Whether you are travelling Uganda on a budget, love the outdoors, or want to stay flexible during your trip – Experiya tour company is a wonderful way to explore to country and experience a great sense of freedom.
Did you know that campsites are widely available in Uganda? And that camping in Uganda can easily be done without making a reservation ahead of time? Check out our 10 tips below to make the most out of your camping safari in Uganda!
10 things to know about camping in Uganda
1. Campsites in Uganda – Campsites are widely available in Uganda, ranging from simple national park campgrounds overseen by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) to private sites managed by lodge owners. Many of these private options offer great amenities, such as on-site restaurants and swimming pools. Moreover, Uganda’s pleasant weather means that camping opportunities are available year-round.
2. Camping fees – Spending the night at a UWA public campsite with pit latrine, water, firewood, and ranger security usually costs USD 5,50/per person, per night. Pitching your tent at a privately owned campground costs about USD 10/per person, per night.
3. Wild camping in Uganda – Wild camping is uncommon in Uganda and not allowed.
4. Reserving your campsite in Uganda – Contrary to countries such as Namibia and Botswana, camping inside Uganda’s National Parks doesn’t require any advance arrangements. The process is straightforward – simply arrive at the park entrance gate and mention you want an overnight permit.
5. Bush camping – Referred to as special campsites, bush camping is not a widespread practice in Uganda. It means getting a permit from the UWA allowing you to pitch your tent on a private spot in a national park with no facilities and no other campers. As far as we know, it is currently only possible to bush camp in Murchison Falls National Park. A bush camping permit, which includes the presence of a ranger, costs USD 40/pp/per night and can easily be arranged on arrival at the gate.
6. Uganda’s best campsites – The Bradt Travel Guide is a wonderful travel guide for Uganda and offers detailed and updated information about campsites in Uganda. The Bradt Travel Guide is included when renting your car with Experiya tour company.
7. Apps to use – We advise you to download the free apps Maps.me (for navigation when driving) and iOverlander before travelling to Uganda, almost every campsite is plotted and reviewed.
8. Camping & hippos – If you want to set up camp near a river, keep an eye out for animal paths leading from the riverbank. These are likely hippo trails, as hippos often leave the water at night for grazing. Make sure not to position yourself between the hippos and the water: when hippos get scared they run for water.
9. Setting up camp – Don’t set up your tent underneath a thorn tree, they don’t go well with airbeds….
10. Camping & rubbish disposal – To prevent attracting animals, make sure not to leave food exposed and never leave food inside your tent. Also, do not dispose of leftover food in the bush, thinking it benefits the local animal population If there are no bins around, it’s essential that you pack your trash and carry it with you when leaving the campsite.
