Uganda Safari Shopping List

Uganda Safari Shopping List

It is no longer a point of debate on whether you can experience the best of Uganda on a self guided tour with the help of a few tips from some of the best self drive car hire companies in Kampala and Uganda at large.

Self guided tours can be classified into two categories mainly by reason of accommodation choices and specifications. Accommodation can be classified into two major categories; Camping (campsites) and Hotels (Lodges, hostels and bandas).

Here is a Safari Shopping List

Camping can also further be divided into three categories; Budget camping, mid range camping and luxurious camping. The main point of distinction in these rating is the type of tent ranging from Luxurious top tent, Family top tents, Duo-pax top tent, and ground tents.

Hotels and lodges also range from Budget, mid range to Luxurious. Though there are no established statistics, out of experience we can attest to the fact that Uganda is mainly a budget destination.

However this doesn’t imply that there are no Luxurious and mid range tourists in Uganda; it simply means majority of the tourists are either budget or mid range.

Whichever accommodation category you choose, below are some of the items that should not miss on your shopping list on a Ugandan safari and some of a few must haves.

Toilet Rolls: One dozen of toilet rolls ranges between three and four US dollars

Bug Spray: In case you routinely use the 14 seater taxis at one point in your safari, be sure to carry some bug spray avoid anything that you may pick along from some of these cars.

Flash lights: Unless you are staying at a hotel, flash lights are a necessity in case you consider camping in a ground or roof top tent.

First aid kit: Car hire companies often provide first aid kits in their cars; unfortunately it is not in the culture of Ugandans to often use the first aid kits in their cars. There are chances of landing on expired items in the first aid kit.

Just to be secure, it will be important you stock some first aid kit items that are likely to be expired such as skin rash cream, such as hydrocortisone or calendula, cream or spray to relieve insect bites and stings, antiseptic cream among other items.

Note book: It is always basic to keep a notebook most importantly when you are making a call. In case a car breaks down, or you need any directions in an area where internet services are very poor, a notebook will be of great use.

Spare Money (Local currency): Though there are places around the country that accept Visa cards for payment, you may not be in position to get some services without local currency. Alternatively, you can carry some small dollar bills for emergency in case you run out of local currency

Large Water bottles: Water is one of the basic necessities anyone should carry along on any journey. It is very important to buy water in bulk or ask the car hire company to buy a box of bottled mineral water to use on your long trip.In case it is a nine day or less trip, you do not need to buy in bulk.

Jacket: The weather in Uganda is commonly abrupt it can shower at anytime; a jacket will save you a great deal in such unpredictable moments.

Umbrella: Though an umbrella is not a basic necessity, you might need it in case you have to run to a super market when it is raining or when you have to go back to your car when it is raining.

Paper Maps/ Maps.Me App: Paper maps are being phased out in most of the companies opting for google maps and Maps me apps instead of paper maps and gps navigations

Sanitizers: Hand spray sanitizers should not miss out in your car for hygiene purposes. You can also buy other types of sanitizers to use for toilet seats to avoid  common infections that come as a result of using public toilets

Chewing gum: Advisable in case you are going to drive for a long distance, it is one of the hacks to keep awake when driving as well as keeping your breathe fresh after being quiet for a long time