wider spread open savannah landscape is the rewards of mostly using 4×4 land cruisers with a rooftop pop-up. The best way to explore what the pot of variety can offer is cruising with a 4×4 pop up rooftop safari car. With variety of fleets to choose from there’re benefits associated with a pop up roof car rentals.

One way to explore the scenic landscape and it’s dwelling in Africa, should be by traveling with a pop up safari customized vehicle. This suggests a wider overview and great sceneries on any of the African safaris, pop up safari vehicles are customized to do game drive particularly in African savannah parks and reserves for their tailored view.

The fact that all safari pop up vehicles are fulltime 4×4 vehicles, they’re reliable and comfortable transportation to reach all corners for the tremendous views across Africa.

Taking a 4×4 car rental, you have the best choice as it comes with everything you may need on your holiday. Can have a 4×4 pop up rooftop for either a self-drive holiday or a guided tour and all thing remain perfect in every aspect. Renting one of 4×4 vehicles with pop up roof, you are getting the best rental deal available here in Uganda and Africa.

Renting a car with a pop up roof, just know that you have everything counted in your own time schedule and can explore without any limitation.

Tips For Self Driving in Uganda

When going on a self-drive trip in Uganda, consider the tips below to enjoy your trip.

Make sure you have a comfortable and good car to take you wherever you prefer to go. You have to rent a car that will fit you and sit comfortable. Long distances always need a good seat where you can stretch a bit your legs.

A spare tyre is a must. Rent a car equipped with a spare tyre, in case one gets a problem you just change until you fix it the damaged one. Make sure you go with Wheel spanner, and a jack to help change the tyre.

A Jerrycan for reserve fuel is important. Some places like in Northern Uganda, you need to have Fuel all the time because petrol stations can be far for you to fuel the car. For instance in Kidepo national park.

In case you rent a car with rooftop tent, make sure you know how to spread it. If you have no knowledge about it then you ask the driver who will deliver the car to you to give you proper information. The same applies to the ground tent.

For tracking primates For instance gorillas and chimpanzees, it’s better to go on the trip when you have your permits already. It will save you from missing out because of availability.

Be careful on where to park the car. Make sure you park in a safe place, lock the car and do not leave valuables like cameras and laptops in the car.

Always arrive early for the activity, if you are not sure of the starting time, inquiry prior at the headquarter or the lodge and avoid missing out the activity.

Have an itinerary in mind and the places you prefer to visit, even though it is easy to change on a self-drive trip but it will give you the good flow of your travel.

Look out for good camping sites with security in case you are on a camping trip. A good camping site will also have good Toilets and washrooms.

In case you get a problem with the car, contact the service provider for proper direction of what to do.

Avoid over speeding while driving. On Highways there are posters directing you on different speed limits and other information, pay attention to them.

Car Hire with Driver in Uganda

We have experienced drivers with knowledge about different destinations in Uganda. Hiring a driver is good and stress free, finding the roads to different places becomes easy, no getting tired of driving while on safari, the driver guide will explain and give information on different destinations of Uganda, and other countries.

There is need to inform the driver guide prior the destinations to be visited such that they set the itinerary in mind and then preparing to visit each and every place day by day.

In case you do not know how to drive a car, have problems with seating in one place for long time, getting tired of driving so quickly, this option can work better. Driver guides not only gives information on different destinations but they can also help in spreading rooftop tents, ground tents, looking for good camping grounds and so on.

You can seat back and relax on Uganda car hire with drive, take good photos without first stopping the car, take videos, and noting each and every important information becomes easy. Driver guides knows better the places where different types of animals can be found like the elusive leopards, lions etc. They will try to satisfy the client’s expectations.

Driver guide will cater for the client’s property left in the car. He will make sure the car is locked and safe. They know the best place where to pack the cars and they make the bookings prior on certain activities to be done.

We have many options; renting a car with us is very easy and our cars are affordable. Our cars are fully serviced in good mechanical conditions before delivering it to a client.

We have drivers who can speak different languages, like Spanish, french, Germany. This is an option with clients who do not know English and wants to enjoy the trip with someone explaining in their native languages.

Our driver are professional in driving, they can drive up country, off beaten tracks, short and long rentals, cities, Highways, traffic jam and etc. Send us an inquiry and explain what you prefer, we shall get you covered.

Camping at the Uganda’s Crater Lakes

Lakes in Uganda? While most think Victoria, Mburo or Bunyonyi, the crater lakes region near Fort Portal offer stunning scenery and relaxation on a budget.

The crater lakes region lies south of Fort Portal in the shadow of the majestic Rwenzori mountains. The area is dotted with over 50 picturesque volcanic crater lakes, each more beautiful than the next, and provide some of the country’s best hiking trails. The area is truly stunning framed by undulating hills and matooke plantations as far as the eye can see.

To get to the crater lakes, drive to Fort Portal from Kampala – the drive takes about four hours. Once there turn left and immediately left again past the hospital. Continue on this road for about 30 minutes until you find yourself surrounded by picturesque hills, streams and lakes. Accommodation is varied but all budgets are catered for.

For those on a budget, campsites are particularly well-placed. Planet Ruigo Beach Resort is in the south of the region, on the shores of tiny Lake Kasenda. As the mist rises at dawn and the stream slowly trickles into the perfectly still lake, you will feel like you are a million miles away from Kampala. With camping as cheap as UGX5,000 per person, bandas at 25-30,000 UGX and hearty Ugandan food at approximately 15,000 UGX, the site is excellent value. With open space for children to play, there are few better places to relax.

Other campsites also offer very cheap accommodation and good food. The Chimpanzee Guest House has a lovely view over the surrounding area, and camping is under 10,000 UGX per person. Food is more expensive, but bbq areas are available for self-catering (don’t forget your charcoal!). From here, two campsites near Lake Nkuruba are easily walkable. Lake Nkuruba Catholic Community Campsite has the best facilities, including a lakeside cottage with views over the swimmable lake. The campsite offers local walks to a variety of areas, including a hilltop known as “Top of The World”. It certainly feels like it, with a view that allows you to survey all across Western Uganda.

For those looking for a truly special getaway, Ndali Lodge is in the middle of the area, straddling two huge crater lakes. There is no better view in this part of Uganda than that at the top of the escarpment. This luxury lodge would make a perfect honeymoon location.

A suggested hiking route starts from the Chimpanzee Guest House, walking southwest for approximately 10km to Planet Ruigo, then a similar distance north to the Lake Nkuruba campsites on a three day trip. There are many other camps springing up in the area and many paths to follow, all of which are accessible to anyone of any hiking ability. There is a reasonable tourist map available from Aristoc which is a good investment before you leave Kampala.

For the mountain scenery of the Rwenzoris, combined with the relaxing lakeside atmosphere of Bunyonyi, the Fort Portal crater lakes provide an easily affordable combination of both. Get your hiking boots on and have one of the best budget holidays Uganda can offer!

Rent a Car for Self Drive in Uganda

After being voted “the best travel destination to visit in 2023″, Uganda is currently receiving an enormous number of tourist arrivals. From gorilla safaris to chimpanzee trekking adventures, many tour packages are on sale being offered by many tour operators and travel agents. With the verdant rain forests that are home to the rare mountain gorillas, thousands of chimpanzees, monkeys as we;; as the interesting wildlife in the Savanna Parks, Uganda Safaris offers one-of-a-kind experience to all those who venture to this wondrous haven that was named the Pearl of Africa by the Sir Winston Churchill, one of the past adventure travelers who visited Uganda in 1902.

What kind of adventure would you like to try out in 2023? Could it be a high adventure that you seek or deep relaxation. The Pearl of Africa, one of the most beautiful country on the African Continent provides boundless excitement and ultimate pleasure for the vacation of a lifetime.

As more tourists visit Uganda, many travelers are looking for both guided and self drive tour packages so that they can adventure through the Pearl of Africa. From those looking to gorilla watching in the remote southern part of Uganda to those seeking for road trips through various parks, a lot of options are available for travelers!

While traveling in Uganda can be both challenging and fun, one need to organize his or her holiday in time. One of the best ways to enjoy your adventure is to hire a car in Uganda and travel at your convenience! Car Rental Services are available in Kampala and can even be booked online. From small vehicles to 4X4 Safari Vehicle Rentals many cars are available at many car rental companies such as Car Rental Uganda to any traveler interested in taking a self drive vacation that will allow you and your family or friends at the same time to discover the country in so many exciting ways.

How much time it really takes you to travel in the country, really depends on the road conditions, traffic and the weather. Traveling in the dry season is preferable as unpaved roads tend to get washed away during the rainy season. Given the nature of road conditions, tourists looking to self drive options in Uganda should consider great caution and respect for road signs on Ugandan roads. Those who know defensive driving will find less problems given the way the local drivers behave on the road.

Over the past 20 years, Uganda has tried to develop an excellent transportation system. As the sector grows, more and better service providers are joining the industry and today we can say that the country has good private transport agencies that can offer a good service!

Car Rental with a Driver for Uganda Travel

Probably one of the best ways to move around our capital city is when your car hires with a driver Kampala. Especially if it is your first time visiting the city, this has not only to be your best decision but your only choice. Conclusively, whenever you think of hiring a car in Kampala, always hire a driver. Simply search everything on our website Self-drive Uganda, we will be glad to serve you.

Are you planning to tour Kampala city, Jinja, Mbale, Fort Portal among others and looking for a driver or guide to hire?, search no further, we at Self-drive Uganda have a team of well-trained Ugandan drivers with adequate knowledge most of the destinations and attractions in Kampala and Uganda. They are very fluent with English, Swahili and other local languages. Just sit back and relax as your personal driver does all the driving, cleaning, routing and fixing any mechanical problem.

MERITS OF HIRING A CAR WITH A DRIVER

Navigation

One of the prime advantages of Uganda car rental with a driver is that you do not have to carry maps or worry about where to take the next turn. You are provided with an insightful driver guide who will not only drive you to and from your desired attractions, but also keep informing you about your location and constantly brief you. This leaves you with only the task of looking out for animals and drinking in the raw panorama unfolding before you.

Trained, insightful and knowledgeable guides

It is very common for the undisciplined eye to miss sight of animals or things that could be part of interest but, for a trained guide, it is easy to point out a leopard camouflaged in tree branches or to track the location of a herd of animals. Local guides usually know the areas thoroughly and always know where to find which animals. This saves you a lot of time driving around just hoping to see an animal by chance or luck.

Safety

The tour guides who accompany you are not only with you to drive you and point out animals but also to ensure that both you and the animals are safe. Some tourists who embark on self-drive safaris engage in behavior which is considered risky to either the animals or themselves, unknowingly. Tour guides can advise you on how to act in the presence of the animals since they are supposed to be knowledgeable on animal behavior.

Interaction

Somewhere along the car rental and driver hired safaris, you could be interested in the culture or norms of indigenous people in the area. For example, many tourists who come to Uganda during an even year are thrilled to witness the imbalu (circumcision) ceremony held by the Bagishu.

Now, if you were on a self-drive safari your chances of interaction would be slim due to problems ranging from language barrier to shyness of indigenous people. However, if you happen to have hired a car and driver Guide, your guide can be of help and either translate or take you to places where your interactions would be made easier and more interesting.

ADDITIONAL DRIVER

Thinking of sharing the driving? You may want to add an additional driver to your rental car. Here’s everything you need to know about adding extra drivers.

If you’re going to be doing a lot of driving, it’s always good to be able to share the load with someone else. Only one of you will be the ‘main driver’, but adding ‘additional drivers’ is fairly simple.

In most cases, you can add up to three additional drivers per car, sometimes even more. There’s normally a daily fee per additional driver, although you might be lucky and find a special deal online for one or more free additional drivers.

Who is the main driver?

The main driver is the person who is legally responsible for the car, and who signs the contract (usually called the rental agreement). Usually, this is the person who made the booking.

Who can be an additional driver?

It depends on the rental company. In general, the rules about age limits and driving licences are the same as for the main driver. Usually, any driver needs to be at least 21 and have held a full driving licence for at least two years.

Conditions vary, so do check your rental’s terms and conditions.

Similarly, the rules about young driver fees and senior driver fees apply to additional drivers just as they do to the main driver.

How do I add an additional driver?

It depends who you’re booking with. Sometimes, you can add extra drivers when you book online or when you get to the rental counter, but you won’t actually pay for them until you actually pick your car up.

If you book direct with a rental company, they might ask you to pay for any additional drivers while you’re making your booking. Alternatively, they might ask you to tell them about additional drivers when you pick the car up.

Any additional driver will need to be at the counter with you when you pick up the car. They’ll also need their passport and driving licence. Only the main driver will sign the rental agreement, but the names and other details of all additional drivers will be added to it.

How much does it cost to add an extra driver?

Rental companies usually charge a fee per day to insure each additional driver on the hire car. It’s usually the same fixed price for any type of car.

Can I add an extra driver once my rental has started?

You might be able to add an extra driver even if you already have the rental car. Call the counter staff (you should find their number on your paperwork) to check if it’s possible. If it is, the main driver and the additional driver will need to go to the counter to show their driving licences and passports and pay any fees.

Conclusion

Conventional car rental and driver guide safaris include customized or preset itineraries that cover your whole safari from the day of arrival to your departure. That way, you know your destinations and what to look out for prior to setting off. In this article, we intend to discuss and share the pros of opting for car rental and driver, try and inform your decision as you debate on which form of travel to pursue while on a self guided safari holiday in Uganda.

Rent Camping Gear & Outdoor Equipment in Uganda

Camping and hiking gear suitable for Uganda is no different from the usual gears of hiking and camping. Did you know that you can rent camping gear from Uganda car rental agencies. The adventures of camping and hiking are some of the outdoor experiences that every individual wants to have experience maybe once in a lifetime.

Hiking with a backpack and eating around the campfire are some of the adventures that one can enjoy while on such a trip. As much as one may be overjoyed by the trip to a camp or for a hiking experience in Uganda, one should not forget to suit himself with the appropriate camping and hiking gear that will assure one on safety and security during the adventure.

Choosing the camping and hiking gear suitable for Uganda

After careful study of the season, destination and activity attention switches onto the choice of the gear. There are several gears to choose from, but only a few necessary ones can be carried to avoid over carrying or under carrying the gear. The gears are of different types and for different purposes. In your backpack, you must ensure you have a complete set of gears and equipment for your whole trip from the backpack itself, the sleeping system and the clothing to the footwear. Food and drinks should never miss in the backpack and other gear necessary like personal equipment.

Choose a backpack that is fitting in your back, easy to put on and remove, waterproof and big enough to carry all your other gear and equipment. Although some of the trekking and clothing gears are always available for hire in the camping areas, it is advisable to carry with yourself as much of your right fitting equipment to avoid worry in case you miss items that fit perfectly with your body.

In addition to carrying your clothing and trekking gear as camping and hiking gear suitable for Uganda, you must also consider bringing with you the personal and miscellaneous items because getting them around the camping or hiking region might not be that easy. In you, trekking gear makes sure items like footwear, good clothing, jacket, trousers, hats and gloves are not missing. Sunscreen and sunglasses must also be included.

For a good camping and hiking experience, resting after a day’s activity is important. Ensure that the sleeping bag that you pack is of good layering and flexibility so that you can cope with the existing night conditions. As you hike up the mountain dehydration due to hard work and profuse sweating may occur, it is important to equip yourself with water in a water bottle and some other energy drinks in plastic bottles.

Another important item not to forget is an illuminating system, either a torch, a headlight or flashlight with spare batteries and bulbs is recommended for night walking and protection. Pocket knives and related items are important for making the way during hiking and therefore should be part of the gear to accompany you to the trip.

Most importantly, among the camping and hiking gear suitable for Uganda is the personal equipment for health and safety in the camp or over the mountain. A safety box or a first aid kit is important for an emergency. Sunglasses and sunscreens together with snow goggles will help reduce the intense glare on high mountains. Never forget to carry food, especially easy and already cooked food to subsidize on the other foods that you may find in the camping region. A heating system is important for making campfire especially a camping stove. Care should be taken not to make the backpack so heavy to carry as one walks in the forest or up the mountain.

Planning to camp in a park with your loved one, friends or family, Let us help you book space in the park, rental car and get all the camping equipment you require and finally enjoy your trip.

Knives to Bring on a Camping Safari

A variety of knives exist these days. Here are a few that I suggest bringing with you so you’re prepared in any situation.

Folding Pocket Knife – This is a small yet essential tool to have. It’s light weight and folds up nice and small so you can carry it easily. It can be used for a variety of things such as cutting some string, fishing line, or even cutting fruit.

Tactical Knife – Usually this is big and looks military based. You can use it to clean fish, skin your game, or even as self defense from wild animals.

Fixed Blade Knife – This is a knife with a big blade and usually a nice handle that’s easy to grip firmly. They are solid, they don’t flake under pressure, and sometimes they have a serrated edge on one side.

Remember… knives are sharp! So be smart, use caution, and be safe.

Backpacking Essentials: 8 Things to Take Along for a Safe Trip

In backpacker travel, one of the most important rules not to forget is to travel light. But unless you are a survival expert that can get along with just some basic tools and what he finds in nature, you should always carry certain backpacking essentials with you. Your needs of equipment depend on the kind of backpacking trip you plan and the area you travel, but certain things should always be part of your baggage.

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