Are you planning to explore Uganda as a solo traveler but still having mixed feelings with anxiety towards safety while at the destinations? Perhaps you have been to Africa with family or friends and now you are thinking of traveling alone to Uganda, there are quite a number of concerns that might run through your mind and bring fear to head out. This is especially with women. But don’t let anything prevent you from your desire of traveling solo which comes with a number of benefits including empowerment, freedom and enjoying your own company, convenience in building your own itinerary and meeting new people.
While travelling solo in Uganda, staying safe should be your priority.

So in this article, we bring you the essential tips that will help you stay safe throughout your trip in the Pearl of Africa.

Choose activities that are solo-friendly
Uganda is a hotspot for safari with lots of things to do ranging from primate trekking, wildlife safaris to city tours. As most solo travelers are adventurers, you might be tempted to try out a solo walk around the city or any village. This is not advisable. Rather, arrange for the tour with a locally recognized tour guide who will ensure that you are safe throughout all paths. For other activities like gorilla trekking in Bwindi, boat cruise in national parks and mountain climbing, you will meet and go with other tourists and site guides.

Arrive at your destination early on the first day
Usually, arriving at a new place under the cover of darkness is not a good thing especially for places you have never been to where you do not know how things are done or handled. Late arrivals tend to bring a feeling of intimidation and give less time to rest and prepare for the next day. When you get to your lodge before dusk, it allows you to remain calm, relax and also have some time to tour around the lodge if you have only one night there.

Choose your accommodation carefully
Do enough research about where to stay during your tour. Consider a lodge that is located in a good part of town, easy to access even with public transport, and convenient to get other services. Contact us for information about where to stay at any destination in Uganda.

Share your itinerary with a family member or friend
A few days before you set off for your Uganda solo trip, make sure to share a copy of your itinerary with your family members at home or a close friend. Also, keep in touch with them while you are away. This will help them know your location each day even if you are unable to communicate with them.

Have copies of key documents
Make sure to have other copies of your travel documents and any other relevant information in hard and soft copies. In an event where you have lost the original documents, it becomes easy to process other documents while you go on with some tour activities.

Learn basics of the local languages for each destination
Uganda is a heterogeneous country with over 50 tribes speaking different languages. Luganda is the most widely spoken but is also a good idea to learn something about other languages used at other destinations on your itinerary. Most important are the basics like greeting and asking for something. In Luganda, “Oli’otya” is translated as “how are you” while “Ndi bulungi” means “I am fine”. Speaking to the locals in their language is enriching and also makes you feel safe.

Jealously protect your valuables
Whether you are in your hotel room, on the road or traveling, be security cautious. Keep an eye on your bag and move with it wherever you go. While at your hotel, make sure your room is locked when you move out. When you are in public, do not pull out your gadgets and other valuables if it is not necessary because they might attract thieves.

Don’t travel with huge cash
Moving with large sums of cash in your bag is discouraged. Rather, keep the money on your account and withdraw little amounts that can take you through the journey until you get to another destination where you can access the bank. All you need to have with you is your Visa card. Fortunately, you can pay for some services with a credit card.

Don’t trust strangers
Traveling solo is an easy way to meet new people and make friends. However, don’t trust everyone who seems nice and perhaps are willing to show you around. Limit the information you share with them about yourself and do not meet them in isolated places if they suggest so. Do not leave them with your property no matter how trustworthy they may seem.

Don’t drink excessive alcohol
If you are a woman traveling alone and you love to drink, you can put a pause on boozing just for the time being. For men, you can have just a glass or one bottle and call it an evening. Remember you have to lead yourself to the hotel room and make sure the door is well-locked before you sleep.

You might wait for so long if you want someone to join you before you to go to explore charming Uganda. Plan for a solo trip today and use the above tips for safety whilst at the destinations. For more information relevant for solo travel in Uganda, contact us through info@supremecarrentaluganda.com or call us now on +256-742874045 / +256-703903243