Camping In Uganda

Camping In Uganda : Welcome to Uganda – A country with vast open spaces, a rich cultural history and a diverse environmental mix. Uganda is a proud country and well known for it’s friendly people, wildlife and interesting floral and Fauna. Experience Uganda by sleeping under the stars, cooking on an open fire and spend quality time with your loved ones by camping  as it is also one of the most economical ways of seeing the country. Some people camp as an affordable accommodation option and others have a sheer passion for it.

Campsites are widely available in Uganda and camping in Uganda can easily be done without making a reservation prior to visiting day. Camping visitors, be prepared to expect the unexpected. Delve into this guide to explore various camping safaris, understand what you need to know and discover the best tips to enhance your Camping safari holidays in Pearl of Africa.

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Camping In Uganda

Things you need to know while camping in Uganda

Campsites

You need to know that campsites are available in every national park in Uganda, ranging from simple national park campgrounds operated 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.

Camping fees

There are camping fees in every camping site within the wildlife reserves and national parks in Uganda, to spend a night at a UWA public campsite with pit latrine, water, firewood, and ranger security usually costs between 5$ to 40$ per person, per night. Pitching your tent at a privately owned campground costs about  15$ per person, per night with meals included on half board. Note that this will depend on facilities and amenities these camp grounds have.

Reserving your campsite in Uganda

There is no need to reserve in advance, camping inside Uganda’s National Parks and wild reserve doesn’t require any advance arrangements. You simply arrive at the park entrance gate and mention you want an overnight permit and you are allowed.

Apps to use

We advise you to download the free apps like Maps.me for navigation when driving as almost every campsite is plotted and reviewed. This will lead you to any campsite of your choice. 

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.

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.

Camping equipment we provide

we provide everything you need for the ultimate camping experience in Uganda. From rooftop tents to essential camping gear, we’ve got you covered. All you need to bring are your personal items like food, and drinks, we’ll handle the rest. Explore Uganda’s stunning landscapes in true camping style with Uganda car rental! A full set of camp gears that we provide consists of the following items:

  •  Rooftop tent (ground tent and mattresses are available as an option)
  • Fridge
  • sleeping bagss
  •  Chairs and small table
  •  Cool box (non-electrical)
  • Gas tank and burner, BBQ roaster
  • cups, plates & bowls
  • Cooking pots and frying pans
  • Cutlery set with forks, knives, spoons, can opener, corkscrew
  • Cutting board
  • Lamp/torch

Best Camping Sites in Uganda

There are very many campsites all over the destination be it in national parks or wild reserves and below are some of the best campsites in Uganda

  • Campsite at Red Chilli Hideaway in Kampala
  • Campsite at Ngamba Island Tented Camp, Etebbe back packers, Walindi Point in Entebbe Town
  • Campsite at Nile River Camp,Explorers River Camp, Nile it Resort and Campsite in Jinja industrial city
  • Campsite at Apoka UWA bandas,  Kakaine campsite, Nagusokopire campsite Kidepo National park
  • Campsite at the Delta, At the top of the falls, murchison river lodge , Bwanna Tembo Safari Camp, Shoebill Campsite in Murchson Falls National Park
  • Campsite at Chimpanzee Guest House and Rweteera Safari Park in Kibale National Park
  • Campsite at Ruboni Community Camp at the base of Mount Rwenzori national park
  • Campsites at Eagles nest, Rwonyo camp site, Leopard camp site, Mantana Tented Camp in Lake Mburo national park
  • Campsites at Mweya Campsite, Simba Safari Lodge, Kasenyi Campsite, Kazinga Wilderness Safari Camp Ltd, Ishasha Ntungwe River Camp, Wild Track Overland Lodge, Enshama game Lodge and Campsite in Queen Elizabeth National Park
  • Campsites at Buhoma Community Rest Camp, Ruhija Gorilla Lodge, Broadbill Forest Camp, Karunji Camp, Nsongi Camp in Bwindi forest national park
  • Campsites at  Amajambere camp, Mgahinga Community campground, Mount Gahinga rest camp  in Mgahinga national park
  • Campsites at Bunyonyi Overland resort, Bunyonyi Lodge Kalebas, Seeds of Hope Itambira, Crater bay cottages, Byoona Amagara Island Retreat in Lake Bunyonyi

Some camping precautions

There is increase in number of people who wish to go camping in Uganda  and below are some of precautions you should take seriously for better experience.

Try as much as possible to camp close to a lodge or in a designated campsite rather than going deep in the forest alone which may leave you at risk of being attacked by wild animals. Be careful when leaving the tent at night or when you head out for a game drive safari. Make sure no animals are around to enter in your absence. Keep food away from the tent some food items like banannas will attract monkeys or baboons when you leave the tent unziped, always zip up your tent.