The Banana Republic of Africa often goes by another name. It is the Pearl of Africa, and once you set foot on this many-hued land full of pleasures and mysteries, you will soon understand why.
If you are one bitten by wanderlust, you must know that visiting each new land not only holds a charm of its own but also a completely new experience. No matter how much and how far you have travelled, if you haven’t visited a land before, it is best for you to be prepared. Read up, research, bookmark. This will make sure your trip, be it for business or for pleasure, is not only safe but enjoyable.
No matter where you come from and where you will be going to next, a simple Uganda safari itself can prove to be a life-changing experience. And to make sure you get the best of your adventure, we have compiled a list of things you should keep in mind when travelling in Uganda:
Prepare and Prepare well
No matter where your country of origin lies, travelling to Uganda, or to any place in Africa, will take a bit of preparation. If you need help, seek advice from people who have already travelled there before or book the services of a good tour company.
But that’s not all. You must also research well. Read books, travel guides, bookmark official Ugandan travel websites. This way you will not be going into a new country completely ignorant and that will not only ensure your safety and have your back during any emergencies but also make sure you don’t miss out on anything cool.
The Packing
No matter where you are travelling, packing wisely is key. Pack all the essentials: t-shirts and other items of clothing, lots of undergarments, toothbrushes and toothpaste, combs, towels etc. Also, remember to pack a camera and extra batteries and portable chargers for all your gadgets. If you plan on going for a safari, do also remember to pack a first aid box and emergency medical supplies.
In case you get bored during the trip, which is highly unlikely, remember to pack books and download some music. And never forget your headphones!
Bonus Tip:
If you are a budget traveller like many of us, packing some hard candies, nutrition bars, instant noodle, coffee, tea bags and sugar can go a long way in saving money.
1. Important documents
Make sure you pack all your important documents, including your passport, visa, other identification cards, travel, health and camera insurances, any medical certificates, in one small bag that you can always carry around. Do not make a rookie mistake and forget your tickets either. To make sure you have packed everything, make a list and tick everything off as you go.
2. Common sense
No, really. This is important. While having fun is needed, make sure you remember that you are travelling to a new place. So, do not giddily abandon your street smarts and literally throw maps out of the window. The trip will go a lot smoother if you keep your excitement in check and actually have your wits about you so as to not make any rookie mistakes.