You don’t have anyone to go on an African holiday with the next summer? Don’t worry, this can’t stop you moving. Just take a chance and explore the adventure of road tripping alone that will turn out to be a great solo escapade.
Taking a solo trip especially on Self drive in Uganda may require careful consideration, but with the right preparation, it can be a life-changing experience. If you prefer solitude, you may consider visiting the Pearl of Africa during the low seasons when top destinations like Murchison falls and Queen Elizabeth National parks are less crowded. Low seasons are also a less expensive time of the year, which benefits those traveling alone.
If you are to travel single, it’s a good idea to make thorough research on destinations you are to visit, prioritize safety, respect local customs, and embrace cultural exchange. You can go where you want, when you want and change your mind whenever you want.
If it is your first time, congratulations and it has never been an easy decision to make however much a number of safari destinations in Uganda are ideal for solo travelers, with group excursions and activities.
The Pearl of Africa is a diverse country with different regions, and most travelers choose to visit the west, while others the East, North or keep around in central. The savannah parks and game reserves are home to a number of wildlife, birds and plants and can be great for game viewing while the forested parks are home to a number of primates.
While solo travel in Uganda can be unique and exciting, you may indeed attract attention as a traveler, especially if you are a woman and visibly different from the local population.
It’s common to encounter curious stares or encounters with locals who may try to engage with you. Ugandans are always excited at making new friends and you will find a number of people including motorcycle riders, street children and women selling commodities along the roadside trying to get your attention, calling you ‘Muzungu’, do not mind it. The term ‘Muzungu’ is commonly used in Uganda in a friendly or neutral manner to refer to a white person.
While self driving, you may come across some people as well who may try to stop you for lifts, do not offer any. People come with different intentions. Many are good but some may be bad. Others would wave at you to stop, informing you about a possible default in your car. If you notice nothing wrong on the dashboard and it is driving well, kindly don’t stop. This is very common in areas aound Kabale, Lyantonde towards lake Mburo National Park and Katungulu areas towards Queen Elizabeth national Park.
Here are some few things to consider while traveling alone in Uganda
Research and Select a Suitable Destination
Uganda is an expansive country with diverse regions, each offering unique experiences. Research various attractions and destinations and consider your interests, budget, and safety factors before choosing crafting your itinerary.
Ensure that all your travel arrangements, including transportation, accommodation, meals and transfers are all planned out in advance as far as possible.
Consult Travel Advisories and Obtain Travel Insurance
Stay updated on travel advisories issued by your government and seek advice from reputable sources. It is crucial to obtain comprehensive travel insurance to protect yourself from any unforeseen circumstances during your trip.
Arrange comprehensive travel insurance that covers unforeseeable events such as personal liability, emergency medical situations, cancellations, missed flights, misplaced personal belongings or even natural disasters to give you peace of mind while on safari.
If you not considering a fully packaged safari or renting a car with a driver on your trip to Uganda, always take a choice that is comprehensively insured with less excess insurance such a Toyota Rav4 or Land cruiser TX and with reputable car rental agencies. You can choose a right agency online by looking at their online reviews from past clients.
Plan Your Itinerary and Set a Realistic Budget
Create a well-structured itinerary that includes the activities and attractions you wish to explore. Allocate sufficient time for each destination and factor in transportation and accommodation costs—research local prices to set a realistic budget and ensure that you have adequate funds for your trip.
When selecting accommodation, prioritize safety. Always consider accommodation facilities close to tourist destinations. Uganda has a wide range of accommodation facilities for travelers right from super budget, budget, mid range and luxury. Choose what you are comfortable with the most.
If you are planning a camping adventure in Uganda with a rooftop tent or ground tent either way, make sure you camp in an established camping site that is not so isolated and has facilities such as public washrooms and assured security.
Pack Smart and Light
Packing essentials such as comfortable clothing, sturdy walking shoes, a first aid kit, mosquito repellent, and appropriate travel adapters are handy. Pack light to avoid excessive luggage and make your journey more manageable. Respect the local culture by familiarizing yourself with their customs and traditions. You can buy a retro Uganda Cranes jersey at around $10 and this will make the locals feel part of you.
Learn Basic Local Phrases
This is not a must but learning some basic local phrases especially for those on longer trips can be a good move. Uganda has a number of local languages but you should not worry about this as many people from all regions at least know English, Luganda and Swahilli. Phrases like ‘webale nnyo’ or ‘asante’ for thank you, ‘gyebaleko’ for quick greeting can go a long way in connecting with locals and showing respect for their culture.
To break loneliness, join other travelers that you may find interested in a certain activity you are to such as a game drive or nature walk. Consider staying at accommodations known for their social atmospheres, such as hostels or guesthouses. Safari lodges have communal areas such as a dining room, lounge, bar, and deck, around the campfire where guests mix and enjoy exchanging safari stories. This is the perfect opportunity to meet others from all over the world.
With considering all this, you will have a great solo travel experience in Uganda.
