10 Things to Know Before Camping in Uganda

1. Mediocre infrastructure

The camping infrastructure in Uganda is much less developed than in other African safari destinations such as Namibia or South Africa. Compared to Tanzania, it is on par or even better. In most parts of the country, you will find managed campsites. If they are privately run, they are usually clean and fairly affordable. The amenities will mostly be basic, though. Campsites in national parks are usually very scenic, but the washroom facilities are extremely rundown. In many cases, you can also stay at lodges. Simply ask at reception if you can camp on their lawn. Always check the app iOverlander for any up-to-date reviews.

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2. Many campsites are unfenced

A larger number of campsites in Uganda are unfenced. This mostly applies to the campsites in the country's national parks, such as Murchison Falls National Park or Queen Elizabeth National Park. With plenty of wild animals roaming around, be cautious at night.

3. Security Guards

In Uganda, most campsites have security guards. This applies both to private camps close to cities and to wilderness camps in the national parks. These guards will walk the grounds both day and night to make sure everything is safe. In national parks, armed rangers will arrive in the evening and stay until the morning to ensure your safety. In our experience, there is no way to have no armed guards join you at camp.

4. No pre-booking needed

Uganda is not yet overrun by safari tourists. That means that you can easily show up at a campsite and ask to stay for the night. In our experience, no place requires pre-booking.

5. Temperatures vary

Despite daytime temperatures regularly rising above 35°C, it is advisable to bring an extra blanket and some warmer clothes for your camping trip. With nightfall, temperatures begin to fall, particularly in the mountainous south of the country. In the north, however, temperatures generally remain high, even at night.

6. Wild Camping

Generally speaking, wild camping is very uncommon in Uganda, and frankly, there is no space in rural areas for doing so. Uganda is heavily populated, and most parts of the country are privately owned and cultivated. Additionally, police seem to have a strong dislike for wild camping and will often come and ask campers to leave when they attempt to do so. 

7. Rooftop versus ground tent

Before embarking on your trip, you'll have to decide if you want to sleep in a regular tent on the ground or stay on top of a car in a rooftop tent. Generally speaking, most people on a self-drive camping safari through Uganda opt for the latter. Sleeping atop a car gives you an added sense of security in the wilderness.

Generally speaking, camping is safe, even on the non-fenced campsites. Most animals do not perceive tents as tents with people inside, but interpret them as large animals or objects; an attack is therefore very unlikely.

8. Don't leave your shoes outside.

If you do not want to step on a scorpion or a spider in the early morning, do not leave your shoes outside. Scorpions and spiders appreciate the warmth and hide in shoes during the night, so the first thing for you to do in the morning is to properly shake out your shoes. Alternatively, wear flip-flops before sleeping.

9. Garbage

Uganda does not have any type of garbage or recycling system. Most of the garbage is simply piled on a garbage dump, at least around Kampala. In more rural settings, garbage often lands along the roadside. Some village roads are littered with empty plastic bottles left and right, which is a rather sad sight. Seeing locals throw away garbage in nature is no rarity. Saying that, it is equally tough to find proper garbage bins, which means you’ll sometimes have to carry your garbage for several days.

10. Groceries & Cooking

If you intend to travel around Uganda on your own and cook for yourself, it is important to plan ahead. Well-stocked 'Western-style' supermarkets are rare. No matter where you intend to travel, you should get all your basic supplies in either Entebbe or Kampala at the start of your trip. There are several large supermarkets to choose from, the most well-known of which is Carrefour. This is also a good spot to go to for any missing bedding or camping equipment. While you can find the occasional supermarket in larger cities around the country, their stock is often limited. Sometimes, fuel stations have their own small store as well, where you can buy some goods.

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