Solo Trips in Uganda – Explore Uganda Alone
Solo trips in Uganda involve safari expeditions where travelers embark on private safaris and independently decide which activities, accommodation options, destinations to visit, and means of transport based on their needs and preferences. Many travelers are hesitant about solo trips to African countries due to assumptions that these are lonely, get boring, and could be unsafe. However, a solo trip to Uganda nullifies all these misconceptions, and one can enjoy a beautiful and fulfilling adventure altogether. Solo trips in Uganda allow flexibility and freedom as one is not influenced by a co-traveler’s contradicting schedule and preferences, and gets to enjoy the country satisfactorily, safely, and on a favorable budget.
While on Solo trips in Uganda, one, however, has to consider the cost of the journey since the cost of solo travel is sometimes higher than if one travels in a group. There is no sharing of the expenses as there would be in a group tour. One should research and be more informed about the average costs for the activities they intend to partake in.
However, one could consider budget options for activities, accommodation, and transportation. For instance, staying in hostels or guesthouses, using public transport, and opting for self-guided tours can significantly reduce costs. Despite the cost, Solo Travel provides a high-quality experience and service delivery for travelers, and, however intimidating it may seem, one often makes many new friends. Several tour companies in Uganda can guide travelers who embark on this trip.
Where to go for solo trips in Uganda?
The best region for Solo travel in Uganda is western Uganda, where one can visit famous National Parks like Lake Mburo and Queen Elizabeth National Park, as well as Murchison Falls National Park, far northwest, for game drives to see the Big Five and tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park’s Ishasha sector.
Visiting Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga gorilla parks for gorilla trekking is just one of the activities that solo travelers can engage in. These trips often lead to meaningful connections with other travelers and friendly locals, making boredom a non-issue.
Precautions for solo travel
While on a solo trip to Uganda, visitors should take many precautions to ensure safety and maximum fulfillment. One such precaution is learning a few words in local languages for easy communication—greetings, introducing oneself, saying thank you, and starting a conversation. Another precaution is to be vigilant about the safety of your property. It’s safer not to move around with valuables and large sums of money, let alone leave them unattended. Additionally, it’s advisable to avoid showing large sums of money in public places and always to be aware of your surroundings.
Additionally, one should avoid showing large sums of money in public places since not all the locals can be trusted. Moving with a money belt is one of the safest ways of carrying cash on a solo trip. One should also have a backup soft copy of their visa and passport online in case of loss.
One is also advised to dress conservatively while visiting local community-based sites to fit in and avoid unnecessary attention. This shows respect for the local culture and helps to blend in and have a more authentic experience.
Carry some Cash
While on solo trips, do not hike alone, however tempting it may be, as it can be dangerous. It is advised to carry cash when visiting rural tourist sites, since ATMs are unavailable in these areas. Tourists should have a plan for accommodation and research the costs of various options in the given areas. These always range from low-range to 5-star hotels.
Different destinations usually have safari lodges and campsites where one can explore, depending on their budget. Due to the sunny conditions, one should carry light and loose clothing, enough medicine, and repellents while going to the sites. There are also various safe transport means to move through the cities, including Boda-bodas, taxis, private car rentals, and taxi notable hires. Taxi notable hires are the safest options, though they are costly. The less expensive boda-bodas are, however, risky but fun to experience.
A solo trip to Uganda is not just an adventure; it’s an empowering experience. It allows visitors to explore the rich tourism industry at their own pace and on their terms, fostering a sense of independence and self-discovery.
