Uganda Walking Safaris Do’s and Don’ts

The Uganda landscape is a hiker’s paradise, Uganda offers so many walking safaris that you can choose from during your Uganda safari. These various walking Uganda tours and hikes in the Pearl of Africa reflecting the biodiversity of the country like no other country in East Africa – you can hike and go on nature walks at all of the National Parks in Uganda – all nature walks, hikes, tracking experiences with the Mountain Gorillas, Chimpanzees, Golden Monkeys are escorted by Guides who are also armed for your safety and well-being.

The different hiking national parks include Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, one could also go for either a day or several days in and around the Kibale Forest Jungle, Climb the Volcanoes at Mgahinga Gorilla Park or Mount Elgon, several Hikes at Queen Elizabeth Park, Murchison Fall Park, Lake Mburo Park, Kidepo Valley Park.

Walking Safaris Tips and Advice

Use your instincts have a sense of caution but not paranoia and its very listen to your guide

The Animals are Wild-You cannot predict their behavior – Mountain Gorillas, Chimpanzees, Golden Monkeys are habituated – a process that takes up to two years for them to become used to humans.  All other wildlife is not tamed.

Do not walk alone away from Lodge or Tented Camp – Given the fact that you are not familiar with the area around the camp its very safe if you do not wander from the lodge or tent without a guide, often there may be hippos present elephants or even predators.

When on Nature Walk and Tracking activity – move in a quiet manner, be alert to your surroundings so that you do not miss anything and listen to your guides.

When taking photographs-your guide will make sure that safety is maintained since you are busy with picture taking but keep an open ear to guide instructions.

Listen to the guides –Do not attempt to get closer to wildlife than what the guide tells you – that is for your safety.  Use Binoculars – telephoto lens.

When you see animals –the guide will attempt to stay downwind an important factor if there are females with young ones.

Remain Calm on Encounter of Animal- If you have a close encounter with animal – a snake, remain calm and stop, back up slowly or remain still – no running or shouting.

No Swimming in rivers- do not swim in rivers or pools no matter how inviting they may look – also stay from waters where the banks are shallow in order to avoid crocodiles.

Wear the right clothing and shoes – the right safari clothing depending depends on the activity you are undertaken – light boots or stout shoes always good, long-sleeved shirts (not blue) are best and protect from mosquitoes-tsetse flies, long trousers – jeans are fine, hat with brim better than a baseball cap.

Good Binoculars – Camera with telephoto lens –Binoculars are a must on a walking safari and allow you to see wildlife and birds up close even from a distance.  A good camera with a telephoto lens will come in handy on your walking safari.

Backpack – a light backpack comes in handy – take along some bottled water, a snack like a granola bar will come in handy along the trail.